Which place is cheaper, Lima 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.
Jump to 
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.
-
Montego Bay Prices
Jamaica PricesLima Prices
Peru Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontego Bay $259Lima $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $259, while the average daily cost in Lima is $96. 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
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontego Bay $102Lima $52
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontego Bay $204Lima $104
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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montego Bay $15Lima $6.11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- Shared Transfer: From/to Montego Bay International Airport: $9.75
- Hyatt Zillara or Ziva Rose Hall private Transfers: $10
- Private Airport transfer Montego Bay: $12
- Private Transfers: MBJ Airport ↔ RIU Montego Bay, Palace & Reggae: $13
- Sandals Royal Caribbean Hotel Private Airport Transfer: $13
- Private Airport Transfer to Sandals Montego: $13
- Private Transfer to Royal Decameron Cornwall Beach/Montego Beach: $13
- RIU Reggae Palace and RIU Montego Bay Private Airport Transfer: $14
- RIU Palace reggae and RIU Montego Bay private airport transfers: $14
- Dreams Rose Hall Resort and Spa Private Airport Transfer: $14
- Hyatt zilara or ziva EXCLUSIVE private airport transfer services: $14
- Private Transfer from Montego Bay Airport to Montego Bay Hotels: $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
-
Taxi Ride$5.78
-
Taxi Ride$5.78
-
Short Taxi Ride$4.34
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:
- QuickLlama: Door-to-door transfer from Lima Airport to Miraflores: $5.95
- QuickLlama: Transfer from Lima Airport to Miraflores Kennedy Park: $5.95
- LIMA AIRPORT SHUTTLE - Shared Transfer: $13
- Transfer: Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima City Center: $15
- Lima Airport Transfer Service Available 24 7: $15
- Taxi transfers from and to the Lima Airport and Paracas Ica: $15
- Private Transfer from Jorge Chavez Airport to Hotels in Lima: $16
- Private Transfer from Callao Port to Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM): $17
- Transfer from Hotel/Airbnb Miraflores/San Isidro/Barranco to Airport: $21
- Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima - Arrival Private Transfer: $21
- Lima Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima -Arrival Private Transfer: $21
- Miraflores to Lima Airport (LIM) - Departure Private Transfer: $23
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
-
Food Meals for one dayMontego Bay $142Lima $32
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montego Bay
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Montego Bay.
- Lunch or Dinner with Pickup from Montego Bay: $45
- Montego Bay City and Food Tour All Inclusive Experience: $48
- 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: $95
- Sunset Dinner at Bamboo Beach Club: $99
- 3 to 5 Hour Private Herbal Tour Shopping and Dinner at Ricks Cafe: $120
- Bar Hopping & Local Food Tour-From Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios: $130
- Jamaican Seafood Street Food Tour from Montego Bay, Falmouth: $150
- Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios Dinner and Nightlife: $150
- Sunset Boat Cruise and Luminous Lagoon with Dinner and Transfer: $150
- Authentic Jamaican Food Cooking Experience in the Countryside: $195
Typical Food Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
-
Lunch for Two$4.63
-
Ice cream$3.76
-
Coffee$3.18
-
Donut$1.01
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.
- Food Tours on the Forbidden Side of Lima with Elite DRONE FOOTAGE: $5.00
- Dinner at Café del Museo Larco restaurant: $30
- Andean Breads Cooking Class in Lima: $44
- Miraflores Cooking Class Ceviche, Tartar & Pisco Sour: $48
- Dinner at Mangos Larcomar Restaurant: $48
- Lima Street Food Tour : Try the best Peruvian street food: $49
- Food Tour and Market Experience: 12 Peruvian Snacks: $55
- Lima Food Tour with Ceviche, Pisco, and Grilled Chicken: $55
- #1 Rated Lima Cooking Class: Make Ceviche, Causa & Pisco Sours!: $59
- Barranco Food Tour: $60
- Dinner at the Huaca Pucllana Restaurant: $62
- Dinner at the Cala Restaurant in Lima: $63
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montego Bay $31Lima $9.23
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$2.68
-
Snorkeling Trip$19
-
One Tank Dive$37
-
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:
- Montego Bay City highlight And Souvenir Shopping Group Tour: $20
- Montego Bay Beach Day Experience: $20
- Shopping Tour for Whitter Village Mall Private / Charted Air Conditioned Taxi: $20
- Montego Bay Bamboo Rafting and Hip Strip Private Tour: $22
- Montego Bay Shopping Private Tour: $26
- Rose Hall Great House and Garden Tour Ticket: $30
- Pruvate Transter to Ocho Rios + Catamaran Cruise: $30
- VR Experience in Montego Bay: $30
- Montego Bay Private Shopping Tour with Hotel Pickup: $30
- Explore the Beauty of Montego Bay Nature Tour in Jamaica: $30
- Doctors Cave Beach Roundtrip Tour in Montego Bay: $30
- Street Executive Tours And Chauffeur Service Jamaica: $35
Typical Entertainment Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lima are as follows:
-
Entrance to Museo Larco (for 2)$17
-
Movie Tickets$2.46
Tours and Activities in Lima
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:
- Night Tour Lima Pisco and Metropolitan and water show: $4.00
- Barranco Walking Tour with Sunset Option: $5.00
- Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Lima: $5.00
- Dark Side of Lima Evening Walking Tour: $5.00
- Gastronomic Walking Tour A Taste of Lima: $5.00
- Adventure at the Airport of Peru: $10
- Lima Cathedral Museum Entrance Ticket: $10
- Beach tour and surfboards for rent in Lima, Peru: $14
- Miraflores Guided Walking Tour and Surquillo Market Experience: $15
- Walking Tour to Miraflores and Barranco with a beer: $15
- Tour of the Historic Center of Lima + Pisco Tasting: $16
- Private Beach Guided Bike Tour in Lima: $19
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontego Bay $13Lima $6.00
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:
- Montego Bay Jamaica Rum Distillery Tour Private Driver: $250
Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:
-
Bottle of Wine$7.78
-
Beer$4.34
-
Cocktail$3.47
Sample the Local Flavors in Lima
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:
- Free Pub Crawl: $5.00
- Lima Pub Crawl - Party tour: Friday Barranco/Saturday miraflores: $22
- Barranco Bohemian Bar Crawl: 4 Bars & Live Music: $24
- Bar Crawl Night Tour in Miraflores: $38
- Local Wine Tour: $77
- From Lima Paracas and Huacachina Oasis Dunes and Wine Tour: $89
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).
-
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).
-
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).
-
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).
-
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.