A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Montego Bay vs. Montreal for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Montego Bay or Montreal?

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 Montreal 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 Montreal?

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.

Montreal

While Quebec City is the political capital of Quebec Province, Montreal is the economic and cultural capital. It's also the second largest city in Canada, with a population of about 1.9 million and 4 million in the metropolitan area. It's the second largest French speaking city in the world behind Paris.

Montreal is a very trendy and vibrant city with an active nightlife and countless activities to enjoy. It's located on an island in the St. Lawrence River and has a humid continental climate. There are four distinct seasons. Summers are warm or hot and humid. Spring and fall are mild and winters are cold and snowy. You can expect about 2 meters of snow every year, but there are also more than 2,000 hours of sunshine annually.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Montreal 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.

  • Montego Bay Prices
    Jamaica Prices
    Montreal Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Montego Bay $258
    Montreal $228

The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $258, while the average daily cost in Montreal is $228. 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 Montreal in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Montego Bay $102
    Montreal $128
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Montego Bay $204
    Montreal $256
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Montreal

Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Montreal? 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.

Hotels in Montego Bay


Hotels in Montreal


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 Montreal Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Montego Bay $15
    Montreal $20

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montreal

Also for Montreal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • YUL Airport Private Transfer to/from Downtown: $29
  • Private Transfer from Montreal Airport YUL to Montreal / Bromont: $33
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Montreal Airport YUL: $58
  • Departure transfer Montreal to Montreal Airport YUL by Car or SUV: $62
  • Private One Way Transfer from Montreal to Montreal Airport: $62
  • Private One-way Transfer from Montreal Airport to Montreal: $62
  • Montréal Airport (YUL) to Montreal hotel or port - Arrival Private Transfer: $68
  • Private Transfer from Montreal Port to Montreal Airport (YUL): $69
  • Montréal Airport (YUL) to Montreal Hotels - Private Transfer: $69
  • Montreal hotels to Montréal Airport (YUL) - Private Transfer: $69
  • Private Transfer from Montreal Airport (YUL) to Montreal Port: $69
  • Private Transfer from Montreal city to Montreal Cruise Port: $69

Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Montreal?

Prices for flights to both Montreal 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 day
    Montego Bay $142
    Montreal $60

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

Typical Food Prices in Montreal

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Montreal:


  • Tim Hortons breakfast and coffee
    $8.71

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montreal

For Montreal, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Bateau-Mouche Cruise with A La Carte Dinner Option: $70
  • Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $74
  • Montreal Mile End Food Tour: Bagels, Smoked Meat & Poutine: $84
  • Guided Happy Hour Brew Tour in Montreal with Dinner: $86
  • Montreal Mile End Food Tour: Bagels, Smoked Meat & Poutine: $86
  • Jean-Talon & Little Italy Food Tour with 8 Tasting: $86
  • Jean Talon Market & Little Italy Food Tour with 8 Food Tastings: $87
  • Montreal Elite Mile End Food Tour: $97
  • Jean-Talon Market & Beyond Locally Owned Food Tour: $98
  • Montreal Mile End Food Tour with Bagel, Poutine & 7 Tastings: $99
  • Montreal Mile End Guided Food Tour by Local Montreal Tours: $99
  • Thai Cooking Class Focused on Sauces: $99

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Montego Bay $31
    Montreal $20
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
    $2.67
  • 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:

  • “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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Montreal

For Montreal, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Botanical Gardens (family of 4)
    $52

Tours and Activities in Montreal

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Montreal.

  • Old Town Walking Tour of History and Landmarks: $4.23
  • Montreal City Highlights 3 Hour Walking Tour | Gratuity-Based: $5.00
  • City Highlights Walking Tour | 3-Hour: $5.00
  • Old Montreal Historical Downtown Self Guided Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Art Center and Museum Audio Guided Tour: $12
  • McCord Stewart Museum Entry Ticket: $16
  • Musée des Hospitalières Entry & Digital City Tour: $17
  • Montreal Science Centre Entry Ticket: $23
  • Rabbis, Writers and Radicals Jewish History Tour: $23
  • Making their Mark Jewish History Walking Tour: $23
  • Making Their Mark: Montreal Jewish History Walking Tour: $23
  • Haunted Mountain Ghost Walking Tour: $23

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Montego Bay $13
    Montreal $16

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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Montreal

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Montreal:


  • Vodka
    $18

Sample the Local Flavors in Montreal

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Montreal:

  • Montreal Distillery Tour and Spirit Tasting at Cirka: $18
  • Haunted Pub Crawl: $25
  • Guided Bar Crawl with Free Shots and Club Entry: $41
  • Burlesque Dance Class: $47
  • Guided Pub Crawl of the City's Skyline Bars: $84
  • Montréal: Women in Wine Tour with Tastings and Snacks: $84
  • Quebec Cheese and Wine Tasting: $94
  • Experience the Flavors of Montérégie on a Guided Wine Tour: $283


When comparing the travel costs between Montego Bay and Montreal, 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 Montreal 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 Montreal Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Montreal, 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 Montreal?

Montreal 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 Montreal in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Montreal. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Montreal for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Montego Bay is a little warmer than Montreal. Typically, the summer temperatures in Montego Bay in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Montreal averages at about 21°C (69°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montreal. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montego Bay this time of the year. In the summer, Montego Bay often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Montreal. Montego Bay gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 276 hours of full sun.

Montego Bay usually gets less rain in July than Montreal. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Montego Bay 28°C (82°F) 
    Montreal 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Montreal in the Autumn?

Both Montreal 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 autumn months attract visitors to Montreal because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Montego Bay is generally much warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 27°C (81°F), and Montreal fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during autumn. Montego Bay gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Montego Bay. In October, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Montreal. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Montego Bay 27°C (81°F) 
    Montreal 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Montreal in the Winter?

Both Montreal 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, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Montreal this time of year.

It's quite cold in Montreal in the winter. Montego Bay is much warmer than Montreal in the winter. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Montreal fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. In the winter, Montego Bay often gets more sunshine than Montreal. Montego Bay gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 103 hours of full sun.

Montego Bay usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Montreal. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Montego Bay 24°C (75°F) 
    Montreal -10°C (14°F)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Montreal in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Montreal. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Also, many travelers come to Montreal for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Montego Bay is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the spring temperatures in Montego Bay in April average around 25°C (77°F), and Montreal averages at about 6°C (43°F).

In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montego Bay usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during spring. Montego Bay gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Montreal. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Montego Bay 25°C (77°F) 
    Montreal 6°C (43°F)

Typical Weather for Montreal and Montego Bay

Montego Bay Montreal
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) -10°C (14°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) -9°C (16°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) -2°C (28°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Apr 25°C (77°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
May 26°C (79°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 21°C (69°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 14°C (58°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 8°C (47°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 2°C (35°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) -7°C (20°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)