Which place is cheaper, San Diego 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.
Jump to 
Should you visit Montego Bay or San Diego?
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 San Diego 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 San Diego?
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.
San Diego
For many visitors and locals alike, San Diego is a paradise. Located in southern California, not far from Los Angeles, it has the perfect climate, wonderful beaches, and a culturally rich environment. It's surrounded by beautiful landscape and has a strong focus on wildlife conservation and eco-friendly living. Home to about 1.3 million residents, it is California's second largest city. It also has many universities, a large tech industry, and a thriving economy. Despite its size, many people perceive San Diego as a slower, more relaxed city with a pleasant vibe away from the chaos of a large city.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.
-
Montego Bay Prices
Jamaica PricesSan Diego Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontego Bay $259San Diego $251
The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $259, while the average daily cost in San Diego is $251. 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 San Diego in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontego Bay $102San Diego $124
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontego Bay $204San Diego $248
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and San Diego
Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or San Diego? 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 San Diego Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montego Bay $15San Diego $23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- Mercedes Benz Sprinter Airport Transfer: $300
- Private Airport OneWay Transfer to Hotel in Montego Bay: $300
- Jet Car Adventure in Montego Bay Daytrip with Transfers: $300
- Private Transfer from Montego Bay Airport To Ocho Rios: $267
- Airport - Ocho Rios Hotels Transfers and Returns: $260
- SUV Prado Transfer from Montego Bay Airport: $257
- Private Luxury Transfers in Montego Bay – Reliable Services: $250
- Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Kingston Hotels: $245
- Private Roundtrip Transfer to/from Ohio Rios and Sangster Airport: $241
- Hyatt Jamaica Resorts Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Roundtrip): $228
- Private Transfer from Montego Bay Airport to Negril (Round Trip): $225
- ATV and Zipline Combo Tour with Round-Trip Transfers: $225
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Diego
Also for San Diego, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- San Diego hotel/address to San Diego Airport (SAN) - Departure Private Transfer: $62
- San Diego Airport (SAN) to San Marcos, CA - Arrival Private Transfer: $63
- San Marcos, CA to San Diego Airport (SAN) - Departure Private Transfer: $63
- Hot Springs/Ocotillo, CA to San Diego Airport (SAN) - Departure Private Transfer: $63
- Carlsbad to San Diego Airport (SAN) - Departure Private Transfer: $63
- Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) to Tijuana hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $67
- Tijuana to Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) – Departure Private Transfer: $67
- Private Transfer from San Diego Port to San Diego Airport (SAN): $68
- Private Transfer from San Diego City Hotels to San Diego Port: $68
- Private Transfer from San Diego (SAN) Airport to San Diego City: $84
- Private Arrival Transfer - from San Diego Airport (SAN) by SUV: $89
- Arrival Private Transfer: San Diego Airport SAN to San Diego in Business Car: $108
Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or San Diego?
Prices for flights to both San Diego 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 dayMontego Bay $142San Diego $84
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 with Pickup from Montego Bay: $45
- Montego Bay Jerk Tour and Rum Punch Mixology/Food Tour: $50
- Club2727 Nightlife Experience With Optional Dinner In Montego Bay: $60
- Mystic Lagoon Sunset Cruise with Dinner and Lagoon Swim: $95
- Sunset Dinner at Bamboo Beach Club: $99
- Glistening Bioluminescent Waters and Dinner at Jerk hut: $105
- 3 to 5 Hour Private Herbal Tour Shopping and Dinner at Ricks Cafe: $120
- Bar Hopping and Local Food Tour in Jamaica: $130
- The Local Lime- Montego Bay Dinner and/or Nightlife Tour: $149
- Jamaican Seafood Street Food Tour from Montego Bay, Falmouth: $150
- Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios Dinner and Nightlife Experience: $150
- Sunset Boat Cruise and Luminous Lagoon with Dinner and Transfer: $150
Typical Food Prices in San Diego
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to San Diego:
-
Mexican Lunch for Two$27
-
Breakfast at Starbucks$20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Diego
For San Diego, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery in San Diego: $75
- San Diego Sweet Treats Food Tour: Donuts, Pastries, & More: $79
- San Diego Holiday Sweet Treats, Donuts & Pastries Food Tour: $85
- San Diego Vegan Food Tour: $89
- Vegan Food Tour: $89
- Pizza and Ice Cream Walking Tour: $89
- San Diego Gaslamp Quarter Guided Food Tour: $89
- Old Town Tequila and Tacos Walking Food Tour: $94
- Gaslamp District Food Tour with 6 Local Dishes: $96
- San Diego Gaslamp Food Tour with 6 Modern Californian Tastings: $97
- San Diego Chinese Food Tour with Wild Foodie Tours: $99
- Vegan Italian Cooking Class in San Diego Cucina Migrante: $105
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montego Bay $31San Diego $57
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$2.68
-
Snorkeling Trip$19
-
One Tank Dive$37
-
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:
- 1 Hour Horse Back Riding & Dunn's River Falls Tour Combo: $240
- 2 Days Of Blue Hole, Dunns River Falls & Hidden Beauty Adventure: $180
- 2 Days Private Jamaica Tour: $230
- 27/27 Lounge, Pier 1 & Margaritaville Nightlife Experience: $60
- 3 Hours Private Tour in Montego Bay From Falmouth: $75
- 4 Hour ATV & Horse Back Riding Private Tour (Transportation Only): $105
- 4-Hour Catamaran Party Cruise with Open Bar from Montego Bay: $200
- 7 Mile Beach & Ricks Cafe with free Shopping experience: $50
- 7 Mile Beach Private Tour: $122
- 7 Mile Beach and Rick's Cafe Private Tour: $80
- 7 Mile Beach and Rick's Cafe in Negril from Montego Bay Private Tour: $120
- 7 in 1 Day Jamaican Adventure with Jhadano Tours: $50
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Diego
For San Diego, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
San Diego Zoo$15
-
Sea World Parking$12
Tours and Activities in San Diego
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Diego.
