Which place is cheaper, Hilo 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 Hilo?
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 Hilo 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 Hilo?
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.
Hilo
Hilo is a town on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is also the county seat and largest city in Hawaii County, so many people use it as the starting point to explore the eastern half of the island. The town has a population of just over 40,000 people. It looks out over Hilo Bay and most of the town's development is between Hilo Bay and Waiakea-Uka near the active volcano of Mauna Loa. Hilo is where you will find the University of Hawaii at Hilo, Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii, the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corportation and Hilo International Airport.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.
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Montego Bay Prices
Jamaica PricesHilo Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontego Bay $258Hilo $222
The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $258, while the average daily cost in Hilo is $222. 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 Hilo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontego Bay $102Hilo $71
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontego Bay $204Hilo $142
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Hilo
Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Hilo? 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 Hilo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montego Bay $15Hilo $25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- Chevy Suburban Montego Bay Airport Transfer: $300
- Private Airport OneWay Transfer to Hotel in Montego Bay: $300
- Jet Car Adventure in Montego Bay Daytrip with Transfers: $300
- Club Night Life Round-Trip Private Transfer in Montego Bay: $300
- Private Transfer from Montego Bay Airport to Negril Hotels: $270
- Private Transfer from Montego Bay Airport To Ocho Rios: $267
- Blue Hole & Horseback Riding Tour with Transfers from Montego Bay: $265
- Explore Montego Bay Jamaica Luxury Round TTransfer in Montego Bay: $253
- Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Kingston Hotels: $245
- MBJ Airport to Strawberry Hill Hotel & Spa Transfer: $243
- VIP Luxury Airport Transfer Mobay, Ocho Rios, Negril, Lucea,: $200
- Luxury Suburban Private Airport Transfer with Chauffeur: $200
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hilo
Also for Hilo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Kona International Airport (KOA) to Kailua-Kona - Arrival Private Transfer: $47
- Kailua-Kona to Kona Airport KOA Private Departure Transfer: $47
- Kona Intl. Airport (KOA) to Waikoloa beach hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $48
- Waikoloa beach hotels to Kona Intl. Airport (KOA) - Departure Private Transfer: $48
- Private Transfer From Hotels in Kailua-Kona to Kona International Airport: $70
- Private Departure Transfer - to Keahole Kona Airport (KOA): $72
- Private Transfer From Kona International Airport to Hotels in Kailua-Kona: $75
- Your Island Welcome: Private KOA Airport Transfers: $94
- Private Transfer from Kailua Kona Port to Kona Airport (KOA): $95
- Private Transfer from Kailua Kona Port to Kailua Kona city hotels: $95
- Private Transfer from Kailua Kona City Hotels to Kailua Kona Port: $95
- Kona Intl Airport (KOA) to Waikoloa beach hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $96
Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Hilo?
Prices for flights to both Hilo 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 $142Hilo $121
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montego Bay
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Montego Bay.
- Street Food Tour in Montego Bay: $59
- 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
- 3 to 5 Hour Private Herbal Tour Shopping and Dinner at Ricks Cafe: $120
- 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
- Authentic Jamaican Food Cooking Experience in the Countryside: $195
- Dinner Experience and Celebration on the Beach with Decorations: $231
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hilo
For Hilo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- From Kilauea Lava Flow Tour with Lunch and Dinner: $189
- Big Island Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay: $189
- Farm-to-Table Chef's Dinner at Kulaniapia Falls: $249
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montego Bay $31Hilo $32
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$2.67
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Snorkeling Trip$19
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One Tank Dive$37
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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:
- “ATV Adventure & Rick’s Café Experience from Montego Bay: $123
- 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 Tour In Jamaica: $72
- 3 Hours Private Tour in Montego Bay From Falmouth: $75
- 3-Hour Private Tour in the Highlights of Montego Bay: $58
- 4 Hour ATV & Horse Back Riding Private Tour (Transportation Only): $105
- 4 Hours Private Night Life Experience in Montego Bay: $66
- 5 Hour Private Tour at Negril Beach and Rick's Cafe: $150
- 7 Mile Beach & Ricks Cafe with free Shopping experience: $50
- 7 Mile Beach Private Tour: $122
Tours and Activities in Hilo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hilo.
- Kona Coffee Farm Tour from Tree to Tasting Room: $5.00
- Kona Manta Ray Snorkel Tour: Guaranteed or come again free: $15
- Big Island Kona Coast Self-Guided Audio Tour: $20
- Big Island North Island Jungle Adventure - Self-Guided Audio Tour: $20
- Big Island - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Driving Tour: $23
- Big Island Farms Tour in Hawaii: $33
- Flight of Aloha: Hawai‘i’s Immersive Flying Ride Experience: $35
- Big Island Adventure Bundle: 5 Epic Audio Driving Tours: $35
- Abalone Farm Tour: $35
- Big Island Epic Coffee Tour at Ohana Ranch: $49
- Celebrate with a Very Private Luxury Cigar Experience at Sunset: $49
- Hawaiian Islands Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour Bundle: $50
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontego Bay $13Hilo $10
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: $231
- Montego Bay Pub Crawl To Negril and Rick's Cafe: $255
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montego Bay and Hilo, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is Hilo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Montego Bay is in Caribbean Islands and Hilo 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 Hilo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hilo 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 Hilo.
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 Hilo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Hilo?
Montego Bay has a larger population, and is about 92% larger than the population of Hilo. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Hilo, 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 Hilo?
Hilo 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 Hilo in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Hilo. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Hilo in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Montego Bay is a little warmer than Hilo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Montego Bay in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montego Bay this time of the year. In the summer, Montego Bay often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Montego Bay gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 169 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Hilo. Montego Bay usually gets less rain in July than Hilo. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMontego Bay 28°C (82°F)Hilo 76°F (24°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Hilo in the Autumn?
Both Hilo 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, most visitors come to Hilo for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Montego Bay is generally a little warmer than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 27°C (81°F), and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during autumn. Montego Bay gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 138 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. It's quite rainy in Montego Bay. In October, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Hilo. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMontego Bay 27°C (81°F)Hilo 76°F (24°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Hilo in the Winter?
Both Hilo 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. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Hilo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Montego Bay is around the same temperature as Hilo in the winter. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).
It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. In the winter, Montego Bay often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Montego Bay gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 158 hours of full sun.
Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Montego Bay usually gets less rain in January than Hilo. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMontego Bay 24°C (75°F)Hilo 72°F (22°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Hilo in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Hilo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.
In the spring, Montego Bay is around the same temperature as Hilo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Montego Bay in April average around 25°C (77°F), and Hilo averages at about 73°F (23°C).
In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montego Bay usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during spring. Montego Bay gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 134 hours of full sun in the spring.
Hilo receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Hilo. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMontego Bay 25°C (77°F)Hilo 73°F (23°C)
Typical Weather for Hilo and Montego Bay
| Montego Bay | Hilo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 8.7 inches (221 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 10.8 inches (274 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 13.6 inches (345 mm) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 15.6 inches (395 mm) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 10.7 inches (272 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 8.5 inches (215 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 9.8 inches (248 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 14.8 inches (375 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 12.6 inches (321 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.