Which place is cheaper, Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz?
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 Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz?
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.
Santa Cruz
On the central coast of California in between Monterey Bay and San Jose lies Santa Cruz, California, a laid-back coastal college town with a reputation of locals open to liberal views and accepting of alternative lifestyles. Among its residents are University of California, Santa Cruz students, a large artist colony, and professional surfers.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.
-
Montego Bay Prices
Jamaica PricesSanta Cruz Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontego Bay $258Santa Cruz $156
The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $258, while the average daily cost in Santa Cruz is $156. 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 Santa Cruz in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontego Bay $102Santa Cruz $61
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontego Bay $204Santa Cruz $122
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Santa Cruz
Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Santa Cruz? 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 Santa Cruz Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montego Bay $15Santa Cruz $40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- Breathless Resort Exclusive Private Airport Transfer: $10
- Private Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Negril *Air Conditioning: $10
- Private Airport Transfers from Montego Bay: $10
- Princess Resorts Cousins Cove Green Island Jamaica Transfers: $10
- Private Airport transfer Montego Bay: $12
- Montego Bay Airport Transfer: RIU Mobay, RIU Reggae & RIU Palace: $13
- El Greco Resort Private Airport Transfer: $13
- Private Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Montego Bay Hotels: $14
- Private Airport Transfer To Riu Montego Bay, Palace & Reggae: $14
- Private Transfer From Montego Bay Airport to Hotel in Montego Bay: $14
- RIU Reggae Palace and RIU Montego Bay Private Airport Transfer: $14
- Montego Bay Jamaica Airport Transfer to Montego Bay and Falmouth: $15
Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Santa Cruz?
Prices for flights to both Santa Cruz 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 $142Santa Cruz $70
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montego Bay
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Montego Bay.
- 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
- Bar Hopping and Local Food Tour in Jamaica: $117
- 3 to 5 Hour Private Herbal Tour Shopping and Dinner at Ricks Cafe: $120
- Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios Dinner and Nightlife Experience: $135
- Jamaican Seafood Street Food Tour from Montego Bay, Falmouth: $150
- Sunset Boat Cruise and Luminous Lagoon with Dinner and Transfer: $150
- Private Beach Day and Street Food Tour from Montego Bay: $170
- Authentic Jamaican Food Cooking Experience in the Countryside: $195
- Dinner Experience and Celebration on the Beach with Decorations: $231
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santa Cruz
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Santa Cruz.
- Capitola Friday Night Food Tour: $129
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montego Bay $31Santa Cruz $18
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$2.67
-
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:
- Shopping Tour for Whitter Village Mall Private / Charted Air Conditioned Taxi: $20
- Montego Bay Beach Day Experience: $20
- Lethe Rafting And Margaritaville Tour from Montego Bay: $20
- Souvenirs and Gift shopping Tour in Montego Bay: $20
- Cinnamon Hill Great House Tour: Home of Johnny Cash: $23
- Night Life Tour in Montego Bay with complimentary section/table: $25
- Jamaica Bamboo Rafting Experience with Lime Stone Massage: $25
- Montego Bay Cruise Ship Port to Doctor's Cave Beach and City Tour: $29
- Private Tour Souvenir Shopping in Montego Bay: $30
- Montego Bay Private Shopping Tour with Hotel Pickup: $30
- Doctor Cave Beach and Hip Strip Shopping from Cruise Ship: $30
- Great River Bamboo Rafting and Limestone Foot Massage Tour From Montego Bay: $30
Tours and Activities in Santa Cruz
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santa Cruz are as follows:
- UC Personalized Self-Guided App Tour: $5.00
- Half Day Private Beach Tour in Santa Cruz: $35
- Downtown & Mission Hill Walking Tour: $42
- Surf History and Culture Walking Tour: $45
- Santa Cruz Ice Cream Tour 4 Stops Samples Full Scoops: $80
- Ice Cream Tour with 4 Dessert Stops: $80
- Alpaca Walking Adventure in Scenic Carmel Valley: $85
- Santa Cruz Guided eBike Ride & Most Fun Bike e-Bike Tour: $110
- Santa Cruz 2Hour Guided eBike Tour for Small E-Bike Groups: $110
- Santa Cruz Family Friendly Guided Electric Bike Tour (eBike): $110
- Guided eBike Tour: $120
- Mermaid Experience & Photoshoot: $220
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontego Bay $13Santa Cruz $8.57
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: $231
- Montego Bay Pub Crawl To Negril and Rick's Cafe: $255
Sample the Local Flavors in Santa Cruz
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Santa Cruz:
- Wine Tasting Experience: $25
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montego Bay and Santa Cruz, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is Santa Cruz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Montego Bay is in Caribbean Islands and Santa Cruz is in North 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 Santa Cruz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz.
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 Santa Cruz Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Santa Cruz?
Montego Bay has a larger population, and is about 52% larger than the population of Santa Cruz. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Santa Cruz, 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 Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz in the Summer?
Both Santa Cruz 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. Also, many visitors come to Santa Cruz in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Montego Bay is generally a little warmer than Santa Cruz. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 28°C (82°F), and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).
In July, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Santa Cruz. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.1 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyMontego Bay 28°C (82°F)Santa Cruz 67°F (19°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Santa Cruz in the Autumn?
Both Santa Cruz 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. Also, most visitors come to Santa Cruz for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.
Montego Bay is much warmer than Santa Cruz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually gets more rain in October than Santa Cruz. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMontego Bay 27°C (81°F)Santa Cruz 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Santa Cruz in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Santa Cruz. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Santa Cruz because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Montego Bay is much warmer than Santa Cruz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montego Bay in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Santa Cruz averages at about 51°F (10°C).
In January, Montego Bay usually receives around the same amount of rain as Santa Cruz. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMontego Bay 24°C (75°F)Santa Cruz 51°F (10°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Santa Cruz in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Santa Cruz. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Santa Cruz this time of year.
In April, Montego Bay is generally much warmer than Santa Cruz. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 25°C (77°F), and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).
Montego Bay usually gets more rain in April than Santa Cruz. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 1 inches (26 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilMontego Bay 25°C (77°F)Santa Cruz 58°F (14°C)
Typical Weather for Santa Cruz and Montego Bay
| Montego Bay | Santa Cruz | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 51°F (10°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 58°F (14°C) | 1 inches (26 mm) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 62°F (16°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 65°F (19°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 67°F (19°C) | 0.1 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 67°F (20°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 67°F (19°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 51°F (10°C) | 2.1 inches (53 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.