A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Montevideo vs. Kingston for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Montevideo or Kingston?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Montevideo and Kingston 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: Montevideo or Kingston?

Montevideo

As the morning sun tinges the calm waters of the Rio de la Plata with a golden hue, the Rambla and its city awakens to life with new adventures for those near and far. From tanning on the luxurious beaches to peering into Uruguayan history at local museums, one can be far from bored while staying in Montevideo. Combining the quaintness of the countryside with the excitement of urban life, this city holds a unique trait that cannot easily be replicated.

Kingston

Kingston is Jamaica's capital city with a population of about 579,000. For being located on an island, Kingston is a very large city with several different zip codes. Not only is Kingston the cultural capital of the country, but also the commercial one as well.

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


Which place is cheaper, Kingston or Montevideo?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Montevideo is $63, while the average daily cost in Kingston is $109. 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 Montevideo and Kingston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Montevideo $39
    Kingston $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Montevideo $78
    Kingston $128
Compare Hotels in Montevideo and Kingston

Looking for a hotel in Montevideo or Kingston? 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 Montevideo


Hotels in Kingston


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: Montevideo Hotel Prices and Kingston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Montevideo $7.32
    Kingston $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montevideo

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

  • 1 - way - Transfer from Carrasco Interational Airport to Montevideo: $51
  • Airport-Hotel or Hotel-Airport Transfers: $36
  • Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo - Arrival Private Transfer: $49
  • Carrasco Airport MVD to Montevideo Hotels Round Trip Transfer: $98
  • Carrasco International Airport (MVD) to Montevideo hotels - Round-Trip Transfer: $98
  • Private 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $45
  • Shared 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $35
  • Private Transfer - Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Punta Del Este Port: $85
  • Private Transfer from Carrasco Airport MVD to Punta Del Este Port: $72
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $26
  • Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport MVD: $72
  • Private Transfer from or to Carrasco Airport in Montevideo: $120

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kingston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kingston:

  • From Montego Bay Airport (MBJ): Private Transfer to Kingston: $388
  • Tropical Off-Road ATV Tour with Lunch and Transfer: $280
  • Port Antonio Hotel Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer from Kingston Airport(KIN): $235
  • Private Airport Transfer Sangster Airport to Kingston: $229
  • NMIA & Kingston transfer to Negril: $225
  • Kingston Airport Private Transfer to Riu Ocho Rios: $200
  • Private Transfer Kingston Airport to Jewel Grande Montego Bay: $187
  • Kingston Private Airport Transfer to Accommodation in Montego Bay: $170
  • Kingston : Private Airport Transfer to Montego Bay: $169
  • Kingston Private Airport Transfer : $161
  • Private Airport Round Trip Transfer from Montego Bay Airport to Ocho Rios : $133
  • Kingston Airport Transfers to Runaway Bay: $127

Is it cheaper to fly into Montevideo or Kingston?

Prices for flights to both Kingston and Montevideo 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
    Montevideo $13
    Kingston $27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montevideo

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

  • The best Montevideo Dinner Show. Tango and Candombe. El Milongon.: $85
  • El Milongon Dinner & Show: Candombe, Tango & Folklore in Montevideo: $98

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Montevideo $21
    Kingston $13

Tours and Activities in Montevideo

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

  • Montevideo's Culture and History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • Museo Andes 1972 / Crash Memorial Admission Ticket: $8.00
  • Palacio Salvo Official Ticket with Guided Tour: $13
  • Half-day Regular City Tour at Montevideo : $25
  • Montevideo City Tour for Cruisers - AudioGuided: $26
  • Half-Day Sightseeing Tour: $28
  • Shared Montevideo Tour for Cruisers: $30
  • Old City Walking Tour with Private Photographer: $30
  • Walking Tour with Photographer and Audioguide: $31
  • City Sightseeing Tour: $32
  • Montevideo City Tour for Cruisers: $35
  • The Best Montevideo City Tour: $36

