A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Montego Bay vs. San Pedro for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Montego Bay or San Pedro?

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 Pedro 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 Pedro?

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 Pedro

San Pedro is the largest town on Ambergris Caye, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Belize. Here you can find a tropical paradise with warm weather, clear blue waters, plenty of activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving, and a host of hotels, restaurants, and other amenities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Belize, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Belize.


Which place is cheaper, San Pedro 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.

  • Montego Bay Prices
    Jamaica Prices
    San Pedro Prices
    Belize Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Montego Bay $255
    San Pedro $163

The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $255, while the average daily cost in San Pedro is $163. 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 Pedro in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Montego Bay $100
    San Pedro $66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Montego Bay $200
    San Pedro $132
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and San Pedro

Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or San Pedro? 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.

Hotels in Montego Bay


Hotels in San Pedro


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Montego Bay $14
    San Pedro $34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:

  • Private Airport transfer Montego Bay: $12
  • Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Montego Bay and Falmouth Hotels : $16
  • Montego Bay Jamaica Airport/ Port Transfers to Montego Bay Hotels: $16
  • Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Hotels in Montego Bay or Falmouth: $16
  • Private Montego Bay Jamaica Airport Transfer to Montego Bay Hotel: $16
  • Sangster Airport Montego Bay Transfer to Montego Bay or Falmouth: $16
  • Private Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Montego Bay Hotels: $16
  • Private airport transfer to negril resorts arrival/departure: $17
  • Private Airport Transfer Montego Bay: $20
  • Private Airport Transfer to Hotels in Montego Bay: $20
  • Montego Bay Airport Transfer: $20
  • Private Montego Bay Airport transfer to Falmouth Trelawny : $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Pedro

Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Pedro:

  • Cave Tubing and Zipline Adventure (Boat Transfer): $210

Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or San Pedro?

Prices for flights to both San Pedro 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 day
    Montego Bay $139
    San Pedro $69

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montego Bay

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Montego Bay.

  • Club2727 Nightlife Experience With Optional Dinner In Montego Bay: $10
  • 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
  • Dinner Experience and Celebration on the Beach with Decorations : $158
  • PRIVATE Food Tour of Local Jamaican Cuisine Montego Bay & Negril: $190

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Pedro

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in San Pedro.

  • Maya Sunset Dinner Feast: $49
  • The Maya Dinner Experience: Season 2: $111
  • The Garifuna Dinner Experience: Season I: $111

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Montego Bay $31
    San Pedro $33
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
    $2.63
  • Snorkeling Trip
    $18
  • One Tank Dive
    $37
  • 1.5 Hr Horseback Ride
    $42

Tours and Activities in Montego Bay

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Montego Bay are as follows:

  • Explore the Beauty of Montego Bay Nature Tour in Jamaica: $30
  • Luminous Lagoon Admission Tickets: $40
  • Jet Car Experience/ clear kayak photo shoot in Montego Bay: $40
  • Jamaica Bamboo Rafting Experience with Lime Stone Massage: $50
  • 7 Mile Beach & Ricks Cafe with free Shopping experience: $50
  • Montego Bay Sight Seeing with Tour Guide : $50
  • Luminous Lagoon Night Tour from Montego Bay: $54
  • Bamboo Rafting Adventure with Limestone Massage from Montego Bay: $55
  • Montego Bay & Falmouth Hotels, Souvenir Shopping and sightseeing: $60
  • Private Tour in Dunns River Falls: $60
  • Luminous Lagoon Glow in the Dark Boat Tour from Montego Bay: $65
  • Private Montego Bay Customized Tour with Pickup and Guide: $65

Tours and Activities in San Pedro

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for San Pedro are as follows:

  • The Maya Brunch Experience: $44
  • 3 Hours Barrier Reef Tour in Caye Caulker, Belize: $59
  • Haunted Tales of the Maya: Cocktail | Dessert Experience: $66
  • Ambergris Caye Food and History Tour: $75
  • Half Day Snorkeling Tour Caye Caulker: $80
  • Ambergris Caye Sunset Sail Tour on the 40' Sirena Azul Sailboat: $85
  • Belizean Food Experience: $87
  • San Pedro Local Diving Experience : $97
  • Hol Chan Full-Day Bucket List Snorkeling and Marine Life Tour: $99
  • Hol Chan Marine Reserve Snorkel Tour on the 40' Sirena Azul Sailboat: $99
  • Caye Caulker Private Camping Adventure: $100
  • Belize Hol Chan Marine Reserve & Shark Ray Alley Snorkel Tour - Ambergris Caye: $113

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Montego Bay $13
    San Pedro $16

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


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montego Bay and San Pedro, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is San Pedro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Montego Bay is in Caribbean Islands and San Pedro is in Central America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to San Pedro would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Pedro 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 Pedro.

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 Pedro Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or San Pedro?

Montego Bay has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of San Pedro. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and San Pedro, 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 Pedro?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Montego Bay or San Pedro in the Summer?

Both San Pedro and Montego Bay are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montego Bay throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to San Pedro because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Pedro. In July, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than San Pedro. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while San Pedro receives 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

It's quite sunny in San Pedro. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually receives more sunshine than San Pedro during summer. Montego Bay gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while San Pedro receives 226 hours of full sun in the summer.

Montego Bay is around the same temperature as San Pedro in the summer. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and San Pedro fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Montego Bay 28°C (82°F) 
    San Pedro 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Montego Bay or San Pedro in the Autumn?

Both San Pedro and Montego Bay during the autumn 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 Pedro year-round.

San Pedro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually gets less rain in October than San Pedro. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while San Pedro receives 255 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. In the autumn, Montego Bay often gets more sunshine than San Pedro. Montego Bay gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Pedro receives 196 hours of full sun.

In the autumn, Montego Bay is around the same temperature as San Pedro. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Montego Bay in October average around 27°C (81°F), and San Pedro averages at about 26°C (80°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Montego Bay 27°C (81°F) 
    San Pedro 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Montego Bay or San Pedro in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and San Pedro. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. San Pedro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

San Pedro receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than San Pedro. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while San Pedro receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montego Bay usually receives more sunshine than San Pedro during winter. Montego Bay gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while San Pedro receives 199 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Montego Bay is generally around the same temperature as San Pedro. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 24°C (75°F), and San Pedro fluctuates around 24°C (74°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Montego Bay 24°C (75°F) 
    San Pedro 24°C (74°F)

Should I visit Montego Bay or San Pedro in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as San Pedro. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Pedro throughout the year.

Montego Bay usually gets more rain in April than San Pedro. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while San Pedro receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Pedro. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montego Bay this time of the year. In the spring, Montego Bay often gets less sunshine than San Pedro. Montego Bay gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Pedro receives 256 hours of full sun.

Montego Bay is around the same temperature as San Pedro in the spring. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 25°C (77°F) in April, and San Pedro fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Montego Bay 25°C (77°F) 
    San Pedro 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for San Pedro and Montego Bay

Montego Bay San Pedro
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 24°C (74°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 24°C (76°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 26°C (78°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Apr 25°C (77°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 27°C (80°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 26°C (79°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.2 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 243 mm (9.6 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 187 mm (7.4 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 287 mm (11.3 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 26°C (80°F) 255 mm (10 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 25°C (76°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)