Which place is cheaper, Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine?
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, Maine 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, Maine?
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, Maine
The largest city in the U.S. state of Maine, Portland has much to offer with its most visited areas being the historic Old Port and the Arts District. They are a mix of the old and new, with a historic feel of the waterfront port versus the contemporary culture of the local art scene. In addition to these popular locations, the Portland area is marked with historical landmarks and museums, places to shop, award-winning restaurants, and activities in areas just outside the city as well.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.
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Montego Bay Prices
Jamaica PricesPortland, Maine Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontego Bay $258Portland, Maine $227
The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $258, while the average daily cost in Portland, Maine is $227. 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, Maine in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontego Bay $102Portland, Maine $115
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontego Bay $204Portland, Maine $230
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Portland, Maine
Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Portland, Maine? 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 Portland, Maine Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montego Bay $15Portland, Maine $34
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- 2727lounge/Magarativille/Pier1 & taboo nightlife private transfer: $45
- A "Private" Airport Transfer to Grand Palladium Resort: $45
- Airport (MBJ) Round Trip Transfer in Montego Bay: $60
- Airport MBJ Round Trip Transfers, to Montego Bay Airbnb & Resorts: $53
- Airport Private Round Trip Transfer: $30
- Airport Private Transfers from Montego Bay to Hilton Rose Hall: $21
- Airport Transfer: $80
- Airport Transfer From Kingston: $200
- Airport Transfer MBJ Montego Bay to Kingston: $150
- Airport Transfer Montego Bay Hotels: $120
- Airport Transfer Riu Montego / Reggae / Palace: $40
- Airport Transfer To Grand Bahia Principe Hotel: $120
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portland, Maine
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portland, Maine:
- Private Transfer from Portland city to Portland Cruise Port: $74
- Private Transfer from Portland Cruise Port to Portland city: $74
- Portland to Portland Jetport (PWM) - Departure Private Transfer: $86
- Private Transfer from Portland Port to Portland Jetport (PWM): $133
- Portland Jetport (PWM) to Portland - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $173
Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Portland, Maine?
Prices for flights to both Portland, Maine 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 $142Portland, Maine $84
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 Portland, Maine
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Portland, Maine:
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Breakfast for 2$17
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Dinner for 2$30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Portland, Maine
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Portland, Maine.
- Portland Explorer: Taste of Portland Food Tour: $130
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montego Bay $31Portland, Maine $39
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 Portland, Maine
Here are a few actual costs in Portland, Maine for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Audio Guided Walking Tour from Old Port of Portland, Maine: $7.75
- Self-Guided Audio Tour of Portland’s Historic Old Port District: $9.99
- Portland Underground Railroad Self Guided Audio Walking Tour: $9.99
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Portland by Wacky Walks: $10
- Portland Maine Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $12
- Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Portland ME: $15
- Ultimate Portland Self-Guided Driving GPS Audio Tour: $15
- Portland Maine Self-Guided Driving & Walking Audio Tour Bundle: $22
- Phantoms Penance and Poltergeists Portland ME Ghost Tour: $26
- 2-Hour Portland Old Port Ghost Walking Tour: $29
- Portland Head Light and Fort Williams Walking Tour: $35
- Port City Lights Cruise: $39
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontego Bay $13Portland, Maine $24
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 comparing the travel costs between Montego Bay and Portland, Maine, 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 Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Portland, Maine?
Montego Bay has a larger population, and is about 31% larger than the population of Portland, Maine. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Portland, Maine, 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, Maine?
Portland, Maine 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, Maine in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Portland, Maine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Portland, Maine in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Montego Bay is a little warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the summer temperatures in Montego Bay in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Portland, Maine averages at about 69°F (20°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland, Maine this time of the year. In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montego Bay usually receives less sunshine than Portland, Maine during summer. Montego Bay gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 282 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Portland, Maine. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMontego Bay 28°C (82°F)Portland, Maine 69°F (20°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Portland, Maine in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Portland, Maine. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Portland, Maine for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Montego Bay is generally much warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 27°C (81°F), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montego Bay this time of the year. In the autumn, Montego Bay often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. Montego Bay gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 196 hours of full sun.
Montego Bay receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Montego Bay usually gets more rain in October than Portland, Maine. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMontego Bay 27°C (81°F)Portland, Maine 49°F (9°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Portland, Maine in the Winter?
Both Portland, Maine and Montego Bay are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montego Bay throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Portland, Maine because of the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Portland, Maine can be very cold. Montego Bay is much warmer than Portland, Maine in the winter. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually receives more sunshine than Portland, Maine during winter. Montego Bay gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Portland, Maine. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMontego Bay 24°C (75°F)Portland, Maine 21°F (-6°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Portland, Maine in the Spring?
Both Portland, Maine and Montego Bay during the spring 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 beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Portland, Maine this time of year.
In the spring, Montego Bay is much warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the spring temperatures in Montego Bay in April average around 25°C (77°F), and Portland, Maine averages at about 43°F (6°C).
In Portland, Maine, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. In the spring, Montego Bay often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Portland, Maine. Montego Bay gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 212 hours of full sun.
Montego Bay usually gets less rain in April than Portland, Maine. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMontego Bay 25°C (77°F)Portland, Maine 43°F (6°C)
Typical Weather for Portland, Maine and Montego Bay
| Montego Bay | Portland, Maine | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 21°F (-6°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 24°F (-5°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 33°F (1°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 43°F (6°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 53°F (12°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 69°F (20°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 67°F (20°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 49°F (9°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 39°F (4°C) | 4.8 inches (123 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 27°F (-3°C) | 4.1 inches (103 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.