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

Should you visit Montego Bay or Portland?

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 Portland 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 Portland?

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.

Portland

Referred to as "The City of Roses", Portland is the largest city in Oregon. It sits on the banks of the Columbia River and offers breathtaking views of Mount Hood when the weather allows. Portland is famous for its alternative vibe, live music scene, and popular microbreweries. It's also a mecca for environmentally conscious urban planning. The downtown area is quite compact and walkable. While the city itself may be smaller than you expect, it is still the largest metropolitan area between San Francisco and Seattle.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Portland 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.

  • Montego Bay Prices
    Jamaica Prices
    Portland Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Montego Bay $257
    Portland $211

The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $257, while the average daily cost in Portland is $211. 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 Portland in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Montego Bay $101
    Portland $97
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Montego Bay $202
    Portland $194
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Portland

Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Portland? 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 Portland


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 Portland Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Montego Bay $15
    Portland $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:

  • luxury VIP Airport Transfer to RIU Palace, Reggae,Montego bay: $140
  • Zoetry Montego Bay Airport Transfers MBJ (Private Roundtrip Exclusive): $180
  • VIP Luxury Airport Transfer Mobay, Ocho Rios, Negril, Lucea,: $150
  • Tryall / Round Hill - Montego Bay Airport Transfers: $107
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Montego Bay HTL-APT (MBJ): $37
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Montego Bay APT-HTL (MBJ): $37
  • Tropical Court Hotel Private Airport Transfer: $13
  • Transfers from Montego Bay Airport to Negril: $53
  • Transfer Service, Sangster MBJ Airport From/To Iberostar zone: $64
  • Tobys Resort Private Airport Transfer: $20
  • Sunset at the Palm Private Negril Airport Transfer: $52
  • Sunscape Resorts Montego Bay Private Airport Transfers: $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portland

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

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Portland Airport PDX: $40
  • Private Departure Transfer to Portland Airport (PDX): $40
  • Portland downtown to Portland Airport (PDX) - Departure Private Transfer: $45
  • Portland Airport (PDX) to Beaverton hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $45
  • Portland Airport (PDX) to Tigard hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $45
  • Portland Airport (PDX) to Lake Oswego - Arrival Private Transfer: $45
  • Lake Oswego to Portland Airport (PDX) - Departure Private Transfer: $45
  • Port Of Portland Cruiseport Private Hotel Transfer up to 5 PAX: $58
  • Waterfall Express -PDX: Waterfall Trolley Tickets + Transfer: $77
  • Portland Airport (PDX) to Beaverton hotel - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $90
  • USA Portland PDX International Airport airport private transfer.: $100
  • Private Transfer from Astoria Cruise Port to Portland city hotels: $224

Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Portland?

Prices for flights to both Portland 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 $141
    Portland $74

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
  • 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
  • 3 to 5 Hour Private Herbal Tour Shopping and Dinner at Ricks Cafe: $120
  • Bar Hopping and Local Food Tour in Jamaica: $130
  • Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios Dinner and Nightlife Experience: $150
  • Restaurant Transportation for Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Montego Bay: $180
  • Authentic Jamaican Food Cooking Experience in the Countryside: $195
  • Authentic Jamaican Cooking Experience in the Mountain from mobay: $210

Typical Food Prices in Portland

For Portland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Afternoon Drinks (for 2)
    $9.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Portland

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

  • Portland's Original Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $69
  • Portland Holiday Food Tour: Delicious Donuts & Sweet Treats: $70
  • Portland Pizza Walking Tour: 4 Stops, Full Slice Each: $75
  • Fun Dumpling Cooking Class With a Local Chef in Portland: $75
  • Portland Pizza Tour: 4 Full Slices at Top Local Pizzerias: $75
  • Fun Dumpling Cooking Class With a Local Chef: $75
  • All-Inclusive Downtown Portland Food Tour: $107
  • Downtown Food Tour of 6 Local Favorites Dishes: $112
  • Portland Downtown Food Tour: 6 Tastings of Local & Global Flavors: $113
  • 2.5-hour Dinner Cruise on Willamette River: $129
  • Dinner Cruise on the Willamette River: $129
  • Alphabet District Food Tour: $139

