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

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.

Which place is cheaper, Saint Croix 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.

  • Montego Bay Prices
    Jamaica Prices
    Saint Croix Prices
    USVI Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Montego Bay $255
    Saint Croix $277

The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $255, while the average daily cost in Saint Croix is $277. 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
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Montego Bay $100
    Saint Croix $149
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Montego Bay $200
    Saint 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.

Hotels in Montego Bay


Hotels in Saint Croix


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Montego Bay $14
    Saint Croix $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:

  • Private Airport transfer Montego Bay: $12
  • Private Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Montego Bay Hotels: $16
  • Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Montego Bay and Falmouth Hotels : $16
  • Montego Bay Jamaica Airport/ Port Transfers to Montego Bay Hotels: $16
  • Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Hotels in Montego Bay or Falmouth: $16
  • Sangster Airport Montego Bay Transfer to Montego Bay or Falmouth: $16
  • Private Montego Bay Jamaica Airport Transfer to Montego Bay Hotel: $16
  • Private airport transfer to negril resorts arrival/departure: $17
  • Private Airport Transfer to Hotels in Montego Bay: $20
  • Montego Bay Airport Transfer: $20
  • Brown Boss Private Airport Transfers: $20
  • Montego Bay Private Transfer with Airport Pickup and Dropoff : $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Croix

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint Croix:

  • St. Croix to Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) - Departure Transfer: $84
  • Private Transfer from St. Croix Airport to St. Croix Cruise Port : $87
  • Private Transfer from St. Croix Port to St. Croix Airport (STX): $87
  • St. Croix to St. Croix Airport (STX) - Departure Private Transfer: $91
  • St.Croix Airport (STX) to St.Croix - Arrival Private Transfer: $91
  • Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) to St.Croix - Round-Trip Transfer: $168
  • Private Transfer from St.Croix hotels to St. Croix Cruise Port : $176
  • Private Transfer from St.Croix Cruise Port to St.Croix hotels: $176
  • Private Transfer from St. Croix Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) to St. Croix : $180

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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Montego Bay $139
    Saint Croix $97

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 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
  • A Morning Cultural Experience Through Food Cooking Class St. Croix: $90
  • C'sted Sip & Savor Mixology Class with VI Food Tours: $131
  • Taste of Twin City Food Tour with VI Food Tours: $145

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Montego Bay $31
    Saint Croix $58
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
    $2.63
  • Snorkeling Trip
    $18
  • One Tank Dive
    $37
  • 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:

  • Explore the Beauty of Montego Bay Nature Tour in Jamaica: $30
  • Luminous Lagoon Admission Tickets: $40
  • Jet Car Experience/ clear kayak photo shoot in Montego Bay: $40
  • Jamaica Bamboo Rafting Experience with Lime Stone Massage: $50
  • 7 Mile Beach & Ricks Cafe with free Shopping experience: $50
  • Montego Bay Sight Seeing with Tour Guide : $50
  • Luminous Lagoon Night Tour from Montego Bay: $54
  • Bamboo Rafting Adventure with Limestone Massage from Montego Bay: $55
  • Private Tour in Dunns River Falls: $60
  • Montego Bay & Falmouth Hotels, Souvenir Shopping and sightseeing: $60
  • Private Montego Bay Customized Tour with Pickup and Guide: $65
  • Luminous Lagoon Glow in the Dark Boat Tour from Montego Bay: $65

Tours and Activities in Saint Croix

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Saint Croix are as follows:

  • Christiansted's Artisan Shopping Tour: $33
  • St. Croix Ghost Tour of Historic Christiansted: $45
  • Frederiksted Moke Tour: $75
  • The Frederiksted St. Croix Sea Turtles Snorkeling Tour: $89
  • Guided Kayak Tour of Salt River Bay Ecology and History: $115
  • St Croix Island Tour: $118
  • Parasail Experience in St Croix: $132
  • Horseback Riding Experience: $160
  • Private Sailing Tour of Pirate Waters and Shipwrecks: $175

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Montego Bay $13
    Saint Croix $27

Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Croix

Also in Saint Croix, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Farm to Bottle Tour at Prosperity Farm Distillery: $35


When comparing the travel costs between Montego Bay and Saint Croix, we can see that Saint Croix 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. Since both cities are in Caribbean Islands, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Montego 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).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Montego 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).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Montego 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).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Montego 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)