Which place is cheaper, Pensacola 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 Pensacola?
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 Pensacola 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 Pensacola?
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.
Pensacola
With sands as white as sugar grain and a sky devoid of grey clouds and innumerable downpours, Pensacola is known by many as the "Western Gate to the Sunshine State." Located in northern Florida, Pensacola is a waterfront city known for its pristine beaches and rich Floridian history. As one of the earliest European settlements in the U.S., Pensacola is riddled with museums and landmarks that commemorate the state's history, making the city quite appetizing for history buffs and students alike. However, if you are simply looking to get the most out of the all-around good weather of Florida, Pensacola's protected beaches complemented with high-class restaurants and stores make this a vacation capital for many.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.
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Montego Bay Prices
Jamaica PricesPensacola Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontego Bay $258Pensacola $234
The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $258, while the average daily cost in Pensacola is $234. 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 Pensacola in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontego Bay $102Pensacola $115
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontego Bay $204Pensacola $230
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Pensacola
Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Pensacola? 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 Pensacola Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montego Bay $15Pensacola $64
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- Private Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Negril Hotels & Princess: $8.50
- Private Airport Transfers from Montego Bay: $8.70
- Sangster International Airport Private Transfer to Montego Bay: $10
- Airport Transfer to Montego Bay area Hotels & Airbnb-Private: $10
- Breathless Resort Exclusive Private Airport Transfer: $10
- Mbj Airport Transfers to any Montego Bay Hotels: $10
- Private Airport transfer Montego Bay: $12
- Private Transfer to Royal Decameron Cornwall Beach/Montego Beach: $13
- El Greco Resort Private Airport Transfer: $13
- Private Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Montego Bay Hotels: $14
- A "Private" Airport Transfer to any Resort in Montego Bay: $14
- RIU Palace reggae and RIU Montego Bay private airport transfers: $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Pensacola
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Pensacola:
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Boca Grande Causeway Toll$5.00
Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Pensacola?
Prices for flights to both Pensacola 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 $142Pensacola $84
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 Dining Experience in Montego Bay: $40
- Montego Bay Jerk Tour and Rum Punch Mixology/Food Tour: $50
- 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
- Sunset Dinner at Bamboo Beach Club: $99
- 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
Typical Food Prices in Pensacola
Some typical examples of dining costs in Pensacola are as follows:
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Two Ice Creams$6.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pensacola
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Pensacola.
- Seville Haunted Luncheon or Dinner and Ghost Tour: $50
- Palafox Palete Food Tour: $60
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montego Bay $31Pensacola $13
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:
- Jamaica Bamboo Rafting Experience with Lime Stone Massage: $20
- Shopping Tour for Whitter Village Mall Private / Charted Air Conditioned Taxi: $20
- Lethe Rafting And Margaritaville Tour from Montego Bay: $20
- Montego Bay Beach Day Experience: $20
- Souvenirs and Gift shopping Tour in Montego Bay: $20
- Montego Bay Bamboo Rafting and Hip Strip Private Tour: $22
- Cinnamon Hill Great House Tour: Home of Johnny Cash: $23
- Montego Bay Cruise Ship Port to Doctor's Cave Beach and City Tour: $29
- Doctor Cave Beach and Hip Strip Shopping from Cruise Ship: $30
- VR Experience in Montego Bay: $30
- Adventure and Activity Based Music and Nightlife and Nature: $30
- Doctors Cave Beach Roundtrip Tour in Montego Bay: $30
Typical Entertainment Prices in Pensacola
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Pensacola are as follows:
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Bike Rental$16
Tours and Activities in Pensacola
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Pensacola are as follows:
- Pensacola's Famous Ghosts Smartphone Guided App Walking Tour: $7.75
- Pensacola Beach Splash and Dash Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $20
- Pensacola Ghost Tours: Perdition, Pirates, & Purgatory: $24
- Spooky Stories Walking Ghost Tour: $25
- Pensacola Ghost Tours: Perdition, Pirates, & Purgatory: $26
- Penscola Most Haunted: Ghost Tour and Scavenger Hunt: $30
- Pensacola Most Haunted Ghost Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $30
- Pensacola Back to the Future Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $30
- Pensacola Pirate Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $30
- Pensacola Ghosts in the City: Haunted Walking Tour: $32
- Shared Dolphin Cruise in Pensacola Beach | Frisky Mermaid: $34
- Pensacola Haunted Walking Tour with Ghost Equipment: $35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontego Bay $13Pensacola $44
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Pensacola
Also in Pensacola, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Walking Ghost Tour Pub Crawl - Boos with Booze: $20
- Party Bike Pub Crawl of Downtown Pensacola: $45
When comparing the travel costs between Montego Bay and Pensacola, 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 Pensacola 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 Pensacola Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Pensacola?
Montego Bay has a larger population, and is about 47% larger than the population of Pensacola. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Pensacola, 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 Pensacola?
Pensacola 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 Pensacola in the Summer?
Both Pensacola 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, most visitors come to Pensacola for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Montego Bay is around the same temperature as Pensacola in the summer. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Pensacola fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Pensacola. In July, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Pensacola. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Pensacola receives 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMontego Bay 28°C (82°F)Pensacola 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Pensacola in the Autumn?
Both Pensacola 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, the autumn months attract visitors to Pensacola because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Montego Bay is a little warmer than Pensacola. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Montego Bay in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Pensacola averages at about 69°F (21°C).
Pensacola gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually gets more rain in October than Pensacola. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Pensacola receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Pensacola is June to November.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMontego Bay 27°C (81°F)Pensacola 69°F (21°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Pensacola in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Pensacola. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Pensacola this time of year.
In January, Montego Bay is generally much warmer than Pensacola. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 24°C (75°F), and Pensacola fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).
Pensacola receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Pensacola. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Pensacola receives 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMontego Bay 24°C (75°F)Pensacola 51°F (10°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Pensacola in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Pensacola. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Pensacola for the beaches.
Montego Bay is a little warmer than Pensacola in the spring. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 25°C (77°F) in April, and Pensacola fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).
Montego Bay usually gets less rain in April than Pensacola. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Pensacola receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Pensacola.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMontego Bay 25°C (77°F)Pensacola 67°F (20°C)
Typical Weather for Pensacola and Montego Bay
| Montego Bay | Pensacola | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 51°F (10°C) | 4.6 inches (117 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 5.4 inches (137 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 60°F (16°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 67°F (20°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 80°F (27°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 7.4 inches (189 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 7.4 inches (188 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 5.3 inches (135 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 69°F (21°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 61°F (16°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 4.3 inches (109 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.