Which place is cheaper, Destin 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 Destin?
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 Destin 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 Destin?
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.
Destin
An upscale resort town located on the Florida Panhandle, Destin is best known for its white sand beaches and clear green waters, golfing opportunities, and world renowned fishing. The stretch of beach here (on a peninsula between the Gulf of Mexico and the Choctawhatchee Bay) is nicknamed Florida's Emerald Coast.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.
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Montego Bay Prices
Jamaica PricesDestin Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontego Bay $259Destin $229
The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $259, while the average daily cost in Destin is $229. 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 Destin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontego Bay $102Destin $111
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontego Bay $204Destin $222
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Destin
Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Destin? 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 Destin Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montego Bay $15Destin $50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- Private Airport transfer Montego Bay: $12
- Montego Bay Airport Private Transfers to any Montego Bay Hotels: $13
- Private Transfer to Royal Decameron Cornwall Beach/Montego Beach: $13
- Sandals Royal Caribbean Hotel Private Airport Transfer: $13
- Grandiosa Hotel Private Airport Transfer: $13
- A "Private" Airport Transfer to any Resort in Montego Bay: $14
- Private Airport Transfer To Riu Montego Bay, Palace & Reggae: $14
- RIU Palace reggae and RIU Montego Bay private airport transfers: $14
- Riu reggae, palace & montego Bay Hotels Private Airport Transfer: $14
- Private Airport Transfer to Half Moon - Holiday Inn - Zoetry: $14
- Private Transfer from Montego Bay Airport to Montego Bay Hotels: $14
- Private Airport Transfer to S Hotel, SeaGarden, Royal Decameron: $14
Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Destin?
Prices for flights to both Destin 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 $142Destin $89
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
- Dinner or Lunch with Pickup from Montego Bay: $50
- 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
- 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
- Restaurant Transportation for Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Montego Bay: $180
- Authentic Jamaican Cooking Experience in the Mountain from mobay: $210
- PRIVATE Food Tour of Local Jamaican Cuisine Montego Bay & Negril: $210
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Destin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Destin.
- 3 Hour Sunset Dinner Cruise by Solaris Yacht in Miramar Beach: $129
- SanSunset Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $129
- Murder Mystery Dinner Cruise: $133
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montego Bay $32Destin $17
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$2.68
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Snorkeling Trip$19
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One Tank Dive$38
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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:
- Blue Hole Adventure and Shopping Experience with Transportation: $20
- Lethe Rafting And Margaritaville Tour from Montego Bay: $20
- Jamaica Bamboo Rafting Experience with Lime Stone Massage: $20
- Margaritaville Hip-Strip and Great River Rafting Private Tour: $20
- Montego Bay Beach Day Experience: $20
- Montego Bay Bamboo Rafting and Hip Strip Private Tour: $22
- Cinnamon Hill Great House Tour: Home of Johnny Cash: $23
- Montego Bay Private Shopping Tour with Hotel Pickup: $30
- Private Tour Souvenir Shopping in Montego Bay: $30
- VR Experience in Montego Bay: $30
- Rose Hall Great House and Garden Tour Ticket: $30
- Adventure and Activity Based Music and Nightlife and Nature: $30
Typical Entertainment Prices in Destin
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Destin are as follows:
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1 Day Rental Umbrella and Chairs$40
Tours and Activities in Destin
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Destin are as follows:
- Karaoke Experience on the Water: $21
- Destin Dolphin Cruise: $27
- Destin Dolphin Watching and Sunset Cruise: $27
- Stand Up Paddle Board Adventures in Destin and Fort Walton Beach: $29
- Dolphin Watching Cruise: $30
- Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise by Sea Blaster: $33
- Sandestin Sunset Eco Dolphin Cruise Aboard Sol y Luna: $33
- Dolphin and Sunset tour aboard the Hydro Rocket: $34
- Destin/Fort Walton Beach: Dolphin Watching & Harbor Cruise: $35
- Guided Sunset and Eco Tour Non Private in Destin, FL: $35
- Fireworks Cruise: $35
- Sunset Eco-Dolphin & Glow Cruise: $35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontego Bay $13Destin $49
When comparing the travel costs between Montego Bay and Destin, 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 Destin 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 Destin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Destin?
Montego Bay has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Destin. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Destin, 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 Destin?
Destin 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 Destin in the Summer?
Both Destin 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, most visitors come to Destin for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Montego Bay is generally around the same temperature as Destin. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 28°C (82°F), and Destin fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Destin. In July, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Destin. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Destin receives 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMontego Bay 28°C (82°F)Destin 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Destin in the Autumn?
Both Destin 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 autumn months attract visitors to Destin because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
Montego Bay is a little warmer than Destin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Destin fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).
Destin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually gets more rain in October than Destin. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Destin receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMontego Bay 27°C (81°F)Destin 69°F (21°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Destin in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Destin. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Destin this time of year.
In the winter, Montego Bay is much warmer than Destin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montego Bay in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Destin averages at about 50°F (10°C).
Destin receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Destin. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Destin receives 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMontego Bay 24°C (75°F)Destin 50°F (10°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Destin in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Destin. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Destin for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In April, Montego Bay is generally a little warmer than Destin. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 25°C (77°F), and Destin fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).
Montego Bay usually gets less rain in April than Destin. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Destin receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMontego Bay 25°C (77°F)Destin 68°F (20°C)
Typical Weather for Destin and Montego Bay
| Montego Bay | Destin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 50°F (10°C) | 4.6 inches (117 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 5.4 inches (137 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 60°F (16°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 80°F (27°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 7.4 inches (189 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 7.4 inches (188 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 79°F (26°C) | 5.3 inches (135 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 69°F (21°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 61°F (16°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 4.3 inches (109 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.