Which place is cheaper, Lima or Montego Bay?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Montego Bay or Lima?
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 Lima 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 Lima?
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.
Lima
Lima, the capital city of Peru, is likely to be your point of entry for the country. Lima was founded in 1535 and was the seat of the Spanish rule for 300 years. It's a surprisingly modern city despite its rich history, but many beautiful churches and colonial architecture remain today. There are also large slum areas that highlight the poverty that exists in the city. The city and its surrounding metropolitan area have a population of about 8.5 million people, many of whom came from the Andes Mountains in search of work. Unfortunately the work opportunities are limited and the poverty is obvious as you arrive in Lima.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontego Bay $203Lima $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $203, while the average daily cost in Lima is $77. 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 Lima in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontego Bay $104Lima $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontego Bay $208Lima $98
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Lima
Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Lima? 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 Lima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montego Bay $15Lima $5.73
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
- Private Airport Transfer to Hyatt Ziva & Zilara to Jewel Grande: $14
- Relaxing Airport To Resort In Montego Bay Transfer: $14
- Private Airport Transfer to Breathless/ to Secrets Resort: $14
- Private Airport Transfer to Half Moon - Holiday Inn - Zoetry: $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$5.43
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Taxi Ride$5.43
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Short Taxi Ride$4.07
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:
- QuickLlama: Door-to-door transfer from Lima Airport to Miraflores: $5.00
- QuickLlama: Door-to-door transfer from Miraflores to Lima Airport: $5.00
- QuickLlama: Transfer from Miraflores Kennedy Park to Lima Airport: $5.00
- QuickLlama: Transfer from Lima Airport to Miraflores Kennedy Park: $5.00
- Lima Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Miraflores: $5.63
- Lima Airport: BUS Transfer to/from Lima city center: $6.00
- Private transfers from Lima Airport or to Lima Airport: $17
- Transfer from Hotel/Airbnb Miraflores/San Isidro/Barranco to Airport: $18
- Transfer from Lima city to the airport: $18
- Taxi transfers from and to the Lima Airport and Paracas Ica: $20
- Miraflores City to Lima Airport(LIM) - Departure Private Transfer: $23
- Jorge Chavez International Airport: Private Transfer: $25
Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Lima?
Prices for flights to both Lima 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 $84Lima $18
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
Typical Food Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
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Lunch for Two$4.34
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Ice cream$3.53
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Coffee$2.99
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Donut$0.95
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.
- Lima Market Food Tour: $33
- Lima Market Food Tour: $34
- Lima Street Food Tour: $40
- Lima Food Tour: $45
- Cooking Workshop and Water Circuit Tour: $45
- Lima Street Food Tour: $45
- Street Food Tour in Miraflores District: $45
- Barranco Tour with Dinner: $47
- Bohemian tour of Barranco with Dinner: $47
- Private Cooking Class With a Local Family in Lima: $48
- Lima Night Food Tour: $48
- Lima Market Food Tour: $52
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montego Bay $32Lima $8.66
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:
- 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
- Private Shopping Tour in Montego Bay with Hotel Pickup: $35
- Montego Bay Sightseeing Tour and Souvenir Shopping: $35
- Rose Hall Great House Haunted Night Tour: $35
- Skip the Line: Ahhh Ras Natango Gallery and Garden Admission Tickets: $35
- Shopping and Sightseeing Tour of Montego Bay City: $39
- Shopping and Sightseeing Local Guided Tour In Montego Bay: $40
- Bamboo Rafting, Hip-Strip & Margaritaville Tour from Montego Bay: $40
- Montego Bay Walking Tour: $40
- Private Montego Bay Shopping Tour with Transportation: $45
Typical Entertainment Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lima are as follows:
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Entrance to Museo Larco (for 2)$16
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Movie Tickets$2.31
Tours and Activities in Lima
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:
- Free Walking Tour of Lima: $2.00
- Customize your trip to Peru with Lima Experience: $12
- Skip the Line: Larco Museum Admission Ticket: $13
- Skip the Line: Peruvian Regional Dances Ticket: $14
- Barranco Street Art Tour: $17
- Party tour Fridays Barranco / Saturdays Miraflores: $18
- Private Tour with guide in Museo de Arte de Lima - MALI: $20
- Guided and Private Bike Tour of Lima: $20
- Guided Walking Tour in Barranco: $20
- Lima Downtown Tour from Miraflores in 3 hrs: $21
- Historic Center Walking Tour with Pisco Sour Tasting: $25
- Costa Verde Express Tour: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontego Bay $13Lima $5.63
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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:
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Bottle of Wine$7.30
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Beer$4.07
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Cocktail$3.26
Sample the Local Flavors in Lima
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:
- Gin and Rum Distillery Tour: $12
- Exclusive Pub Crawl with 10+ benefits: $18
- Party Tour in Miraflores with Bar Crawl and Drinks: $18
- Party tour in Miraflores with Bar Crawl Lima: $20
- Pub Crawl in Lima: $25
- Local Wine Tour: $50
- Ballestas Islands + Huacachina Oasis + Wine Tour !! The best price: $226
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montego Bay and Lima, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is Lima much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Montego Bay is in Caribbean Islands and Lima 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 Lima would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lima 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 Lima.
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 Lima Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Lima?
Lima has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Lima, 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 Lima?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Montego Bay or Lima in the Summer?
Both Lima 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. Plenty of visitors come to Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Lima. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Lima receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually receives more sunshine than Lima during summer. Montego Bay gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 36 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Montego Bay is generally much warmer than Lima. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 28°C (82°F), and Lima fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMontego Bay 28°C (82°F)Lima 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Lima in the Autumn?
Both Lima 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lima year-round.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually gets more rain in October than Lima. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Lima receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. In the autumn, Montego Bay often gets more sunshine than Lima. Montego Bay gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 60 hours of full sun.
Montego Bay is a little warmer than Lima in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Lima fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMontego Bay 27°C (81°F)Lima 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Lima in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Lima. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Lima. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Lima receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montego Bay usually receives more sunshine than Lima during winter. Montego Bay gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.
In the winter, Montego Bay is around the same temperature as Lima. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montego Bay in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Lima averages at about 23°C (73°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMontego Bay 24°C (75°F)Lima 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Lima in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Lima. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima throughout the year.
Montego Bay usually gets more rain in April than Lima. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Lima receives 2 mm (0.1 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 spring, Montego Bay often gets more sunshine than Lima. Montego Bay gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 182 hours of full sun.
In April, Montego Bay is generally a little warmer than Lima. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 25°C (77°F), and Lima fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMontego Bay 25°C (77°F)Lima 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Lima and Montego Bay
| Montego Bay | Lima | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 22°C (72°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.