Which place is cheaper, Gatlinburg or Montego Bay?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Montego Bay or Gatlinburg?
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 Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg?
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.
Gatlinburg
Located in eastern Tennessee, Gatlinburg is a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and for many it is a destination in and of itself. It's anything but natural, and most of its entertainment is centered around amusement park rides and gimmicky sights. You'll find no shortage of cheap hotels and restaurant options, many of which are the typical chains you would find in most tourist towns. It is a convenient town to pick up any necessities you may have forgotten before your visit to the nearby national park.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontego Bay $203Gatlinburg $190
The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $203, while the average daily cost in Gatlinburg is $190. 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 Gatlinburg in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontego Bay $104Gatlinburg $80
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontego Bay $208Gatlinburg $160
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Gatlinburg
Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Gatlinburg? 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 Gatlinburg Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montego Bay $15Gatlinburg $35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- Private Transfer from Montego Bay Airport To Ocho Rios: $267
- Blue Hole and Horseback Riding from Montego Bay with Transfers: $265
- Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Kingston Hotels: $245
- Private Transfer to Island Gully Falls: $240
- Black River and YS Falls Adventure with Transfer: $235
- Chevy Suburban Montego Bay Airport Transfer: $225
- Private Transfer to Kingston: $215
- Private Transfer From Montego Bay Area or Airport MBJ to Kingston: $215
- Kingston Airport Transfer (Montego bay,Negril,Ocho rio): $214
- Airport Transfer From Kingston : $200
- Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Kingston Hotels: $195
- Negril Hotel Private Transfer Service: $190
Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Gatlinburg?
Prices for flights to both Gatlinburg 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 $84Gatlinburg $85
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 : $81
- Rick’s Cafe Cliff Diving, Sunset & Dinner Tour with Transportation : $130
- Dinner or lunch at pier one Montego bay Food Tour: $144
- Sunset Boat Cruise in Falmouth Luminous Lagoon, Swim and Dinner : $170
- Private Beach Day and Street Food Tour from Montego Bay: $170
- Restaurant Transportation for Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Montego Bay: $180
- Houseboat Restaurant and Grill for Dinner Private Transportation : $180
- [PRIVATE] Premium Jamaican Food Tour of Local Cuisine: $190
- Martha Brae Bamboo Rafting & Luminous Lagoon Sunset, Swim& Dinner: $280
Typical Food Prices in Gatlinburg
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Gatlinburg:
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Chinese Food Dinner (for 2)$21
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montego Bay $32Gatlinburg $24
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$2.74
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Snorkeling Trip$19
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One Tank Dive$38
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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, 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
- Blue Hole Adventure Tour : $120
- Catamaran Party Cruise and Snorkeling from Montego Bay: $220
- Dunns River & BlueHole Tour Includes Entry Fees: $289
- Falmouth Mystic from Montego Bay Luminous Lagoon Night Tour: $90
- Green Grotto Cave Private Tour: $115
- Horseback Riding and Tour from Montego Bay : $230
- Luminous Lagoon Night Tour from Montego Bay: $118
- Montego Bay Bamboo Rafting and Limestone Foot Massage River Tour: $110
- Montego Bay Jamaica Private Jet Ski And ATV experience: $120
Typical Entertainment Prices in Gatlinburg
For Gatlinburg, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Horseback Riding Photos$22
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Horseback Riding (for 2)$55
Tours and Activities in Gatlinburg
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Gatlinburg.
- Museum of the Cherokee People Admission Ticket: $8.00
- Roaring Fork Trail Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $8.49
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Audio Driving Tour: $15
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
- Blue Ridge Parkway (Cherokee to Asheville) Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour: $17
- Rocky Top Mountain Coaster Admission Ticket in Pigeon Forge: $18
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Pigeon Forge by Zombie Scavengers: $20
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Cades Cove Self-Driving Bundle Tours: $25
- Blue Ridge Parkway: Audio Driving Tour: $25
- Scenic Blue Ridge Parkway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $25
- Ghosts of the Smokies Haunted Walking Tour: $26
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontego Bay $13Gatlinburg $15
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 Pub Crawl To Negril and Rick's Cafe: $103
Sample the Local Flavors in Gatlinburg
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Gatlinburg:
- Famous Moonshine & Wine Tour From Pigeon Forge: $70
When comparing the travel costs between Montego Bay and Gatlinburg, 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 Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Gatlinburg?
Montego Bay has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Gatlinburg, 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 Gatlinburg?
Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Gatlinburg. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Gatlinburg for the hiking during these months.
In July, Montego Bay is generally around the same temperature as Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 28°C (82°F), and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montego Bay this time of the year. In the summer, Montego Bay often gets less sunshine than Gatlinburg. Montego Bay gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 294 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. Montego Bay usually gets less rain in July than Gatlinburg. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMontego Bay 28°C (82°F)Gatlinburg 81°F (27°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Gatlinburg in the Autumn?
Both Gatlinburg 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. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Gatlinburg because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
Montego Bay is much warmer than Gatlinburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).
It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually receives more sunshine than Gatlinburg during autumn. Montego Bay gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Montego Bay. In October, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Gatlinburg. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMontego Bay 27°C (81°F)Gatlinburg 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Gatlinburg in the Winter?
Both Gatlinburg 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. Also, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Gatlinburg this time of year.
It's quite cold in Gatlinburg in the winter. In the winter, Montego Bay is much warmer than Gatlinburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montego Bay in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Gatlinburg averages at about 40°F (5°C).
It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. In the winter, Montego Bay often gets more sunshine than Gatlinburg. Montego Bay gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 134 hours of full sun.
Gatlinburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Montego Bay usually gets less rain in January than Gatlinburg. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMontego Bay 24°C (75°F)Gatlinburg 40°F (5°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Gatlinburg in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Gatlinburg. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round.
In April, Montego Bay is generally a little warmer than Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 25°C (77°F), and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gatlinburg this time of the year. In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montego Bay usually receives less sunshine than Gatlinburg during spring. Montego Bay gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 263 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Gatlinburg. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMontego Bay 25°C (77°F)Gatlinburg 62°F (17°C)
Typical Weather for Gatlinburg and Montego Bay
| Montego Bay | Gatlinburg | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 40°F (5°C) | 4.7 inches (119 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 44°F (7°C) | 4.7 inches (120 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 4.8 inches (123 mm) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 70°F (21°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 78°F (25°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 4.7 inches (119 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) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 53°F (12°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 44°F (7°C) | 4.5 inches (114 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.