Which place is cheaper, Miami 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 Miami?
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 Miami 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 Miami?
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.
Miami
Miami is a popular tourist destination and a modern city in South Florida. It has beautiful white beaches, crystal blue waters, cosmopolitan neighborhoods, impressive shopping, and excellent dining opportunities. It is also a gateway to the Florida Keys, which is another popular destination in South Florida.
Miami is the second most populated city in Florida and the metropolitan area is the most populated in the state with more than 5.4 million people. It's also the 7th largest metro area in the country. The city sits between the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Everglades to the west. It covers 110 miles north to south but is a narrow 20 miles east to west.
Miami sits at a low latitude, giving it a subtropical savannah climate. There are two seasons; the warm and dry season between November and April and the hot and wet season between May and October. The coldest months are between December and March when highs are in the upper 70 or low 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The summer months have highs in the upper 80s or 90s and lows in the mid 70s with high humidity.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.
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Montego Bay Prices
Jamaica PricesMiami Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontego Bay $258Miami $258
The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $258, while the average daily cost in Miami is $258. 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 Miami in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontego Bay $102Miami $154
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontego Bay $204Miami $308
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Miami
Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Miami? 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 Miami Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montego Bay $15Miami $38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- 2727lounge/Magarativille/Pier1 & taboo nightlife private transfer: $45
- A "Private" Airport Transfer to Grand Palladium Resort: $45
- A "Private" Airport Transfer to any Resort in Montego Bay: $14
- Airport (MBJ) Round Trip Transfer in Montego Bay: $60
- Airport MBJ Round Trip Transfers, to Montego Bay Airbnb & Resorts: $53
- Airport Private Round Trip Transfer: $30
- Airport Transfer: $80
- Airport Transfer From Kingston: $200
- Airport Transfer MBJ Montego Bay to Kingston: $150
- Airport Transfer Riu Montego / Reggae / Palace: $40
- Airport Transfer Negril Hotels: $130
- Airport Transfer To Dreams Rose Hall: $60
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Miami
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Miami are as follows:
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Car Rental for a Day$18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Miami
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Miami:
- Train Transfer to South Florida Cities: $20
- MIA Airport Private Transfer to/from Miami Port: $22
- MIA Airport Private Transfer to/from Miami City/Beach: $22
- Private Transfer Transportation Service to Port of Miami: $36
- Private Group Transfer Service From Port of Miami & Miami Airport: $40
- Port of Miami Private Transfer Service to Fort Lauderdale: $40
- Private Transfer from Cruise Port of Miami to Miami Airport (MIA): $57
- Everglades Airboat, Gator Encounter & Bus Transfer: $57
- Private Airport Transfer to/from Airport & Hotel: $64
- Private Transfer in Miami (MIA) to Airport ,Home, Hotel or Work: $69
- Miami Everglades Airboat Roundtrip Transfer & Free Watertaxi: $70
- Miami Private Transfer: Airport, Hotel & Cruise Port: $70
Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Miami?
Prices for flights to both Miami 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 $142Miami $72
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 Dining Experience in Montego Bay: $40
- 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
- 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
Typical Food Prices in Miami
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Miami:
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Lunch with Drinks (for 2)$45
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David's Cafe Lunch (for 1)$16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Miami
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Miami.
