Which place is cheaper, Koh Phi Phi 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.
Jump to 
Should you visit Montego Bay or Koh Phi Phi?
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 Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi?
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.
Koh Phi Phi
The islands of Koh Phi Phi, off the coast of southwestern Thailand, are very popular with travelers because of their unrivaled tropical scenery, clear blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and undersea attractions. However, in the last decade, Koh Phi Phi has seen a huge surge in tourism, adding to the crowds and pollution of the main (and only populated) island, known as Koh Phi Phi Don.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Thailand.
-
Montego Bay Prices
Jamaica PricesKoh Phi Phi Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontego Bay $255Koh Phi Phi $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $255, while the average daily cost in Koh Phi Phi is $95. 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 Koh Phi Phi in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontego Bay $100Koh Phi Phi $50
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontego Bay $200Koh Phi Phi $100
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Koh Phi Phi
Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Koh Phi Phi? 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 Koh Phi Phi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montego Bay $14Koh Phi Phi $7.93
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Phi Phi:
-
Ferry to Maya Beach (for 2)$17
-
Longboat Taxi$3.14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Phi Phi
Also for Koh Phi Phi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Speedboat Transfer Phi Phi Tonsai to Phuket with Dropoff Service: $29
- Easy Island Transfer from Phi Phi Island to Koh Tao: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Koh Phi Phi?
Prices for flights to both Koh Phi Phi 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 dayMontego Bay $139Koh Phi Phi $23
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
Typical Food Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Phi Phi:
-
Crepe$1.88
-
Sit Down Lunch$11
-
Casual Lunch$6.59
-
Coconut Donut$0.31
-
Lunch at Mexican Restaurant (for 2)$13
-
Sit Down Dinner$16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Koh Phi Phi
For Koh Phi Phi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- International Dinner & Cabaret Show - Ala Carte Package: $22
- International Dinner & Cabaret Show - Set Menu Package: $80
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montego Bay $31Koh Phi Phi $52
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Koh Phi Phi
For Koh Phi Phi, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Kayak Rental$9.42
Tours and Activities in Koh Phi Phi
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Phi Phi.
- Ferry from Phi Phi Islands to Phuket with Dropoff Service by Royal Jet Cruiser: $15
- Phi Phi Island Half Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $18
- Phi Phi Sunset Longtail Boat Cruise to Maya Bay and Snorkeling: $18
- Phuket Trick Eye Museum Admission Ticket: $19
- Phi Phi Island To Phuket By Phi Phi Cruiser: $19
- Half-Day Phi Phi Island Longtail Boat Tour with Maya Bay Visit: $19
- Koh Phi Phi to Phuket by Phi Phi Cruiser: $19
- Snorkeling Phi Phi Islands Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $20
- Phuket Trick Eye Museum Admission Ticket (SHA Plus): $22
- Trick Eye Museum at Phuket Admission Ticket: $24
- Half-Day Morning Bamboo Island Tour from Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $25
- Phi Phi Islands Sunset Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $25
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontego Bay $13Koh Phi Phi $6.51
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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Koh Phi Phi from other travelers:
-
Mojito Bucket$16
-
Banana Daiquiri$6.28
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montego Bay and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is Koh Phi Phi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Montego Bay is in Caribbean Islands and Koh Phi Phi is in Asia, 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 Koh Phi Phi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi.
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 Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Koh Phi Phi?
Montego Bay has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Koh Phi Phi, 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 Koh Phi Phi?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Montego Bay or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Koh Phi Phi. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Montego Bay usually gets less rain in July than Koh Phi Phi. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. 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 Koh Phi Phi. Montego Bay gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 206 hours of full sun.
Montego Bay is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi in the summer. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyMontego Bay 28°C (82°F)Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Koh Phi Phi in the Autumn?
Both Koh Phi Phi 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. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Koh Phi Phi is December to March. The rainy season in Koh Phi Phi is May to November. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. It's quite rainy in Montego Bay. In October, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually receives more sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during autumn. Montego Bay gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In the autumn, Montego Bay is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Montego Bay in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 27°C (81°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMontego Bay 27°C (81°F)Koh Phi Phi 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?
Both Koh Phi Phi 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.
December to March is the dry season in Koh Phi Phi. Montego Bay usually gets more rain in January than Koh Phi Phi. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Koh Phi Phi, 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 Koh Phi Phi. Montego Bay gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun.
In January, Montego Bay is generally cooler than Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 24°C (75°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMontego Bay 24°C (75°F)Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Koh Phi Phi. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Also, May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi. Koh Phi Phi receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Phi Phi this time of the year. In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montego Bay usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during spring. Montego Bay gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 249 hours of full sun in the spring.
Montego Bay is cooler than Koh Phi Phi in the spring. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 25°C (77°F) in April, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilMontego Bay 25°C (77°F)Koh Phi Phi 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Montego Bay
| Montego Bay | Koh Phi Phi | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
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.