Which place is cheaper, Grand Cayman or Montego Bay?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Montego Bay or Grand Cayman?
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 Grand Cayman 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 Grand Cayman?
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.
Grand Cayman
When people think of the Cayman Islands, they typically think of offshore bank accounts and sunny, cruise ship ports. Grand Cayman has more to offer travelers than a playground for the wealthy or a short stopover for cruise passengers. This tropical island is the largest of the three Cayman Islands, it is a shopper's heaven, a center for global finance and an ideal vacation spot.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontego Bay $203Grand Cayman $214
The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $203, while the average daily cost in Grand Cayman is $214. 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 Grand Cayman in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontego Bay $104Grand Cayman $150
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontego Bay $208Grand Cayman $300
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Grand Cayman
Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Grand Cayman? 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 Grand Cayman Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montego Bay $15Grand Cayman $31
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
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Montego Bay HTL-APT (MBJ): $37
- Tropical Court Hotel Private Airport Transfer : $13
- Transfers from Montego Bay Airport to Negril: $53
- Transfer Service, Sangster MBJ Airport From/To Iberostar zone: $55
- The Spa Retreat Boutique Hotel Private Airport Transfer: $50
- Sunset at the Palms Negril Airport Transfers: $53
- Sunset at the Palm Private Negril Airport Transfer : $52
- Southcoast Private Airport Transfer: $108
- Shuttle Transfer From Montego Bay Airport - Negril: $27
- Shuttle Transfer From Montego Bay Airport - Montego Bay: $13
- Shuttle Transfer From Montego Bay Airport - Lucea : $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grand Cayman
Also for Grand Cayman, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Privat Transfer from Owen Roberts Airport GCM to George Town Port: $53
- George Town Port to Owen Roberts Airport (GCM) - Departure Private Transfer: $53
- Private Transfer from George Town Port to George Town or 7-Mile: $53
- George Town Cruise Port to George Town or 7-Mile Beach -Arrival Private Transfer: $53
- George Town / 7- Mile Beach area to George Town Port -Departure Private Transfer: $53
- Private Transfer from George Town or 7 Mile to George Town Port: $53
- Private Transfer from George Town Port to Owen Roberts AirportGCM: $53
- Airport Transfer - Owen Roberts Intl Airport to GeorgeTown or Seven Mile Beach: $88
- George Town Port to George Town / 7-Mile Beach area -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $106
- Airport Transfers to North Side Accommodation (GCM Grand Cayman): $265
Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Grand Cayman?
Prices for flights to both Grand Cayman 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 $84Grand Cayman $39
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montego Bay
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Montego Bay.
- Dinner or Lunch with Pickup from Montego Bay: $40
- 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
- Private Beach Day and Street Food Tour from Montego Bay: $130
- Rick’s Cafe Cliff Diving, Sunset & Dinner Tour with Transportation : $130
- Flavors of Jamaica Food Tour from Montego Bay: $147
- Sunset Boat Ride in the Falmouth Luminous Lagoon swim and Dinner : $165
- 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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montego Bay $32Grand Cayman $41
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 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
- Black River Day Adventure Tour: $92
- Blue Hole Adventure Tour : $120
- Catamaran Party Cruise and Snorkeling from Montego Bay: $220
- Dirt Adventure ATV from Montego Bay: $160
- Falmouth Mystic from Montego Bay Luminous Lagoon Night Tour: $90
- Floyds Pelican Bar Private Tour : $155
- Green Grotto Cave Private Tour: $115
- Horseback Riding and Tour from Montego Bay : $230
- Jetski Experience: $245
Tours and Activities in Grand Cayman
For Grand Cayman, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- West Bay Sightseeing Tour Plus Seven Mile Beach Visit: $45
- Stingraycity Adventure: $69
- Starfish and Stingray City Fun Tour with Reef Snorkeling- 3 stops: $69
- Stingray City Experience Plus One Snorkeling Stop: $69
- Stingray City Sandbar, Coral Gardens and 7-Mile Beach Tour: $70
- Stingray City Experience Plus Two Snorkeling Stops on Grand Cayman: $75
- Stingrays, Starfish and Snorkeling Tour: $75
- Grand Cayman Cruise: Starfish Point, Stingray City, Coral Garden: $80
- Acquarius Stingray City and Snorkel Tours: $80
- Grand Cayman - Bioluminescent Bay Tour: $95
- Cayman Adventure: Starfish Point, Stingray City and Coral Gardens: $99
- West Island Guided Tour with Entry Tickets: $120
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontego Bay $13Grand Cayman $13
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
- Montego Bay Jamaica Rum Distillery Tour Private Driver: $215
Typical Alcohol Prices in Grand Cayman
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Grand Cayman:
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Beer$4.97
Sample the Local Flavors in Grand Cayman
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Grand Cayman:
- Cayman Spirits Co. Distillery Tour Pass Ticket Only: $24
When comparing the travel costs between Montego Bay and Grand Cayman, we can see that Grand Cayman 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. Since both cities are in Caribbean Islands, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
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 Grand Cayman Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Grand Cayman?
Montego Bay has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Grand Cayman. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Grand Cayman, 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 Grand Cayman?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Montego Bay or Grand Cayman in the Summer?
Both Grand Cayman 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round.
Grand Cayman gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Montego Bay usually gets less rain in July than Grand Cayman. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 179 mm (7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, Montego Bay is around the same temperature as Grand Cayman. Typically, the summer temperatures in Montego Bay in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Grand Cayman averages at about 28°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMontego Bay 28°C (82°F)Grand Cayman 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Grand Cayman in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Grand Cayman. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Grand Cayman receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Montego Bay gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Grand Cayman. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In October, Montego Bay is generally around the same temperature as Grand Cayman. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 27°C (81°F), and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMontego Bay 27°C (81°F)Grand Cayman 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Grand Cayman in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Grand Cayman. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Grand Cayman throughout the year.
Montego Bay usually gets more rain in January than Grand Cayman. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
Montego Bay is around the same temperature as Grand Cayman in the winter. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMontego Bay 24°C (75°F)Grand Cayman 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Grand Cayman in the Spring?
Both Grand Cayman 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. Plenty of visitors come to Grand Cayman because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Grand Cayman. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In the spring, Montego Bay is around the same temperature as Grand Cayman. Typically, the spring temperatures in Montego Bay in April average around 25°C (77°F), and Grand Cayman averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMontego Bay 25°C (77°F)Grand Cayman 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Grand Cayman and Montego Bay
| Montego Bay | Grand Cayman | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 131 mm (5.1 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 179 mm (7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 212 mm (8.3 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 238 mm (9.4 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 141 mm (5.6 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) |
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.