Which place is cheaper, Lancaster 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 Lancaster?
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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster?
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.
Lancaster
The largest city in Pennsylvania's Dutch Country, Lancaster is surrounded by scenic landscape and a unique culture. The area is predominately agricultural in nature and you will find lush farms growing crops and produce most seasons. The Amish communities are spread throughout the area and although they remain relatively isolated, they are acknowledged by fellow community members and their customs are respected. The Amish community prides themselves on minimalist living. They do not use electricity and travel around in horse and buggy, a sight which you will grow accustomed to while you're in the area. They are excellent farmers and craftsmen and you can find shops that proudly sell Amish made goods. Their close are old fashion in nature. Women generally wear long dresses and bonnets while men wear black suits and hats. The Amish community has their own churches and their own schools. There are a handful of places where you can learn more about the Amish community in the area. The Amish Experience F/X Theater offers shows and the People's Place Quilt Museum shows some handicrafts. It is possible to take an Amish Country tour or visit the Mennonite Information Center for more information.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.
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Montego Bay Prices
Jamaica PricesLancaster Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontego Bay $258Lancaster $221
The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $258, while the average daily cost in Lancaster is $221. 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 Lancaster in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontego Bay $102Lancaster $91
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontego Bay $204Lancaster $182
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Lancaster
Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Lancaster? 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 Lancaster Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montego Bay $15Lancaster $69
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- Chevy Suburban Montego Bay Airport Transfer: $300
- Private Airport OneWay Transfer to Hotel in Montego Bay: $300
- Jet Car Adventure in Montego Bay Daytrip with Transfers: $300
- Club Night Life Round-Trip Private Transfer in Montego Bay: $300
- Private Transfer from Montego Bay Airport to Negril Hotels: $270
- Private Transfer from Montego Bay Airport To Ocho Rios: $267
- Blue Hole & Horseback Riding Tour with Transfers from Montego Bay: $265
- Explore Montego Bay Jamaica Luxury Round TTransfer in Montego Bay: $253
- Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Kingston Hotels: $245
- MBJ Airport to Strawberry Hill Hotel & Spa Transfer: $243
- VIP Luxury Airport Transfer Mobay, Ocho Rios, Negril, Lucea,: $200
- Luxury Suburban Private Airport Transfer with Chauffeur: $200
Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Lancaster?
Prices for flights to both Lancaster 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 $142Lancaster $91
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montego Bay
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Montego Bay.
- Street Food Tour in Montego Bay: $59
- Club2727 Nightlife Experience With Optional Dinner In Montego Bay: $60
- Mystic Lagoon Sunset Cruise with Dinner and Lagoon Swim: $85
- Bar Hopping and Local Food Tour in Jamaica: $117
- 3 to 5 Hour Private Herbal Tour Shopping and Dinner at Ricks Cafe: $120
- Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios Dinner and Nightlife Experience: $135
- Jamaican Seafood Street Food Tour from Montego Bay, Falmouth: $150
- Sunset Boat Cruise and Luminous Lagoon with Dinner and Transfer: $150
- Private Beach Day and Street Food Tour from Montego Bay: $170
- Authentic Jamaican Food Cooking Experience in the Countryside: $195
- Dinner Experience and Celebration on the Beach with Decorations: $231
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lancaster
For Lancaster, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- International Food Tour Lancaster, PA: $65
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montego Bay $31Lancaster $19
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$2.67
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Snorkeling Trip$19
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One Tank Dive$37
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1.5 Hr Horseback Ride$43
Tours and Activities in Montego Bay
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Montego Bay are as follows:
- “ATV Adventure & Rick’s Café Experience from Montego Bay: $123
- 1 Hour Horse Back Riding & Dunn's River Falls Tour Combo: $240
- 2 Days Of Blue Hole, Dunns River Falls & Hidden Beauty Adventure: $180
- 2 Days Private Jamaica Tour: $230
- 27/27 Lounge, Pier 1 & Margaritaville Nightlife Tour In Jamaica: $72
- 3 Hours Private Tour in Montego Bay From Falmouth: $75
- 3-Hour Private Tour in the Highlights of Montego Bay: $58
- 4 Hour ATV & Horse Back Riding Private Tour (Transportation Only): $105
- 4 Hours Private Night Life Experience in Montego Bay: $66
- 5 Hour Private Tour at Negril Beach and Rick's Cafe: $150
- 7 Mile Beach & Ricks Cafe with free Shopping experience: $50
- 7 Mile Beach Private Tour: $122
Tours and Activities in Lancaster
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lancaster.
