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

Should you visit Montego Bay or Key Largo?

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 Key Largo 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 Key Largo?

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.

Key Largo

As the lustrous emerald waters ebb and flow against your sandy toes, you find yourself cooled by the gentle breeze as you bask under a golden sun. To you, it's paradise. To everyone else, it's Key Largo. Located in the northernmost of the Florida Keys, Key Largo is known as the dive capital of the world due to its well-preserved coral reefs and clear waters. Just an hour-drive from South Florida's major airports, Key Largo boasts in containing a vast biodiversity, such as tropical hardwoods, creeks, two state parks, a national park, and a portion of a national marine sanctuary. Besides its natural beauty, Key Largo is overflowing with top restaurants and chic boutiques. It is no wonder that Key Largo became a hotspot for Hollywood beach scenes, with even a movie holding its namesake! Whether you look to get your fun by land or by water, there is something for everyone at Key Largo!

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City.


Which place is cheaper, Key Largo 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.

  • Montego Bay Prices
    Jamaica Prices
    Key Largo Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Montego Bay $255
    Key Largo $256

The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $255, while the average daily cost in Key Largo is $256. 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 Key Largo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Montego Bay $100
    Key Largo $117
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Montego Bay $200
    Key Largo $234
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Key Largo

Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Key Largo? 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 Key Largo


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 Key Largo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Montego Bay $14
    Key Largo $56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:

  • Kingston: One Way Private Transfer to Montego Bay Airport: $319
  • Private Airport Transfers To and From Kingston (KIN) Airport: $200
  • Horseback Ride/Swim and Blue Hole Falls Daytrip with Transfers: $190
  • Green Grato Caves and Dunns River Falls with Private Transfer : $180
  • Riu Resorts Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Roundtrip): $169
  • Private Martha Brae Bamboo Rafting Tour with Private Transfer: $135
  • Club Mobay VIP Lounge Access and Round-Trip Airport Transfer: $113
  • Private Transfer to Dunns River Blue Hole Tubing from Montego Bay: $110
  • Private Transfer to Dunn's River Falls and Blue Hole: $110
  • Experience Jamaica Private Tour with Airport Transfer: $100
  • Airport Transfer Service In Montego bay: $95
  • Sandals South Coast Airport Transfer: $80

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Key Largo

Also for Key Largo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Key Largo Private Transfers (up to 14 passengers): $142

Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Key Largo?

Prices for flights to both Key Largo 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 $139
    Key Largo $104

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montego Bay

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Montego Bay.

  • Club2727 Nightlife Experience With Optional Dinner In Montego Bay: $10
  • 3 to 5 Hour Private Herbal Tour Shopping and Dinner at Ricks Cafe: $120
  • Bar Hopping and Local Food Tour in Jamaica : $130
  • Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios Dinner and Nightlife Experience: $150
  • Dinner Experience and Celebration on the Beach with Decorations : $158
  • PRIVATE Food Tour of Local Jamaican Cuisine Montego Bay & Negril: $190

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Montego Bay $31
    Key Largo $27
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
    $2.63
  • Snorkeling Trip
    $18
  • One Tank Dive
    $37
  • 1.5 Hr Horseback Ride
    $42

Tours and Activities in Montego Bay

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Montego Bay are as follows:

  • Black River Day Adventure Tour: $92
  • Dunn’s River Secret falls with Horse-back&Bamboo Raft Experience: $125
  • Falmouth Mystic from Montego Bay Luminous Lagoon Night Tour: $90
  • Luminous Lagoon Glow in the Dark Boat Tour from Montego Bay: $65
  • Luminous Lagoon Night Tour from Montego Bay: $118
  • Private Dolphin Cove Adventure : $250
  • 1 Hour Horse Back Riding & Dunn's River Falls Tour Combo: $240
  • 3 Hours Private Highlights Tour & Shopping in Montego Bay Jamaica: $100
  • 3 Hours Private Tour in Montego Bay From Falmouth: $75
  • 7 Mile Beach & Ricks Cafe with free Shopping experience: $50
  • ATV Adventure and Rick's Cafe Tour with Transportation: $238
  • ATV Jungle Safari Tour from Montego Bay: $125

Tours and Activities in Key Largo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Key Largo.

  • Florida Key West Self-Guided Driving Tour (7 Mile Bridge): $17
  • Key Largo Coral Reef Glass Bottom Boat Adventure : $45
  • Key Largo Sunset Cruise: $60
  • Small Group Florida Keys Eco Tour by Boat: $60
  • Snorkel Tours to Shallow Coral Reefs at Pennekamp Underwater Park: $64
  • Sunset Cruise: $65
  • Boat Eco Tour: $65
  • Key Largo Day Tour: $65
  • Key Largo Bay Sunset Tour: $66
  • Mangroves and Manatees - Guided Kayak Eco Tour: $67
  • Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Adventure in Key Largo: $68
  • 1.5 Hour Bay Side Key Largo Sunset Cruise on a Spacious Catamaran: $69

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Montego Bay $13
    Key Largo $24

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


When comparing the travel costs between Montego Bay and Key Largo, we can see that Key Largo 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 Key Largo 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 Key Largo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Key Largo?

Montego Bay has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Key Largo. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Key Largo, 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 Key Largo?

Key Largo 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 Key Largo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Key Largo. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Key Largo this time of year.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. 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 Key Largo. Montego Bay gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Key Largo receives 316 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Key Largo. Montego Bay usually gets less rain in July than Key Largo. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Key Largo receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Montego Bay 28°C (82°F) 
    Key Largo 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Key Largo in the Autumn?

Both Key Largo 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.

In October, Montego Bay is generally around the same temperature as Key Largo. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 27°C (81°F), and Key Largo fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Key Largo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually receives less sunshine than Key Largo during autumn. Montego Bay gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Key Largo receives 275 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. It's quite rainy in Montego Bay. In October, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Key Largo. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Key Largo receives 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Montego Bay 27°C (81°F) 
    Key Largo 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Key Largo in the Winter?

Both Key Largo 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. Also, many visitors come to Key Largo in the winter for the cuisine.

Montego Bay is a little warmer than Key Largo in the winter. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Key Largo fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

In Key Largo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. In the winter, Montego Bay often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Key Largo. Montego Bay gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Key Largo receives 243 hours of full sun.

Montego Bay usually gets more rain in January than Key Largo. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Key Largo receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Montego Bay 24°C (75°F) 
    Key Largo 67°F (19°C)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Key Largo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Key Largo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Also, most visitors come to Key Largo for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Montego Bay is around the same temperature as Key Largo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Montego Bay in April average around 25°C (77°F), and Key Largo averages at about 74°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key Largo this time of the year. In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montego Bay usually receives less sunshine than Key Largo during spring. Montego Bay gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Key Largo receives 300 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Key Largo. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Key Largo receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Montego Bay 25°C (77°F) 
    Key Largo 74°F (24°C)

Typical Weather for Key Largo and Montego Bay

Montego Bay Key Largo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 67°F (19°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 71°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
Apr 25°C (77°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 26°C (79°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)