Which place is cheaper, La Serena or Montego Bay?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Montego Bay or La Serena?
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 Serena 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 Serena?
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 Serena
La Serena is a charming town in Northern Chile. It is Chile's second-oldest city and the thriving capital of Region IV. With its beautiful architecture, its long golden shoreline, dignified stone churches, tree-shaded avenues and pretty plazas, La Serena has everything you could ask for!
Chileans on holidays flood in the city in January and February, though it is fairly peaceful outside the summer rush. Some of the city's architecture is from the colonial era, but most is actually neocolonial thanks to president Gabriel Gonzalez Videla, born in La Serena, and her 'Plan Serena' of the late 1940s.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Chile, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Chile.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontego Bay $203La Serena $87
The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $203, while the average daily cost in La Serena is $87. 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 Serena in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontego Bay $104La Serena $42
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontego Bay $208La Serena $84
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and La Serena
Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or La Serena? 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 La Serena Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montego Bay $15La Serena $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- Transfer from/to Airport, Riu Reggae, Riu Montego Bay, Riu Palace: $17
- Transfer Service, Sangster MBJ Airport From/To Iberostar zone: $55
- Tobys Resort Private Airport Transfer: $20
- Sunset at the Palms Negril Airport Transfers: $53
- Southcoast Private Airport Transfer: $108
- Shuttle Transfer From Montego Bay Airport - Negril: $27
- Shuttle Transfer From Montego Bay Airport - Lucea : $20
- Shared Transfer: From/to Montego Bay International Airport: $8.33
- Secrets Wild Orchid Hotel Airport Transfer : $21
- Secrets Wild Ochid/ St. James Private Airport Transfer: $43
- Secrets Resort Airport Transfer: $20
- Secrets & Breathless Hotel Montego Bay - Private Airport Transfer: $24
Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or La Serena?
Prices for flights to both La Serena 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 $84La Serena $27
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montego Bay $32La Serena $24
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$2.74
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Snorkeling Trip$19
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One Tank Dive$38
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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:
- ATV Adventure to Seven Mile Beach and Ricks Cafe: $220
- ATV, Bamboo Rafting, and Horseback Ride Tour From Montego Bay: $173
- Appleton Estate Rum Tour and Pelican Bar Customize Tour: $120
- Bioluminescence Lagoon tour from Montego Bay with Pick Up: $105
- Black River Day Adventure Tour: $92
- Blue Hole Adventure Tour : $120
- Dirt Adventure ATV from Montego Bay: $160
- Floyds Pelican Bar Private Tour : $155
- Green Grotto Cave Private Tour: $115
- Horseback Riding and Tour from Montego Bay : $230
- Jetski Experience: $245
- Luminous Lagoon Night Tour from Montego Bay: $118
Tours and Activities in La Serena
For La Serena, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Full Day History and Flavors Tour in the Elqui Valley: $50
- La Serena and Coquimbo City Tour (SIB): $66
- La Serena and Coquimbo Guided City Tour: $76
- Full day Tour to Elqui Valley : $80
- Elqui Valley Full Day Tour: magical towns, pisco and mountains: $85
- Elqui Valley Tour from La Serena: $120
- La Serena & Coquimbo City Tour - Short excursion for cruise ships: $128
- Tour to the internationally renowned Pangue Observatory: $139
- Tour to Valle del Encanto Archeology, Petroglyphs, Flora, Fauna and Springs: $140
- Dama Island or Chañaral Navigation Tour Humboldt Penguin Reserve: $140
- Elqui Valley: Pisco Tour, Wine, Beer: $174
- Elqui Valley and Vicuña Private Tour Including Lunch: $183
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontego Bay $13La Serena $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
- Montego Bay Jamaica Rum Distillery Tour Private Driver: $215
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montego Bay and La Serena, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is La Serena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Montego Bay is in Caribbean Islands and La Serena is in South 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 Serena would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in La Serena 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 Serena.
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 Serena Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or La Serena?
La Serena has a larger population, and is about 86% larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and La Serena, 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 Serena?
La Serena 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 Serena in the Summer?
Both La Serena and Montego Bay during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Montego Bay because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Montego Bay is generally much warmer than La Serenain January. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 28°C (82°F), and La Serena fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
In La Serena, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. In the summer, Montego Bay often gets around the same amount of sunshine as La Serenain January. Montego Bay gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Serena receives 247 hours of full sun.
Montego Bay usually gets more rain in July than La Serenain January. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while La Serena receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryMontego Bay 28°C (82°F)La Serena 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Montego Bay or La Serena in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and La Serena. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round.
Montego Bay is much warmer than La Serena in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and La Serena fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in April.
In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montego Bay usually receives more sunshine than La Serena during autumn. Montego Bay gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while La Serena receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Montego Bay gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than La Serenain April. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while La Serena receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilMontego Bay 27°C (81°F)La Serena 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Montego Bay or La Serena in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as La Serena. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the winter, Montego Bay is much warmer than La Serena. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montego Bay in January average around 24°C (75°F), and La Serena averages at about 12°C (54°F)in July.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montego Bay this time of the year. In the winter, Montego Bay often gets more sunshine than La Serenain July. Montego Bay gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Serena receives 160 hours of full sun.
Montego Bay usually gets more rain in January than La Serenain July. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while La Serena receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyMontego Bay 24°C (75°F)La Serena 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Montego Bay or La Serena in the Spring?
Both La Serena and Montego Bay are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montego Bay throughout the year.
In April, Montego Bay is generally much warmer than La Serenain October. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 25°C (77°F), and La Serena fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually receives more sunshine than La Serena during spring. Montego Bay gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while La Serena receives 190 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than La Serenain October. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while La Serena receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberMontego Bay 25°C (77°F)La Serena 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for La Serena and Montego Bay
| Montego Bay | La Serena | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.