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

Should you visit Montego Bay or Cordoba?

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 Cordoba 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 Cordoba?

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.

Cordoba

Cordoba is the capital of the Cordoba province and the second largest city in all of Argentina. The city is in a beautiful setting surrounded by valleys and hills. Within the city you will find many colonial buildings and beautiful architecture. Cordoba also has many universities and scientific institutes, giving it the nickname "La Docta." Because of the large number of students, Cordoba's population is young and active, which keeps the atmosphere light and fun.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Argentina, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Argentina.


Which place is cheaper, Cordoba or Montego Bay?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $203, while the average daily cost in Cordoba is $8.40. 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 Cordoba in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Montego Bay $104
    Cordoba $3.05
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Montego Bay $208
    Cordoba $6.10
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Cordoba

Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Cordoba? 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 Cordoba


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 Cordoba Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Montego Bay $15
    Cordoba $2.08

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 Cordoba

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cordoba are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $0.01

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cordoba

Also for Cordoba, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer in private minivan from Cordoba to Ingeniero Ambrosio Taravella Airport: $61

Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Cordoba?

Prices for flights to both Cordoba 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 $84
    Cordoba $3.83

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 Cordoba

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Cordoba:


  • Empanadas
    $0.01
  • Sandwich
    $0.00
  • Ice Cream
    $0.00

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Montego Bay $32
    Cordoba $1.88
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
    $2.74
  • Snorkeling Trip
    $19
  • One Tank Dive
    $38
  • 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

Tours and Activities in Cordoba

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cordoba.

  • Traditional Córdoba CityTour x 2 Pax: $45
  • Alta Gracia: Unveiling Cordoba's Cultural Heritage Tour: $48
  • Exploring Villa Carlos Paz: Guided Sightseeing Tour: $50
  • Cordoba City Tour: $50
  • Private Cordoba City Tour: $53
  • Córdoba: Villa Carlos Paz Tour: $59
  • Cordoba City Tour with Optional Jesuitic Square: $60
  • Córdoba CityTour FULLDAY x 2 pax: $60
  • Caroya WineTour x 2 Pax: $60
  • La Cumbrecita and Villa General Belgrano Full Day Tour: $73
  • Full Day Tour to Punilla Valley from Cordoba: $75
  • Full Day Jesuit Legacy Tour from Cordoba: $80

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Montego Bay $13
    Cordoba $1.48

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Cordoba

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cordoba:

  • Full-Day Private Colonia Caroya Wine Tour from Córdoba: $120
  • Wine Tour Privado - Colonia Caroya: $130
  • Wine Tour Privado - Calamuchita: $150


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montego Bay and Cordoba, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is Cordoba much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Montego Bay is in Caribbean Islands and Cordoba is in South 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 Cordoba would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cordoba 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 Cordoba.

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 Cordoba Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Cordoba?

Cordoba has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Cordoba, 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 Cordoba?

Cordoba 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 Cordoba in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Cordoba. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In July, Montego Bay is generally much warmer than Cordobain January. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 28°C (82°F), and Cordoba fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cordoba. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montego Bay this time of the year. In the summer, Montego Bay often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cordobain January. Montego Bay gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cordoba receives 277 hours of full sun.

Montego Bay usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Cordobain January. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Montego Bay 28°C (82°F) 
    Cordoba 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Cordoba in the Autumn?

Both Cordoba 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.

Montego Bay is much warmer than Cordoba in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Cordoba fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually receives more sunshine than Cordoba during autumn. Montego Bay gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Cordoba receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Montego Bay. In October, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Cordobain April. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Montego Bay 27°C (81°F) 
    Cordoba 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Cordoba in the Winter?

Both Cordoba 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.

In the winter, Montego Bay is cooler than Cordoba. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montego Bay in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Cordoba averages at about 27°C (81°F)in July.

It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. In the winter, Montego Bay often gets more sunshine than Cordobain July. Montego Bay gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cordoba receives 189 hours of full sun.

Montego Bay usually gets more rain in January than Cordobain July. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Montego Bay 24°C (75°F) 
    Cordoba 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Cordoba in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Cordoba. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round.

In April, Montego Bay is generally a little warmer than Cordobain October. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 25°C (77°F), and Cordoba fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cordoba this time of the year. In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montego Bay usually receives less sunshine than Cordoba during spring. Montego Bay gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Cordoba receives 243 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Montego Bay usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cordobain October. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Montego Bay 25°C (77°F) 
    Cordoba 19°C (66°F)

Typical Weather for Cordoba and Montego Bay

Montego Bay Cordoba
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 14°C (57°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 25°C (77°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 26°C (79°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)