Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Montego Bay?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Montego Bay vs. San Juan for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
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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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontego Bay $202San Juan $192
The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $202, while the average daily cost in San Juan is $192. 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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontego Bay $103San Juan $124
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontego Bay $206San 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
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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:
- Private RoundTrip Transfer Donald Sangster Airport MBJ to Port Antonio byMinivan: $633
- Airport Limousine Transfers Montego Bay Limo Service (Private ): $600
- Airport Transfers Montego Bay Luxury Sedan Car (Private): $460
- Round Hill Villas Exclusive Airport Transfers Montego Bay (Private Roundtrip): $430
- Private RoundTrip Transfer: Donald Sangster Airport MBJ to Kingston by Minivan: $417
- Black River and YS Falls Adventure with Transfer: $387
- Airport Transfer To Montego Bay Hotels (Round-Trip): $330
- Private Airport Transfer from Montego Bay to Ocho Rios Jamaica: $321
- Montego Bay (MBJ) to any location. RT Transfers: $320
- Private Airport OneWay Transfer to Hotel in Montego Bay : $300
- Mercedes Benz Sprinter Airport Transfer: $300
- Private Round Trip Transfer Donald Sangster Airport MBJ to Mandeville by Minivan: $283
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan
Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Premium Transfer FROM/TO SJUAirport/Hotel/Airbnb/cruise IN SJ: $20
- Private Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to San Juan Airport: $22
- San Juan hotels to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $24
- San Juan Airport (SJU) to San Juan Arrival Private Transfer: $27
- Oneway Transfer within San Juan (SJU Airport/Hotel/Airbnb/Port): $28
- Mendoza: One-Way Private Transfer from Airport: $30
- Private Transfer-TO or FROM: SJUAirport,Cruises,Hotels in Puerto Rico Luxury SUV: $33
- Private Transportation in Puerto Rico From or To San Juan Airport(SJU) Transfers: $33
- San Juan Luxury Private Round-Trip Transfer: SJU Airport - Cruise Pier - Hotel : $50
- 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: $60
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
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Food Meals for one dayMontego Bay $83San Juan $36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montego Bay
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Montego Bay.
- Dinner or Lunch with Pickup from Montego Bay: $40
- Lunch or Dinner with Pickup from Montego Bay : $56
- Private Transportation to DINNER or "27/27" Club Lounge: $60
- Night cruise and swim the Falmouth Mystic Lagoon, Dinner and Rum Punch Inclusive: $85
- Rick’s Cafe Cliff Diving, Sunset & Dinner Tour with Transportation : $130
- Dinner or lunch at pier one Montego bay Food Tour: $144
- Flavors of Jamaica Food Tour from Montego Bay: $147
- Sunset Boat Cruise in Falmouth Luminous Lagoon, Swim and Dinner : $153
- Sunset Boat Ride in the Falmouth Luminous Lagoon swim and Dinner : $165
- [PRIVATE] Premium Jamaican Food Tour of Local Cuisine: $174
- Restaurant Transportation for Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Montego Bay: $180
- Houseboat Restaurant and Grill for Dinner Private Transportation : $180
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:
- Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $147
- Old San Juan Sunset Food Tour with Drinks: $156
- Old San Juan Sunset Walk & Taste Food Tour: $159
- Private Local Food Tour in San Juan: $276
Entertainment
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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:
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Admission to Doctor's Cave Beach$2.72
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Snorkeling Trip$19
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One Tank Dive$38
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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, Bamboo Rafting, and Horseback Ride Tour From Montego Bay: $184
- Appleton Estate Rum Tour and Pelican Bar Customize Tour: $120
- Bird Sanctuary and animal farm Day Tour : $100
- Black River Day Adventure Tour: $92
- Blue Hole & Secrets Falls and White River Tubing Private Tour: $155
- Bob Marley Nine Mile and Dunn's River Falls Tour From Montego Bay : $240
- Catamaran Party Cruise and Snorkeling from Montego Bay and surrounding areas: $220
- Dirt Adventure ATV from Montego Bay: $160
- Dunn’s River Falls,Zip lining & horseback riding Combo tour from Montego Bay : $380
- Dunns River & BlueHole Tour Includes Entry Fees: $289
- Floyds Pelican Bar Private Tour : $155
- Green Grotto Cave Private Tour: $115
Typical Entertainment prices in San Juan
For San Juan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Horseback Riding Tour$40
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Full Day Snorkeling Trip$100
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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.
- Self-Guided Audio Tour of Historic Buildings: $5.99
- Transportation in San Juan, Isla verde, Condado, Hotels, Cruises & Airbnb's SJU: $14
- Self-Guided Tour with Audio Guide: $14
- Group Transportation in airport, cruise ships, hotels, bnb's in San Juan, PR: $20
- Old Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $22
- Explore Old San Juan Walking Tour: $30
- Fountain of Youth Tour of Old San Juan: $39
- Old San Juan City Walking Tour: $39
- Old San Juan Walking Tour: $39
- Legacy Tour - Casa BACARDÍ Puerto Rico: $45
- Ron del Barrilito Skip-the-Line Heritage Tour Ticket: $46
- El Morro Fort Entry Ticket & Old Town Walking Tour: $49
Alcohol
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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: $103
- Montego Bay Jamaica Rum Distillery Tour Private Driver: $215
When comparing the travel costs between Montego Bay and San Juan, 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.
Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or San Juan?
San Juan is bigger, and its population is about 5 times larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the population of Montego Bay vs. 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 and the activities 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).
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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).
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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).
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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).
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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) |
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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.
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