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

Should you visit Montego Bay or Havana?

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 Havana 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 Havana?

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.

Havana

The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).

This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.

Which place is cheaper, Havana 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 Havana is $65. 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 Havana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Montego Bay $104
    Havana $40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Montego Bay $208
    Havana $80
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Havana

Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Havana? 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 Havana


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Montego Bay $15
    Havana $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:

  • Airport Transfer To Hotels In Montego Bay (Round-trip): $65
  • Airport Transfer To Hotels in Negril : $60
  • Airport Transfer to Sunscape Splash Resort (Round-Trip) : $34
  • Airport Transfers to Iberostar Hotel (Round-trip): $53
  • Riu Reggae , Riu Palace & Riu Mobay Montego Bay Airport Transfers: $11
  • Round-Trip Transfer Airport Transfer to Hotels in Montego Bay : $41
  • Roundtrip Transfer from Montego Bay Airport to Meliá Braco Hotel: $80
  • Shared Airport Transfer To Montego Bay Hotels: $55
  • (Roundtrip) Private Airport Transfer to Hotels in Montego Bay: $41
  • 12. Runaway Bay Hotels&Accommodations Airport Private Transfer to/from Sangster : $70
  • 2727lounge/Magarativille/Pier1 & taboo nightlife private transfer: $35
  • 7. Excellence Oyster Bay Resort Private Airport Transfer To/from Sangster Intl : $40

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.68

Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Havana?

Prices for flights to both Havana 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
    Havana $10

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

Typical Food Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:


  • Pizza
    $0.03

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Montego Bay $32
    Havana $11
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:

  • Greenwood Great House Entry Ticket: $20
  • Cinnamon Hill Great House Tour - Home of Johnny Cash: $23
  • Skip the Line: Rose Hall Great House & Garden Tour Ticket: $30
  • Montego Bay Private Shopping Tour with Hotel Pickup: $30
  • Private Shopping Tour in Montego Bay with Hotel Pickup: $35
  • Montego Bay Sightseeing Tour and Souvenir Shopping: $35
  • Rose Hall Great House Haunted Night Tour: $35
  • Shopping and Sightseeing Tour of Montego Bay City: $39
  • Montego Bay Walking Tour: $40
  • Bamboo Rafting, Hip-Strip & Margaritaville Tour from Montego Bay: $40
  • The AMAZING Montego Bay Tour: $43
  • Private Montego Bay Shopping Tour with Transportation: $45

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Montego Bay $13
    Havana $5.76

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:

  • Montego Bay Pub Crawl To Negril and Rick's Cafe: $103
  • Montego Bay Jamaica Rum Distillery Tour Private Driver: $215

Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:


  • Mojito
    $0.15


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

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 Havana Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Havana?

Havana has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Havana, 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 Havana?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Montego Bay or Havana in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Havana. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In July, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Havana. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Havana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

In the summer, Montego Bay is around the same temperature as Havana. Typically, the summer temperatures in Montego Bay in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Havana averages at about 27°C (81°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Montego Bay 28°C (82°F) 
    Havana 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Havana in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Havana. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year.

Montego Bay receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Montego Bay usually gets more rain in October than Havana. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Havana receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

In October, Montego Bay is generally around the same temperature as Havana. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 27°C (81°F), and Havana fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Montego Bay 27°C (81°F) 
    Havana 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Havana in the Winter?

Both Havana and Montego Bay are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montego Bay throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In January, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Havana. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Havana receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Montego Bay is a little warmer than Havana in the winter. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Havana fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Montego Bay 24°C (75°F) 
    Havana 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Havana in the Spring?

Both Havana and Montego Bay during the spring 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 Havana year-round.

Montego Bay usually gets more rain in April than Havana. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Havana receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the spring, Montego Bay is around the same temperature as Havana. Typically, the spring temperatures in Montego Bay in April average around 25°C (77°F), and Havana averages at about 24°C (75°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Montego Bay 25°C (77°F) 
    Havana 24°C (75°F)

Typical Weather for Havana and Montego Bay

Montego Bay Havana
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 25°C (77°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
May 26°C (79°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)