Which place is cheaper, Montego Bay or Petra?
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 Petra or Montego Bay?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Petra and Montego Bay can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Petra or Montego Bay?
Petra
Whether you're checking off the Seven Wonders of the World, or you're just a huge Indiana Jones fan, the city of Petra must be on your bucket list. The "rose red city, half as old as time," was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom in the 6th century BC. It was the center for trade and commerce until an earthquake took out buildings and destroyed their water management system. After this destruction, the city of Petra seemed to be lost to western civilization.
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 Historical Tours in Jordan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Jordan.
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Petra Prices
Jordan PricesMontego Bay Prices
Jamaica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPetra $153Montego Bay $258
The average daily cost (per person) in Petra is $153, while the average daily cost in Montego Bay is $258. 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 Petra and Montego Bay in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPetra $59Montego Bay $102
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPetra $118Montego Bay $204
Compare Hotels in Petra and Montego Bay
Looking for a hotel in Petra 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: Petra Hotel Prices and Montego Bay Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Petra $23Montego Bay $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Petra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Petra:
- Petra to Aqaba Hussein Airport (AQJ) - Departure Private Transfer: $70
- Airport Transfer to and from Petra: $92
- Private Departure Transfer: Petra Hotels to Amman Airport: $93
- Private Transfer From Petra to Amman or Airport With Optional: $99
- Comfortable and Reliable Private Transfer: Petra to Wadi Rum: $100
- Petra Private Transfer To Aqaba: $100
- Petra Private Transfer To Multiple Destinations: $115
- Private Transfer Amman Airport to Petra or vice versa via the King's Highway: $120
- Petra Private Transfer To Multiple Destinations By Minivan: $160
- Private Transfers from Petra Inside Jordan and Vice Versa: $176
- From Eilat: Petra Full-Day Guided Tour with Transfers: $219
- Petra Private Transfer To Jerusalem: $290
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- Private Airport Transfers from Montego Bay: $8.70
- Sangster International Airport Private Transfer to Montego Bay: $10
- Private Airport transfer Montego Bay: $12
- Private Transfer to Royal Decameron Cornwall Beach/Montego Beach: $13
- Sandals Royal Caribbean Hotel Private Airport Transfer: $13
- El Greco Resort Private Airport Transfer: $13
- A "Private" Airport Transfer to any Resort in Montego Bay: $14
- RIU Palace reggae and RIU Montego Bay private airport transfers: $14
- Riu reggae, palace & montego Bay Hotels Private Airport Transfer: $14
- Private Transfer From Montego Bay Airport to Hotel in Montego Bay: $14
- Private Airport Transfer To Riu Montego Bay, Palace & Reggae: $14
- RIU Reggae Palace and RIU Montego Bay Private Airport Transfer: $14
Is it cheaper to fly into Petra or Montego Bay?
Prices for flights to both Montego Bay and Petra 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 dayPetra $66Montego Bay $142
Typical Food Prices in Petra
Some typical examples of dining costs in Petra are as follows:
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Dinner for Two$12
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Juice$1.76
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Petra
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Petra.
