Which place is cheaper, Nags Head 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 Nags Head?
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 Nags Head 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 Nags Head?
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.
Nags Head
Nags Head is a popular tourist destination in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The town, with a population of almost 3,000, has many nice beaches and is also where you'll find Jockey's Ridge, which has the tallest active sand dune system in the eastern United States. It's also the most visited park within the North Carolina park system.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.
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Montego Bay Prices
Jamaica PricesNags Head Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontego Bay $258Nags Head $179
The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $258, while the average daily cost in Nags Head is $179. 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 Nags Head in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontego Bay $102Nags Head $80
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontego Bay $204Nags Head $160
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Nags Head
Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Nags Head? 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 Nags Head Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montego Bay $15Nags Head $40
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Nags Head?
Prices for flights to both Nags Head 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 $142Nags Head $71
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montego Bay $31Nags Head $14
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:
- “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 Nags Head
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nags Head.
- Cape Hatteras National Seashore Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $13
- Wright Brothers Carolina Dunes Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $13
- Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Outer Banks: $17
- Outer Banks Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $22
- OBX Ghost Tours- The Original Ghost Tour of the Outer Banks: $25
- OBX Ghost Tours: Lighthouse Wraiths & Dune Shadows: $26
- Wild Dolphin Tours and Sunset Cruises in Outer Banks, NC: $31
- Manteo Historic Walking Tour: $31
- Kitty Hawk Woods Kayak Tour: $49
- Nags Head Kayak Tour: $55
- Corolla Kayak Adventure: $59
- Alligator River Kayak Adventure: $59
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontego Bay $13Nags Head $12
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 Nags Head
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nags Head:
- Wine Tasting And Boat Ride: $109
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montego Bay and Nags Head, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is Nags Head much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Montego Bay is in Caribbean Islands and Nags Head 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 Nags Head would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nags Head 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 Nags Head.
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 Nags Head Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Nags Head?
Montego Bay has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Nags Head. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Nags Head, 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 Nags Head?
Nags Head 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 Nags Head in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Nags Head. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Nags Head in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Montego Bay is generally around the same temperature as Nags Head. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 28°C (82°F), and Nags Head fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nags Head. 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 Nags Head. Montego Bay gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nags Head receives 274 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Nags Head. Montego Bay usually gets less rain in July than Nags Head. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Nags Head receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMontego Bay 28°C (82°F)Nags Head 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Nags Head in the Autumn?
Both Nags Head 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.
Montego Bay is much warmer than Nags Head in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Nags Head fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).
It's quite sunny in Nags Head. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually receives more sunshine than Nags Head during autumn. Montego Bay gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Nags Head receives 205 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Montego Bay. In October, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Nags Head. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Nags Head receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMontego Bay 27°C (81°F)Nags Head 62°F (16°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Nags Head in the Winter?
Both Nags Head 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 winter months attract visitors to Nags Head because of the cuisine.
The weather in Nags Head can be very cold. In the winter, Montego Bay is much warmer than Nags Head. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montego Bay in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Nags Head averages at about 41°F (5°C).
It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. In the winter, Montego Bay often gets more sunshine than Nags Head. Montego Bay gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nags Head receives 147 hours of full sun.
Nags Head gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Montego Bay usually gets less rain in January than Nags Head. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Nags Head receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMontego Bay 24°C (75°F)Nags Head 41°F (5°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Nags Head in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Nags Head. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round.
In April, Montego Bay is generally much warmer than Nags Head. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 25°C (77°F), and Nags Head fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nags Head this time of the year. In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montego Bay usually receives less sunshine than Nags Head during spring. Montego Bay gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Nags Head receives 262 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Nags Head. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Nags Head receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMontego Bay 25°C (77°F)Nags Head 59°F (15°C)
Typical Weather for Nags Head and Montego Bay
| Montego Bay | Nags Head | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 41°F (5°C) | 4.1 inches (105 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 42°F (6°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 50°F (10°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 67°F (19°C) | 4.6 inches (117 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 4.1 inches (105 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 5.4 inches (137 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 78°F (25°C) | 5 inches (127 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 4.7 inches (119 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 62°F (16°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 53°F (12°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 45°F (7°C) | 3.4 inches (85 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.