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

Should you visit Montego Bay or Victoria?

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 Victoria 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 Victoria?

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.

Victoria

The capital city of British Columbia, Canada, Victoria is positioned near the southern edge of Vancouver Island. It's a wonderfully pleasant city and has been nicknamed the Garden City because of its vast green space and public gardens. There is a population of just over 80,000 in the city proper and almost 350,000 in the greater metropolitan area. Dating back to 1843, it's also one of the oldest cities in the Pacific Northwest. As such, it has many historic buildings and beautiful architecture. It also has the second oldest Chinatown in North America, following San Francisco's.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Canada, and The Best Eco Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Victoria 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
    Victoria Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Montego Bay $257
    Victoria $201

The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $257, while the average daily cost in Victoria is $201. 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 Victoria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Montego Bay $101
    Victoria $113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Montego Bay $202
    Victoria $226
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Victoria

Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Victoria? 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 Victoria


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 Victoria Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Montego Bay $15
    Victoria $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:

  • luxury VIP Airport Transfer to RIU Palace, Reggae,Montego bay: $140
  • Zoetry Montego Bay Airport Transfers MBJ (Private Roundtrip Exclusive): $180
  • VIP Luxury Airport Transfer Mobay, Ocho Rios, Negril, Lucea,: $150
  • Tryall / Round Hill - Montego Bay Airport Transfers: $107
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Montego Bay HTL-APT (MBJ): $37
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Montego Bay APT-HTL (MBJ): $37
  • Tropical Court Hotel Private Airport Transfer: $13
  • Transfers from Montego Bay Airport to Negril: $53
  • Transfer Service, Sangster MBJ Airport From/To Iberostar zone: $64
  • Tobys Resort Private Airport Transfer: $20
  • Sunset at the Palm Private Negril Airport Transfer: $52
  • Sunscape Resorts Montego Bay Private Airport Transfers: $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Victoria

Also for Victoria, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Victoria to Vancouver Ferry with Bus Transfer: $64
  • Victoria to Vancouver - Coach Bus Transfer: $67
  • Private Transfer from Victoria City Hotels to Nanaimo Cruise Port: $129
  • Vancouver ↔ One-Way Scenic Seaplane Transfer: $349

Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Victoria?

Prices for flights to both Victoria 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 $141
    Victoria $47

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: $45
  • Montego Bay Jerk Tour and Rum Punch Mixology/Food Tour: $50
  • 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
  • Sunset Dinner at Bamboo Beach Club: $99
  • 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
  • Restaurant Transportation for Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Montego Bay: $180
  • Authentic Jamaican Cooking Experience in the Mountain from mobay: $210
  • PRIVATE Food Tour of Local Jamaican Cuisine Montego Bay & Negril: $210

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Victoria

For Victoria, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Eat Like a Canadian Food Tour | Victoria Sightseeing: $81
  • Chinatown and Old Town Food Tour with Tastings: $92
  • Hip & Hidden Chinatown + Old Town Food Tour Victoria: $95

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Montego Bay $31
    Victoria $45
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
    $2.66
  • 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:

  • 1 Hour Horse Back Riding & Dunn's River Falls Tour Combo: $240
  • 2 Hour Private Montego Bay City Tour with Souvenir’s Shopping: $80
  • 27/27 Lounge, Pier 1 & Margaritaville Nightlife Tour In Jamaica: $80
  • 3 Hours Private Tour in Montego Bay From Falmouth: $75
  • 3-Hour Private Tour in the Highlights of Montego Bay: $58
  • 4 Hours Party Boat Catamaran Cruise in Negril: $190
  • 4 Hours Private Night Life Experience in Montego Bay: $66
  • 4-Hour Catamaran Party Cruise with Open Bar from Montego Bay: $200
  • 5 Hour Private Tour at Negril Beach and Rick's Cafe: $150
  • 7 Mile Beach & Ricks Cafe with free Shopping experience: $50
  • 7 Mile Beach Party Catamaran Cruise with Snorkeling & Ricks Cafe: $115
  • 7 in 1 Day Jamaican Adventure with Jhadano Tours: $50

Tours and Activities in Victoria

For Victoria, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • City Highlights Walking Tour | 3-Hour: $5.00
  • Victoria City Highlights 3 Hour Walking Tour Grauity-Based: $5.00
  • Butterfly Gardens Admission Ticket: $15
  • Victoria Butterfly Gardens Ticket: $15
  • Iconic & Obscure Victoria Walking Tour: $16
  • Ghost Tour of Old Town and Bastion Square: $17
  • Walking Tour through History and Heritage: $17
  • Iconic & Obscure Walking Tour in Victoria: $17
  • Historical Chinatown Walking Tour: $18
  • Ghostly Walking Tour in Victoria: $18
  • Historical Victoria Walking Tour: $18
  • Royal BC Museum Admission Ticket: $22

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Montego Bay $13
    Victoria $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
  • Montego Bay Pub Crawl To Negril and Rick's Cafe: $255

Sample the Local Flavors in Victoria

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

  • Pickle Pub Crawl: Ferry Rides and Appetizers: $46
  • Pickle Pub Crawl in Victoria's Inner Harbour: $47
  • Local Brewery Tour with a Guide: $85
  • Victoria Craft Beer and Distillery Tour: $111
  • Victoria, BC: Food & Wine Tour to the Cowichan Valley: $119
  • 6-Hour Victoria to Cowichan Wine Tour: $123
  • Victoria Wine Tour with Wine Tastings and Charcuterie: $140
  • Cowichan Valley Private Wine Tour with Lunch: $389
  • Guided Pedal-Powered Pub Crawl: $476


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montego Bay and Victoria, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is Victoria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Montego Bay is in Caribbean Islands and Victoria 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 Victoria would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Victoria 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 Victoria.

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 Victoria Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Victoria?

Victoria has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Victoria, 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 Victoria?

Victoria 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 Victoria in the Summer?

Both Victoria and Montego Bay during the summer 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 travelers come to Victoria for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Montego Bay is much warmer than Victoria. Typically, the summer temperatures in Montego Bay in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Victoria averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Montego Bay usually gets more rain in July than Victoria. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Victoria receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Montego Bay 28°C (82°F) 
    Victoria 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Victoria in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Victoria. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Victoria in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Montego Bay is generally much warmer than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 27°C (81°F), and Victoria fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Montego Bay gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Victoria. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Victoria receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Montego Bay 27°C (81°F) 
    Victoria 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Victoria in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Victoria. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Victoria for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Victoria can be very cold during winter. Montego Bay is much warmer than Victoria in the winter. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Victoria fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

It's quite rainy in Victoria. Montego Bay usually gets less rain in January than Victoria. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Victoria receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Montego Bay 24°C (75°F) 
    Victoria 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Victoria in the Spring?

Both Victoria and Montego Bay are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montego Bay throughout the year.

In the spring, Montego Bay is much warmer than Victoria. Typically, the spring temperatures in Montego Bay in April average around 25°C (77°F), and Victoria averages at about 10°C (49°F).

In April, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Victoria. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Victoria receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Montego Bay 25°C (77°F) 
    Victoria 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Victoria and Montego Bay

Montego Bay Victoria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 67 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 25°C (77°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 10°C (49°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 26°C (79°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 14°C (58°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 19 mm (0.8 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 15°C (58°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 5°C (42°F) 153 mm (6 in)