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

Should you visit Montego Bay or Wisconsin Dells?

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 Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells?

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.

Wisconsin Dells

Located in central Wisconsin, Wisconsin Dells offers natural beauty, fun rivers, and some of the area's most famous theme parks. Wisconsin Dells is one of the two towns that make up "The Dells." The other town, Lake Delton, is another popular Midwestern tourist spot.

Wisconsin Dells is about an hour north of Madison and two hours from Milwaukee. It's famous for its striking rock formations and scenic bluffs. The town's name comes from the Dells of the Wisconsin River, which is an impressive gorge that was originally formed by a glacier.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Wisconsin Dells 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
    Wisconsin Dells Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Montego Bay $257
    Wisconsin Dells $174

The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $257, while the average daily cost in Wisconsin Dells is $174. 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 Wisconsin Dells in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Montego Bay $101
    Wisconsin Dells $70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Montego Bay $202
    Wisconsin Dells $140
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Wisconsin Dells

Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Wisconsin Dells? 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 Wisconsin Dells


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 Wisconsin Dells Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Montego Bay $15
    Wisconsin Dells $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:

  • 2727lounge/Magarativille/Pier1 & taboo nightlife private transfer: $45
  • A "Private" Airport Transfer to RIU PALACE AQUARELLE: $50
  • A "Private" Airport Transfer to any Resort in Montego Bay: $14
  • Ahhh Ras Natango Gallery and Garden Private Transfer: $97
  • Airport - Ocho Rios Hotels Transfers and Returns: $260
  • Airport MBJ Round Trip Transfers, to Montego Bay Airbnb & Resorts: $53
  • Airport Round Trip Transfer To Hotels in Montego Bay: $19
  • Airport Round transfer Excellence,Coral Springs,Paladium, Royaltan Blue Waters: $110
  • Airport Transfer: $80
  • Airport Transfer MBJ Montego Bay to Kingston: $150
  • Airport Transfer Montego Bay Hotels: $120
  • Airport Transfer To Dreams Rose Hall: $60

Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Wisconsin Dells?

Prices for flights to both Wisconsin Dells 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
    Wisconsin Dells $74

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 Food Cooking Experience in the Countryside: $195
  • Authentic Jamaican Cooking Experience in the Mountain from mobay: $210

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Montego Bay $31
    Wisconsin Dells $46
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:

  • Montego Bay Beach Day Experience: $20
  • Jamaica Bamboo Rafting Experience with Lime Stone Massage: $20
  • Montego Bay City highlight And Souvenir Shopping Group Tour: $20
  • Blue Hole Adventure and Shopping Experience with Transportation: $20
  • Montego Bay Bamboo Rafting and Hip Strip Private Tour: $22
  • Bamboo Rafting & Jamaican Village Experience: $25
  • Montego Bay Shopping Private Tour: $26
  • Adventure and Activity Based Music and Nightlife and Nature: $30
  • Montego Bay Private Shopping Tour with Hotel Pickup: $30
  • Rose Hall Great House and Garden Tour Ticket: $30
  • Doctors Cave Beach Roundtrip Tour in Montego Bay: $30
  • Great River Bamboo Rafting and Limestone Foot Massage Tour From Montego Bay: $30

Tours and Activities in Wisconsin Dells

Here are a few actual costs in Wisconsin Dells for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Haunted Downtown Tour of Baraboo: $20
  • Haunted History Trolley Tour in Wisconsin Dells: $25
  • Noah's Ark Water Park Entry Ticket: $33
  • Chimney Rock Park Zipline Adventure Activity: $110

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Montego Bay $13
    Wisconsin Dells $9.14

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


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

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 Wisconsin Dells Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Wisconsin Dells?

Montego Bay has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Wisconsin Dells. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Wisconsin Dells, 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 Wisconsin Dells?

Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Wisconsin Dells. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Also, many visitors come to Wisconsin Dells in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Montego Bay is a little warmer than Wisconsin Dells in the summer. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wisconsin Dells this time of the year. In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montego Bay usually receives less sunshine than Wisconsin Dells during summer. Montego Bay gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Wisconsin Dells receives 309 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Wisconsin Dells. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Montego Bay 28°C (82°F) 
    Wisconsin Dells 74°F (24°C)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Wisconsin Dells in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Wisconsin Dells. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Wisconsin Dells for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Montego Bay is much warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Montego Bay in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Wisconsin Dells averages at about 52°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montego Bay this time of the year. In the autumn, Montego Bay often gets more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells. Montego Bay gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wisconsin Dells receives 171 hours of full sun.

Montego Bay receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Montego Bay usually gets more rain in October than Wisconsin Dells. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Montego Bay or Wisconsin Dells in the Winter?

Both Wisconsin Dells and Montego Bay are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montego Bay throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Wisconsin Dells because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Wisconsin Dells can be very cold. In January, Montego Bay is generally much warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 24°C (75°F), and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 19°F (-7°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually receives more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells during winter. Montego Bay gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Wisconsin Dells receives 141 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Wisconsin Dells. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1 inches (25 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Montego Bay 24°C (75°F) 
    Wisconsin Dells 19°F (-7°C)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Wisconsin Dells in the Spring?

Both Wisconsin Dells and Montego Bay during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Montego Bay because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Montego Bay is much warmer than Wisconsin Dells in the spring. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 25°C (77°F) in April, and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 49°F (10°C).

In Wisconsin Dells, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. In the spring, Montego Bay often gets more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells. Montego Bay gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wisconsin Dells receives 208 hours of full sun.

Montego Bay usually gets less rain in April than Wisconsin Dells. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Wisconsin Dells and Montego Bay

Montego Bay Wisconsin Dells
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 19°F (-7°C) 1 inches (25 mm)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 24°F (-5°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Apr 25°C (77°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 49°F (10°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
May 26°C (79°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 60°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 70°F (21°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 74°F (24°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 72°F (22°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 63°F (17°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 52°F (11°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 39°F (4°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 25°F (-4°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)