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

Should you visit Montego Bay or Newport?

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 Newport 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 Newport?

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.

Newport

Established in colonial times as one of the most important ports of Rhode Island, Newport has since transformed into a historic seaside city and resort town for many summer visitors. It has one of the highest concentrations of colonial homes in the nation in the downtown Newport Historic District, and is perhaps most known for the famous Newport Mansions. The area is also home to Salve Regina University and Naval Station Newport which houses the United States Naval War College, the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, and a major United States Navy training center. With its rich history, culture, and prime location overlooking the ocean, Newport has been host to many seaside events like the America's Cup sailing regatta as well as the Newport Folk Festival.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Newport or Montego Bay?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $203, while the average daily cost in Newport is $159. 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 Newport in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Montego Bay $104
    Newport $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Montego Bay $208
    Newport $184
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Newport

Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Newport? 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 Newport


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 Newport Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Montego Bay $15
    Newport $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:

  • Zoëtry Resorts Montego Bay Airport Transfer: $20
  • Tryall / Round Hill - Montego Bay Airport Transfers: $107
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Montego Bay APT-HTL (MBJ): $37
  • Tropical Court Hotel Private Airport Transfer : $13
  • Transfer from/to Airport, Riu Reggae, Riu Montego Bay, Riu Palace: $17
  • Transfer Service, Sangster MBJ Airport From/To Iberostar zone: $55
  • Tobys Resort Private Airport Transfer: $20
  • The Spa Retreat Boutique Hotel Private Airport Transfer: $50
  • Sunset at the Palms Negril Airport Transfers: $53
  • Sunset at the Palm Private Negril Airport Transfer : $52
  • Sunscape Splash Montego Bay Private Airport Transfer: $20
  • Sunscape Resorts Montego Bay Private Airport Transfers: $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Newport

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

  • Private Transfer from Newport Port to Providence Airport (PVD): $49
  • Private Transfer from Newport Port to Providence city Hotels: $61
  • Private Transfer from Newport Port to Boston Logan Airport (BOS) : $88
  • Private Transfer from Newport Cruise Port to Boston city hotels: $88

Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Newport?

Prices for flights to both Newport 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 $84
    Newport $45

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 : $81
  • Rick’s Cafe Cliff Diving, Sunset & Dinner Tour with Transportation : $130
  • Dinner or lunch at pier one Montego bay Food Tour: $144
  • Sunset Boat Cruise in Falmouth Luminous Lagoon, Swim and Dinner : $170
  • Private Beach Day and Street Food Tour from Montego Bay: $170
  • Restaurant Transportation for Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Montego Bay: $180
  • Houseboat Restaurant and Grill for Dinner Private Transportation : $180
  • [PRIVATE] Premium Jamaican Food Tour of Local Cuisine: $190
  • Martha Brae Bamboo Rafting & Luminous Lagoon Sunset, Swim& Dinner: $280

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Newport

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

  • Newport Neighborhood Food Tour: $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Montego Bay $32
    Newport $17
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
    $2.74
  • Snorkeling Trip
    $19
  • One Tank Dive
    $38
  • 1.5 Hr Horseback Ride
    $44

Tours and Activities in Montego Bay

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Montego Bay are as follows:

  • ATV, Bamboo Rafting, and Horseback Ride Tour From Montego Bay: $173
  • Appleton Estate Rum Tour and Pelican Bar Customize Tour: $120
  • Bioluminescence Lagoon tour from Montego Bay with Pick Up: $105
  • Blue Hole Adventure Tour : $120
  • Catamaran Party Cruise and Snorkeling from Montego Bay: $220
  • Dunns River & BlueHole Tour Includes Entry Fees: $289
  • Falmouth Mystic from Montego Bay Luminous Lagoon Night Tour: $90
  • Green Grotto Cave Private Tour: $115
  • Horseback Riding and Tour from Montego Bay : $230
  • Luminous Lagoon Night Tour from Montego Bay: $118
  • Montego Bay Bamboo Rafting and Limestone Foot Massage River Tour: $110
  • Montego Bay Jamaica Private Jet Ski And ATV experience: $120

Tours and Activities in Newport

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

  • Downtown Historic Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $6.50
  • Newport Downtown Historic Audio APP Self Guided Smart Phone Tour: $6.75
  • Newport Cliff Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Newport's Cliff Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Newport, Rhode Island: Cliff Walk Gilded Age Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Cliff Walk Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8.49
  • Newport Cliff Walk - Legends of the Gilded Age GPS Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Ocean Drive Historic District: A Newport Self-Guided Driving Tour: $9.99
  • Newport Cliff Walk Self-Guided Walking Tour: $9.99
  • Ocean Drive Historic District Self-Guided Tour: $9.99
  • Discover Newport's Grandeur: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Newport, Rhode Island: Scenic Self-Driving Audio Tour: $13

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Montego Bay $13
    Newport $14

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: $103


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montego Bay and Newport, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is Newport much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Montego Bay is in Caribbean Islands and Newport 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 Newport would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Newport 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 Newport.

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 Newport Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Newport?

Montego Bay has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Newport. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Newport, 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 Newport?

Newport 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 Newport in the Summer?

Both Newport 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Newport for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Montego Bay is a little warmer than Newport. Typically, the summer temperatures in Montego Bay in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Newport averages at about 73°F (23°C).

In Newport, 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 Newport. Montego Bay gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newport receives 293 hours of full sun.

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


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

Should I visit Montego Bay or Newport in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Newport. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Newport because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Montego Bay is generally much warmer than Newport. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 27°C (81°F), and Newport fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Newport this time of the year. In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montego Bay usually receives more sunshine than Newport during autumn. Montego Bay gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Newport 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 Newport. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Newport receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Montego Bay or Newport in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Newport. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Newport this time of year.

It's quite cold in Newport in the winter. Montego Bay is much warmer than Newport in the winter. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Newport fluctuates around 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 Newport. Montego Bay gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newport receives 170 hours of full sun.

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


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

Should I visit Montego Bay or Newport in the Spring?

Both Newport 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, many travelers come to Newport for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Montego Bay is much warmer than Newport. Typically, the spring temperatures in Montego Bay in April average around 25°C (77°F), and Newport averages at about 48°F (9°C).

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

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


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

Typical Weather for Newport and Montego Bay

Montego Bay Newport
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)