Which place is cheaper, San Francisco 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 San Francisco?
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 Francisco 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 Francisco?
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 Francisco
San Francisco is a beautiful city that is famous for it's picturesque neighborhoods, liberal character, and stunning location on the bay. Some people describe San Francisco as the United State's most "European City." This title most likely comes from its compact development and its easy walkability. It also has no shortage of parks and public spaces where you can pass some time. The city sits on the end of a peninsula and offers stunning views of the blue bay, rolling green hills, and the striking Golden Gate Bridge.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.
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Montego Bay Prices
Jamaica PricesSan Francisco Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontego Bay $257San Francisco $251
The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $257, while the average daily cost in San Francisco 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 Francisco in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontego Bay $101San Francisco $130
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontego Bay $202San Francisco $260
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and San Francisco
Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or San Francisco? 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 Francisco Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montego Bay $15San Francisco $16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- Private Airport OneWay Transfer to Hotel in Montego Bay: $300
- Club Night Life Round-Trip Private Transfer in Montego Bay: $300
- Jet Car Adventure in Montego Bay Daytrip with Transfers: $300
- Chevy Suburban Montego Bay Airport Transfer: $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
- SUV Prado Transfer from Montego Bay Airport: $257
- Explore Montego Bay Jamaica Luxury Round TTransfer in Montego Bay: $253
- Private Luxury Transfers in Montego Bay – Reliable Services: $250
- Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Kingston Hotels: $245
Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Francisco
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in San Francisco:
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Taxi to SFO$45
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Golden Gate Bridge Toll$6.00
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Alcatraz Tour$30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Francisco
Also for San Francisco, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- SFO Airport Private Transfer to/from City Center: $31
- Private Arrival Transfer from San Francisco Airport SFO: $44
- San Francisco to San Francisco Airport (SFO) - Departure Private Transfer: $53
- SFO Airport Transfer One or Round Trip Way SUV VAN: $60
- San Francisco City: Private One-Way Transfer From/To SFO: $69
- San Francisco Port to San Francisco Airport SFO -Private Transfer: $77
- One Way Private Airport Transfer Service: $95
- SFO Airport Private Transfer to/from Downtown San Francisco: $101
- San Francisco Airport (SFO) to San Francisco - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $107
- SFO Airport Private Transfer to Downtown: $115
- Private Transfer: San Francisco to Airport SFO by Business Car: $123
- Private Transfer from San Francisco to SFO: $125
Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or San Francisco?
Prices for flights to both San Francisco 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 $141San Francisco $79
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
- Street Food Tour in Montego Bay: $59
- Club2727 Nightlife Experience With Optional Dinner In Montego Bay: $60
- Mystic Lagoon Sunset Cruise with Dinner and Lagoon Swim: $85
- Sunset Dinner at Bamboo Beach Club: $99
- 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
- Restaurant Transportation for Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Montego Bay: $180
- Authentic Jamaican Food Cooking Experience in the Countryside: $195
- Authentic Jamaican Cooking Experience in the Mountain from mobay: $210
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Francisco
For San Francisco, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Dinner In San Francisco: $63
- City Cruises Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise: $75
- Mission District Street Art and Food Tour: $79
- North Beach and Little Italy Food Tour: $84
- Little Italy & Chinatown Original Food Tour: $84
- Mission District Food Tour with 5 Tastings: $84
- Chinatown & Litte Italy Food Tour with 5 Dishes: $85
- San Francisco : Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $92
- San Francisco Chinatown Food Tour: $99
- Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39 Food Tour: $99
- SF's Chinatown: Tea & Dim Sum Food Tour - Includes full meal, 3hr: $115
- City Cruises Premier Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $122
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montego Bay $31San Francisco $31
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$2.66
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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:
- 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: $80
- 3 Hours Private Tour in Montego Bay From Falmouth: $75
- 3-Hour Private Tour in the Highlights of Montego Bay: $58
- 4 Hours Party Boat Catamaran Cruise in Negril: $190
- 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
- 7 in 1 Day Jamaican Adventure with Jhadano Tours: $50
Tours and Activities in San Francisco
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Francisco.
- Golden Gate Bridge: Self-guided Tour App - Audio + Written: $5.00
- Self Guided Chinatown Tour: Food, History and Culture: $5.00
- San Francisco Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $5.00
- Kid Led Interactive AR Adventure in Presidio National Park: $5.00
- San Francisco Private Car Tour: $5.00
- Downtown San Francisco Private Personalized Self-Guided App Tour: $5.00
- Mafia Heist at the Bay: Escape Adventure in San Francisco: $5.92
- San Francisco Walking Tour: Self-Guided City Game: $5.92
- San Francisco's Barbary Past: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour of the Golden Gate Bridge: $9.99
- Self-Guided Palace of Fine Arts to Golden Gate Bridge Audio Tour: $9.99
- Sutro Baths: The Story of the Ruins Self-Guided Tour: $9.99
For more ideas for your next trip, check out The Best Museums in San Francisco, The Best Outdoor Activities in San Francisco, and Things to Do In San Francisco on a Rainy Day.
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontego Bay $13San Francisco $22
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 San Francisco
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in San Francisco:
- #1 San Francisco Pub Crawl & Clubbing Experience: $24
- San Francisco Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $29
- Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
- Walk with Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $44
- Wine Tasting on the Bay: $85
- Distillery Gin Cocktail Making Class: $89
- Local Distillery Cocktail Making Class: $89
- Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour with Optional Tasting: $99
- Napa and Sonoma Half-Day Wine Tour with Guide and Tastings: $110
- Napa & Sonoma Guided Wine Tour with Tastings from San Francisco: $110
- Napa Valley Half-Day Wine Tour with Tastings: $116
- 5 hours private napa wine tour from san francisco up to 7 people: $120
When comparing the travel costs between Montego Bay and San Francisco, 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 Francisco 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 Francisco Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or San Francisco?
San Francisco has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and San Francisco, 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 Francisco?
San Francisco 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 Francisco in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as San Francisco. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the summer months attract visitors to San Francisco because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Montego Bay is much warmer than San Francisco. Typically, the summer temperatures in Montego Bay in July average around 28°C (82°F), and San Francisco averages at about 63°F (17°C).
Montego Bay usually gets more rain in July than San Francisco. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMontego Bay 28°C (82°F)San Francisco 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or San Francisco in the Autumn?
Both San Francisco 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, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to San Francisco this time of year.
In October, Montego Bay is generally much warmer than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 27°C (81°F), and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).
It's quite rainy in Montego Bay. In October, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMontego Bay 27°C (81°F)San Francisco 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or San Francisco in the Winter?
Both San Francisco 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to San Francisco for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
Montego Bay is much warmer than San Francisco in the winter. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and San Francisco fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).
Montego Bay usually gets less rain in January than San Francisco. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMontego Bay 24°C (75°F)San Francisco 50°F (10°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or San Francisco in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and San Francisco. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to San Francisco in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Montego Bay is much warmer than San Francisco. Typically, the spring temperatures in Montego Bay in April average around 25°C (77°F), and San Francisco averages at about 58°F (14°C).
In April, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMontego Bay 25°C (77°F)San Francisco 58°F (14°C)
Typical Weather for San Francisco and Montego Bay
| Montego Bay | San Francisco | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 50°F (10°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 58°F (14°C) | 1.2 inches (31 mm) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 60°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.1 inches (1 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 1.3 inches (33 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.7 inches (68 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.