Which place is cheaper, San Juan 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 Juan?
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 Juan 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 Juan?
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 Juan
If you've ever set foot on a Caribbean cruise, you've probably spent a bit of time in San Juan, Puerto Rico. However, maybe you should consider spending more than just a port day in this beautiful and historically rich city.
As the capital and largest city in all of Puerto Rico, San Juan is home to approximately 400,000 people. Established in 1521, it is also the second oldest European-founded settlement in the Americas.
As this city fuses a historic paradise with modern day energy, it has absolutely everything to offer. Intellectual wanderers, beach bums, rainforest adventurers and radical surfers will all find plenty to do in San Juan.
-
Montego Bay Prices
Jamaica PricesSan Juan Prices
Puerto Rico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontego Bay $260San Juan $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $260, while the average daily cost in San Juan is $218. 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 Juan in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontego Bay $102San Juan $124
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontego Bay $204San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and San Juan
Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or San Juan? 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 Juan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montego Bay $15San Juan $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- Kingston: One Way Private Transfer to Montego Bay Airport: $319
- Chevy Suburban Montego Bay Airport Transfer: $300
- Club Night Life Round-Trip Private Transfer in Montego Bay : $300
- Private Transfer from Montego Bay Airport To Ocho Rios: $267
- Ocho Rios Hotels / Resort - Airport Transfers: $267
- Explore Montego Bay Jamaica Luxury Round TTransfer in Montego Bay: $253
- Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Kingston Hotels: $245
- MBJ Airport to Strawberry Hill Hotel & Spa Transfer: $243
- Private Roundtrip Transfer to/from Ohio Rios and Sangster Airport: $241
- SUV Prado Transfer from Montego Bay Airport: $240
- Montego Bay Airport: One Way Private Transfer to Ocho Rios: $229
- Ocho Rios: One Way Private Transfer to Montego Bay Airport: $229
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan
Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to San Juan Airport: $22
- SJU Airport Transfer To-From San Juan, Hotels, Airbnb, Ports: $24
- San Juan Airport (SJU) to San Juan Arrival Private Transfer: $29
- Private Transfer Puerto Rico:To or From Airports, Hotels &Cruises: $33
- Private Transfer-TO or FROM: SJUAirport,Cruise,Hotels Puerto Rico: $34
- One-way transfer from SJU Airport to Cruise Port or Vice Versa: $55
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Premium Sedan, Select Zone: $59
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Chrysler Minivan, Select Zone: $68
- Old Walking Tour with Shopping and Hotel Transfer: $70
- Airport Private Transfer from/to City Hotels: $70
- Private Transfer from San Juan Airport (SJU) to Ponce Cruise Port: $75
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Tesla Y Luxury SUV, Select Zone: $77
Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or San Juan?
Prices for flights to both San Juan 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 Juan $62
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
- Lunch or Dinner with Pickup from Montego Bay : $45
- Dinner or Lunch with Pickup from Montego Bay: $50
- Street Food Tour in Montego Bay: $59
- Night cruise and swim the Falmouth Mystic Lagoon, Dinner and Rum Punch Inclusive: $85
- Jamaican Seafood Street Food Tour from Montego Bay, Falmouth: $130
- Bar Hopping and Local Food Tour in Jamaica : $130
- Private Jamaican Food Tour with City Highlights: $140
- Dinner or lunch at pier one Montego bay Food Tour: $144
- Sunset Boat Cruise and Luminous Lagoon with Dinner and Transfer : $150
- Sunset Boat Cruise in Falmouth Luminous Lagoon, Swim and Dinner : $161
- Sunset Boat Ride in the Falmouth Luminous Lagoon swim and Dinner : $165
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Juan
For San Juan, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Puerto Rican food tasting and beginner cooking Tour: $79
- From Pinones Beach & Bar Hopping Food Tour: $80
- Puerto Rico Secret Food Tour of Old San Juan: $113
- San Juan Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $139
- Private San Juan Cooking Class with a Local Expert: $146
- Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $165
- Morning Old San Juan Food Tour: $169
- Ponce: Walking Tour with Castillo Serrallés Visit and Dinner: $195
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montego Bay $32San Juan $49
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$2.69
-
Snorkeling Trip$19
-
One Tank Dive$38
-
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:
- 2 Days Of Blue Hole, Dunns River Falls & Hidden Beauty Adventure: $180
- Bioluminescence Lagoon Tour from Montego Bay with Pick Up: $105
- Bird Sanctuary and animal farm Day Tour : $100
- Black River Day Adventure Tour: $92
