Which place is cheaper, Marathon 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 Marathon?
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 Marathon 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 Marathon?
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.
Marathon
You step outside your deluxe suite onto the balcony and are greeted with nothing less than tropical perfection. The hum of the ocean, the whispers of the palm trees, the songs of the seagulls - you bask in this paradise otherwise known as Marathon, Florida. A 10-mile-long island, the chain contains Vaca Key, Fat Deer Key and Grassy Key, along with Duck Key just another few minutes up the road.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.
-
Montego Bay Prices
Jamaica PricesMarathon Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontego Bay $257Marathon $195
The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $257, while the average daily cost in Marathon is $195. 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 Marathon in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontego Bay $101Marathon $76
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontego Bay $202Marathon $152
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Marathon
Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Marathon? 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 Marathon Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montego Bay $15Marathon $47
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- Private Airport OneWay Transfer to Hotel in Montego Bay: $300
- Club Night Life Round-Trip Private Transfer in Montego Bay: $300
- Jet Car Adventure in Montego Bay Daytrip with Transfers: $300
- Chevy Suburban Montego Bay Airport Transfer: $300
- Private Transfer from Montego Bay Airport to Negril Hotels: $270
- Private Transfer from Montego Bay Airport To Ocho Rios: $267
- Ocho Rios Hotels / Resort - Airport Transfers: $267
- Airport - Ocho Rios Hotels Transfers and Returns: $260
- SUV Prado Transfer from Montego Bay Airport: $257
- Explore Montego Bay Jamaica Luxury Round TTransfer in Montego Bay: $253
- Private Luxury Transfers in Montego Bay – Reliable Services: $250
- Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Kingston Hotels: $245
Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Marathon?
Prices for flights to both Marathon 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 $141Marathon $89
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 Jerk Tour and Rum Punch Mixology/Food Tour: $50
- 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
- Sunset Dinner at Bamboo Beach Club: $99
- 3 to 5 Hour Private Herbal Tour Shopping and Dinner at Ricks Cafe: $120
- Bar Hopping and Local Food Tour in Jamaica: $130
- Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios Dinner and Nightlife Experience: $150
- Restaurant Transportation for Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Montego Bay: $180
- Authentic Jamaican Food Cooking Experience in the Countryside: $195
- Authentic Jamaican Cooking Experience in the Mountain from mobay: $210
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montego Bay $31Marathon $27
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$2.66
-
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:
- 1 Hour Horse Back Riding & Dunn's River Falls Tour Combo: $240
- 2 Hour Private Montego Bay City Tour with Souvenir’s Shopping: $80
- 27/27 Lounge, Pier 1 & Margaritaville Nightlife Tour In Jamaica: $80
- 3 Hours Private Tour in Montego Bay From Falmouth: $75
- 3-Hour Private Tour in the Highlights of Montego Bay: $58
- 4 Hours Party Boat Catamaran Cruise in Negril: $190
- 4 Hours Private Night Life Experience in Montego Bay: $66
- 4-Hour Catamaran Party Cruise with Open Bar from Montego Bay: $200
- 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 Party Catamaran Cruise with Snorkeling & Ricks Cafe: $115
- 7 in 1 Day Jamaican Adventure with Jhadano Tours: $50
Tours and Activities in Marathon
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Marathon.
- Rhum Runner Aqua Park Adventure: $38
- Marathon Key FL: Snorkel Trips and Sunset Cruises: $48
- FlowRider Surfing Experience: $60
- Florida: Sunset Champagne Cruise on the Marathon Mermaid: $70
- Snorkeling Adventure by Boat at Sombrero Reef: $76
- Marathon, Florida Keys: Sunset Cruise with Local Seafood: $77
- Morning Mimosas Boat Tour with Swim Stop: $84
- Florida Keys: 1.5-Hour Tiki Fun Cruise: $89
- Guided Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Champagne: $101
- Cruisin' Tikis Marathon - Sunset Cruise: $110
- Sandbar Boat Tour with Lunch: $110
- Guided Catamaran Tour to Island Sandbar: $128
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontego Bay $13Marathon $24
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 Pub Crawl To Negril and Rick's Cafe: $255
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montego Bay and Marathon, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is Marathon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Montego Bay is in Caribbean Islands and Marathon 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 Marathon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Marathon 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 Marathon.
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 Marathon Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Marathon?
Montego Bay has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Marathon. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Marathon, 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 Marathon?
Marathon 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 Marathon in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Marathon. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Marathon because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Montego Bay is generally around the same temperature as Marathon. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 28°C (82°F), and Marathon fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marathon. 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 Marathon. Montego Bay gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marathon receives 328 hours of full sun.
Montego Bay usually gets less rain in July than Marathon. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Marathon receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyMontego Bay 28°C (82°F)Marathon 84°F (29°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Marathon in the Autumn?
Both Marathon 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 natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Marathon this time of year.
Montego Bay is around the same temperature as Marathon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Marathon fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).
It's quite sunny in Marathon. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually receives less sunshine than Marathon during autumn. Montego Bay gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Marathon receives 258 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Marathon. It's quite rainy in Montego Bay. In October, Montego Bay usually receives around the same amount of rain as Marathon. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Marathon receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMontego Bay 27°C (81°F)Marathon 80°F (27°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Marathon in the Winter?
Both Marathon 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. Also, many travelers come to Marathon for the cuisine.
In the winter, Montego Bay is a little warmer than Marathon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montego Bay in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Marathon averages at about 70°F (21°C).
In Marathon, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. In the winter, Montego Bay often gets less sunshine than Marathon. Montego Bay gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marathon receives 252 hours of full sun.
Montego Bay usually gets more rain in January than Marathon. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Marathon receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMontego Bay 24°C (75°F)Marathon 70°F (21°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Marathon in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Marathon. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Also, many visitors come to Marathon in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In April, Montego Bay is generally around the same temperature as Marathon. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 25°C (77°F), and Marathon fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marathon this time of the year. In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montego Bay usually receives less sunshine than Marathon during spring. Montego Bay gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Marathon receives 326 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Marathon. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Marathon receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilMontego Bay 25°C (77°F)Marathon 77°F (25°C)
Typical Weather for Marathon and Montego Bay
| Montego Bay | Marathon | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 70°F (21°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 71°F (21°C) | 1.4 inches (36 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 83°F (28°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 84°F (29°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 84°F (29°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 83°F (29°C) | 5.7 inches (144 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 80°F (27°C) | 5.1 inches (129 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 1.4 inches (35 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.