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

Should you visit Montego Bay or Washington?

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 Washington 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 Washington?

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.

Washington

Washington, DC is the capital city of the United States of America. It is also a city rich in history and culture. The city dates back to 1791 when the states of Maryland and Virginia donated the land to create the capital. In 1846, Congress returned the land that was ceded by Virginia and in 1871 it created a single municipal government with the remaining area. Today, Washington, DC has a population of over 600,000 people. The metropolitan area includes suburbs in Maryland and Virginia and has a population of about 5.8 million.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Washington 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
    Washington Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Montego Bay $255
    Washington $226

The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $255, while the average daily cost in Washington is $226. 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 Washington in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Montego Bay $100
    Washington $113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Montego Bay $200
    Washington $226
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Washington

Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Washington? 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 Washington


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 Washington Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Montego Bay $14
    Washington $47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:

  • Kingston: One Way Private Transfer to Montego Bay Airport: $319
  • Private Airport Transfers To and From Kingston (KIN) Airport: $200
  • Horseback Ride/Swim and Blue Hole Falls Daytrip with Transfers: $190
  • Green Grato Caves and Dunns River Falls with Private Transfer : $180
  • Riu Resorts Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Roundtrip): $169
  • Private Martha Brae Bamboo Rafting Tour with Private Transfer: $135
  • Club Mobay VIP Lounge Access and Round-Trip Airport Transfer: $113
  • Private Transfer to Dunn's River Falls and Blue Hole: $110
  • Private Transfer to Dunns River Blue Hole Tubing from Montego Bay: $110
  • Experience Jamaica Private Tour with Airport Transfer: $100
  • Airport Transfer Service In Montego bay: $95
  • Ocho Rios Airport Transfer: $80

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Washington

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Washington are as follows:


  • Metro Day Pass
    $9.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Washington

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

  • DCA Airport Private Transfer to Washington D.C.: $37
  • Private Transfer Washington Airport DCA to Washington DC Hotels: $42
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Washington Reagan Airport DCA: $48
  • Private Departure Transfer to Washington Reagan Airport DCA: $48
  • Airport Transfer from Ronald Reagan Airport DCA ⇄ Washington DC: $65
  • Washington to Washington R. Reagan Airport (DCA) - Departure Private Transfer: $67
  • Washington R. Reagan Airport (DCA) to Washington - Arrival Private Transfer: $67
  • Washington DC: One Way Airport Transfer Service: $80
  • Washington to Baltimore Washington Airport (BWI) - Departure Private Transfer: $84
  • Transfer Washington City Center to Dulles Airport (IAD): $89
  • Washington to Washington Dulles Airport (IAD) - Departure Private Transfer: $89
  • Washington Dulles Airport (IAD) to Washington - Arrival Private Transfer: $89

Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Washington?

Prices for flights to both Washington 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
    Washington $66

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

Typical Food Prices in Washington

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Washington:


  • Water
    $2.00
  • Snacks on Monuments Tour
    $6.15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Washington

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

  • DC: City Cruises Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise: $64
  • DC: City Cruises Gourmet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise: $71
  • Little Ethiopia Food Tour: $71
  • Adams Morgan Food Tour: $78
  • Dupont Circle Food Tour: $84
  • Washington D.C: Acquired Taste Food Tour in Georgetown: $95
  • DC: Eastern Market Eats Food Tour (5 Food Stops + Dessert): $99
  • Washington D.C.: Georgetown Guided Secret Food Tour: $106
  • City Cruises Washington DC: Signature Dinner Cruise: $121
  • City Cruises Washington DC: Premier Dinner Cruise: $127
  • Eastern Market Neighborhood Food Tour (5 Food Stops + Dessert): $129
  • Washington D.C.: Taste of Georgetown Walking Food Tour: $129

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Montego Bay $31
    Washington $24
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:

  • Black River Day Adventure Tour: $92
  • Dunn’s River Secret falls with Horse-back&Bamboo Raft Experience: $125
  • Falmouth Mystic from Montego Bay Luminous Lagoon Night Tour: $90
  • Luminous Lagoon Glow in the Dark Boat Tour from Montego Bay: $65
  • Luminous Lagoon Night Tour from Montego Bay: $118
  • 1 Hour Horse Back Riding & Dunn's River Falls Tour Combo: $240
  • 3 Hours Private Highlights Tour & Shopping in Montego Bay Jamaica: $100
  • 3 Hours Private Tour in Montego Bay From Falmouth: $75
  • 7 Mile Beach & Ricks Cafe with free Shopping experience: $50
  • ATV Adventure and Rick's Cafe Tour with Transportation: $238
  • ATV Jungle Safari Tour from Montego Bay: $125
  • ATV Tour, Limestone Bamboo Rafting and Transportation: $160

Tours and Activities in Washington

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

  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Washington: $6.00
  • The Kennedy Homes: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Washington DC Self Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
  • Georgetown's Famous Ghosts Smartphone Guided Haunted Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Reflections on a Nation Self-Guided National Mall Highlights Tour: $9.99
  • Washington DC Mall Self Guided Audio Walking Tour: $12
  • National Mall Democracy Quest Experience in Washington DC: $12
  • DC - Historical: At your leisure and your pace. Downloadable audiovisual tour.: $15
  • Washington DC Audio Tour: Washington, D.C. Audio Tour Adventure: $15
  • Washington DC Monuments Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $15
  • City Cruises DC: Water Taxi from Wharf or Old Town Alexandria: $20
  • Washington D.C.: Washington Wizards Basketball Game Ticket: $21

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Montego Bay $13
    Washington $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Washington

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Washington:

  • Epic Washington DC Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
  • Washington DC: Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • DC Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl By US Ghost Adventures: $36
  • Washington, D.C.: History Tour Pub Crawl: $56
  • DC Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105
  • DC: Guided Craft Brewery Tours with a Snack: $105


When comparing the travel costs between Montego Bay and Washington, 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 Washington 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 Washington Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Washington?

Washington has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Washington, 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 Washington?

Washington 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 Washington in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Washington. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Washington for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Montego Bay is generally around the same temperature as Washington. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 28°C (82°F), and Washington fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Washington. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montego Bay this time of the year. In the summer, Montego Bay often gets less sunshine than Washington. Montego Bay gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Washington receives 278 hours of full sun.

Montego Bay usually gets less rain in July than Washington. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Washington receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Montego Bay 28°C (82°F) 
    Washington 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Washington in the Autumn?

Both Washington 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, the autumn months attract visitors to Washington because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Montego Bay is much warmer than Washington in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Washington fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually receives more sunshine than Washington during autumn. Montego Bay gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Washington receives 197 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Montego Bay. In October, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Washington. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Montego Bay 27°C (81°F) 
    Washington 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Washington in the Winter?

Both Washington 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. Also, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Washington this time of year.

It's quite cold in Washington in the winter. In the winter, Montego Bay is much warmer than Washington. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montego Bay in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Washington averages at about 35°F (1°C).

It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. In the winter, Montego Bay often gets more sunshine than Washington. Montego Bay gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Washington receives 139 hours of full sun.

Montego Bay usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Washington. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Montego Bay 24°C (75°F) 
    Washington 35°F (1°C)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Washington in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Washington. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Also, many travelers come to Washington for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Montego Bay is generally much warmer than Washington. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 25°C (77°F), and Washington fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Washington this time of the year. In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montego Bay usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Washington during spring. Montego Bay gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Washington receives 228 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Washington. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Montego Bay 25°C (77°F) 
    Washington 56°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Washington and Montego Bay

Montego Bay Washington
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Apr 25°C (77°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
May 26°C (79°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)