Which place is cheaper, Big Island of Hawaii or Montego Bay?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Montego Bay or Big Island of Hawaii?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Montego Bay and Big Island of Hawaii can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Montego Bay or Big Island of Hawaii?
Montego Bay
As with most places around the tropical oasis of Jamaica, Montego Bay (or "MoBay") is an ideal place to visit for a Caribbean getaway. It is Jamaica's second largest city and the capital of St. James parish on the northern coast. Montego Bay is considered to be the tourist capital of the country and is where the largest airport is located, bringing in many international travelers.
Big Island of Hawaii
What comes to mind when someone says, "Hawaii"? Probably sandy beaches, coconut drinks and lazy days of tanning. It's a dream destination for those who want to get away, but the island of Hawai'i, or the Big Island as it's most commonly called, has so much more to offer than a place to catch up on your latest novel.
At 93 miles across, and a population of 185 thousand, the Big Island was once a large exporter of sugarcane. After its final plantation closed in 1996, tourism became the backbone of Hawai'i Island's economy. More recently, the Big Island has become the focus for sustainable tourism – visiting a place as a tourist and trying to make only a positive impact on your destination.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.
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Montego Bay Prices
Jamaica PricesBig Island of Hawaii Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontego Bay $258Big Island of Hawaii $327
The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $258, while the average daily cost in Big Island of Hawaii is $327. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Montego Bay and Big Island of Hawaii in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontego Bay $102Big Island of Hawaii $112
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontego Bay $204Big Island of Hawaii $224
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Big Island of Hawaii
Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Big Island of Hawaii? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Montego Bay Hotel Prices and Big Island of Hawaii Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montego Bay $15Big Island of Hawaii $38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- Jet Car Adventure in Montego Bay Daytrip with Transfers: $300
- Chevy Suburban Montego Bay Airport Transfer: $300
- Mercedes Benz Sprinter Airport Transfer: $300
- Private Airport OneWay Transfer to Hotel in Montego Bay: $300
- Private Transfer from Montego Bay Airport To Ocho Rios: $267
- Ocho Rios Hotels / Resort - Airport Transfers: $267
- Blue Hole & Horseback Riding Tour with Transfers from Montego Bay: $265
- MBJ Airport to Strawberry Hill Hotel & Spa Transfer: $243
- Private Roundtrip Transfer to/from Ohio Rios and Sangster Airport: $241
- Airport-Negril Hotels Transfers and Returns For 1- 4 persons: $230
- Private Transfer from Montego Bay Airport to Negril (Round Trip): $225
- Private Transfer To/From Montego Bay & Airport MBJ Across Jamaica: $215
Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Big Island of Hawaii?
Prices for flights to both Big Island of Hawaii and Montego Bay change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayMontego Bay $142Big Island of Hawaii $183
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montego Bay
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Montego Bay.
- Lunch or Dinner Dining Experience in Montego Bay: $40
- Montego Bay Jerk Tour and Rum Punch Mixology/Food Tour: $50
- Street Food Tour in Montego Bay: $59
- Club2727 Nightlife Experience With Optional Dinner In Montego Bay: $60
- Mystic Lagoon Sunset Cruise with Dinner and Lagoon Swim: $85
- Sunset Dinner at Bamboo Beach Club: $99
- Bar Hopping and Local Food Tour in Jamaica: $117
- 3 to 5 Hour Private Herbal Tour Shopping and Dinner at Ricks Cafe: $120
- Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios Dinner and Nightlife Experience: $135
- Jamaican Seafood Street Food Tour from Montego Bay, Falmouth: $150
- Sunset Boat Cruise and Luminous Lagoon with Dinner and Transfer: $150
- Private Beach Day and Street Food Tour from Montego Bay: $170
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montego Bay $31Big Island of Hawaii $35
Typical Entertainment Prices in Montego Bay
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Montego Bay are as follows:
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Admission to Doctor's Cave Beach$2.67
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Snorkeling Trip$19
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One Tank Dive$37
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1.5 Hr Horseback Ride$43
Tours and Activities in Montego Bay
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Montego Bay are as follows:
- “ATV Adventure & Rick’s Café Experience from Montego Bay: $123
- 1 Hour Efoil Experience in Montego Bay: $150
- 1 Hour Horse Back Riding & Dunn's River Falls Tour Combo: $240
- 2 Days Private Jamaica Tour: $230
- 2 Hour Private Montego Bay City Tour with Souvenir’s Shopping: $80
- 27/27 Lounge, Pier 1 & Margaritaville Nightlife Tour In Jamaica: $72
- 3-Hour Private Tour in the Highlights of Montego Bay: $58
- 4-Hour Catamaran Party Cruise with Open Bar from Montego Bay: $200
- 5 Hour Private Tour at Negril Beach and Rick's Cafe: $150
- 7 Mile Beach & Ricks Cafe with free Shopping experience: $50
- 7 Mile Beach Party Catamaran Cruise with Snorkeling & Ricks Cafe: $115
- 7 Mile Beach Private Tour: $122
