Which place is cheaper, Kailua-Kona 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 Kailua-Kona?
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 Kailua-Kona 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 Kailua-Kona?
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.
Kailua-Kona
Kailua-Kona, often simply called Kona, is a vibrant seaside town located on the west coast of Hawaii’s Big Island. Known for its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere, Kona offers travelers an appealing mix of natural beauty and Hawaiian culture. The town is famous for its historic waterfront, local coffee farms, and as the gateway to many of the island’s unique adventures. Despite its popularity, Kailua-Kona remains more relaxed and less crowded than some of Hawaii’s other tourist hubs. Beach lovers, water sports enthusiasts, history buffs, and foodies will all find plenty to enjoy here. With a mix of affordable accommodations, local eateries, and free or inexpensive attractions, it’s a great destination for budget travelers. The nearby volcanic landscapes, snorkeling spots, and lively marketplaces make it an excellent base for exploring the west side of the Big Island.
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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Montego Bay Prices
Jamaica PricesKailua-Kona Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontego Bay $258Kailua-Kona $274
The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $258, while the average daily cost in Kailua-Kona is $274. 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 Kailua-Kona in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontego Bay $102Kailua-Kona $141
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontego Bay $204Kailua-Kona $282
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Kailua-Kona
Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Kailua-Kona? 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 Kailua-Kona Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montego Bay $15Kailua-Kona $45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- Breathless Resort Exclusive Private Airport Transfer: $10
- Private Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Negril *Air Conditioning: $10
- Private Airport Transfers from Montego Bay: $10
- Princess Resorts Cousins Cove Green Island Jamaica Transfers: $10
- Private Airport transfer Montego Bay: $12
- Montego Bay Airport Transfer: RIU Mobay, RIU Reggae & RIU Palace: $13
- El Greco Resort Private Airport Transfer: $13
- Private Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Montego Bay Hotels: $14
- Private Airport Transfer To Riu Montego Bay, Palace & Reggae: $14
- Private Transfer From Montego Bay Airport to Hotel in Montego Bay: $14
- RIU Reggae Palace and RIU Montego Bay Private Airport Transfer: $14
- Montego Bay Jamaica Airport Transfer to Montego Bay and Falmouth: $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
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Rental Car for One Day$35
Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Kailua-Kona?
Prices for flights to both Kailua-Kona 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 $142Kailua-Kona $100
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
Typical Food Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of dining costs in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
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Buffet Breakfast for Two$53
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montego Bay $31Kailua-Kona $40
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:
- Shopping Tour for Whitter Village Mall Private / Charted Air Conditioned Taxi: $20
- Montego Bay Beach Day Experience: $20
- Lethe Rafting And Margaritaville Tour from Montego Bay: $20
- Souvenirs and Gift shopping Tour in Montego Bay: $20
- Cinnamon Hill Great House Tour: Home of Johnny Cash: $23
- Night Life Tour in Montego Bay with complimentary section/table: $25
- Jamaica Bamboo Rafting Experience with Lime Stone Massage: $25
- Montego Bay Cruise Ship Port to Doctor's Cave Beach and City Tour: $29
- Private Tour Souvenir Shopping in Montego Bay: $30
- Montego Bay Private Shopping Tour with Hotel Pickup: $30
- Doctor Cave Beach and Hip Strip Shopping from Cruise Ship: $30
- Great River Bamboo Rafting and Limestone Foot Massage Tour From Montego Bay: $30
Typical Entertainment Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
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Diving with Manta Rays for Two$162
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Body Board Rental (1 Day)$12
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1 Day Kayak Rental$47
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2 Tank Morning Scuba Dive$115
Tours and Activities in Kailua-Kona
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kailua-Kona are as follows:
- From Kona: Volcano & Waterfall Tour Small Group Tour: $295
- Kona: Private Volcano Tour With Falls And Black Sand: $2,299
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontego Bay $13Kailua-Kona $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 Jamaica Rum Distillery Tour Private Driver: $231
- Montego Bay Pub Crawl To Negril and Rick's Cafe: $255
When comparing the travel costs between Montego Bay and Kailua-Kona, we can see that Kailua-Kona 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 Kailua-Kona 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 Kailua-Kona Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Kailua-Kona?
Montego Bay has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Kailua-Kona. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Kailua-Kona, 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 Kailua-Kona?
Kailua-Kona 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 Kailua-Kona in the Summer?
Both Kailua-Kona and Montego Bay are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montego Bay throughout the year.
In July, Montego Bay is generally around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 28°C (82°F), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during summer. Montego Bay gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Montego Bay usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kailua-Kona. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMontego Bay 28°C (82°F)Kailua-Kona 78°F (25°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?
Both Kailua-Kona and Montego Bay during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Montego Bay because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Montego Bay is around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).
It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. In the autumn, Montego Bay often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Montego Bay gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 138 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually gets more rain in October than Kailua-Kona. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMontego Bay 27°C (81°F)Kailua-Kona 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Kailua-Kona. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round.
In the winter, Montego Bay is around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montego Bay in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 74°F (23°C).
In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montego Bay usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during winter. Montego Bay gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.
Kailua-Kona receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Kailua-Kona. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMontego Bay 24°C (75°F)Kailua-Kona 74°F (23°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Kailua-Kona. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Montego Bay is generally around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 25°C (77°F), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montego Bay this time of the year. In the spring, Montego Bay often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Montego Bay gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 134 hours of full sun.
Montego Bay usually gets less rain in April than Kailua-Kona. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMontego Bay 25°C (77°F)Kailua-Kona 74°F (24°C)
Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Montego Bay
| Montego Bay | Kailua-Kona | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 4.4 inches (111 mm) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 78°F (25°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 79°F (26°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.6 inches (41 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 3.4 inches (87 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.