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

Should you visit Montego Bay or Detroit?

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 Detroit 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 Detroit?

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.

Detroit

Detroit is the largest city in the Midwestern state of Michigan. Near Downtown, the neoclassical Detroit Institute of Arts is famed for the Detroit Industry Murals painted by Diego Rivera, and inspired by the city's ties to the auto industry, giving it the nickname "Motor City." Detroit is also the birthplace of Motown Records, whose chart-topping history is on display at their original headquarters, Hitsville U.S.A.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Detroit 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
    Detroit Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Montego Bay $259
    Detroit $165

The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $259, while the average daily cost in Detroit is $165. 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 Detroit in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Montego Bay $102
    Detroit $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Montego Bay $204
    Detroit $128
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Detroit

Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Detroit? 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 Detroit


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 Detroit Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Montego Bay $15
    Detroit $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:

  • Zoetry Montego Bay Airport Transfers MBJ (Private Roundtrip Exclusive): $180
  • Zoëtry Resorts Montego Bay Airport Transfer: $20
  • VIP Runaway Bay Transfer: $160
  • VIP Private Airport Transfer Montego Bay: $20
  • VIP Luxury Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Montego Bay/ Falmouth: $74
  • VIP Airport Transfer to Hotel in Montego Bay: $30
  • Tryall / Round Hill Private Transfer: $40
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Montego Bay APT-HTL (MBJ): $37
  • Tropical Court Hotel Private Airport Transfer: $13
  • Transfer from/to Airport, Riu Reggae, Riu Montego Bay, Riu Palace: $28
  • Transfer Service, Sangster MBJ Airport From/To Runaway Bay: $172
  • Transfer Service, Sangster MBJ Airport From/To Iberostar zone: $64

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Detroit

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

  • Private Departure Transfer to Detroit Airport DTW: $61
  • Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Arrival Private Transfer: $88
  • Private Departure Transfer - to Detroit Airport (DTW) by SUV: $90
  • Private Transfer from Detroit (DTW) Airport to Detroit City: $183

Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Detroit?

Prices for flights to both Detroit 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
    Detroit $76

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 with Pickup from Montego Bay: $45
  • Montego Bay Jerk Tour and Rum Punch Mixology/Food Tour: $50
  • Club2727 Nightlife Experience With Optional Dinner In Montego Bay: $60
  • Mystic Lagoon Sunset Cruise with Dinner and Lagoon Swim: $95
  • Sunset Dinner at Bamboo Beach Club: $99
  • Glistening Bioluminescent Waters and Dinner at Jerk hut: $105
  • 3 to 5 Hour Private Herbal Tour Shopping and Dinner at Ricks Cafe: $120
  • Bar Hopping and Local Food Tour in Jamaica: $130
  • The Local Lime- Montego Bay Dinner and/or Nightlife Tour: $149
  • Jamaican Seafood Street Food Tour from Montego Bay, Falmouth: $150
  • Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios Dinner and Nightlife Experience: $150
  • Sunset Boat Cruise and Luminous Lagoon with Dinner and Transfer: $150

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Detroit

For Detroit, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Detroit’s Holiday Food Tour: Donuts, Pastries & Sweet Treats: $70
  • Detroit Sweet Treats Food Tour: Donuts, Coffee, Pastries & More: $70
  • Detroit Downtown Food Tour with 6+ Iconic Tastings in Motor City: $98
  • Italian Pasta Cooking Class in Detroit (Includes 3-Course Meal): $129

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Montego Bay $31
    Detroit $21
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
    $2.68
  • 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:

  • 1 Hour Horse Back Riding & Dunn's River Falls Tour Combo: $240
  • 2 Days Of Blue Hole, Dunns River Falls & Hidden Beauty Adventure: $180
  • 2 Days Private Jamaica Tour: $230
  • 27/27 Lounge, Pier 1 & Margaritaville Nightlife Experience: $60
  • 3 Hours Private Tour in Montego Bay From Falmouth: $75
  • 4 Hour ATV & Horse Back Riding Private Tour (Transportation Only): $105
  • 4-Hour Catamaran Party Cruise with Open Bar from Montego Bay: $200
  • 7 Mile Beach & Ricks Cafe with free Shopping experience: $50
  • 7 Mile Beach Private Tour: $122
  • 7 Mile Beach and Rick's Cafe Private Tour: $80
  • 7 Mile Beach and Rick's Cafe in Negril from Montego Bay Private Tour: $120
  • 7 in 1 Day Jamaican Adventure with Jhadano Tours: $50

Tours and Activities in Detroit

For Detroit, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Self Guided Detroit's Spirit and History Solo Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Windsor by Wacky Walks: $10
  • An Epic Ann Arbor Scavenger Hunt: Ann Arbor Adventure: $12
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Ann Arbor MI: $15
  • SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium Admission Ticket: $19
  • French History Tour of Detroit A Self-Guided Audio Tour App: $20
  • LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Michigan Admission Ticket: $22
  • Macabre, Murder, & Mayhem in Motor City : Detroit Ghost Tour: $26
  • Museum of Illusions Detroit Admission Ticket: $32
  • Small Group Walking Bar Tour: $40
  • Detroit's Hidden History Guided Walking Tour: $49
  • Downtown Detroit Walking Tour, Historic Landmarks and Art Deco: $51

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Montego Bay $13
    Detroit $20

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: $250

Sample the Local Flavors in Detroit

Also in Detroit, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Private Detroit Pedal Pub Tour – A Top-Rated Downtown Experience: $300


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

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 Detroit Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Detroit?

Detroit has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Detroit, 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 Detroit?

Detroit 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 Detroit in the Summer?

Both Detroit and Montego Bay during the summer 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, the summer months attract visitors to Detroit because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Montego Bay is a little warmer than Detroit in the summer. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Detroit fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

In Detroit, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. In the summer, Montego Bay often gets less sunshine than Detroit. Montego Bay gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 319 hours of full sun.

Montego Bay usually gets less rain in July than Detroit. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Montego Bay 28°C (82°F) 
    Detroit 74°F (24°C)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Detroit in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Detroit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Detroit this time of year.

In the autumn, Montego Bay is much warmer than Detroit. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Montego Bay in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Detroit averages at about 54°F (12°C).

In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montego Bay usually receives more sunshine than Detroit during autumn. Montego Bay gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 172 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Montego Bay gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Detroit. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Detroit receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Montego Bay 27°C (81°F) 
    Detroit 54°F (12°C)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Detroit in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Detroit. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Detroit for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Detroit. In January, Montego Bay is generally much warmer than Detroit. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 24°C (75°F), and Detroit fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montego Bay this time of the year. In the winter, Montego Bay often gets more sunshine than Detroit. Montego Bay gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 120 hours of full sun.

Montego Bay usually gets more rain in January than Detroit. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Detroit receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Montego Bay 24°C (75°F) 
    Detroit 25°F (-4°C)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Detroit in the Spring?

Both Detroit and Montego Bay are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montego Bay throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Detroit in the spring for the activities around the city.

Montego Bay is much warmer than Detroit in the spring. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 25°C (77°F) in April, and Detroit fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

It's quite sunny in Detroit. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Detroit during spring. Montego Bay gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 223 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Detroit. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Montego Bay 25°C (77°F) 
    Detroit 49°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Detroit and Montego Bay

Montego Bay Detroit
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 25°F (-4°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 27°F (-3°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 37°F (3°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Apr 25°C (77°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 49°F (9°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm)
May 26°C (79°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 60°F (16°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 70°F (21°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 74°F (24°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 73°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 65°F (19°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 54°F (12°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 43°F (6°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 31°F (-1°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)