Which place is cheaper, Koh Tao 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 Koh Tao?
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 Tao 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 Tao?
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 Tao
With a name that literally means, "Turtle Island," Koh Tao, Thailand is the type of vacation spot divers dream of. There is the faintest current and a buffet of dive sites and shops.
This tiny island hosts hundreds of thousands of visitors a year, but take not that there are no garbage disposal facilities. Everything that can't be burnt needs to be taken from the island. Avoid plastic bags, and don't dump your trash in the open landscape (then again, why would you?) because there are no departments for road clean up. Water and electricity on the island are scarce, so use them wisely.
Keep in mind that monsoon season from November to January so you may be faced with constant rain for days at a time in those months.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, and The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand.
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Montego Bay Prices
Jamaica PricesKoh Tao Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontego Bay $255Koh Tao $50
The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $255, while the average daily cost in Koh Tao is $50. 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 Tao in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontego Bay $100Koh Tao $16
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontego Bay $200Koh Tao $32
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Koh Tao
Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Koh Tao? 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 Tao Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montego Bay $14Koh Tao $9.98
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 Tao
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Tao:
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Motorbike Rental$5.97
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Chumpon to Koh Tao Ferry$20
Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Koh Tao?
Prices for flights to both Koh Tao 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 $139Koh Tao $18
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 Tao
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Tao:
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Sit Down Lunch (for One)$6.28
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Breakfast$4.71
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Casual Breakfast (for Two)$3.77
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Fancy Dinner (for Two)$15
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Pancake$2.20
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American Breakfast (for Two)$8.79
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Dinner at Bam Bam (for Two)$8.48
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Koh Tao
For Koh Tao, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Half Day Thai Cooking Class with Sea View from Koh Tao : $51
- Memorable Thai Cooking Class with Stunning View from Koh Tao : $55
- Private Thai Cooking Class at Rooftop Kitchen on Koh Tao: $208
- Koh Tao Private Rooftop Thai Cooking Class with Scenic View: $222
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montego Bay $31Koh Tao $30
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$2.63
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Snorkeling Trip$18
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One Tank Dive$37
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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 Tao
For Koh Tao, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Kayak Rental (One Hour)$7.85
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Snorkel Rental$3.14
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Kayak and Snorkel (2)$3.14
Tours and Activities in Koh Tao
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Tao.
- Full day snorkeling adventure around Koh Tao: $24
- Amazing 5 Point Snorkeling Tour in Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan: $24
- Koh Nang Yuan and Koh Tao 5 Point Snorkeling Tour: $27
- Snorkelling Trip 5 Island Tour Around Koh Tao and Koh Nang yuan: $27
- Snorkel Tour to Koh Nangyuan and the hidden bays of Koh Tao onboard the Oxygen: $27
- No Rush Morning & Afternoon 5 Stop Snorkeling tour for Koh Tao: $27
- 5 Islands Full-Day Tour Around Koh Tao and Koh Nangyuan: $27
- Koh Tao Top Crystal Clear Snorkeling Day Tour by Big Boat : $27
- Koh Tao Snorkeling Tour to Hidden Bays and Koh Nang Yuan : $29
- Koh Tao's First Light Snorkel Adventure with Oxygen Tours: $32
- Premium Snorkel Tour to the Bays of Koh Tao onboard the Oxygen: $37
- CocoTipAdventures and Snorkel with Meals-BBQs-Cocktail-Sunset: $54
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontego Bay $13Koh Tao $8.22
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 Tao
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Koh Tao from other travelers:
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Beer$2.04
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Bottle of Wine$12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montego Bay and Koh Tao, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is Koh Tao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Montego Bay is in Caribbean Islands and Koh Tao 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 Tao would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Tao 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 Tao.
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 Tao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Koh Tao?
Montego Bay has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Koh Tao. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Koh Tao, 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 Tao?
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 Tao in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Koh Tao. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tao throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Koh Tao. Montego Bay usually gets less rain in July than Koh Tao. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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 Tao. Montego Bay gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 195 hours of full sun.
Montego Bay is a little warmer than Koh Tao in the summer. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMontego Bay 28°C (82°F)Koh Tao 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Koh Tao in the Autumn?
Both Koh Tao 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 Tao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The rainy season in Koh Tao is October and November. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Tao. It's quite rainy in Montego Bay. In October, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Koh Tao. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 276 mm (10.9 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 Tao during autumn. Montego Bay gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In the autumn, Montego Bay is a little warmer than Koh Tao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Montego Bay in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Koh Tao averages at about 24°C (76°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMontego Bay 27°C (81°F)Koh Tao 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Koh Tao in the Winter?
Both Koh Tao 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 Tao year-round.
February to June is the dry season in Koh Tao. Montego Bay usually gets less rain in January than Koh Tao. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Koh Tao, 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 Tao. Montego Bay gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 255 hours of full sun.
In January, Montego Bay is generally around the same temperature as Koh Tao. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 24°C (75°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMontego Bay 24°C (75°F)Koh Tao 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Koh Tao in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Koh Tao. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Koh Tao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
February to June in Koh Tao is the dry season. In April, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Koh Tao. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Tao this time of the year. In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montego Bay usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Tao during spring. Montego Bay gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 239 hours of full sun in the spring.
Montego Bay is around the same temperature as Koh Tao in the spring. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 25°C (77°F) in April, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMontego Bay 25°C (77°F)Koh Tao 25°C (77°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Tao and Montego Bay
| Montego Bay | Koh Tao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 380 mm (15 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 118 mm (4.6 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.