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.

The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $203, while the average daily cost in Victoria is $182. 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 $104
    Victoria $113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Montego Bay $208
    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:

  • Zoëtry Resorts Montego Bay Airport Transfer: $20
  • Tryall / Round Hill - Montego Bay Airport Transfers: $107
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Montego Bay APT-HTL (MBJ): $37
  • Tropical Court Hotel Private Airport Transfer : $13
  • Transfer from/to Airport, Riu Reggae, Riu Montego Bay, Riu Palace: $17
  • Transfer Service, Sangster MBJ Airport From/To Iberostar zone: $55
  • Tobys Resort Private Airport Transfer: $20
  • The Spa Retreat Boutique Hotel Private Airport Transfer: $50
  • Sunset at the Palms Negril Airport Transfers: $53
  • Sunset at the Palm Private Negril Airport Transfer : $52
  • Sunscape Splash Montego Bay Private Airport Transfer: $20
  • Sunscape Resorts Montego Bay Private Airport Transfers: $21

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: $73
  • Victoria to Vancouver - Coach Bus Transfer: $74
  • Victoria to Vancouver - Vancouver Hotel Drop Off - Coach Bus Transfer: $83
  • Victoria to Vancouver - Vancouver Airport (YVR) Drop Off - Coach Bus Transfer: $87
  • Vancouver: Seaplane Transfer between Vancouver & Victoria: $206
  • Seaplane Transfer between Victoria and Whistler: $219

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 $84
    Victoria $27

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Victoria

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

  • Chocolate Lovers Food Tour: $44
  • Chinatown and Old Town Food Tour with Tastings: $58
  • Hip & Hidden Chinatown + Old Town Food Tour Victoria: $59
  • Victoria Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $73
  • Sip, Savor, Stroll Evening Food Tour: $146

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Montego Bay $32
    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
    $2.74
  • 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 Victoria

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

  • Victoria self-guided tour App - multilingual AudioGuide: $4.28
  • Victoria Harbor: Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $5.11
  • 2.5-hour Tips-Based City Walking Tour: $6.58
  • Victoria, BC: Murder Mystery Detective Experience: $11
  • Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $13
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Experience Victoria by Foot Walking Tour: $15
  • Butterfly Gardens Admission Ticket: $15
  • Ghostly Walking Tour in Victoria: $16
  • Cultural & Historical Victoria Walking Tour: $16
  • Malahat SkyWalk General Admission Tickets: $29
  • Experience Victoria City Tour: $37

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: $103

Sample the Local Flavors in Victoria

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

  • Guided Pub Crawl with Ferry Rides and Appetizers: $48
  • 3-Hour Street Art & Craft Beer Tour of Victoria, Brewery Tour & Tasting included: $101
  • Victoria Wine Tour with Wine Tastings and Charcuterie: $134
  • Cowichan Valley Premium Wine Tour: $439


When comparing the travel costs between Montego Bay and Victoria, 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. Even though Montego Bay is in Caribbean Islands and Victoria 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 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.

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.

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.

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)