Which place is cheaper, Charleston 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.
Jump to 
Should you visit Montego Bay or Charleston?
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 Charleston 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 Charleston?
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.
Charleston
Charleston is a beautiful, southern city and seaport town in South Carolina. It has a wonderful, historic downtown area that the city government works hard to maintain. Located on a peninsula that is created by two rivers, the city is a stunning setting with much character. It is a popular place to visit for its culture, architecture and cuisine. In recent years Charleston has gained popularity and it continues to grow as both a regional and international travel destination. With its rising popularity comes increasing costs. Travel costs continue to go up as restaurants and hotels raise their prices, particularly during the peak travel season and holiday periods.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.
-
Montego Bay Prices
Jamaica PricesCharleston Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontego Bay $258Charleston $212
The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $258, while the average daily cost in Charleston is $212. 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 Charleston in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontego Bay $102Charleston $90
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontego Bay $204Charleston $180
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Charleston
Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Charleston? 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 Charleston Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montego Bay $15Charleston $33
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- Breathless Resort Exclusive Private Airport Transfer: $10
- Private Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Negril *Air Conditioning: $10
- Private Airport Transfers from Montego Bay: $10
- Princess Resorts Cousins Cove Green Island Jamaica Transfers: $10
- Private Airport transfer Montego Bay: $12
- Montego Bay Airport Transfer: RIU Mobay, RIU Reggae & RIU Palace: $13
- El Greco Resort Private Airport Transfer: $13
- Private Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Montego Bay Hotels: $14
- Private Airport Transfer To Riu Montego Bay, Palace & Reggae: $14
- Private Transfer From Montego Bay Airport to Hotel in Montego Bay: $14
- RIU Reggae Palace and RIU Montego Bay Private Airport Transfer: $14
- Montego Bay Jamaica Airport Transfer to Montego Bay and Falmouth: $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Charleston
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Charleston:
- Private Transfer from Charleston Port to Charleston Airport (CHS): $61
- Charleston AirportCHS to Isle of Palms/Sullivans Private Transfer: $144
- Charleston Airport (CHS) to Kiawah/Seabrook Islands – Arrival Private Transfer: $203
- Charleston Airport (CHS) to Charleston city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $210
- Charleston AirportCHS to Isle of Palms/Sullivans Private Transfer: $287
Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Charleston?
Prices for flights to both Charleston 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
-
Food Meals for one dayMontego Bay $142Charleston $100
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montego Bay
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Montego Bay.
- 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
- 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
- Authentic Jamaican Food Cooking Experience in the Countryside: $195
- Dinner Experience and Celebration on the Beach with Decorations: $231
Typical Food Prices in Charleston
Some typical examples of dining costs in Charleston are as follows:
-
Lunch in downtown Charleston for two$21
-
Breakfast$26
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Charleston
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Charleston.
- Charleston Sunset Blues & BBQ Dinner Cruise: $72
- Hands-on Cooking Class in Charleston: $99
- Charleston Harbor Luxury Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $100
- Downtown Charleston Food Tour: $110
- Charleston Upper King Street Food Tour: $110
- Charleston's Savor the Flavors of Upper King Street Walking Food Tour: $111
- Charleston French Quarter or Brunch Food Tour with 7+ Tastings: $111
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montego Bay $31Charleston $22
Typical Entertainment Prices in Montego Bay
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Montego Bay are as follows:
-
Admission to Doctor's Cave Beach$2.67
-
Snorkeling Trip$19
-
One Tank Dive$37
-
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:
- Shopping Tour for Whitter Village Mall Private / Charted Air Conditioned Taxi: $20
- Montego Bay Beach Day Experience: $20
- Lethe Rafting And Margaritaville Tour from Montego Bay: $20
- Souvenirs and Gift shopping Tour in Montego Bay: $20
- Cinnamon Hill Great House Tour: Home of Johnny Cash: $23
- Night Life Tour in Montego Bay with complimentary section/table: $25
- Jamaica Bamboo Rafting Experience with Lime Stone Massage: $25
- Montego Bay Cruise Ship Port to Doctor's Cave Beach and City Tour: $29
- Private Tour Souvenir Shopping in Montego Bay: $30
- Montego Bay Private Shopping Tour with Hotel Pickup: $30
- Doctor Cave Beach and Hip Strip Shopping from Cruise Ship: $30
- Great River Bamboo Rafting and Limestone Foot Massage Tour From Montego Bay: $30
Typical Entertainment Prices in Charleston
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Charleston are as follows:
-
Patriots Point (for 2)$60
Tours and Activities in Charleston
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Charleston are as follows:
- Charleston Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $5.83
- Charleston Self Guided Audio Experience: $6.00
- Charleston History & Mystery: Interactive Walking Tour Game: $6.64
- Charleston's Haunted Ghost Tour - Solo Smart Phone Guided Tour: $6.75
- Charleston Ghost Tour: $8.00
- True Crime Walking Tour in Charleston: $8.00
- Self-Guided "The French Quarter Charleston" Solo Walking Tour: $9.75
