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

Should you visit Montego Bay or Pucon?

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 Pucon 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 Pucon?

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.

Pucon

A popular hub for adventure tourism, Pucon is a town in the Lake District of the South American nation of Chile. Located on Lake Villarirca with the snowcapped Villarrica volcano looming above and plenty of forested valleys below, the town has become a home base year-round for a full range of outdoor activities.

Check out our ultimate guide to Traveling in Patagonia.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Chile, and The Best Luxury Tours to Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Pucon or Montego Bay?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $203, while the average daily cost in Pucon is $100. 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 Pucon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Montego Bay $104
    Pucon $43
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Montego Bay $208
    Pucon $86
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Pucon

Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Pucon? 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 Pucon


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Montego Bay $15
    Pucon $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:

  • Airport Transfer To Hotels in Negril : $60
  • Airport Transfer To S Hotel (Round-trip): $35
  • Airport Transfer to Montego Bay Hotels (Round-Trip): $54
  • Airport Transfers to Iberostar Hotel (Round-trip): $53
  • MBJ Airport Private Round Trip Transfer to Hotels in Montego Bay Area: $27
  • Riu Reggae , Riu Palace & Riu Mobay Montego Bay Airport Transfers: $11
  • Round-Trip Transfer Airport Transfer to Hotels in Montego Bay : $41
  • Roundtrip Transfer from Montego Bay Airport to Meliá Braco Hotel: $80
  • Shared Airport Transfer To Montego Bay Hotels: $55
  • 2727lounge/Magarativille/Pier1 & taboo nightlife private transfer: $35
  • Airport Transfer To Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa: $60
  • Airport Transfer to Excellence Oyster Bay and Royalton: $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pucon

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pucon:

  • Private Transfer Pucon Thermal Resorts to Temuco Airport: $49
  • Pucon to Puerto Montt El Tepual Airport (PMC) -Departure Transfer: $114
  • Pucon Temuco Airport Private Transfer: $130

Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Pucon?

Prices for flights to both Pucon 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 $84
    Pucon $38

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montego Bay

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Montego Bay.

  • Private Transportation to DINNER or NIGHT CLUBS: $55
  • Lunch or Dinner with Pickup from Montego Bay : $81
  • Night cruise and swim the Falmouth Mystic Lagoon, Dinner and Rum Punch Inclusive: $85
  • Rick’s Cafe Cliff Diving, Sunset & Dinner Tour with Transportation : $130
  • Sunset Boat Ride in the Falmouth Luminous Lagoon swim and Dinner : $165
  • Sunset Boat Cruise in Falmouth Luminous Lagoon, Swim and Dinner : $170
  • Restaurant Transportation for Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Montego Bay: $180
  • Houseboat Restaurant and Grill for Dinner Private Transportation : $180
  • Private Sea-Food Tour & Floyds Pelican Bar from Montego Bay or ..: $185
  • [PRIVATE] Premium Jamaican Food Tour of Local Cuisine: $190

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Montego Bay $32
    Pucon $37
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
    $2.74
  • Snorkeling Trip
    $19
  • One Tank Dive
    $38
  • 1.5 Hr Horseback Ride
    $44

Tours and Activities in Montego Bay

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Montego Bay are as follows:

  • Greenwood Great House Entry Ticket: $20
  • Cinnamon Hill Great House Tour - Home of Johnny Cash: $23
  • Skip the Line: Rose Hall Great House & Garden Tour Ticket: $30
  • Private Shopping Tour in Montego Bay with Hotel Pickup: $35
  • Montego Bay Sightseeing Tour and Souvenir Shopping: $35
  • Rose Hall Great House Haunted Night Tour: $35
  • Skip the Line: Ahhh Ras Natango Gallery and Garden Admission Tickets: $35
  • Shopping and Sightseeing Tour of Montego Bay City: $39
  • Shopping and Sightseeing Local Guided Tour In Montego Bay: $40
  • Bamboo Rafting, Hip-Strip & Margaritaville Tour from Montego Bay: $40
  • Montego Bay Walking Tour: $40
  • Private Montego Bay Shopping Tour with Transportation: $45

Tours and Activities in Pucon

Here are a few actual costs in Pucon for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 3-Hour Rafting Experience in Pucon: $60
  • Private 3-Hour Canyoning Experience on the Correntoso River: $68
  • Sightseeing Tour in Pucon and Villarica: $93
  • Half Day Tour to The Eyes Of Caburgua from Pucon: $93
  • Private Half Day Andean Lakes Experience with pickup: $110
  • Full Day Private Tour Ascending Sollipulli Volcano: $140
  • Local Chile-Bavarian Culinary Pretzel Baking Experience n Sausage: $149
  • Full Day Excursion Tour to Quetrupillán Volcano: $177

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Montego Bay $13
    Pucon $27

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: $215


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

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 Pucon Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Pucon?

Montego Bay has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Pucon. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Pucon, 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 Pucon?

Pucon 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 Pucon in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Pucon. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round.

In July, Montego Bay is generally much warmer than Puconin January. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 28°C (82°F), and Pucon fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pucon this time of the year. In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montego Bay usually receives less sunshine than Pucon during summer. Montego Bay gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Pucon receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Puconin January. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Pucon receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Montego Bay 28°C (82°F) 
    Pucon 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Pucon in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Pucon. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Montego Bay is much warmer than Pucon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Pucon fluctuates around 11°C (52°F)in April.

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 Puconin April. Montego Bay gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pucon receives 132 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pucon. Montego Bay receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Montego Bay usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Puconin April. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Pucon receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Montego Bay 27°C (81°F) 
    Pucon 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Pucon in the Winter?

Both Pucon 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.

In the winter, Montego Bay is much warmer than Pucon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montego Bay in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Pucon averages at about 7°C (45°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually receives more sunshine than Pucon during winter. Montego Bay gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Pucon receives 66 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pucon. In January, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Puconin July. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Pucon receives 312 mm (12.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Montego Bay 24°C (75°F) 
    Pucon 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Pucon in the Spring?

Both Pucon 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.

In April, Montego Bay is generally much warmer than Puconin October. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 25°C (77°F), and Pucon fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. In the spring, Montego Bay often gets more sunshine than Puconin October. Montego Bay gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pucon receives 198 hours of full sun.

Pucon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Montego Bay usually gets less rain in April than Puconin October. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Pucon receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Montego Bay 25°C (77°F) 
    Pucon 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Pucon and Montego Bay

Montego Bay Pucon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 25°C (77°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
May 26°C (79°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 295 mm (11.6 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 297 mm (11.7 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 312 mm (12.3 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 247 mm (9.7 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)