- Bob Marley Nine Mile and Dunn's River Falls Tour From Montego Bay : $240
- Dunn’s River Falls,Zip lining & horseback riding Combo tour from Montego Bay : $300
- Falmouth Mystic from Montego Bay Luminous Lagoon Night Tour: $90
- Falmouth to Bob Marley Nine Miles and Dunns River Falls Tour : $250
- Green Grotto Cave Private Tour: $115
- Half- Day Private Bob Marley 9 Mile and Dunns River Falls Tour: $180
- Horse Ride and Swim adventure in Montego Bay: $161
- Horseback Riding and Tour from Montego Bay : $230
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Juan
For San Juan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Horseback Riding Tour$40
-
Full Day Snorkeling Trip$100
-
1 Hr Windsurfing Lesson$75
Tours and Activities in San Juan
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Juan.
- San Juan Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $17
- Outdoor Salsa Class Experience in San Juan: $19
- Eco Friendly Farming Tour to Explore Dorado's Most Beautiful Farm: $20
- Legends of Puerto Rico Haunted Walking Tour: $24
- Old San Juan Walking Tour with a Certified Guide: $30
- Old San Juan Guided Walking Tour: $30
- Old San Juan Walking Tour with a Local Certified Guide: $30
- Old San Juan History & Culture (Open Walking Tour): $35
- Old San Juan City Walking Tour: $39
- Old San Juan Walking Tour: $39
- Urban Park Sky Bull Zipline Experience: $39
- From El Yunque Rainforest and Waterslide Tour: $48
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontego Bay $13San Juan $12
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 Juan
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Juan:
- Old San Juan Bar Crawl: Experience Local Hotspots: $65
- The Pinones Pub crawl Bar crawl : $70
- Puerto Rico: Ocean Lab Brewery and Tobaco Farm Tour: $139
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montego Bay and San Juan, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is San Juan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to San Juan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Juan 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 Montego Bay would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Montego Bay than you might in San Juan.
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 Juan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or San Juan?
San Juan has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and San Juan, 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 Juan?
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 San Juan in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as San Juan. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.
Montego Bay usually gets less rain in July than San Juan. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. 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 Juan. Montego Bay gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun.
In July, Montego Bay is generally around the same temperature as San Juan. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 28°C (82°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyMontego Bay 28°C (82°F)San Juan 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Montego Bay or San Juan in the Autumn?
Both San Juan 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 San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in San Juan. It's quite rainy in Montego Bay. In October, Montego Bay usually receives around the same amount of rain as San Juan. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
It's quite sunny in San Juan. 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 Juan during autumn. Montego Bay gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Montego Bay is around the same temperature as San Juan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMontego Bay 27°C (81°F)San Juan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Montego Bay or San Juan in the Winter?
Both San Juan 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 San Juan year-round.
Montego Bay usually gets more rain in January than San Juan. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In San Juan, 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 Juan. Montego Bay gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun.
In the winter, Montego Bay is around the same temperature as San Juan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montego Bay in January average around 24°C (75°F), and San Juan averages at about 25°C (77°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMontego Bay 24°C (75°F)San Juan 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Montego Bay or San Juan in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and San Juan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than San Juan. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan 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 Juan during spring. Montego Bay gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Montego Bay is generally around the same temperature as San Juan. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 25°C (77°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilMontego Bay 25°C (77°F)San Juan 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for San Juan and Montego Bay
| Montego Bay | San Juan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 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.