Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas 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 Saint Thomas?
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 Thomas 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 Thomas?
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 Thomas
Saint Thomas is a beautiful island in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Together with St. John, St. Croix, and Water Island, it forms the unincorporated territory of the United States. The island is also home to the territorial capital and port of Charlotte Amalie. The island's population is just over 50,000, which is slightly less than half of the territory's total population.
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Montego Bay Prices
Jamaica PricesSaint Thomas Prices
USVI Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontego Bay $259Saint Thomas $258
The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $259, while the average daily cost in Saint Thomas is $258. 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 Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontego Bay $102Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontego Bay $204Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Saint Thomas? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montego Bay $15Saint Thomas $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- Jet Car Adventure in Montego Bay Daytrip with Transfers: $300
- Private Transfer from Montego Bay Airport to Negril Hotels: $270
- Private Transfer from Montego Bay Airport To Ocho Rios: $267
- Ocho Rios Hotels / Resort - Airport Transfers: $267
- Airport - Ocho Rios Hotels Transfers and Returns: $260
- Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Kingston Hotels: $245
- Private Transfer To/From Montego Bay & Airport MBJ Across Jamaica: $215
- Negril Hotels / Resort - Airport Transfers: $213
- Luxury Suburban Private Airport Transfer with Chauffeur: $200
- Airport Transfer From Kingston: $200
- Montego Bay Sunset Catamaran with Private Transfer: $190
- Zoetry Montego Bay Airport Transfers MBJ (Private Roundtrip Exclusive): $180
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Thomas
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Saint Thomas are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$65
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Taxi Ride$5.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Thomas
Also for Saint Thomas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Secret Harbour Beach Transfer from CruiseShip-Snorkeling Optional: $52
- Private transfer to Charlotte Amalie Ferry Terminal: $55
- Transfer from Cyril E. King Airport(STT) to Charlotte Amalie Port: $80
- Private Airport Transfer to and from Red Hook Ferry: $90
- St. Thomas Airport (STT) to St.Thomas - Arrival Private Transfer: $94
- St.Thomas to St.Thomas Airport (STT) - Departure Private Transfer: $94
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St.Thomas Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay / Limetree: $110
- Vi Top Taxi -St.Thomas Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove: $110
- Vi Top Taxi & Tours -Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay/ Limetree: $110
- PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove: $110
- Prince Taxi USVI- ST.Thomas Aiport Transfer to Crown bay ferry: $120
- St. Thomas USVI Airport Transfer to the Westin/Buoy Haus/Marriott: $134
Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas 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 $142Saint Thomas $94
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montego Bay
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Montego Bay.
- Lunch or Dinner Dining Experience in Montego Bay: $40
- Montego Bay Jerk Tour and Rum Punch Mixology/Food Tour: $50
- Dinner or Lunch with Pickup from Montego Bay: $50
- Street Food Tour in Montego Bay: $59
- Mystic Lagoon Sunset Cruise with Dinner and Lagoon Swim: $95
- Bar Hopping and Local Food Tour in Jamaica: $117
- 3 to 5 Hour Private Herbal Tour Shopping and Dinner at Ricks Cafe: $120
- Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios Dinner and Nightlife Experience: $135
- Jamaican Seafood Street Food Tour from Montego Bay, Falmouth: $150
- Sunset Boat Cruise and Luminous Lagoon with Dinner and Transfer: $150
- Private Beach Day and Street Food Tour from Montego Bay: $170
- Dinner Experience and Celebration on the Beach with Decorations: $175
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Thomas
For Saint Thomas, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- St. James Snorkel & Pizza Pi Lunch: $90
- St. John Sail with Bar and Hors d'Oeuvres to Lovango Dinner: $109
- Sunset & Harbor Lights Dinner Sail from the Marriott's Frenchman's Cove: $119
- Afternoon Snorkel, Pizza & Sunset Tour departing from St. Thomas & St. John: $120
- Local Experience, St. John U.S. Virgin Islands Food Tour: $125
- St. Thomas Dinner Sail to Lovango w/ Open Bar and Hors D'oeuvres: $139
- Flavors of St Thomas Walking Food Tour: $145
- St. John PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail with Beach Stop, Lunch & Open Bar - Westin: $149
- Pizza Pi Party- Snorkel & Sunset Cruise: $180
