Which place is cheaper, Rotorua 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 Rotorua?
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 Rotorua 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 Rotorua?
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.
Rotorua
Located on the banks of Lake Rotorua, Rotorua is famous as the thermal wonderland of New Zealand. The area has a variety of geothermal sights, but it is also close to several lakes and has more traditional activities as well, including fishing, boating and white water rafting.
Rotorua is located in the Taupo Volcanic Zone, which is the largest volcano in the area. There are four major volcanic calderas that now have lakes, and several other volcanoes in the area. Rotorua sits on top of a thermal hot spring, and there are many vents and hot pools throughout the area. Many of the hot pools and sights are located within parks, with some of the best being Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Rainbow Springs Nature Park, and Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland.
Rotorua has a warm, temperate climate. Because of the area's inland location, it has less wind than many places in New Zealand. Temperatures during the winter months can fall to below freezing, but snow is incredibly rare.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand.
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Montego Bay Prices
Jamaica PricesRotorua Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontego Bay $255Rotorua $114
The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $255, while the average daily cost in Rotorua is $114. 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 Rotorua in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontego Bay $100Rotorua $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontego Bay $200Rotorua $96
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Rotorua
Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Rotorua? 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 Rotorua Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montego Bay $14Rotorua $4.99
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- VIP Luxury Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Montego Bay/ Falmouth: $70
- Transfer Service, Sangster MBJ Airport From/To Iberostar zone: $61
- Sangster Airport Montego Bay Transfer to Montego Bay or Falmouth: $16
- Sandals South Coast Airport Transfer: $80
- Royalton White Sands Private Airport Transfer: $40
- Royalton Blue Waters & Hideaway by Blue Waters Private Transfer: $35
- Roundtrip Montego Bay Airport Private Transfer to Hotel or Airbnb: $22
- Riu Resorts Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Roundtrip): $169
- Private airport transfer to negril resorts arrival/departure: $17
- Private Transfer/Tours to/from Montego Bay: $60
- Private Transfer to Dunns River Blue Hole Tubing from Montego Bay: $110
- Private Transfer to Dunn's River Falls and Blue Hole: $110
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotorua
Also for Rotorua, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Rotorua to Auckland Afternoon Transfer with Waitomo Glow Worms: $186
Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Rotorua?
Prices for flights to both Rotorua 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 $139Rotorua $50
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montego Bay
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Montego Bay.
- Club2727 Nightlife Experience With Optional Dinner In Montego Bay: $10
- 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
- Dinner Experience and Celebration on the Beach with Decorations : $158
- PRIVATE Food Tour of Local Jamaican Cuisine Montego Bay & Negril: $190
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rotorua
For Rotorua, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Mitai Maori Village: Cultural Experience and Dinner Buffet: $98
- Te Puia: Te Pō Indigenous Evening Experience - Haka + Dinner: $113
- Te Puia: Te Pō Indigenous Evening Experience with Dinner: $117
- Te Pa Tu Māori Cultural Experience with Dinner: $156
- Te Puia: Te Pō Indigenous Combo - Tour, Dinner + Haka: $161
- Evening Starlight Gourmet Kayak Tour with dinner: $202
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montego Bay $31Rotorua $34
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$2.63
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Snorkeling Trip$18
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One Tank Dive$37
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1.5 Hr Horseback Ride$42
Tours and Activities in Montego Bay
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Montego Bay are as follows:
- Black River Day Adventure Tour: $92
- Dunn’s River Secret falls with Horse-back&Bamboo Raft Experience: $125
- Falmouth Mystic from Montego Bay Luminous Lagoon Night Tour: $90
- Luminous Lagoon Glow in the Dark Boat Tour from Montego Bay: $65
- Luminous Lagoon Night Tour from Montego Bay: $118
- Private Dolphin Cove Adventure : $250
- 1 Hour Horse Back Riding & Dunn's River Falls Tour Combo: $240
- 3 Hours Private Highlights Tour & Shopping in Montego Bay Jamaica: $100
- 3 Hours Private Tour in Montego Bay From Falmouth: $75
- 7 Mile Beach & Ricks Cafe with free Shopping experience: $50
- ATV Adventure and Rick's Cafe Tour with Transportation: $238
- ATV Jungle Safari Tour from Montego Bay: $125
Typical Entertainment Prices in Rotorua
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Rotorua's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Lunch Out for Two$27
Tours and Activities in Rotorua
For Rotorua, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Mini Golf Experience: $12
- Jade Carving Experience at a Local Studio: $26
- Mountain Jade Highlights Tour: $27
- Whakarewarewa Village Guided Tour: $28
- Whakarewarewa Village Guided Tour: $29
- Geothermal Mineral Baths Experience: Pavilion Pools for 12+: $29
- Geothermal Adults Only Mineral Bathing - Pavilion Pools Bathing Ticket: $30
- Authentic Kiwi Farm Experience at the Agrodome: $34
- Agrodome Farm Experience including Farm Show and Farm Tour - Rotorua: $35
- Waimangu Volcanic Valley Ticket & Self-Guided Walk: $38
- Waimangu Volcanic Valley Entry Ticket: $38
- The National Kiwi Hatchery Kiwi Encounter Tour: $38
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontego Bay $13Rotorua $12
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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Rotorua
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Rotorua:
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Bottle of Wine$11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montego Bay and Rotorua, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is Rotorua much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Montego Bay is in Caribbean Islands and Rotorua is in Pacific, 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 Rotorua would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rotorua 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 Rotorua.
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 Rotorua Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Rotorua?
Montego Bay has a larger population, and is about 26% larger than the population of Rotorua. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Rotorua, 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 Rotorua?
Rotorua 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 Rotorua in the Summer?
Both Rotorua 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. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rotorua this time of year.
In the summer, Montego Bay is much warmer than Rotorua. Typically, the summer temperatures in Montego Bay in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Rotorua averages at about 12°C (54°F)in January.
Montego Bay usually gets more rain in July than Rotoruain January. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryMontego Bay 28°C (82°F)Rotorua 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Rotorua in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Rotorua. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Also, many travelers come to Rotorua for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Montego Bay is generally much warmer than Rotoruain April. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 27°C (81°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
Montego Bay gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Rotoruain April. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilMontego Bay 27°C (81°F)Rotorua 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Rotorua in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Rotorua. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Rotorua in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Montego Bay is around the same temperature as Rotorua in the winter. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Rotorua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in July.
Montego Bay usually gets more rain in January than Rotoruain July. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyMontego Bay 24°C (75°F)Rotorua 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Rotorua in the Spring?
Both Rotorua 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 Rotorua for the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Montego Bay is a little warmer than Rotorua. Typically, the spring temperatures in Montego Bay in April average around 25°C (77°F), and Rotorua averages at about 19°C (66°F)in October.
In April, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Rotoruain October. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberMontego Bay 25°C (77°F)Rotorua 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Rotorua and Montego Bay
| Montego Bay | Rotorua | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 41 mm (1.6 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.