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

Should you visit Montego Bay or Puerto Madryn?

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 Puerto Madryn 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 Puerto Madryn?

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.

Puerto Madryn

Puerto Madryn is mostly known as the gateway to Peninsula Valdes, welcoming tourists who come for whale watching. The Peninsula Valdes is a nature reserve designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site; 97 km long and 63 km wide, it is connected to the continent by an isthmus of 35 km from which we can see both gulfs, San Jose at north and the Nuevo at south.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Argentina, and The Best 3-Week Tours in Argentina.


Which place is cheaper, Puerto Madryn 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 Puerto Madryn is $14. 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 Puerto Madryn in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Montego Bay $104
    Puerto Madryn $5.25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Montego Bay $208
    Puerto Madryn $11
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Puerto Madryn

Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Puerto Madryn? 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 Puerto Madryn


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 Puerto Madryn Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Montego Bay $15
    Puerto Madryn $3.28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:

  • Shared Transfer: From/to Montego Bay International Airport: $8.33
  • Montego Bay Hotels Private Transfer : $10
  • Montego Bay Hotels Private Airport Transfer : $10
  • Riu Reggae , Riu Palace & Riu Mobay Montego Bay Airport Transfers: $11
  • Private Transfer Sangster International Airport to Montego Bay: $12
  • RIU Reggae Palace and RIU Montego Bay Private Airport Transfer: $13
  • Private Airport Transfer to Sandals Montego : $13
  • MBJ Airport: Private Transfer to Montego Bay: $14
  • Private Airport Transfer to Hyatt Ziva & Zilara to Jewel Grande: $14
  • Relaxing Airport To Resort In Montego Bay Transfer: $14
  • Private Airport Transfer to Breathless/ to Secrets Resort: $14
  • Private Airport Transfer to Half Moon - Holiday Inn - Zoetry: $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Puerto Madryn

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Puerto Madryn:

  • Trelew Airport Shuttle Transfer To Puerto Madryn : $47
  • From Punta Tombo Day Trip with Hotel Transfer: $131

Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Puerto Madryn?

Prices for flights to both Puerto Madryn 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
    Puerto Madryn $5.69

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
    Puerto Madryn $5.77
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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Puerto Madryn

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Puerto Madryn are as follows:


  • Whale Watching for Two
    $0.35

Tours and Activities in Puerto Madryn

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Puerto Madryn are as follows:

  • Kayaking adventure in Puerto Madryn: $60
  • Excursion to Punta Loma and Puerto Madryn for Cruisers: $60
  • From City and Punta Loma Tour: $70
  • Shore Excursion: Punta Loma+City Tour, for cruise passengers: $70
  • Punta Loma Shore Excursion with City tour: $75
  • Punta Loma Excursion for Cruise Passengers: $75
  • Full Day Peninsula Valdes Experience - optional Whale Watching : $87
  • Peninsula Valdes Full Day Tour: $88
  • Punta Tombo Tour, the Penguin Experience: $88
  • Full Day Peninsula Valdes Experience: $90
  • Shore Excursion Punta Loma Sea Lions Reserve Including Puerto Madryn City Tour : $95
  • Wonderful Punta Tombo Penguin Rookery Tour : $100

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Montego Bay $13
    Puerto Madryn $3.13

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 Puerto Madryn, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is Puerto Madryn much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Montego Bay is in Caribbean Islands and Puerto Madryn 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 Puerto Madryn would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Puerto Madryn 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 Puerto Madryn.

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 Puerto Madryn Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Puerto Madryn?

Montego Bay has a larger population, and is about 28% larger than the population of Puerto Madryn. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Puerto Madryn, 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 Puerto Madryn?

Puerto Madryn 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 Puerto Madryn in the Summer?

Both Puerto Madryn 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.

In the summer, Montego Bay is a little warmer than Puerto Madryn. Typically, the summer temperatures in Montego Bay in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Puerto Madryn averages at about 22°C (71°F)in January.

In July, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Puerto Madrynin January. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Puerto Madryn receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Montego Bay 28°C (82°F) 
    Puerto Madryn 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Puerto Madryn in the Autumn?

Both Puerto Madryn 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.

In October, Montego Bay is generally much warmer than Puerto Madrynin April. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 27°C (81°F), and Puerto Madryn fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually gets more rain in October than Puerto Madrynin April. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Puerto Madryn receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Montego Bay 27°C (81°F) 
    Puerto Madryn 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Puerto Madryn in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Puerto Madryn. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round.

Montego Bay is much warmer than Puerto Madryn in the winter. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Puerto Madryn fluctuates around 7°C (45°F)in July.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Puerto Madryn this time of the year. In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montego Bay usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Madryn during winter. Montego Bay gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Madryn receives 209 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Puerto Madrynin July. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Puerto Madryn receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Montego Bay or Puerto Madryn in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Montego Bay is much warmer than Puerto Madryn. Typically, the spring temperatures in Montego Bay in April average around 25°C (77°F), and Puerto Madryn averages at about 14°C (58°F)in October.

Montego Bay usually gets more rain in April than Puerto Madrynin October. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Puerto Madryn receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Montego Bay 25°C (77°F) 
    Puerto Madryn 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Puerto Madryn and Montego Bay

Montego Bay Puerto Madryn
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 22°C (71°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 21°C (69°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Apr 25°C (77°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
May 26°C (79°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 10°C (51°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 11°C (53°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 14°C (58°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)