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Montego Bay $31
    Portland $25
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
    $2.66
  • Snorkeling Trip
    $19
  • One Tank Dive
    $37
  • 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:

  • 1 Hour Horse Back Riding & Dunn's River Falls Tour Combo: $240
  • 2 Hour Private Montego Bay City Tour with Souvenir’s Shopping: $80
  • 27/27 Lounge, Pier 1 & Margaritaville Nightlife Tour In Jamaica: $80
  • 3 Hours Private Tour in Montego Bay From Falmouth: $75
  • 3-Hour Private Tour in the Highlights of Montego Bay: $58
  • 4 Hours Party Boat Catamaran Cruise in Negril: $190
  • 4 Hours Private Night Life Experience in Montego Bay: $66
  • 4-Hour Catamaran Party Cruise with Open Bar from Montego Bay: $200
  • 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 Party Catamaran Cruise with Snorkeling & Ricks Cafe: $115
  • 7 in 1 Day Jamaican Adventure with Jhadano Tours: $50

Tours and Activities in Portland

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

  • Discover A Self-Guided Tour: $4.74
  • Portland Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $5.00
  • Portland Golden Adventure Puzzle Quest and Tour: $6.93
  • Downtown Portland's Outdoor Sculptures: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Museum of the Oregon Territory Admission Ticket: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Portland OR by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Portland by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Stevens-Crawford Heritage House Admission Ticket: $10
  • Portland Oregon Ghost Tour Paranormal Portland Ghost Tour: $15
  • Pittock Mansion Entry Ticket: $16
  • Mount Hood Loop Scenic Drive Self Guided Audio Tour: $17
  • Lan Su Chinese Garden General Admission Ticket: $18

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Montego Bay $13
    Portland $17

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: $255

Sample the Local Flavors in Portland

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Portland:

  • A Spectacular Bar Crawl: Power Through Portland: $12
  • Private or Shared Party Bike Pub Crawl: $25
  • Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Portland Haunted Pub Crawl Ghost Stories and Drinks Tour: $35
  • Weird Portland Pub Tour: $38
  • Oregon Priority Wine Tasting Pass: $40
  • Mystery Paint & Sip Night at a Trendy Brewery: $59
  • Guided Bike Tour with Brewery Visits: $65
  • Willamette Valley Wine Tour: $131
  • Willamette Valley Wine Tasting Tour: $138
  • Urban Wine Tasting Tour: $139
  • Willamette Valley Wine Tour from Portland: $145


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

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 Portland Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Portland?

Portland has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Portland, 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 Portland?

Portland 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 Portland in the Summer?

Both Portland 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, the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Portland this time of year.

In July, Montego Bay is generally a little warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 28°C (82°F), and Portland fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In Portland, 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 Portland. Montego Bay gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun.

Montego Bay usually gets more rain in July than Portland. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Montego Bay 28°C (82°F) 
    Portland 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Portland in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Portland. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Portland for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Montego Bay is much warmer than Portland in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Portland fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montego Bay usually receives more sunshine than Portland during autumn. Montego Bay gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 155 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 Portland. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Montego Bay 27°C (81°F) 
    Portland 55°F (13°C)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Portland in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Portland. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Portland in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Portland can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Montego Bay is much warmer than Portland. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montego Bay in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Portland averages at about 40°F (4°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 Portland. Montego Bay gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Portland. Montego Bay usually gets less rain in January than Portland. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Montego Bay 24°C (75°F) 
    Portland 40°F (4°C)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Portland in the Spring?

Both Portland 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, most visitors come to Portland for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Montego Bay is generally much warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 25°C (77°F), and Portland fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Portland. 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 Portland during spring. Montego Bay gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Montego Bay usually receives around the same amount of rain as Portland. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Montego Bay 25°C (77°F) 
    Portland 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Portland and Montego Bay

Montego Bay Portland
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 40°F (4°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 44°F (7°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 47°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Apr 25°C (77°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 51°F (11°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
May 26°C (79°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 57°F (14°C) 2 inches (51 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 64°F (18°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 68°F (20°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 69°F (20°C) 1 inches (25 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 63°F (17°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 55°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 46°F (8°C) 5.4 inches (136 mm)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 40°F (5°C) 6.1 inches (156 mm)