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontego Bay $13Big Island of Hawaii $32
Sample the Local Flavors in Montego Bay
Also in Montego Bay, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Appleton Estate Admission Ticket & Distillery Tour with Tastings: $39
- Montego Bay Jamaica Rum Distillery Tour Private Driver: $231
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montego Bay and Big Island of Hawaii, we can see that Big Island of Hawaii is more expensive. And not only is Montego Bay much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Montego Bay is in Caribbean Islands and Big Island of Hawaii is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Montego Bay would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Montego Bay and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Big Island of Hawaii would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Big Island of Hawaii than you might in Montego Bay.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Montego Bay Expensive? and Is Big Island of Hawaii Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Montego Bay or Big Island of Hawaii?
Big Island of Hawaii has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Montego Bay experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Montego Bay or Big Island of Hawaii in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Big Island of Hawaii. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Big Island of Hawaii because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Montego Bay is generally a little warmer than Big Island of Hawaii. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 28°C (82°F), and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montego Bay this time of the year. In the summer, Montego Bay often gets more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii. Montego Bay gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 169 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Big Island of Hawaii. Montego Bay usually gets less rain in July than Big Island of Hawaii. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMontego Bay 28°C (82°F)Big Island of Hawaii 76°F (24°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Big Island of Hawaii in the Autumn?
Both Big Island of Hawaii and Montego Bay are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montego Bay throughout the year. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Big Island of Hawaii this time of year.
Montego Bay is a little warmer than Big Island of Hawaii in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually receives more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii during autumn. Montego Bay gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 138 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Big Island of Hawaii. It's quite rainy in Montego Bay. In October, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMontego Bay 27°C (81°F)Big Island of Hawaii 76°F (24°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Big Island of Hawaii in the Winter?
Both Big Island of Hawaii and Montego Bay during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Montego Bay because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Big Island of Hawaii for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Montego Bay is around the same temperature as Big Island of Hawaii. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montego Bay in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Big Island of Hawaii averages at about 72°F (22°C).
It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. In the winter, Montego Bay often gets more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii. Montego Bay gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 158 hours of full sun.
Big Island of Hawaii gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Montego Bay usually gets less rain in January than Big Island of Hawaii. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMontego Bay 24°C (75°F)Big Island of Hawaii 72°F (22°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Big Island of Hawaii in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Big Island of Hawaii. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Big Island of Hawaii in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In April, Montego Bay is generally around the same temperature as Big Island of Hawaii. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 25°C (77°F), and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).
In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montego Bay usually receives more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii during spring. Montego Bay gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 134 hours of full sun in the spring.
Big Island of Hawaii receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMontego Bay 25°C (77°F)Big Island of Hawaii 73°F (23°C)
Typical Weather for Big Island of Hawaii and Montego Bay
| Montego Bay | Big Island of Hawaii | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 8.7 inches (221 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 10.8 inches (274 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 13.6 inches (345 mm) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 15.6 inches (395 mm) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 10.7 inches (272 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 8.5 inches (215 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 9.8 inches (248 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 14.8 inches (375 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 12.6 inches (321 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.