Which place is cheaper, Ponce 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 Ponce?
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 Ponce 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 Ponce?
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.
Ponce
Ponce is on the south coast of Puerto Rico. It's the second largest city on the island and has been around since 1692 when it was originally founded by Ponce de Leon's grandson Juan Ponce de Leon y Loayza. The city has several nicknames, including La Perla del Sur (The Pearl of the South), La Ciudad Senorial (The Noble, or Lordly, City), and La Ciudad de las Quenepas (Genip City).
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Montego Bay Prices
Jamaica PricesPonce Prices
Puerto Rico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontego Bay $260Ponce $230
The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $260, while the average daily cost in Ponce is $230. 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 Ponce in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontego Bay $102Ponce $151
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontego Bay $204Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Ponce
Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Ponce? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montego Bay $15Ponce $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- Shared Transfer: From/to Montego Bay International Airport: $9.26
- Private Airport Transfers from Montego Bay: $10
- Montego Bay Airport Transfer: RIU Resorts Montego Bay: $10
- Shuttle Transfer From Montego Bay Airport - Montego Bay: $10
- Private Airport Transfer to Hotels: $10
- Montego Bay Airport Transfer: RIU Resorts in Montego Bay: $10
- MBJ Airport Shuttle Bus Transfer to Hotels: $11
- Shuttle Transfer From Montego Bay Airport - RoseHall : $11
- Airport Transfer Riu Montego / Reggae / Palace: $12
- Private Airport transfer Montego Bay: $12
- Sangster International Airport Private Transfer to Montego Bay: $12
- RIU Reggae Palace and RIU Montego Bay Private Airport Transfer: $13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ponce
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ponce:
- San Juan Departure Share Transfer: $27
- Isabela / Hatillo to Aguadilla Airport(BQN) - DepartureTransfer: $44
- San Juan Port to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
- San Juan PR Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Transfer: $46
- San Juan hotels to San Juan PR Cruise Port - Departure Transfer: $46
- Private Transfers from SJU Airport to Isla Verde, Condado or San Juan área : $60
- San juan Puerto Rico PrivateTransfers Airport,Hotels,Cruise Ports: $60
- Transfer TO or FROM: Airport,Cruise,Hotel in DORADO or RIO GRANDE: $70
- Private Transfer from San Juan City Hotels to Ponce Cruise Port: $79
- Aguadilla Hernandez Airport (BQN) to Isabela - RoundTrip Transfer: $87
- San Juan Airport (SJU) to San Juan hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Ponce?
Prices for flights to both Ponce 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 $142Ponce $61
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 : $45
- Street Food Tour in Montego Bay: $59
- Night cruise and swim the Falmouth Mystic Lagoon, Dinner and Rum Punch Inclusive: $85
- Jamaican Seafood Street Food Tour from Montego Bay, Falmouth: $130
- Bar Hopping and Local Food Tour in Jamaica : $130
- Private Jamaican Food Tour with City Highlights: $140
- Private Beach Day and Street Food Tour from Montego Bay: $170
- Restaurant Transportation for Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Montego Bay: $180
- PRIVATE Food Tour of Local Jamaican Cuisine Montego Bay & Negril: $190
- Authentic Jamaican Cooking Experience in the Mountain from mobay: $199
- Montego Bay, Negril, Falmouth, Ocho Rios Dinner an Nightlife Tour: $250
- Private Martha Brae Raft and Luminous Lagoon Tour with Dinner: $270
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ponce
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ponce.
- Latin Night with Dinner and Local Music with Transportation: $59
- Puerto Rico Art and Wine Dinner with One Way Transportation: $89
- Private Cooking Class with a Fun Local in San German, Puerto Rico: $96
- Private Half-Day Island Authentic Food Tour : $130
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montego Bay $32Ponce $56
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$2.69
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Snorkeling Trip$19
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One Tank Dive$38
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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:
- Montego Bay Cruise Ship Port Group Transportation Service: $18
- Montego Bay Beach Day Experience: $20
- Shopping Tour for Whitter Village Mall Private / Charted Air Conditioned Taxi: $20
- Montego Bay City highlight And Souvenir Shopping Group Tour: $20
- Cinnamon Hill Great House Tour: Home of Johnny Cash: $23
- JAMAICA SPECIAL: Rum Tour Safari Pelican Bar BoatParty Rick'sCafe: $25
- The Ultimate Montego Bay Night Life Experience: $25
- Jetcar Experience Montego Bay: $26
- Luminous Lagoon Tour Glistening Waters Experience Falmouth: $26
- Jet ski tour from montegobay: $28
- Skip the Line: Rose Hall Great House and Garden Tour Ticket: $30
- Private Tour Souvenir Shopping in Montego Bay : $30
Tours and Activities in Ponce
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ponce are as follows:
- Talking Buildings of Old San Juan: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Private Sunset Walking Tour in San Juan: $25
- Old San Juan Tour (1 Hour) by DUHO: $25
- Historical Walking Tour in Old San Juan: $30
- Guided Walking Tour in Ponce: $30
- Guided City Walking Tour: $32
- La Perla Cultural Tour: $35
- Historic Old San Juan Sunset Walking Tour: $39
- Bio Bay Boat Tour with Swimming from La Parguera, Puerto Rico: $50
- Snorkeling Lesson & Interactive Experience for Kids and Adults : $50
- Las Tinajas Waterfall: Guided Short Hike Adventure from Fajardo: $55
- Instagramable Places in Old San Juan Shared Tour: $60
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontego Bay $13Ponce $16
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Ponce
Also in Ponce, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Artisan Puertorrican Winery and Distillery Tour: $50
- Local Puerto Rican Rum Distillery Tour - Ron Pepon: $90
- Rum Distillery and Old San Juan Tour: $99
When comparing the travel costs between Montego Bay and Ponce, 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. Since both cities are in Caribbean Islands, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
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 Ponce Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Ponce?
Ponce has a larger population, and is about 84% larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Ponce, 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 Ponce?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Montego Bay or Ponce in the Summer?
Both Ponce 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. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Ponce. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Ponce. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during summer. Montego Bay gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
Montego Bay is around the same temperature as Ponce in the summer. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMontego Bay 28°C (82°F)Ponce 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Ponce in the Autumn?
Both Ponce 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round.
Ponce 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 around the same amount of rain in October as Ponce. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. In the autumn, Montego Bay often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ponce. Montego Bay gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 235 hours of full sun.
In the autumn, Montego Bay is around the same temperature as Ponce. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Montego Bay in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Ponce averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMontego Bay 27°C (81°F)Ponce 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Ponce in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Ponce. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Ponce. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montego Bay usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ponce during winter. Montego Bay gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Montego Bay is generally around the same temperature as Ponce. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 24°C (75°F), and Ponce fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMontego Bay 24°C (75°F)Ponce 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Ponce in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Ponce. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year.
Montego Bay usually gets less rain in April than Ponce. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montego Bay this time of the year. In the spring, Montego Bay often gets less sunshine than Ponce. Montego Bay gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 272 hours of full sun.
Montego Bay is around the same temperature as Ponce in the spring. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 25°C (77°F) in April, and Ponce fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMontego Bay 25°C (77°F)Ponce 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Ponce and Montego Bay
| Montego Bay | Ponce | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
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.