Which place is cheaper, Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?
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 Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?
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.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
A small, beach town on the Monterey Peninsula, Carmel-by-the-Sea is known for its idyllic natural scenery and artistic history. Carmel's village, just one square mile in size, is unlike any other in California with its picturesque views, European style and unusual laws.
Clint Eastwood served as mayor of Carmel from 1986-88. Without a single fast food or chain restaurants, visitors can easily feel that Carmel still preserves its slow and easy lifestyle, with all private-owned restaurants, coffee shops and pubs. This town is undoubtedly charming, even with its anti-high heel laws (though they aren't strictly enforced and permits are free at the City Hall), lack of street addresses and has been named the top destination for dog-friendly towns in the country. Grab your furry friends, leave your heels at home and get ready to explore this quaint and lovely town by the sea.
If you want to avoid the heat, Carmel is the perfect place to go, with year-round mild temperatures. Even during the summer seasons, you may not feel the heat through the fog and cool coastal weather. Peak seasons for travel are during summer months in August and September, (especially popular for weddings) and even then, the highs are still in the low 70s. Winter season lows dip only down to low 50s, with the Pacific Oceans maintaining moderate temperatures.
If you're driving to the city, keep in mind that the businesses do not have numbers in their addresses. To get directions or arrange a meeting, be sure to remember the name of the business and grab a map from the Carmel Chamber of Commerce.
Some famous artists who have resided in Carmel are Upton Sinclair, Jack London and Mary Austin. Carmel is known to be particularly dog-friendly, as almost all hotels allow guests to bring their dogs.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.
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Montego Bay Prices
Jamaica PricesCarmel-by-the-Sea Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontego Bay $258Carmel-by-the-Sea $0.00
The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $258, while the average daily cost in Carmel-by-the-Sea is $0.00. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontego Bay $102Carmel-by-the-Sea -
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontego Bay $204Carmel-by-the-Sea $0.00
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Carmel-by-the-Sea
Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Carmel-by-the-Sea? 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montego Bay $15Carmel-by-the-Sea $125
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- Private Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Negril Hotels & Princess: $8.50
- Private Airport Transfers from Montego Bay: $8.70
- Sangster International Airport Private Transfer to Montego Bay: $10
- Airport Transfer to Montego Bay area Hotels & Airbnb-Private: $10
- Breathless Resort Exclusive Private Airport Transfer: $10
- Mbj Airport Transfers to any Montego Bay Hotels: $10
- Private Airport transfer Montego Bay: $12
- Private Transfer to Royal Decameron Cornwall Beach/Montego Beach: $13
- El Greco Resort Private Airport Transfer: $13
- Private Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Montego Bay Hotels: $14
- A "Private" Airport Transfer to any Resort in Montego Bay: $14
- RIU Palace reggae and RIU Montego Bay private airport transfers: $14
Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Carmel-by-the-Sea?
Prices for flights to both Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 $142Carmel-by-the-Sea $264
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
- Guided Food Tour with 5 Authentic Dishes: $148
- Carmel By the Sea Authentic Walking Food Tour with 5 Dishes: $148
- Old Monterey Walking Food Tour: $164
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montego Bay $31Carmel-by-the-Sea -
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:
- Jamaica Bamboo Rafting Experience with Lime Stone Massage: $20
- Shopping Tour for Whitter Village Mall Private / Charted Air Conditioned Taxi: $20
- Lethe Rafting And Margaritaville Tour from Montego Bay: $20
- Montego Bay Beach Day Experience: $20
- Souvenirs and Gift shopping Tour in Montego Bay: $20
- Montego Bay Bamboo Rafting and Hip Strip Private Tour: $22
- Cinnamon Hill Great House Tour: Home of Johnny Cash: $23
- Montego Bay Cruise Ship Port to Doctor's Cave Beach and City Tour: $29
- Doctor Cave Beach and Hip Strip Shopping from Cruise Ship: $30
- VR Experience in Montego Bay: $30
- Adventure and Activity Based Music and Nightlife and Nature: $30
- Doctors Cave Beach Roundtrip Tour in Montego Bay: $30
Tours and Activities in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Carmel-by-the-Sea are as follows:
- Carmel-by-the-Sea's Fairytale Houses: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $7.99
- Historic Cannery Row: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of John Steinbeck's Monterey: $8.99
- Downtown A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
- Pinnacles National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Monterey CA 17 Mile Self Guided GPS App Driving Tour: $12
- 17-Mile Drive Self-Guided Audio Tour from Monterey & Carmel: $13
- Driving the California Coast: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Self Guided Driving Audio Tour of 17 Mile Drive Monterey: $17
- Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Sur PCH Highway 1: $20
- Treasure Hunt Ride Ticket and 1 Power-Up Combo: $23
- Mist, Mayhem, & Murder: Monterey Ghost Tours: $26
- Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour: $45
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontego Bay $13Carmel-by-the-Sea -
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Carmel-by-the-Sea:
- Carmel Valley Village: Wine Tasting Tours in a 1970 VW bus.: $139
- Wine Tasting and Walking Tour of Carmel-by-the-Sea: $159
- Wine Tasting and Walking Tour of Carmel-by-the-Sea: $159
- Carmel Valley Wine Tour's Premium Package: $245
- Afternoon Half-day Carmel Valley Wine Tasting Tour: $271
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montego Bay and Carmel-by-the-Sea, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is Carmel-by-the-Sea much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Montego Bay is in Caribbean Islands and Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea.
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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Carmel-by-the-Sea?
Montego Bay has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Carmel-by-the-Sea. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Carmel-by-the-Sea, 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?
Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Summer?
Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Montego Bay are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montego Bay throughout the year. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Carmel-by-the-Sea this time of year.
In the summer, Montego Bay is much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Typically, the summer temperatures in Montego Bay in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Carmel-by-the-Sea averages at about 63°F (17°C).
In July, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMontego Bay 28°C (82°F)Carmel-by-the-Sea 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Autumn?
Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Montego Bay during the autumn 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Montego Bay is generally much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 27°C (81°F), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually gets more rain in October than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMontego Bay 27°C (81°F)Carmel-by-the-Sea 62°F (17°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Montego Bay is much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea in the winter. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).
In January, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMontego Bay 24°C (75°F)Carmel-by-the-Sea 51°F (11°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Carmel-by-the-Sea. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Montego Bay is much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Typically, the spring temperatures in Montego Bay in April average around 25°C (77°F), and Carmel-by-the-Sea averages at about 56°F (13°C).
Montego Bay usually gets more rain in April than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMontego Bay 25°C (77°F)Carmel-by-the-Sea 56°F (13°C)
Typical Weather for Carmel-by-the-Sea and Montego Bay
| Montego Bay | Carmel-by-the-Sea | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 53°F (12°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.1 inches (55 mm) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (4 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 62°F (16°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.6 inches (14 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 51°F (10°C) | 2 inches (51 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.