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

Should you visit Montego Bay or Mystic?

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 Mystic 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 Mystic?

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.

Mystic

Mystic is a popular tourist destination in Connecticut for its many marinas, historic buildings, aquarium, and seaport. It was historically a shipbuilding and maritime town but today it attracts crowds from many nearby states and regions. Sailing trips are a fun activity that get visitors out on the water. The town is also near Foxwoods Casino.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Mystic 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
    Mystic Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Montego Bay $258
    Mystic $248

The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $258, while the average daily cost in Mystic is $248. 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 Mystic in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Montego Bay $102
    Mystic $125
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Montego Bay $204
    Mystic $250
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Mystic

Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Mystic? 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 Mystic


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 Mystic Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Montego Bay $15
    Mystic $56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:

  • Zoetry Montego Bay Airport Transfers MBJ (Private Roundtrip Exclusive): $180
  • VIP Luxury Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Montego Bay/ Falmouth: $74
  • VIP Luxury Airport Transfer Mobay, Ocho Rios, Negril, Lucea,: $200
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Montego Bay APT-HTL (MBJ): $37
  • Transfer Service, Sangster MBJ Airport From/To Iberostar zone: $64
  • The Spa Retreat Boutique Hotel Private Airport Transfer: $50
  • Sunscape Splash Montego Bay Private Airport Transfer: $20
  • Sports bar Day or Nightlife Experience with Private Transfer: $70
  • Shared Shuttle Transfer to Montego Bay Airport: $30
  • Secrets and Breathless Montego Bay Private Airport Transfer: $20
  • Secrets Wild Orchid Private Airport Transfer: $20
  • Secrets St. James Private Airport Transfer: $20

Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Mystic?

Prices for flights to both Mystic 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
    Mystic $90

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mystic

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

  • Mystic Pub Crawl Drinks Pizza and Nightlife Adventure: $79
  • Guided Pub Crawl with Pizza and Drinks: $79
  • Mystic Food Tour Taste the Best of Mystic CT: $120
  • Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $120

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Montego Bay $31
    Mystic $24
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

Tours and Activities in Mystic

For Mystic, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Discovery Walking Tour with Local Guide: $29
  • Mystic Moonlit Graveyard Ghost Tour: $30
  • Downtown Mystic Ghost Tour: $30
  • Ghosts of Christmas Past Downtown Walking Tour: $30
  • Mystic Seaport Museum Adventure: $35
  • Guided Graveyard Ghost Tour by Moonlight: $35
  • Guided Ghost Tour of Downtown Mystic at Night: $35
  • Golden Hour Photography Tour: $39
  • Historic Mystic Guided Walking Tour: $49
  • Art and Inspiration Walking Tour: $56
  • Foxwoods Resort Casino Bus Tour Experience: $300

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Montego Bay $13
    Mystic $31

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Mystic

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Mystic:

  • Paranormal Pub Crawl: Beer Tour: $75
  • Paranormal Pub Crawl: Beer Tour: $75
  • Spirits of Cocktail Pub Crawl: $100
  • Spirits of Cocktail Pub Crawl: $100


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


Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Mystic?

Montego Bay has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Mystic. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Mystic, 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 Mystic?

Mystic 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 Mystic in the Summer?

Both Mystic and Montego Bay during the summer 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 Mystic for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Montego Bay is generally a little warmer than Mystic. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 28°C (82°F), and Mystic fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Mystic, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. In the summer, Montego Bay often gets less sunshine than Mystic. Montego Bay gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mystic receives 293 hours of full sun.

Montego Bay usually gets less rain in July than Mystic. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Mystic receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Montego Bay 28°C (82°F) 
    Mystic 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Mystic in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Mystic. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Also, many visitors come to Mystic in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Montego Bay is much warmer than Mystic in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Mystic fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mystic this time of the year. In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montego Bay usually receives more sunshine than Mystic during autumn. Montego Bay gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Mystic receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Montego Bay gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Mystic. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Montego Bay 27°C (81°F) 
    Mystic 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Mystic in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Mystic. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Mystic for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Mystic can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Montego Bay is much warmer than Mystic. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montego Bay in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Mystic averages at about 28°F (-2°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montego Bay this time of the year. In the winter, Montego Bay often gets more sunshine than Mystic. Montego Bay gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mystic receives 170 hours of full sun.

Montego Bay usually gets less rain in January than Mystic. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Montego Bay 24°C (75°F) 
    Mystic 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Mystic in the Spring?

Both Mystic and Montego Bay are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montego Bay throughout the year. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Mystic because of the beaches.

In April, Montego Bay is generally much warmer than Mystic. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 25°C (77°F), and Mystic fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

It's quite sunny in Mystic. 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 Mystic during spring. Montego Bay gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Mystic receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Mystic. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Montego Bay 25°C (77°F) 
    Mystic 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Mystic and Montego Bay

Montego Bay Mystic
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 25°C (77°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 26°C (79°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)