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montego Bay $31Saint Thomas $60
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$2.68
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Snorkeling Trip$19
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One Tank Dive$37
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1.5 Hr Horseback Ride$43
Tours and Activities in Montego Bay
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Montego Bay are as follows:
- “ATV Adventure & Rick’s Café Experience from Montego Bay: $123
- 1 Hour Efoil Experience in Montego Bay: $150
- 1 Hour Horse Back Riding & Dunn's River Falls Tour Combo: $240
- 2 Hour Private Montego Bay City Tour with Souvenir’s Shopping: $80
- 27/27 Lounge, Pier 1 & Margaritaville Nightlife Tour In Jamaica: $72
- 3 Hours Private Tour in Montego Bay From Falmouth: $75
- 3-Hour Private Tour in the Highlights of Montego Bay: $58
- 4 Hours Private Night Life Experience in Montego Bay: $66
- 4-Hour Catamaran Party Cruise with Open Bar from Montego Bay: $200
- 5 Hour Private Tour at Negril Beach and Rick's Cafe: $150
- 7 Mile Beach & Ricks Cafe with free Shopping experience: $50
- 7 Mile Beach Party Catamaran Cruise with Snorkeling & Ricks Cafe: $115
Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.
- Children's Treasure Hunt Walking Tour: $25
- Coral World Ocean Park General Admission Ticket: $29
- Cruise Ship Shuttle to Ferry going to St. John: $30
- Cruise Ship Port Shuttle to St John Ferry: $34
- Rum Tasting Experience in the Old Barrel House: $35
- St. John Ghost Tour of Historic Cruz Bay: $45
- Guided Kayak Tour from Elysian: $48
- Guided Stand Up Paddleboard Tour from Margaritaville: $48
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI - St. Thomas, Virgin Islands- Island Scenic Tour: $49
- High Speed Harbor Tour from Charlotte Amalie Cruise Port: $50
- Prince taxi & Tours St.Thomas Virgin Islands-Island Scenic Tour: $55
- Magens Bay Trail Hiking Tour: $60
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontego Bay $13Saint Thomas $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 Pub Crawl To Negril and Rick's Cafe: $255
Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Thomas
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Saint Thomas:
- Da Conch Crawl- Walking Tour and Bar Crawl Downtown St. Thomas: $148
When comparing the travel costs between Montego Bay and Saint Thomas, we can see that Montego Bay 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 Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Saint Thomas?
Montego Bay has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Saint Thomas, 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 Saint Thomas?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Montego Bay or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Saint Thomas. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
Montego Bay usually gets less rain in July than Saint Thomas. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montego Bay this time of the year. In the summer, Montego Bay often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Montego Bay gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun.
In July, Montego Bay is generally around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 28°C (82°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMontego Bay 28°C (82°F)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
Both Saint Thomas and Montego Bay are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montego Bay throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. It's quite rainy in Montego Bay. In October, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Saint Thomas. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas during autumn. Montego Bay gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Montego Bay is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMontego Bay 27°C (81°F)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
Both Saint Thomas and Montego Bay during the winter 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 Thomas year-round.
Montego Bay usually gets more rain in January than Saint Thomas. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. In the winter, Montego Bay often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas. Montego Bay gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun.
In the winter, Montego Bay is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montego Bay in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 26°C (78°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMontego Bay 24°C (75°F)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Saint Thomas. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Saint Thomas. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montego Bay usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during spring. Montego Bay gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Montego Bay is generally around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 25°C (77°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMontego Bay 25°C (77°F)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Montego Bay
| Montego Bay | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.