A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Montego Bay vs. Chattanooga for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Montego Bay or Chattanooga?

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 Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga?

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.

Chattanooga

Located on the Tennessee River near the border of the U.S. state of Georgia, Chattanooga is Tennessee's fourth largest city and a major transportation hub. The city has received national recognition for the renaissance of its once dilapidated downtown and redevelopment of its riverfront, including the restoration of the historic Walnut Street Bridge.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Chattanooga 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.

  • Montego Bay Prices
    Jamaica Prices
    Chattanooga Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Montego Bay $258
    Chattanooga $225

The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $258, while the average daily cost in Chattanooga is $225. 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 Chattanooga in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Montego Bay $102
    Chattanooga $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Montego Bay $204
    Chattanooga $184
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Chattanooga

Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Chattanooga? 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.

Hotels in Montego Bay


Hotels in Chattanooga


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 Chattanooga Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Montego Bay $15
    Chattanooga $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:

  • 2727lounge/Magarativille/Pier1 & taboo nightlife private transfer: $45
  • A "Private" Airport Transfer to Grand Palladium Resort: $45
  • Airport (MBJ) Round Trip Transfer in Montego Bay: $60
  • Airport MBJ Round Trip Transfers, to Montego Bay Airbnb & Resorts: $53
  • Airport Private Round Trip Transfer: $30
  • Airport Private Transfers from Montego Bay to Hilton Rose Hall: $21
  • Airport Transfer: $80
  • Airport Transfer From Kingston: $200
  • Airport Transfer MBJ Montego Bay to Kingston: $150
  • Airport Transfer Montego Bay Hotels: $120
  • Airport Transfer Riu Montego / Reggae / Palace: $40
  • Airport Transfer To Grand Bahia Principe Hotel: $120

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chattanooga

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Chattanooga:


  • Chattanooga Zoo (for 2)
    $16

Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Chattanooga?

Prices for flights to both Chattanooga 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 day
    Montego Bay $142
    Chattanooga $103

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chattanooga

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chattanooga.

  • Historic Southside Food Tour in Chattanooga: $89
  • ChattaBrunch Food Tour: $119
  • Downtown Chattanooga Food Tour: $129

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Montego Bay $31
    Chattanooga $52
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

Tours and Activities in Chattanooga

Here are a few actual costs in Chattanooga for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • National Medal of Honor Heritage Museum Admission Ticket in Chattanooga: $17
  • Murder & Mayhem Haunted History Walking Tour: $26
  • Chattanooga Crypts and Chills Ghost Tour: $26
  • Raccoon Mountain Caverns: Crystal Palace Walking Tours: $29
  • Chattanooga Ghosts & Legends: Family-Friendly Walking Tour: $30
  • Ghost & Booze Tour of Chattanooga - 21+ Over: $31
  • Chattanooga Express Trolley Tour: $32
  • Cursed in Chattanooga Haunted Walking Tour: $35
  • King Tut's Tomb Escape Room Experience in Chattanooga: $40
  • Chattanooga "Locker Room Lockdown: Mascot Rescue" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $40
  • Chattanooga "Secret Agent" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $40
  • Classic Middle Ocoee River Adventure: $45

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Montego Bay $13
    Chattanooga $24

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 Chattanooga

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Chattanooga:

  • Distillery Tour at Gate 11: $18
  • Chattanooga Wine Tasting with Art Sightseeing Tour: $199


When comparing the travel costs between Montego Bay and Chattanooga, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Montego Bay is in Caribbean Islands and Chattanooga is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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 Chattanooga Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Chattanooga?

Chattanooga has a larger population, and is about 88% larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Chattanooga, 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 Chattanooga?

Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Chattanooga. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Also, many visitors come to Chattanooga in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Montego Bay is around the same temperature as Chattanooga. Typically, the summer temperatures in Montego Bay in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Chattanooga averages at about 81°F (27°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chattanooga this time of the year. In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montego Bay usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Chattanooga during summer. Montego Bay gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Chattanooga receives 265 hours of full sun in the summer.

Chattanooga receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Chattanooga. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Montego Bay 28°C (82°F) 
    Chattanooga 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Chattanooga in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Chattanooga. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Chattanooga for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Montego Bay is generally much warmer than Chattanooga. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 27°C (81°F), and Chattanooga fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montego Bay this time of the year. In the autumn, Montego Bay often gets more sunshine than Chattanooga. Montego Bay gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chattanooga receives 211 hours of full sun.

Montego Bay receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Montego Bay usually gets more rain in October than Chattanooga. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Montego Bay 27°C (81°F) 
    Chattanooga 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Chattanooga in the Winter?

Both Chattanooga and Montego Bay are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montego Bay throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Chattanooga because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Chattanooga can be very cold. Montego Bay is much warmer than Chattanooga in the winter. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Chattanooga fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually receives more sunshine than Chattanooga during winter. Montego Bay gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Chattanooga receives 145 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. In January, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Chattanooga. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Montego Bay 24°C (75°F) 
    Chattanooga 40°F (5°C)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Chattanooga in the Spring?

Both Chattanooga and Montego Bay during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Montego Bay because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the spring, Montego Bay is a little warmer than Chattanooga. Typically, the spring temperatures in Montego Bay in April average around 25°C (77°F), and Chattanooga averages at about 62°F (17°C).

In Chattanooga, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. In the spring, Montego Bay often gets less sunshine than Chattanooga. Montego Bay gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chattanooga receives 243 hours of full sun.

Chattanooga gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Montego Bay usually gets less rain in April than Chattanooga. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Montego Bay 25°C (77°F) 
    Chattanooga 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Chattanooga and Montego Bay

Montego Bay Chattanooga
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 40°F (5°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 53°F (12°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Apr 25°C (77°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 62°F (17°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
May 26°C (79°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 70°F (21°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 81°F (27°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 63°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm)