Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Montego Bay?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Montego Bay or Bocas del Toro?
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 Bocas del Toro 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 Bocas del Toro?
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.
Bocas del Toro
The capital of the Bocas del Toro province, this city of the same name sits in the Caribbean West region of Panama. Bocas del Toro, or Bocas Town, is in the district of Bocas del Toro, which also includes the towns of Bastimentos, Cauchero, Punta Laurel, and Tierra Oscura. The district has a population of about 17,000 and covers a total area of 433.2 square kilometers, and the town has a population of about 13,000. The area is a tourist destination for its beautiful beaches, excellent snorkeling and diving, and interesting culture.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Panama, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Panama.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontego Bay $203Bocas del Toro $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $203, while the average daily cost in Bocas del Toro is $77. 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 Bocas del Toro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontego Bay $104Bocas del Toro $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontego Bay $208Bocas del Toro $66
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Bocas del Toro
Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Bocas del Toro? 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 Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montego Bay $15Bocas del Toro $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- Private Airport OneWay Transfer to Hotel in Montego Bay : $300
- Private Transfer from Montego Bay Airport To Ocho Rios: $267
- Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Kingston Hotels: $245
- Private Transfer to Island Gully Falls: $240
- Black River and YS Falls Adventure with Transfer: $235
- Private Transfer to Kingston: $215
- Kingston Airport Transfer (Montego bay,Negril,Ocho rio): $214
- Negril Hotels / Resort - Airport Transfers: $213
- Iberostar Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Roundtrip): $200
- Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Kingston Hotels: $195
- Jewel Resort Transfer: $192
- Luxury Suburban Private Airport Transfer with Chauffeur : $192
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bocas del Toro
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Bocas del Toro:
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Water Taxi$3.01
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bocas del Toro
Also for Bocas del Toro, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Colón Port to Panama Tocumen Airport PTY: $42
- Transfer from Bocas del Toro to Puerto Viejo: $54
- Transfer Colon Cruise Terminal - Tocumen Airport or Panama City: $55
Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Bocas del Toro?
Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro 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 $84Bocas del Toro $27
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montego Bay
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Montego Bay.
- Private Transportation to DINNER or NIGHT CLUBS: $55
- Lunch or Dinner with Pickup from Montego Bay : $81
- Night cruise and swim the Falmouth Mystic Lagoon, Dinner and Rum Punch Inclusive: $85
- Rick’s Cafe Cliff Diving, Sunset & Dinner Tour with Transportation : $130
- Sunset Boat Ride in the Falmouth Luminous Lagoon swim and Dinner : $165
- Sunset Boat Cruise in Falmouth Luminous Lagoon, Swim and Dinner : $170
- Restaurant Transportation for Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Montego Bay: $180
- Houseboat Restaurant and Grill for Dinner Private Transportation : $180
- Private Sea-Food Tour & Floyds Pelican Bar from Montego Bay or ..: $185
- [PRIVATE] Premium Jamaican Food Tour of Local Cuisine: $190
Typical Food Prices in Bocas del Toro
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Bocas del Toro:
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Lunch$15
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Breakfast$14
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montego Bay $32Bocas del Toro $22
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$2.74
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Snorkeling Trip$19
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One Tank Dive$38
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1.5 Hr Horseback Ride$44
Tours and Activities in Montego Bay
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Montego Bay are as follows:
- ATV Adventure to Seven Mile Beach and Ricks Cafe: $220
- ATV, Bamboo Rafting, and Horseback Ride Tour From Montego Bay: $173
- Appleton Estate Rum Tour and Pelican Bar Customize Tour: $120
- Bioluminescence Lagoon tour from Montego Bay with Pick Up: $105
- Black River Day Adventure Tour: $92
- Blue Hole Adventure Tour : $120
- Dirt Adventure ATV from Montego Bay: $160
- Floyds Pelican Bar Private Tour : $155
- Green Grotto Cave Private Tour: $115
- Horseback Riding and Tour from Montego Bay : $230
- Jetski Experience: $245
- Luminous Lagoon Night Tour from Montego Bay: $118
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bocas del Toro
For Bocas del Toro, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Island Boat Tour$25
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Starfish Island Boat Trip$20
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Yoga Class$5.01
Tours and Activities in Bocas del Toro
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bocas del Toro.
- Stand Up Paddle Board Experience in Bahia Honda Bocas del Toro: $60
- Speed Boat tour to Mangrove Point -Starfish Beach -Bocas del Drago and Birds Island: $65
- Dolphin Bay and Coral Cay with Drinks Private Tour in Zapatilla: $66
- Full-Day Speedboat Tour, Wildlife, and Snorkeling in Bocas del Toro in Panama: $68
- Full Day Private Shore Tour in Panama from Colón Cruise Port: $231
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontego Bay $13Bocas del Toro $12
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: $215
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montego Bay and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is Bocas del Toro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Montego Bay is in Caribbean Islands and Bocas del Toro is in Central 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 Bocas del Toro would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bocas del Toro 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 Montego Bay would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Montego Bay than you might in Bocas del Toro.
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 Bocas del Toro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Bocas del Toro?
Montego Bay has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Bocas del Toro, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Montego Bay or Bocas del Toro?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Montego Bay or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Bocas del Toro. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Bocas del Toro. Montego Bay usually gets less rain in July than Bocas del Toro. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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 Bocas del Toro. Montego Bay gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 124 hours of full sun.
Montego Bay is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro in the summer. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMontego Bay 28°C (82°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?
Both Bocas del Toro 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. Plenty of visitors come to Bocas del Toro because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bocas del Toro. It's quite rainy in Montego Bay. In October, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during autumn. Montego Bay gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In the autumn, Montego Bay is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Montego Bay in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMontego Bay 27°C (81°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?
Both Bocas del Toro 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round.
Bocas del Toro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Montego Bay usually gets less rain in January than Bocas del Toro. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. In the winter, Montego Bay often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Montego Bay gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun.
In January, Montego Bay is generally around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 24°C (75°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMontego Bay 24°C (75°F)Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Bocas del Toro. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Bocas del Toro receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montego Bay usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during spring. Montego Bay gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.
Montego Bay is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro in the spring. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 25°C (77°F) in April, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMontego Bay 25°C (77°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Montego Bay
| Montego Bay | Bocas del Toro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 402 mm (15.8 in) |
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.