- Cooking outside in little Petra between the Mountains.: $50
- Private Outdoor bedouin Dinner in Petra: $150
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 Dining Experience in Montego Bay: $40
- Montego Bay Jerk Tour and Rum Punch Mixology/Food Tour: $50
- Dinner or Lunch with Pickup from Montego Bay: $50
- Sunset Dinner at Bamboo Beach Club: $99
- Bar Hopping and Local Food Tour in Jamaica: $117
- Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios Dinner and Nightlife Experience: $135
- Dinner or lunch at pier one Montego bay Food Tour: $144
- Jamaican Seafood Street Food Tour from Montego Bay, Falmouth: $150
- Sunset Boat Cruise and Luminous Lagoon with Dinner and Transfer: $150
- Private Beach Day and Street Food Tour from Montego Bay: $170
- Restaurant Transportation for Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Montego Bay: $180
- Authentic Jamaican Food Cooking Experience in the Countryside: $195
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Petra $47Montego Bay $31
Typical Entertainment Prices in Petra
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Petra are as follows:
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Entry to Petra for One$71
Tours and Activities in Petra
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Petra are as follows:
- Self Guided Tour of Petra Main Trail with App (No Tickets): $8.99
- Guided 3 Hour Tour of Petra's Iconic Landmarks: $60
- Private Guided Tour in Petra with licensed guide: $70
- Private 3-Hour Petra Tour: Treasury, Siq & Ancient City: $75
- Private 3-Hour Guided Tour of Petra with Hotel Pickup .: $75
- Tour Jordan: Private Driver – Customized Travel Experience!: $95
- Amman: Petra by Night Tour with Optional Day Visit: $99
- Private Indiana-Jones Archeological Trail Tour: $100
- Wadi Rum Private Guided Tour: $105
- Petra Highlight Tour with Private Guide Sami Nawafleh | 2.5 Hours: $120
- 6 Hours Private Tour in Petra: $125
- Tour Privado en Español a Historia y Cultura Nabatea: $130
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$2.67
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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:
- Lethe Rafting And Margaritaville Tour from Montego Bay: $20
- Montego Bay Beach Day Experience: $20
- Jamaica Bamboo Rafting Experience with Lime Stone Massage: $20
- Souvenirs and Gift shopping Tour in Montego Bay: $20
- Cinnamon Hill Great House Tour: Home of Johnny Cash: $23
- Private Tour Souvenir Shopping in Montego Bay: $30
- Doctors Cave Beach Roundtrip Tour in Montego Bay: $30
- Great River Bamboo Rafting and Limestone Foot Massage Tour From Montego Bay: $30
- Adventure and Activity Based Music and Nightlife and Nature: $30
- Experience horseback ride and swimming Adventure: $34
- Private Shopping Tour in Montego Bay with Hotel Pickup: $35
- Montego Bay Sightseeing Tour and Souvenir Shopping: $35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPetra $15Montego Bay $13
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Petra and Montego Bay, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is Petra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Petra is in Middle East 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 Petra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Petra 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 Petra.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Petra Expensive? and Is Montego Bay Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Petra or Montego Bay?
Montego Bay has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Petra. When comparing the sizes of Petra 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 Petra 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 Petra or Montego Bay in the Summer?
Both Montego Bay and Petra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Petra throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Montego Bay because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Petra usually receives less rain than Montego Bay. Petra gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Petra. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Montego Bay during summer. Petra gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Montego Bay receives 257 hours of full sun in the summer.
Petra can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Petra is generally a little warmer than Montego Bay. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 33°C (91°F), and Montego Bay fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPetra 33°C (91°F)Montego Bay 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Petra or Montego Bay in the Autumn?
Both Montego Bay and Petra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Petra because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round.
Montego Bay gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Petra usually gets less rain in October than Montego Bay. Petra gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 130 mm (5.1 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 Petra. In the autumn, Petra often gets more sunshine than Montego Bay. Petra gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montego Bay receives 233 hours of full sun.
Petra is around the same temperature as Montego Bay in the autumn. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 27°C (80°F) in October, and Montego Bay fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPetra 27°C (80°F)Montego Bay 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Petra or Montego Bay in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Petra and Montego Bay. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Petra year-round. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Petra usually receives less rain than Montego Bay. Petra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montego Bay this time of the year. In Petra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Petra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Montego Bay during winter. Petra gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Montego Bay receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.
In the winter, Petra is much colder than Montego Bay. Typically, the winter temperatures in Petra in January average around 15°C (59°F), and Montego Bay averages at about 24°C (75°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPetra 15°C (59°F)Montego Bay 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Petra or Montego Bay in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Petra as well as Montego Bay. Petra attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montego Bay throughout the year.
Petra usually gets less rain in April than Montego Bay. Petra gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Petra this time of the year. In the spring, Petra often gets more sunshine than Montego Bay. Petra gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montego Bay receives 225 hours of full sun.
In April, Petra is generally around the same temperature as Montego Bay. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 25°C (76°F), and Montego Bay fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPetra 25°C (76°F)Montego Bay 25°C (77°F)
Typical Weather for Montego Bay and Petra
| Petra | Montego Bay | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 15°C (59°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 32°C (90°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 30°C (87°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (62°F) | 41 mm (1.6 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.