Which place is cheaper, Montego Bay or Penang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Penang or Montego Bay?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Penang and Montego Bay. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Penang or Montego Bay?
Penang
Just off the northwestern coast of Malaysia is the charming and diverse island state of Penang. As the link between the ancient kingdoms of Asia and Europe's colonial empire, this area is enriched with Malay, Chinese, Indian and European influences. This exciting culture is centered in George Town, the main city of the state.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia.
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Penang Prices
Malaysia PricesMontego Bay Prices
Jamaica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPenang $148Montego Bay $259
The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $148, while the average daily cost in Montego Bay is $259. 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 Penang and Montego Bay in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPenang $57Montego Bay $102
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPenang $114Montego Bay $204
Compare Hotels in Penang and Montego Bay
Looking for a hotel in Penang or Montego Bay? 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.
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: Penang Hotel Prices and Montego Bay Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Penang $14Montego Bay $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Penang
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Penang:
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Local Bus$1.47
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Island Ferry$0.59
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Bus From Airport to George Town$0.66
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Taxi From Airport to George Town$11
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Motorbike Rental (One Day)$7.34
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Bicycle Rental (One Day)$2.45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:
- Penang Airport Transfer: $15
- Private Transfer from Penang International Airport to Your Hotel: $18
- Penang Island to Penang Airport(PEN) - Departure Private transfer: $18
- Private Transfer from Swettenham Cruise Terminal to Penang Island: $21
- Private Transfer from Penang Island to Swettenham Cruise Terminal: $21
- Private Transfer - Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Airport (PEN): $21
- Penang Airport Arrival Transfer: $21
- Penang Airport (PEN) to Swettenham Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $22
- Penang Hotel to Airport Departure Transfer: $23
- Penang Airport Transfer - Arrival or Departure: $37
- Penang Airport(PEN) to Penang Island -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $37
- Private Economy Penang Airport Transfer-Arrival: $48
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- A "Private" Airport Transfer to Grand & Luxury Bahia Principe: $80
- A "Private" Airport Transfer to RIU PALACE AQUARELLE: $50
- ATV and Bamboo Rafting with Limestone Foot Massage and Transfers: $120
- Airport - Ocho Rios Hotels Transfers and Returns: $260
- Airport Private Round Trip Transfer: $30
- Airport Round Trip Transfer To Hotels in Montego Bay: $19
- Airport Transfer From Kingston: $200
- Airport Transfer To Iberoster star Hotel: $61
- Airport Transfer To Montego Bay Hotels: $52
- Airport Transfer To Secret Wild orchid/ST James Hotel: $60
- Airport Transfer To Suncape Resort: $24
- Airport Transfer to Ocho Rios Hotels (Round-Trip): $120
Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Montego Bay?
Prices for flights to both Montego Bay and Penang 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
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Food Meals for one dayPenang $66Montego Bay $142
Typical Food Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Penang:
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Snack$1.96
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Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)$84
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Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)$71
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Lassy Juice$1.71
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Dinner for 2$3.67
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Street Stall Food$0.69
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.65
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Italian Lunch (for Two)$12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Penang
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Penang.
