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

Should you visit Montego Bay or La Paz?

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 La Paz 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 La Paz?

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.

La Paz

La Paz is the capital of Baja California Sur, Mexico. It has a population of about 215,000 people and is a significant commercial center for the region. The city has a good economy and a high standard of living when compared to much of Mexico. Much of the economy is focused on eco-tourism and there are many protected marine environments in the area.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Mexico, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, La Paz or Montego Bay?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $203, while the average daily cost in La Paz is $118. 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 La Paz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Montego Bay $104
    La Paz $52
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Montego Bay $208
    La Paz $104
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and La Paz

Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or La Paz? 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 La Paz


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 La Paz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Montego Bay $15
    La Paz $22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:

  • Shared Transfer: From/to Montego Bay International Airport: $8.33
  • Montego Bay Hotels Private Transfer : $10
  • Montego Bay Hotels Private Airport Transfer : $10
  • Riu Reggae , Riu Palace & Riu Mobay Montego Bay Airport Transfers: $11
  • Private Transfer Sangster International Airport to Montego Bay: $12
  • RIU Reggae Palace and RIU Montego Bay Private Airport Transfer: $13
  • Private Airport Transfer to Sandals Montego : $13
  • MBJ Airport: Private Transfer to Montego Bay: $14
  • Airport Transfer to RIU Montego Bay/Palace/Reggae: $14
  • Private Airport Transfer to Half Moon - Holiday Inn - Zoetry: $14
  • Private Airport Transfer to Breathless/ to Secrets Resort: $14
  • Private Airport Transfer to Hyatt Ziva & Zilara to Jewel Grande: $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Paz

Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Paz:

  • Roundtrip Transfer to La Paz International Airport: $73
  • La Paz Airport to Costa Baja Private Roundtrip Transfer: $89
  • La Paz Int. Airport (LAP): Private Transfer to La Paz hotels: $174
  • Private Transfer from La Paz to Cabo San Lucas: $240
  • La Paz Airport: Private Roundtrip Transfer to La Ventan: $259

Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or La Paz?

Prices for flights to both La Paz 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 $84
    La Paz $38

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montego Bay

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

  • Private Transportation to DINNER or NIGHT CLUBS: $55
  • Lunch or Dinner with Pickup from Montego Bay : $81
  • Night cruise and swim the Falmouth Mystic Lagoon, Dinner and Rum Punch Inclusive: $85
  • Rick’s Cafe Cliff Diving, Sunset & Dinner Tour with Transportation : $130
  • Sunset Boat Ride in the Falmouth Luminous Lagoon swim and Dinner : $165
  • Sunset Boat Cruise in Falmouth Luminous Lagoon, Swim and Dinner : $170
  • Restaurant Transportation for Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Montego Bay: $180
  • Houseboat Restaurant and Grill for Dinner Private Transportation : $180
  • Private Sea-Food Tour & Floyds Pelican Bar from Montego Bay or ..: $185
  • [PRIVATE] Premium Jamaican Food Tour of Local Cuisine: $190

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Paz

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in La Paz.

  • 4 Hours of Guided La Paz Street Food Tour: $81

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Montego Bay $32
    La Paz $13
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
    $2.74
  • Snorkeling Trip
    $19
  • One Tank Dive
    $38
  • 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:

  • Greenwood Great House Entry Ticket: $20
  • Cinnamon Hill Great House Tour - Home of Johnny Cash: $23
  • Skip the Line: Rose Hall Great House & Garden Tour Ticket: $30
  • Montego Bay Sightseeing Tour and Souvenir Shopping: $35
  • Private Shopping Tour in Montego Bay with Hotel Pickup: $35
  • Skip the Line: Ahhh Ras Natango Gallery and Garden Admission Tickets: $35
  • Rose Hall Great House Haunted Night Tour: $35
  • Shopping and Sightseeing Tour of Montego Bay City: $39
  • Shopping and Sightseeing Local Guided Tour In Montego Bay: $40
  • Montego Bay Walking Tour: $40
  • Bamboo Rafting, Hip-Strip & Margaritaville Tour from Montego Bay: $40
  • Private Montego Bay Shopping Tour with Transportation: $45

Tours and Activities in La Paz

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for La Paz are as follows:

  • Transparent Boat Tour with Mushroom Rock: $64
  • Pearls of Pearl Farm Experience: $64
  • Half Day Sandboarding and Paddleboarding Experience in La Paz: $81
  • Unique Mexican Spirits Tasting & Pairing Experience: $85
  • Sunset Sandboarding at La Paz Dunes Tour: $89
  • City Tour & Beaches from La Paz: $91
  • Supercombo 2-Day City Tour: $105
  • Half Day Private Tour of the Beaches of La Paz: $113
  • From Los Cabos: City Tour La Paz, Balandra and Todos Santos: $115
  • holy spirit island tour: $116
  • Los Cabos Tour from La Paz: $119
  • Snorkel Tour with Whale Shark in La Paz: $119

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Montego Bay $13
    La Paz $12

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: $215


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montego Bay and La Paz, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is La Paz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Montego Bay is in Caribbean Islands and La Paz is in North America, 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 La Paz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in La Paz 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 La Paz.

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 La Paz Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or La Paz?

La Paz has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and La Paz, 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 La Paz?

La Paz 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 La Paz in the Summer?

Both La Paz 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. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to La Paz this time of year.

Montego Bay is around the same temperature as La Paz in the summer. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and La Paz fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).

It's quite sunny in La Paz. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually receives less sunshine than La Paz during summer. Montego Bay gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while La Paz receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than La Paz. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Montego Bay 28°C (82°F) 
    La Paz 30°C (86°F)

Should I visit Montego Bay or La Paz in the Autumn?

Both La Paz 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. Also, many travelers come to La Paz for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Montego Bay is around the same temperature as La Paz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Montego Bay in October average around 27°C (81°F), and La Paz averages at about 27°C (80°F).

In La Paz, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. In the autumn, Montego Bay often gets less sunshine than La Paz. Montego Bay gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Paz receives 272 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 La Paz. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Montego Bay 27°C (81°F) 
    La Paz 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Montego Bay or La Paz in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and La Paz. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Also, many visitors come to La Paz in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Montego Bay is generally a little warmer than La Paz. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 24°C (75°F), and La Paz fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Paz this time of the year. In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montego Bay usually receives more sunshine than La Paz during winter. Montego Bay gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while La Paz receives 200 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than La Paz. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Montego Bay 24°C (75°F) 
    La Paz 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Montego Bay or La Paz in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as La Paz. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to La Paz for the beaches during these months.

Montego Bay is a little warmer than La Paz in the spring. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 25°C (77°F) in April, and La Paz fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Paz. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montego Bay this time of the year. In the spring, Montego Bay often gets less sunshine than La Paz. Montego Bay gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Paz receives 292 hours of full sun.

Montego Bay usually gets more rain in April than La Paz. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Montego Bay 25°C (77°F) 
    La Paz 23°C (73°F)

Typical Weather for La Paz and Montego Bay

Montego Bay La Paz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 18°C (65°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 20°C (69°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 25°C (77°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in)
May 26°C (79°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 30°C (86°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 30°C (87°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 30°C (85°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 27°C (80°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 20°C (67°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)