- Guided Tour of the Lititz 1792 Johannes Mueller House: $12
- 45-Minute Private Guided Historic Walking Tour in Lititz: $12
- Guided Ghost Tour of Lititz: $12
- Intercourse to Lititz GPS Self Guided Driving Tour: $15
- Lost Treasure Golf Combo Ticket Mini Golf and Maze Experience: $19
- Lititz Whiskey and History Tour: $25
- Soldiers and Sailors Monument Walking Tour Lancaster: $26
- Ghost Tour of Lancaster: $28
- Amish Farmlands Tour: $30
- The Lost Temple Escape Room Adventure: $35
- Amish Experience SuperSaver Package: $36
- Premium Amish Country Tour including Amish Farm and House: $39
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontego Bay $13Lancaster $11
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: $231
- Montego Bay Pub Crawl To Negril and Rick's Cafe: $255
Sample the Local Flavors in Lancaster
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lancaster:
- Guided Brewery Walking Tour in Lancaster City: $79
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montego Bay and Lancaster, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is Lancaster much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Montego Bay is in Caribbean Islands and Lancaster 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 Lancaster would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lancaster 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 Lancaster.
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 Lancaster Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Lancaster?
Montego Bay has a larger population, and is about 51% larger than the population of Lancaster. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Lancaster, 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 Lancaster?
Lancaster 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 Lancaster in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Lancaster. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Lancaster because of the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Montego Bay is a little warmer than Lancaster. Typically, the summer temperatures in Montego Bay in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Lancaster averages at about 77°F (25°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lancaster. 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 Lancaster. Montego Bay gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 310 hours of full sun.
Montego Bay usually gets less rain in July than Lancaster. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMontego Bay 28°C (82°F)Lancaster 77°F (25°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Lancaster in the Autumn?
Both Lancaster 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. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lancaster this time of year.
In October, Montego Bay is generally much warmer than Lancaster. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 27°C (81°F), and Lancaster fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually receives more sunshine than Lancaster during autumn. Montego Bay gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Montego Bay. In October, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Lancaster. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMontego Bay 27°C (81°F)Lancaster 56°F (13°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Lancaster in the Winter?
Both Lancaster 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Lancaster for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Lancaster. Montego Bay is much warmer than Lancaster in the winter. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Lancaster fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).
It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. In the winter, Montego Bay often gets more sunshine than Lancaster. Montego Bay gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 153 hours of full sun.
Montego Bay usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Lancaster. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMontego Bay 24°C (75°F)Lancaster 30°F (-1°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Lancaster in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Lancaster. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Lancaster in the spring for the natural beauty.
In the spring, Montego Bay is much warmer than Lancaster. Typically, the spring temperatures in Montego Bay in April average around 25°C (77°F), and Lancaster averages at about 53°F (12°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lancaster 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 Lancaster during spring. Montego Bay gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 237 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Lancaster. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMontego Bay 25°C (77°F)Lancaster 53°F (12°C)
Typical Weather for Lancaster and Montego Bay
| Montego Bay | Lancaster | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 33°F (0°C) | 2.9 inches (75 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 42°F (6°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 53°F (12°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 4.3 inches (108 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 2.9 inches (75 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 46°F (8°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 35°F (2°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
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.