Which place is cheaper, Saint Croix or Montego Bay?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Montego Bay or Saint Croix?
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 Saint Croix 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 Saint Croix?
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.
Saint Croix
Sometimes all you want out of a vacation is the warmth of the sun, the sound of the waves and the taste of a cold drink. No more. No less. That's exactly what you can expect in St. Croix.
The largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Croix is a place of our leisure and relaxation. It's a bit of an expensive lifestyle for its 50,000 residents and daily visitors, but when you're living on island time, money is never a worry. There are no worries on island time.
This once volcanic island is covered in incredible beaches, stunning mountains, palm tress in the wind and historic colonial towns. While they may be a bit old and rundown, the Danish architecture still stands as a unique part of this island's legacy. Don't expect much window-shopping, though. That was not a feature incorporated in this style of architecture. If you want to know if a store is open, just step on in, but remember, shop hours are also running on island time.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontego Bay $203Saint Croix $236
The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $203, while the average daily cost in Saint Croix is $236. 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 Saint Croix in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontego Bay $104Saint Croix $149
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontego Bay $208Saint Croix $298
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Saint Croix
Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Saint Croix? 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 Saint Croix Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montego Bay $15Saint Croix $35
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 Half Moon - Holiday Inn - Zoetry: $14
- Private Airport Transfer to Breathless/ to Secrets Resort: $14
- Private Airport Transfer to Hyatt Ziva & Zilara to Jewel Grande: $14
- Relaxing Airport To Resort In Montego Bay Transfer: $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Croix
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint Croix:
- Private Transfer from St.Croix hotels to St. Croix Cruise Port : $49
- Private Transfer from St.Croix Cruise Port to St.Croix hotels: $49
- Private Transfer from St. Croix Airport to St. Croix Cruise Port : $71
- Private Transfer from St. Croix Cruise Port to St. Croix Airport: $71
- St. Croix to Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) - Departure Transfer: $109
- Saint Croix Airport (STX) to Saint Croix Hotels -Arrival Transfer: $109
- Henry E.Rohlsen Airport(STX) to St. Croix island-Arrival Transfer: $109
- Private Transfer from St. Croix Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) to St. Croix : $163
- Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) to St.Croix - Round-Trip Transfer: $217
- St Croix Airport to St Croix Hotels Private Round Trip Transfer: $217
Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Saint Croix?
Prices for flights to both Saint Croix 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 $84Saint Croix $56
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Croix
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Saint Croix.
- A Evening Cultural Experience Through Food Cooking Class St. Croix: $90
- Taste of Twin City Food Tour with VI Food Tours: $129
- C'sted Sip & Savor Mixology Class with VI Food Tours: $129
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montego Bay $32Saint Croix $58
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$2.74
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Snorkeling Trip$19
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One Tank Dive$38
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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
- Skip the Line: Ahhh Ras Natango Gallery and Garden Admission Tickets: $35
- Montego Bay Sightseeing Tour and Souvenir Shopping: $35
- Rose Hall Great House Haunted Night Tour: $35
- Shopping and Sightseeing Tour of Montego Bay City: $39
- Montego Bay Walking Tour: $40
- Shopping and Sightseeing Local Guided Tour In Montego Bay: $40
- Bamboo Rafting, Hip-Strip & Margaritaville Tour from Montego Bay: $40
- Private Montego Bay Shopping Tour with Transportation: $45
Tours and Activities in Saint Croix
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Saint Croix are as follows:
- Grange Estate History and Heritage Private Tour and Luncheon : $60
- Private Sailing Tour of Pirate Waters and Shipwrecks: $75
- St Croix Island Tour: $100
- Parasail Experience in St Croix: $132
- 30 Minute Private Jetcar Experience in Virgin Islands: $150
- Horseback Riding Experience: $160
- 1 Hour Private Jetcar Experience in Virgin Islands : $250
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontego Bay $13Saint Croix $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 Saint Croix, we can see that Saint Croix is more expensive. And not only is Montego Bay much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Montego Bay would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Montego Bay 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 Saint Croix would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Croix than you might in Montego Bay.
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 Saint Croix Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Montego Bay or Saint Croix?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Montego Bay or Saint Croix in the Summer?
Both Saint Croix 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. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Croix because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Saint Croix. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Montego Bay is around the same temperature as Saint Croix in the summer. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Saint Croix fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMontego Bay 28°C (82°F)Saint Croix 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Saint Croix in the Autumn?
Both Saint Croix 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Croix year-round.
Saint Croix gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually gets less rain in October than Saint Croix. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Montego Bay is around the same temperature as Saint Croix. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Montego Bay in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Saint Croix averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMontego Bay 27°C (81°F)Saint Croix 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Saint Croix in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Saint Croix. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Saint Croix attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Saint Croix. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In January, Montego Bay is generally around the same temperature as Saint Croix. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 24°C (75°F), and Saint Croix fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMontego Bay 24°C (75°F)Saint Croix 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Saint Croix in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Saint Croix. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Croix throughout the year.
Montego Bay usually gets less rain in April than Saint Croix. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
Montego Bay is around the same temperature as Saint Croix in the spring. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 25°C (77°F) in April, and Saint Croix fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMontego Bay 25°C (77°F)Saint Croix 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Croix and Montego Bay
| Montego Bay | Saint Croix | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 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.