- Art Deco Food Tour with Private Cigar & Rum Upgrade: $35
- Historical Walking Food Tour in Calle 8: $50
- 2-Hour Little Havana Food Tour with 6+ Tastings: $53
- 2-Hour Express Little Havana & Cuban Culture Food Tour in Miami: $54
- South Beach Guided Food Tour with Authentic Tastings: $60
- Handcrafted Donuts & Street Art: Wynwood's Most Unique Food Tour: $65
- Miami : Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $66
- Little Havana Food Tour: Discover Iconic Cuban Cuisine in Miami: $69
- 3-Hour Little Havana Food Tour with Full Authentic Cuban Meal: $75
- Miami Mosaic Signature Food Tour: $75
- South Beach Food Tour: $75
- Little Havana 3-Hour Food Tour: $83
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montego Bay $31Miami $31
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:
- Jamaica Bamboo Rafting Experience with Lime Stone Massage: $20
- Shopping Tour for Whitter Village Mall Private / Charted Air Conditioned Taxi: $20
- Lethe Rafting And Margaritaville Tour from Montego Bay: $20
- Montego Bay Beach Day Experience: $20
- Souvenirs and Gift shopping Tour in Montego Bay: $20
- Montego Bay Bamboo Rafting and Hip Strip Private Tour: $22
- Cinnamon Hill Great House Tour: Home of Johnny Cash: $23
- Montego Bay Cruise Ship Port to Doctor's Cave Beach and City Tour: $29
- Doctor Cave Beach and Hip Strip Shopping from Cruise Ship: $30
- VR Experience in Montego Bay: $30
- Adventure and Activity Based Music and Nightlife and Nature: $30
- Doctors Cave Beach Roundtrip Tour in Montego Bay: $30
Tours and Activities in Miami
Here are a few actual costs in Miami for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Self Guided Walking Tour at Miami: $1.14
- Jetski & ATV Adventure Combo in Miami: $2.00
- Miami Beach: Personalized Self-Guided App Tour: $5.00
- Bus & Boat Ultimate Sightseeing Combo Tour: $6.16
- Little Havana Smartphone guided Audio App Solo Walking Tour: $6.75
- Private and Exclusive Jet Car Experience: $9.24
- Luxury Jet Car Experience on Biscayne Bay: $9.24
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Miami: $9.31
- Wynwood Neighborhood Art Walk Self-Guided Tour of Murals: $9.99
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Miami by Wacky Walks: $10
- Sights of Downtown a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $11
- Haunted Self-Guided Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $11
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontego Bay $13Miami $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: $231
Typical Alcohol Prices in Miami
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Miami are as follows:
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Evening at a Bar$32
Sample the Local Flavors in Miami
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Miami:
- An Epic Bar Crawl in Miami Florida: $15
- #1 Miami Pub Crawl + Clubbing Experience: $21
- Miami Pub Crawl + Clubbing Experience: $26
- Wynwood Pub Crawl with Drinks & VIP Club Entry: $27
- Miami Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $29
- Guided Bar Crawl with Drinks Discounts and Club Entry: $29
- Miami Wynwood Pub Crawl: Complimentary Drinks & Club Entry: $30
- Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
- BigBeach Bar Crawl - South Beach Bar Hop and Club Experience: $40
- Pedal Pub Wynwood Art District Party Bike Pub Crawl: $48
- Miami Pedal Pub: Wynwood Arts District Party Bike Pub Crawl: $58
- Wynwood Graffiti Brewery Golf Cart Tour: $63
When comparing the travel costs between Montego Bay and Miami, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Montego Bay is in Caribbean Islands and Miami is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
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 Miami Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Miami?
Miami has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Miami, 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 Miami?
Miami 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 Miami in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Miami. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Miami for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Montego Bay is generally around the same temperature as Miami. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 28°C (82°F), and Miami fluctuates around 83°F (28°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Miami this time of the year. In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montego Bay usually receives less sunshine than Miami during summer. Montego Bay gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Miami receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.
Miami receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Miami. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Miami receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMontego Bay 28°C (82°F)Miami 83°F (28°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Miami in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Miami. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Miami because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.
Montego Bay is around the same temperature as Miami in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Miami fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Miami. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montego Bay this time of the year. In the autumn, Montego Bay often gets less sunshine than Miami. Montego Bay gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Miami receives 275 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Miami. Montego Bay receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Montego Bay usually gets less rain in October than Miami. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Miami receives 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMontego Bay 27°C (81°F)Miami 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Miami in the Winter?
Both Miami and Montego Bay are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montego Bay throughout the year. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Miami this time of year.
In the winter, Montego Bay is a little warmer than Miami. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montego Bay in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Miami averages at about 67°F (20°C).
It's quite sunny in Miami. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Miami during winter. Montego Bay gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Miami receives 243 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Miami. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Miami receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMontego Bay 24°C (75°F)Miami 67°F (20°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Miami in the Spring?
Both Miami and Montego Bay during the spring 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 Miami for the beaches and the activities around the city.
In April, Montego Bay is generally around the same temperature as Miami. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 25°C (77°F), and Miami fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).
In Miami, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. In the spring, Montego Bay often gets less sunshine than Miami. Montego Bay gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Miami receives 300 hours of full sun.
Montego Bay usually gets less rain in April than Miami. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Miami receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMontego Bay 25°C (77°F)Miami 75°F (24°C)
Typical Weather for Miami and Montego Bay
| Montego Bay | Miami | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 67°F (20°C) | 2.2 inches (55 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 79°F (26°C) | 6.4 inches (162 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 9.4 inches (238 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 83°F (28°C) | 5.9 inches (149 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 83°F (28°C) | 7.5 inches (191 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 7.6 inches (194 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 69°F (21°C) | 1.9 inches (48 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.