Which place is cheaper, Pasadena 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 Pasadena?
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 Pasadena 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 Pasadena?
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.
Pasadena
Pasadena, California is adjacent to Los Angeles and is probably most famous as the host for the New Year's Day Rose Parade and Rose Bowl football game. As such, it has become known as the City of Roses. Year around Pasadena is known to have a vibrant night life. It has a great Old Town area that has impressive shopping and many excellent restaurants. It's also home to the California Institute of Technology and has many museums, theaters, and independent films that make it a cultural haven for the area. Also make sure you visit the Huntington Library which has an impressive art collection and over 150 acres of botanical gardens. It's been featured in several Hollywood Films.
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.
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Montego Bay Prices
Jamaica PricesPasadena Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontego Bay $258Pasadena $76
The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $258, while the average daily cost in Pasadena is $76. 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 Pasadena in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontego Bay $102Pasadena $25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontego Bay $204Pasadena $50
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Pasadena
Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Pasadena? 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 Pasadena Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montego Bay $15Pasadena $21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- Breathless Resort Exclusive Private Airport Transfer: $10
- Private Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Negril *Air Conditioning: $10
- Private Airport Transfers from Montego Bay: $10
- Princess Resorts Cousins Cove Green Island Jamaica Transfers: $10
- Private Airport transfer Montego Bay: $12
- Montego Bay Airport Transfer: RIU Mobay, RIU Reggae & RIU Palace: $13
- El Greco Resort Private Airport Transfer: $13
- Private Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Montego Bay Hotels: $14
- Private Airport Transfer To Riu Montego Bay, Palace & Reggae: $14
- Private Transfer From Montego Bay Airport to Hotel in Montego Bay: $14
- RIU Reggae Palace and RIU Montego Bay Private Airport Transfer: $14
- Montego Bay Jamaica Airport Transfer to Montego Bay and Falmouth: $15
Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Pasadena?
Prices for flights to both Pasadena 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 $142Pasadena $32
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 Pasadena
Some typical examples of dining costs in Pasadena are as follows:
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Casual Dinner Out (family of 4)$58
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montego Bay $31Pasadena -
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:
- Shopping Tour for Whitter Village Mall Private / Charted Air Conditioned Taxi: $20
- Montego Bay Beach Day Experience: $20
- Lethe Rafting And Margaritaville Tour from Montego Bay: $20
- Souvenirs and Gift shopping Tour in Montego Bay: $20
- Cinnamon Hill Great House Tour: Home of Johnny Cash: $23
- Night Life Tour in Montego Bay with complimentary section/table: $25
- Jamaica Bamboo Rafting Experience with Lime Stone Massage: $25
- Montego Bay Cruise Ship Port to Doctor's Cave Beach and City Tour: $29
- Private Tour Souvenir Shopping in Montego Bay: $30
- Montego Bay Private Shopping Tour with Hotel Pickup: $30
- Doctor Cave Beach and Hip Strip Shopping from Cruise Ship: $30
- Great River Bamboo Rafting and Limestone Foot Massage Tour From Montego Bay: $30
Tours and Activities in Pasadena
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Pasadena are as follows:
- Pasadena Ghost Tour: Purgatory Phantoms: $24
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontego Bay $13Pasadena -
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montego Bay and Pasadena, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is Pasadena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Montego Bay is in Caribbean Islands and Pasadena 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 Pasadena would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pasadena 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 Pasadena.
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 Pasadena Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Pasadena?
Pasadena has a larger population, and is about 75% larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Pasadena, 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 Pasadena?
Pasadena 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 Pasadena in the Summer?
Both Pasadena and Montego Bay are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montego Bay throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Pasadena for the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Montego Bay is a little warmer than Pasadena. Typically, the summer temperatures in Montego Bay in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Pasadena averages at about 73°F (23°C).
In July, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMontego Bay 28°C (82°F)Pasadena 73°F (23°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Pasadena in the Autumn?
Both Pasadena and Montego Bay during the autumn 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 visitors come to Pasadena in the autumn for the shopping scene.
In October, Montego Bay is generally a little warmer than Pasadena. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 27°C (81°F), and Pasadena fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually gets more rain in October than Pasadena. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMontego Bay 27°C (81°F)Pasadena 68°F (20°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Pasadena in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Pasadena. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Also, most visitors come to Pasadena for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Montego Bay is much warmer than Pasadena in the winter. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Pasadena fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).
In January, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Pasadena receives 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMontego Bay 24°C (75°F)Pasadena 56°F (13°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Pasadena in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Pasadena. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Montego Bay is much warmer than Pasadena. Typically, the spring temperatures in Montego Bay in April average around 25°C (77°F), and Pasadena averages at about 62°F (17°C).
Montego Bay usually gets more rain in April than Pasadena. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMontego Bay 25°C (77°F)Pasadena 62°F (17°C)
Typical Weather for Pasadena and Montego Bay
| Montego Bay | Pasadena | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 2.5 inches (63 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 58°F (14°C) | 2.5 inches (63 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.7 inches (17 mm) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 65°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (4 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 69°F (20°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 0 inches (0 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 62°F (16°C) | 1.6 inches (42 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 1.7 inches (43 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.