- Window into American History: A Self-guided Charleston Audio Tour: $9.99
- Charleston Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $13
- 300 Years of War and Peacetime in A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Charleston's Ultimate 3 Self Guided Walking Tours Bundle: $17
- Charleston Water Taxi Cruise with Dolphin Sighting: $17
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontego Bay $13Charleston $36
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
- Montego Bay Pub Crawl To Negril and Rick's Cafe: $255
Sample the Local Flavors in Charleston
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Charleston:
- Tour and Tasting at Striped Pig Distillery: $20
- Charleston’s Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $29
- Speakeasy Sagas - Charleston Prohibition Pub Crawl: $35
- Haunted Pub Crawl for the Broken-Hearted: $35
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montego Bay and Charleston, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is Charleston much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Montego Bay is in Caribbean Islands and Charleston 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 Charleston would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Charleston 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 Charleston.
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 Charleston Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Charleston?
Charleston has a larger population, and is about 17% larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Charleston, 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 Charleston?
Charleston 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 Charleston in the Summer?
Both Charleston 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 summer months attract visitors to Charleston because of the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Montego Bay is around the same temperature as Charleston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Montego Bay in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Charleston averages at about 82°F (28°C).
It's quite sunny in Charleston. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually receives less sunshine than Charleston during summer. Montego Bay gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Charleston receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Charleston. In July, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Charleston. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Charleston receives 6.9 inches (176 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyMontego Bay 28°C (82°F)Charleston 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Charleston in the Autumn?
Both Charleston 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. Also, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Charleston this time of year.
In October, Montego Bay is generally a little warmer than Charleston. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 27°C (81°F), and Charleston fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).
It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. In the autumn, Montego Bay often gets more sunshine than Charleston. Montego Bay gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charleston receives 197 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually gets more rain in October than Charleston. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Charleston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMontego Bay 27°C (81°F)Charleston 67°F (19°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Charleston in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Charleston. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Also, many travelers come to Charleston for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Montego Bay is much warmer than Charleston in the winter. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Charleston fluctuates around 47°F (9°C).
In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montego Bay usually receives more sunshine than Charleston during winter. Montego Bay gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Charleston receives 188 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Charleston. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Charleston receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMontego Bay 24°C (75°F)Charleston 47°F (9°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Charleston in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Charleston. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Charleston in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Montego Bay is a little warmer than Charleston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Montego Bay in April average around 25°C (77°F), and Charleston averages at about 64°F (18°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charleston. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montego Bay this time of the year. In the spring, Montego Bay often gets less sunshine than Charleston. Montego Bay gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charleston receives 275 hours of full sun.
Montego Bay usually gets less rain in April than Charleston. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Charleston receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilMontego Bay 25°C (77°F)Charleston 64°F (18°C)
Typical Weather for Charleston and Montego Bay
| Montego Bay | Charleston | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 47°F (9°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 50°F (10°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 58°F (14°C) | 4.3 inches (110 mm) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 4.2 inches (106 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 6.9 inches (176 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 7.1 inches (181 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 4.8 inches (121 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 67°F (19°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 58°F (15°C) | 2.5 inches (63 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 51°F (10°C) | 3.1 inches (78 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.