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

Should you visit Montego Bay or Sonoma?

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 Sonoma 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 Sonoma?

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.

Sonoma

When people say Sonoma, they are often referring to the region's wine country, but in fact, Sonoma is a county, a valley, and a town. The county covers 1,768 square miles and is more spread out than nearby Napa. There are more than 30 cities and towns in the county and 425 wineries with tasting rooms. The county also borders the Pacific Ocean, and the beautiful 55 mile stretch of coastline is rugged and dramatic.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Sonoma or Montego Bay?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $203, while the average daily cost in Sonoma is $219. 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 Sonoma in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Montego Bay $104
    Sonoma $93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Montego Bay $208
    Sonoma $186
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Sonoma

Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Sonoma? 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 Sonoma


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 Sonoma Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Montego Bay $15
    Sonoma $134

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:

  • Private Transfer from Montego Bay Airport To Ocho Rios: $267
  • Blue Hole and Horseback Riding from Montego Bay with Transfers: $265
  • Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Kingston Hotels: $245
  • Private Transfer to Island Gully Falls: $240
  • Black River and YS Falls Adventure with Transfer: $235
  • Chevy Suburban Montego Bay Airport Transfer: $225
  • Private Transfer to Kingston: $215
  • Private Transfer From Montego Bay Area or Airport MBJ to Kingston: $215
  • Kingston Airport Transfer (Montego bay,Negril,Ocho rio): $214
  • Airport Transfer From Kingston : $200
  • Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Kingston Hotels: $195
  • Negril Hotel Private Transfer Service: $190

Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Sonoma?

Prices for flights to both Sonoma 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 $84
    Sonoma $56

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 : $81
  • Rick’s Cafe Cliff Diving, Sunset & Dinner Tour with Transportation : $130
  • Dinner or lunch at pier one Montego bay Food Tour: $144
  • Sunset Boat Cruise in Falmouth Luminous Lagoon, Swim and Dinner : $170
  • Private Beach Day and Street Food Tour from Montego Bay: $170
  • Restaurant Transportation for Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Montego Bay: $180
  • Houseboat Restaurant and Grill for Dinner Private Transportation : $180
  • [PRIVATE] Premium Jamaican Food Tour of Local Cuisine: $190
  • Martha Brae Bamboo Rafting & Luminous Lagoon Sunset, Swim& Dinner: $280

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Montego Bay $32
    Sonoma $16
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
    $2.74
  • Snorkeling Trip
    $19
  • One Tank Dive
    $38
  • 1.5 Hr Horseback Ride
    $44

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: $173
  • Appleton Estate Rum Tour and Pelican Bar Customize Tour: $120
  • Bioluminescence Lagoon tour from Montego Bay with Pick Up: $105
  • Blue Hole Adventure Tour : $120
  • Catamaran Party Cruise and Snorkeling from Montego Bay: $220
  • Dunns River & BlueHole Tour Includes Entry Fees: $289
  • Falmouth Mystic from Montego Bay Luminous Lagoon Night Tour: $90
  • Green Grotto Cave Private Tour: $115
  • Horseback Riding and Tour from Montego Bay : $230
  • Luminous Lagoon Night Tour from Montego Bay: $118
  • Montego Bay Bamboo Rafting and Limestone Foot Massage River Tour: $110
  • Montego Bay Jamaica Private Jet Ski And ATV experience: $120

Tours and Activities in Sonoma

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sonoma.

  • Sonoma Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour & Game: $49
  • Sonoma Valley: Wine Trolley Tasting Tour with Lunch: $125
  • Sonoma Valley: Guided Winery Tour with Picnic Lunch: $126
  • Create your own wine blend experience: $140
  • From Napa Valley Classic Sidecar Tour to 3 Wineries: $300

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Montego Bay $13
    Sonoma $41

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Sonoma

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sonoma:

  • San Francisco: Half-Day Wine Tour with 2 Tastings Included: $189
  • Sonoma Food & Wine Tour: $235


When comparing the travel costs between Montego Bay and Sonoma, we can see that Sonoma 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 Sonoma 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 Sonoma Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Sonoma?

Montego Bay has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Sonoma. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Sonoma, 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 Sonoma?

Sonoma 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 Sonoma in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Sonoma. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sonoma this time of year.

In the summer, Montego Bay is a little warmer than Sonoma. Typically, the summer temperatures in Montego Bay in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Sonoma averages at about 73°F (23°C).

Montego Bay usually gets more rain in July than Sonoma. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Sonoma receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Montego Bay 28°C (82°F) 
    Sonoma 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Sonoma in the Autumn?

Both Sonoma 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, many travelers come to Sonoma for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Montego Bay is generally much warmer than Sonoma. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 27°C (81°F), and Sonoma fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

It's quite rainy in Montego Bay. In October, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Sonoma. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Sonoma receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Montego Bay 27°C (81°F) 
    Sonoma 62°F (17°C)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Sonoma in the Winter?

Both Sonoma 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 visitors come to Sonoma in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Montego Bay is much warmer than Sonoma in the winter. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Sonoma fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

Montego Bay usually gets less rain in January than Sonoma. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Sonoma receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Montego Bay 24°C (75°F) 
    Sonoma 46°F (8°C)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Sonoma in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Sonoma. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Sonoma for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Montego Bay is much warmer than Sonoma. Typically, the spring temperatures in Montego Bay in April average around 25°C (77°F), and Sonoma averages at about 56°F (13°C).

In April, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Sonoma. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Sonoma receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Montego Bay 25°C (77°F) 
    Sonoma 56°F (13°C)

Typical Weather for Sonoma and Montego Bay

Montego Bay Sonoma
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 25°C (77°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 56°F (13°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
May 26°C (79°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 64°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 69°F (21°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 73°F (23°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 70°F (21°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 62°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 54°F (12°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 46°F (8°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)