- Discover Self-Guided Walking Tour: $1.12
- Self-Guided San Diego Walking or Bicycle Tour App: $5.00
- Self-guided Bike Tour App - Audio + Written: $5.00
- San Diego Balboa Park: Mystery Puzzle Adventure: $6.40
- Podcast Tour San Diego The Dual Waterfront: $6.85
- Podcast Tour San Diego The Scandalous Rise of the Gaslamp Quarter: $6.85
- San Diego Haunted Gaslamp Quarter Self Guided Audio Walking Tour: $9.75
- Tijuana Downtown Self Guided Walking Tour: $9.75
- Gaslamp Quarter Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
- La Jolla Coast & Cove Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $9.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour of San Diego’s Scenic Waterfront: $9.99
- Explore Coronado Island on a Self Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontego Bay $13San Diego $21
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: $250
Sample the Local Flavors in San Diego
Also in San Diego, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- An Epic Scavenger Hunt: Slammin' San Diego Bar Crawl: $13
- Gaslamp Bar Crawl: $20
- Downtown Bar Crawl Party Pass: $20
- Little Italy Pub Crawl: $30
- San Diego Haunted Pub Crawl: True Crime & Ghost Stories: $35
- San Diego Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
- Hillcrest: LGBTQ+ Pub Crawl with Local Drag Queen: $35
- Hillcrest Drag Queen 5 Bar Crawl with Shots: $45
- Brewery Tour with Tastings and Food Pairings: $85
- Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
- Beach Cruisers & Dive Bars along Mission Beach Boardwalk: $135
- Cruise & Booze Brewery tours: $149
When comparing the travel costs between Montego Bay and San Diego, 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. Even though Montego Bay is in Caribbean Islands and San Diego is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
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 San Diego Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or San Diego?
San Diego has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and San Diego, 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 San Diego?
San Diego 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 San Diego in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as San Diego. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to San Diego for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Montego Bay is a little warmer than San Diego in the summer. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and San Diego fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Diego. 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 San Diego. Montego Bay gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 306 hours of full sun.
Montego Bay usually gets more rain in July than San Diego. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyMontego Bay 28°C (82°F)San Diego 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or San Diego in the Autumn?
Both San Diego 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. Also, many visitors come to San Diego in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Montego Bay is a little warmer than San Diego. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Montego Bay in October average around 27°C (81°F), and San Diego averages at about 68°F (20°C).
It's quite sunny in San Diego. 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 San Diego during autumn. Montego Bay gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 244 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Montego Bay. In October, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than San Diego. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMontego Bay 27°C (81°F)San Diego 68°F (20°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or San Diego in the Winter?
Both San Diego 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. Also, most visitors come to San Diego for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In January, Montego Bay is generally much warmer than San Diego. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 24°C (75°F), and San Diego fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).
In San Diego, 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 San Diego. Montego Bay gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 239 hours of full sun.
Montego Bay usually gets more rain in January than San Diego. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMontego Bay 24°C (75°F)San Diego 57°F (14°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or San Diego in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and San Diego. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Also, the spring months attract visitors to San Diego because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
Montego Bay is much warmer than San Diego in the spring. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 25°C (77°F) in April, and San Diego fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Diego this time of the year. In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montego Bay usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during spring. Montego Bay gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 277 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than San Diego. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilMontego Bay 25°C (77°F)San Diego 62°F (17°C)
Typical Weather for San Diego and Montego Bay
| Montego Bay | San Diego | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.8 inches (46 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.5 inches (39 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.8 inches (20 mm) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 67°F (19°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 0.4 inches (9 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.5 inches (37 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
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.