Which place is cheaper, Islamorada or Montego Bay?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Montego Bay or Islamorada?
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 Islamorada 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 Islamorada?
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.
Islamorada
From its thriving coral reefs to its miraculous botanical gardens, you will find adventure on both land and sea at Islamorada, Florida. Islamorada, or "Village of Islands," is located in Monroe County and holds a population of no more than 6,119. As Islamorada's village is occupied within a cluster of nearby islands, Islamorada is located on Tea Table Key, Lower Matecumbe Key, Upper Matecumbe Key, Windley Key and Plantation Key in the Florida Keys. The village is relatively small, expanding to about 7.2 square miles total. Approximately an hour and a half-drive from Miami and a two hour-drive from Key West, Islamorada works swimmingly for those who seek to acquaint themselves with the tropical pleasures of the Keys.
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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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontego Bay $203Islamorada $145
The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $203, while the average daily cost in Islamorada is $145. 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 Islamorada in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontego Bay $104Islamorada $79
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontego Bay $208Islamorada $158
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Islamorada
Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Islamorada? 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 Islamorada Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montego Bay $15Islamorada $28
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 Islamorada?
Prices for flights to both Islamorada 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 $84Islamorada $47
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montego Bay $32Islamorada $19
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
Tours and Activities in Islamorada
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Islamorada.
- Snorkeling Experience : $80
- 2-Hour Snorkeling Adventure on Pontoon : $80
- Day Tour Glass Bottom Boat In Islamorada: $80
- Night Tour Glass Bottom Boat in Islamorada: $80
- Islamorada Florida Keys Sunset Sightseeing Cruise Music : $86
- Snorkeling Adventure in Islamorada : $90
- Snorkeling and Beach Adventure from Cheeca Spa: $90
- Snorkeling and Beach Adventure: $90
- Guided Tour with Local Highlights: $95
- Snorkel Adventure & Sandbar Trip: $130
- Snorkel Adventure & Sandbar Trip from Cheeca Spa: $140
- Snorkel adventure & Sandbar Trip : $150
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontego Bay $13Islamorada $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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montego Bay and Islamorada, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is Islamorada much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Montego Bay is in Caribbean Islands and Islamorada 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 Islamorada would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Islamorada 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 Islamorada.
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 Islamorada Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Islamorada?
Montego Bay has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Islamorada. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Islamorada, 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 Islamorada?
Islamorada 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 Islamorada in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Islamorada. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Islamorada because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Montego Bay is generally around the same temperature as Islamorada. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 28°C (82°F), and Islamorada fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamorada. 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 Islamorada. Montego Bay gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamorada receives 328 hours of full sun.
Montego Bay usually gets less rain in July than Islamorada. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Islamorada receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMontego Bay 28°C (82°F)Islamorada 84°F (29°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Islamorada in the Autumn?
Both Islamorada 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 shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Islamorada this time of year.
Montego Bay is around the same temperature as Islamorada in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Islamorada fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).
It's quite sunny in Islamorada. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually receives less sunshine than Islamorada during autumn. Montego Bay gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Islamorada receives 258 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Islamorada. It's quite rainy in Montego Bay. In October, Montego Bay usually receives around the same amount of rain as Islamorada. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Islamorada receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Islamorada is June to November.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMontego Bay 27°C (81°F)Islamorada 80°F (27°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Islamorada in the Winter?
Both Islamorada 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, many travelers come to Islamorada for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Montego Bay is a little warmer than Islamorada. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montego Bay in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Islamorada averages at about 70°F (21°C).
In Islamorada, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. In the winter, Montego Bay often gets less sunshine than Islamorada. Montego Bay gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamorada receives 252 hours of full sun.
Montego Bay usually gets more rain in January than Islamorada. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Islamorada receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMontego Bay 24°C (75°F)Islamorada 70°F (21°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Islamorada in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Islamorada. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Islamorada in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In April, Montego Bay is generally around the same temperature as Islamorada. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 25°C (77°F), and Islamorada fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamorada this time of the year. In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montego Bay usually receives less sunshine than Islamorada during spring. Montego Bay gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Islamorada receives 326 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Islamorada. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Islamorada receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Islamorada.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMontego Bay 25°C (77°F)Islamorada 77°F (25°C)
Typical Weather for Islamorada and Montego Bay
| Montego Bay | Islamorada | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 70°F (21°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 71°F (21°C) | 1.4 inches (36 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 83°F (28°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 84°F (29°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 84°F (29°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 83°F (29°C) | 5.7 inches (144 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 80°F (27°C) | 5.1 inches (129 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 1.4 inches (35 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.