Which place is cheaper, Cancun 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 Cancun?
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 Cancun 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 Cancun?
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.
Cancun
In the northeast corner of the Mexican Caribbean, Cancun is one of Mexico's most popular destinations. The area that is now Cancun was actually selected specifically by the Mexican government for development as a tourist destination. The area was chosen because it has fourteen miles of beautiful white beaches, nearby Mayan ruins, and turquoise blue water with nearby snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities. Prior to its development as a tourist destination, there were few inhabitants in the area.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun.
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Montego Bay Prices
Jamaica PricesCancun Prices
Mexico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontego Bay $258Cancun $151
The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $258, while the average daily cost in Cancun is $151. 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 Cancun in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontego Bay $101Cancun $87
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontego Bay $202Cancun $174
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Cancun
Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Cancun? 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 Cancun Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montego Bay $15Cancun $16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- Zoëtry Resorts Montego Bay Airport Transfer: $20
- VIP Luxury Private Transfer To and From (MBJ): $100
- VIP Luxury Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Montego Bay/ Falmouth: $74
- VIP Airport Transfer to Hotel in Montego Bay: $30
- Tryall / Round Hill - Montego Bay Airport Transfers: $107
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Montego Bay HTL-APT (MBJ): $37
- Tropical Court Hotel Private Airport Transfer: $13
- Transfer from/to Airport, Riu Reggae, Riu Montego Bay, Riu Palace: $28
- Transfer Service, Sangster MBJ Airport From/To Runaway Bay: $172
- Transfer Service, Sangster MBJ Airport From/To Iberostar zone: $64
- Tobys Resort Private Airport Transfer: $20
- The Spa Retreat Boutique Hotel Private Airport Transfer: $50
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cancun
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cancun:
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Taxi Around Town$1.50
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Airport Shuttle (for 2)$12
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Ferry to Isla de Mujeres (for 2)$15
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Local Bus (for 2)$1.82
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cancun
Also for Cancun, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shared Cancun Airport Transfer to Moon Palace Hotel: $6.00
- Shared Transfer from Cancun Airport: $7.00
- Cancun Airport Small-Group Transfer to Cancun Hotels: $7.00
- Shared Transfer from Cancun Airport: $7.00
- Cancun Airport Private Transfers To or From All Hotel Zones: $14
- Cancun airport private transfer: $14
- Private Transfer in Cancun: $15
- Cancun Airport private transfer to Cancun hotel zone: $15
- CUN Airport to Cancun City Centre Hotels Shared Transfer: $17
- Cancun airport private Transfer: $17
- transfers between hotels in Cancun hotel strip: $20
- Private Transfer to/from CUN Airport - Up to 14 Pax: $21
Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Cancun?
Prices for flights to both Cancun 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 $141Cancun $44
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 with Pickup from Montego Bay: $45
- Montego Bay City and Food Tour All Inclusive Experience: $48
- 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
- Luminous Lagoon Sunset Cruise, Dinner & Glowing Waters Swim: $95
- Bar Hopping & Local Food Tour-From Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios: $130
- The Local Lime- Montego Bay Dinner and/or Nightlife Tour: $149
- Jamaican Seafood Street Food Tour from Montego Bay, Falmouth: $150
- Dinner and Nightlife -From Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios: $150
- Sunset Boat Cruise and Luminous Lagoon with Dinner and Transfer: $150
- Private Beach Day and Street Food Tour from Montego Bay: $170
Typical Food Prices in Cancun
For Cancun, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for Two$19
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cancun
For Cancun, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Street Food Tour in Cancun with a Local Guide: $59
- Cancun Street Food Tour with Food Stalls, Local Market and Murals: $64
- Cancun Food Tour - Taco Attack: Street Food & Tequila Tasting: $69
- Cancun Taco & Mexican Food Tour with Tequila Tasting: $70
- Puerto Morelos Walking Food Tour: $75
- Cancun Walking Food Tour: Local Food, Markets, and Street Art.: $75
- Cancun Historic Downtown Food Tour with 7+ Authentic Tastings: $76
- Cancun Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $78
- MYST Cancun Tickets Mexican Madness Music Show and Dinner: $79
- Cancun Hands-On Mexican Cooking Class: $79
- Pirate Night! Dinner, Fun and Show at Cancun Couples Special: $80
- Couples Special Price! Cancun Pirate Show with Dinner & Drinks: $80
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montego Bay $31Cancun $32
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:
- 1 Hour Efoil Experience in Montego Bay: $150
- 1 Hour Horse Back Riding & Dunn's River Falls Tour Combo: $240
- 2 Days Of Blue Hole, Dunns River Falls & Hidden Beauty Adventure: $180
- 2 Days Private Jamaica Tour: $230
- 27/27 Lounge, Pier 1 & Margaritaville Nightlife Tour In Jamaica: $80
- 3 Hours Private Tour in Montego Bay From Falmouth: $75
- 3-Hour Private Tour in the Highlights of Montego Bay: $58
- 4 Hour ATV & Horse Back Riding Private Tour (Transportation Only): $105
- 4 Hours Party Boat Catamaran Cruise in Negril: $190
- 4 Hours Private Night Life Experience in Montego Bay: $66
- 5 Hour Private Tour at Doctor's Cave Beach and Margaritaville: $55
- 7 Mile Beach & Ricks Cafe with free Shopping experience: $50
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cancun
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Cancun's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Seasick Pills$0.54
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Whale Shark Tour (for 2)$91
Tours and Activities in Cancun
For Cancun, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Cancun's Hidden Gems: A Self-Guided Tour: $1.12
- Isla Mujeres tour in a Catamaran with snorkel, open bar, lunch: $14
- Cancun Beach Taco Tour Culinary Journey with Tequila Tasting: $15
- Speedboat Jungle Tour and Snorkel: $15
- Discover Isla Mujeres tour with snorkel, buffet and open bar: $15
- Cancun Clear Boat Experience: Amazing Photos & Optional Swimming: $15
- Full-Day Catamaran Tour to Isla Mujeres from Cancun with Lunch: $17
- Tour to Isla Mujeres with Snorkeling: $17
- 4X1 VIP Tulum, Coba, Cenote and Playa del Carmen Tour: $18
- Mayan Culture and Speedboat Adventure in Cancun: $18
- The best tour to Isla Mujeres Catamaran, open bar& lunch included: $18
- Chichen Itzá Tour from Cancun and Riviera Maya for the best price, Book now!: $18
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontego Bay $13Cancun $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: $250
Sample the Local Flavors in Cancun
Also in Cancun, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- A bespoke wine tastings crafted for unforgettable moments: $79
- Brewery Tour Craft Beer Tasting Cancun Mexico: $130
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montego Bay and Cancun, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is Cancun much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Montego Bay is in Caribbean Islands and Cancun 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 Cancun would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cancun 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 Cancun.
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 Cancun Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Cancun?
Cancun has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Cancun, 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.
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.