Tours and Activities in Kingston

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

  • Dunn's River Falls Party Cruise, Blue Hole with Snorkeling, free beverages: $174
  • 4x4 Jeep Safari & Blue Hole Adventure from Ocho Rios: $158
  • Appleton Estate Rum Tour and Tasting from Ocho Rios: $232
  • Authentic Jamaican Food Experience: $140
  • Blue Mountain Bicycle Tour from Kingston: $231
  • Blue Mountain Bicycle Tour from Runaway Bay: $142
  • Blue Mountains Coffee Private Tour from Kingston: $180
  • Bob Marley Museum Tour from Kingston: $83
  • Bob Marley Museum Tour from Runaway Bay: $258
  • Bob Marley Museum and Devon House Kingston Day Tour: $370
  • Bob Marley Museum and Devon House Kingston Day Tour: $320
  • Bob Marley Museum and Kingston Sightseeing from Port Royal Cruise Port: $205

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Montevideo -
    Kingston $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Montevideo

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

  • Half Day Tour at Pizzorno Winery with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $120
  • Juanico Wine Tour Lunch: $132
  • Wine tour - Lunch & Tasting with Wine Explorers: $198
  • Wine Tasting & Countryside Lunch Experience: $210

Sample the Local Flavors in Kingston

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

  • Ocho Rios Pub Crawl and Sightseeing Tour from Ocho Rios: $185


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montevideo and Kingston, we can see that Kingston is more expensive. And not only is Montevideo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Montevideo is in South America and Kingston is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Montevideo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Montevideo 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 Kingston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kingston than you might in Montevideo.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Montevideo Expensive? and Is Kingston Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Montevideo or Kingston?

Montevideo has a larger population, and is about 36% larger than the population of Kingston. When comparing the sizes of Montevideo and Kingston, 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 Montevideo or Kingston?

Montevideo has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Kingston experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Montevideo or Kingston in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Montevideo as well as Kingston. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kingston throughout the year.

Montevideo is cooler than Kingston in the summer. The daily temperature in Montevideo averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Kingston fluctuates around 29°C (83°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kingston. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montevideo this time of the year. In the summer, Montevideo often gets more sunshine than Kingstonin July. Montevideo gets 296 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kingston receives 254 hours of full sun.

Montevideo usually gets more rain in January than Kingstonin July. Montevideo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Montevideo 24°C (75°F) 
    Kingston 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Montevideo or Kingston in the Autumn?

Both Kingston and Montevideo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Kingston because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the autumn, Montevideo is much colder than Kingston. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Montevideo in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Kingston averages at about 28°C (82°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in Kingston. Montevideo usually receives less sunshine than Kingston during autumn. Montevideo gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Kingston receives 229 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kingston. It's quite rainy in Montevideo. In April, Montevideo usually receives less rain than Kingstonin October. Montevideo gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Montevideo 17°C (63°F) 
    Kingston 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Montevideo or Kingston in the Winter?

Both Kingston and Montevideo during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kingston year-round.

In July, Montevideo is generally much colder than Kingstonin January. Daily temperatures in Montevideo average around 11°C (52°F), and Kingston fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In Kingston, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Montevideo often gets less sunshine than Kingstonin January. Montevideo gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kingston receives 257 hours of full sun.

Montevideo usually gets more rain in July than Kingstonin January. Montevideo gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Montevideo 11°C (52°F) 
    Kingston 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Montevideo or Kingston in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Montevideo and Kingston. Kingston attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Montevideo is much colder than Kingston in the spring. The daily temperature in Montevideo averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Kingston fluctuates around 26°C (80°F)in April.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kingston this time of the year. In Montevideo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montevideo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kingston during spring. Montevideo gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Kingston receives 251 hours of full sun in the spring.

Montevideo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Montevideo usually receives more rain than Kingstonin April. Montevideo gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Montevideo 17°C (63°F) 
    Kingston 26°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Kingston and Montevideo

Montevideo Kingston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 23°C (73°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 11°C (52°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 22°C (72°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)