- Penang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $49
- Good Morning Penang Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $49
- Private Half-Day Hawker Trails Food Tour in George Town: $51
- Penang Food Tour : A Feast That Taste Like History : 17+ Tasting: $54
- Local Street Food Tour in Georgetown Penang: $62
- 3-Hour Heritage on a Plate Dinner Hop in George Town Penang: $65
- Eat Like A Local: Penang Street Food Tour: $65
- Penang Forest Island Catamaran Cruise with Dinner and Activities: $80
- Authentic Local Food Tour with Scenic Walk: $89
- Authentic Indian Penang Cooking Class: $92
- Penang Cooking Class:Dive into Malaysian Cuisine with PenangChiak: $94
- Private Half Day Penang Tasty Local Street Food Tour: $99
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
- Club2727 Nightlife Experience With Optional Dinner In Montego Bay: $60
- Mystic Lagoon Sunset Cruise with Dinner and Lagoon Swim: $95
- Sunset Dinner at Bamboo Beach Club: $99
- Glistening Bioluminescent Waters and Dinner at Jerk hut: $105
- 3 to 5 Hour Private Herbal Tour Shopping and Dinner at Ricks Cafe: $120
- Bar Hopping and Local Food Tour in Jamaica: $130
- The Local Lime- Montego Bay Dinner and/or Nightlife Tour: $149
- Jamaican Seafood Street Food Tour from Montego Bay, Falmouth: $150
- Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios Dinner and Nightlife Experience: $150
- Sunset Boat Cruise and Luminous Lagoon with Dinner and Transfer: $150
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Penang $57Montego Bay $31
Typical Entertainment Prices in Penang
Here are a few typical costs in Penang for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Butterfly Gardens$7.59
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Trishaw Tour (One Hour)$7.34
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Fort Cornwallis Entrance$0.49
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Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance$2.45
Tours and Activities in Penang
Here are a few actual costs in Penang for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- George Town Penang App Guided Street Art Tour: $5.00
- Podcast Tour George Town Unveiling the Peranakan Tapestry: $5.48
- Self Guided Podcast Tour George Town Tapestry of Faith: $5.49
- Guided Tour of Cheong Fatt Tze's Blue Mansion in George Town: $6.35
- Tech Dome Entrance Ticket: $6.92
- Straits and Oriental Museum Ticket: $7.53
- Tropical Spice Garden Entrance Ticket & Guided Tours: $8.15
- The Vanilla Village Farm Tour by Kairos: $9.39
- Penang Hill Funicular Ticket - Non-Malaysian: $11
- Entopia by Night Entrance Ticket: $12
- Malaysia: Penang Habitat Entry Ticket: $15
- Malaysia: Discover Nature's Wonders with Entopia Entry Ticket: $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Montego Bay
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Montego Bay are as follows:
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Admission to Doctor's Cave Beach$2.68
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Snorkeling Trip$19
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One Tank Dive$37
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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:
- Carnival Cruise Ship in Montego Bay to Great River & Hip strip: $20
- Shopping Tour for Whitter Village Mall Private / Charted Air Conditioned Taxi: $20
- Lethe Rafting And Margaritaville Tour from Montego Bay: $20
- Montego Bay Beach Day Experience: $20
- Montego Bay Nightlife Tour with Private Transportation: $25
- Montego Bay Shopping Private Tour: $26
- VR Experience in Montego Bay: $30
- Montego Bay Private Shopping Tour with Hotel Pickup: $30
- Explore the Beauty of Montego Bay Nature Tour in Jamaica: $30
- Adventure and Activity Based Music and Nightlife and Nature: $30
- Street Executive Tours And Chauffeur Service Jamaica: $35
- Bamboo Rafting Experience in Jamaica: $35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPenang $18Montego Bay $13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Penang:
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Beer$1.96
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 Jamaica Rum Distillery Tour Private Driver: $250
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Penang and Montego Bay, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is Penang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Penang is in Asia and Montego Bay 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 Penang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Penang 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 Penang.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Penang Expensive? and Is Montego Bay Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Penang or Montego Bay?
Penang has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Penang and Montego Bay, 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 Penang or Montego Bay?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Penang or Montego Bay in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Montego Bay. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Penang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Penang usually receives more rain than Montego Bay. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montego Bay this time of the year. In Penang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Penang usually receives less sunshine than Montego Bay during summer. Penang gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Montego Bay receives 257 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Penang is generally around the same temperature as Montego Bay. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 27°C (81°F), and Montego Bay fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPenang 27°C (81°F)Montego Bay 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Penang or Montego Bay in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Penang as well as Montego Bay. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montego Bay throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Montego Bay. Penang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Penang usually gets more rain in October than Montego Bay. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
Penang is around the same temperature as Montego Bay in the autumn. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Montego Bay fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPenang 27°C (81°F)Montego Bay 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Penang or Montego Bay in the Winter?
Both Montego Bay and Penang are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Montego Bay because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Penang usually receives around the same amount of rain as Montego Bay. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In the winter, Penang is a little warmer than Montego Bay. Typically, the winter temperatures in Penang in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Montego Bay averages at about 24°C (75°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPenang 28°C (82°F)Montego Bay 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Penang or Montego Bay in the Spring?
Both Montego Bay and Penang during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Penang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually gets more rain in April than Montego Bay. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Penang. In the spring, Penang often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Montego Bay. Penang gets 218 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montego Bay receives 225 hours of full sun.
In April, Penang is generally a little warmer than Montego Bay. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 28°C (82°F), and Montego Bay fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPenang 28°C (82°F)Montego Bay 25°C (77°F)
Typical Weather for Montego Bay and Penang
| Penang | Montego Bay | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.