Which place is cheaper, Jacksonville or Montego Bay?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Montego Bay or Jacksonville?
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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville?
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.
Jacksonville
As the sky above you darkens, the city around you glows with a vividness of a thousand colors as you hear the soft swell of waves upon the shore. Such an urban paradise is none other than Jacksonville, Florida. Located on the northeastern side of the sunshine state, Jacksonville stands where the St. John's River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Estimated to be the 12th most populous city in the United States, Jacksonville works as the cultural, commercial and financial hive of north Florida. The large city is known for its exquisite beaches, interactive museums, and golf course areas. Surf, shop, and socialize in one of Florida's most popular metropolitan areas.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontego Bay $203Jacksonville $220
The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $203, while the average daily cost in Jacksonville is $220. 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 Jacksonville in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontego Bay $104Jacksonville $92
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontego Bay $208Jacksonville $184
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Jacksonville
Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Jacksonville? 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 Jacksonville Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montego Bay $15Jacksonville $53
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- Zoëtry Resorts Montego Bay Airport Transfer: $20
- Tryall / Round Hill - Montego Bay Airport Transfers: $107
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Montego Bay APT-HTL (MBJ): $37
- Tropical Court Hotel Private Airport Transfer : $13
- Transfer from/to Airport, Riu Reggae, Riu Montego Bay, Riu Palace: $17
- Transfer Service, Sangster MBJ Airport From/To Iberostar zone: $55
- Tobys Resort Private Airport Transfer: $20
- 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
- Sunscape Splash Montego Bay Private Airport Transfer: $20
- Sunscape Resorts Montego Bay Private Airport Transfers: $21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jacksonville
Also for Jacksonville, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Carnival Cruise Port to Jacksonville Airport (JAX) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
- Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville Cruise Port -Arrival Private Transfer: $55
- Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Arrival Private Transfer: $61
- Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $123
- JAX Airport Transfer to Hyatt Place/ St. Johns Town Center: $164
- JAX Airport Transfer to Amelia Island: $195
- Carnival Cruise Port Transfer to Jacksonville: $336
Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Jacksonville?
Prices for flights to both Jacksonville 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 $84Jacksonville $96
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jacksonville
For Jacksonville, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 1 Hour of Chocolate Pizza Making Class in Jacksonville: $18
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montego Bay $32Jacksonville $20
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 Jacksonville
For Jacksonville, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 20 Minutes Chocolate & Candy Factory Tour in Jacksonville: $6.00
- Murray Hill Walking Mural Tour: $25
- Downtown Fernandina Historical Walking Tour: $30
- Jacksonville Ghosts and Ghouls Tour By US Ghost Adventures: $30
- Amelia Island Area Kayak Rental on Lofton Creek with Adventures Up The Creek: $36
- 1-Hour Escape Room Adventure: $41
- Self-Guided Kayaking: Real Florida Adventure: $45
- Self Guided Family Friendly Kayak Rental Experience Old Florida : $48
- Eight Flags Road Tour: $50
- Electric Bike Tour with Free Application for Navigation: $50
- Guided Kayak Eco Tour: Real Florida Adventure: $55
- Amelia Island Guided Kayak Tour of Lofton Creek : $60
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontego Bay $13Jacksonville $20
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 Jacksonville
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Jacksonville:
- Jax Brewery Tour (Drinks Included): $135
When comparing the travel costs between Montego Bay and Jacksonville, we can see that Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Jacksonville?
Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Jacksonville, 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 Jacksonville?
Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville in the Summer?
Both Jacksonville 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. Also, many travelers come to Jacksonville for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Montego Bay is around the same temperature as Jacksonville. Typically, the summer temperatures in Montego Bay in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Jacksonville averages at about 82°F (28°C).
In Jacksonville, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. In the summer, Montego Bay often gets less sunshine than Jacksonville. Montego Bay gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jacksonville receives 286 hours of full sun.
Jacksonville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Montego Bay usually gets less rain in July than Jacksonville. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Jacksonville receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMontego Bay 28°C (82°F)Jacksonville 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Jacksonville in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Jacksonville. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Also, many visitors come to Jacksonville in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Montego Bay is generally a little warmer than Jacksonville. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 27°C (81°F), and Jacksonville fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jacksonville this time of the year. In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montego Bay usually receives more sunshine than Jacksonville during autumn. Montego Bay gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Jacksonville receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Montego Bay gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Jacksonville. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Jacksonville receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Jacksonville.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMontego Bay 27°C (81°F)Jacksonville 70°F (21°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Jacksonville in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Jacksonville. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Jacksonville for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Montego Bay is much warmer than Jacksonville in the winter. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Jacksonville fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montego Bay this time of the year. In the winter, Montego Bay often gets more sunshine than Jacksonville. Montego Bay gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jacksonville receives 191 hours of full sun.
Montego Bay usually gets less rain in January than Jacksonville. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Jacksonville receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMontego Bay 24°C (75°F)Jacksonville 53°F (12°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Jacksonville in the Spring?
Both Jacksonville 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. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Jacksonville because of the beaches and the activities around the city.
In the spring, Montego Bay is a little warmer than Jacksonville. Typically, the spring temperatures in Montego Bay in April average around 25°C (77°F), and Jacksonville averages at about 68°F (20°C).
It's quite sunny in Jacksonville. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually receives less sunshine than Jacksonville during spring. Montego Bay gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Jacksonville receives 285 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Jacksonville. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Jacksonville receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Jacksonville is the hurricane season.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMontego Bay 25°C (77°F)Jacksonville 68°F (20°C)
Typical Weather for Jacksonville and Montego Bay
| Montego Bay | Jacksonville | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 53°F (12°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 80°F (27°C) | 5.7 inches (146 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 5.4 inches (137 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 7.8 inches (199 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 79°F (26°C) | 7.1 inches (180 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 70°F (21°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 2.2 inches (55 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 2.7 inches (69 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.