Which place is cheaper, Montego Bay or Phuket?
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 Phuket or Montego Bay?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Phuket or Montego Bay, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Phuket or Montego Bay?
Phuket
Phuket Island is the holiday gem of southern Thailand. Known for its beaches and resorts, the island brings in a massive amount of travelers from all over the world, year round. Although the beaches are beautiful, Phuket has also become more westernized and tourist-oriented in recent decades, leaving many travelers to venture elsewhere to find that amazing beach with a more authentic Thai vibe. However, Phuket Island is quite large, and hidden gems can still be found.
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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand.
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Phuket Prices
Thailand PricesMontego Bay Prices
Jamaica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPhuket $139Montego Bay $255
The average daily cost (per person) in Phuket is $139, while the average daily cost in Montego Bay is $255. 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 Phuket and Montego Bay in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPhuket $64Montego Bay $100
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPhuket $128Montego Bay $200
Compare Hotels in Phuket and Montego Bay
Looking for a hotel in Phuket 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: Phuket Hotel Prices and Montego Bay Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Phuket $12Montego Bay $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Phuket
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Phuket:
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Longtail Taxi (for Two)$9.42
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Taxi from Airport to Phuket Town$7.85
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phuket
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phuket:
- (Privet)Phuket Transfer: $11
- Phuket Airport (HKT) Arrival Transfer to Phuket Hotels (Shared or Private): $11
- Phuket Airport (HKT) Departure Transfer from Phuket Hotels (Shared or Private): $11
- Private Phuket Airport Transfer to Hotel and Vice Versa: $13
- PHUKET Arrival Transfer-Phuket Airport to Phuket Hotels (Shared): $15
- Phuket Departure Transfer from Hotel to Phuket Airport (Shared): $15
- Phuket Airport Transfer (SHA Plus) : $15
- Phuket Private Transfer from/to Phuket Airport HKT (one way): $16
- Phuket Airport Departure Transfer – Domestic & International : $19
- Phuket Hotel to Airport Shared Departure Transfer: $19
- Phuket Airport Arrival Transfer – Domestic & International : $19
- Departure Transfer : Phuket Hotel to Phuket Airport (Private): $19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- Montego Bay Private Transfer with Airport Pickup and Dropoff : $20
- Shared Airport Transfer To Montego Bay Hotels: $55
- Airport Transfer Service In Montego bay: $95
- Brown Boss Private Airport Transfers: $20
- Club Mobay VIP Lounge Access and Round-Trip Airport Transfer: $113
- Eden Bay Private Airport Transfer: $50
- Excellence Oyster Bay Private Transfer: $40
- Excellence Resort Private Airport Transfer: $40
- Experience Jamaica Private Tour with Airport Transfer: $100
- Experience private Airport Transfer to Falmouth: $50
- From Kingston One Way Shared Transfer to Montego Bay Airport: $44
- Grand Palladium Resort Private Transfer: $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Phuket or Montego Bay?
Prices for flights to both Montego Bay and Phuket 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 dayPhuket $43Montego Bay $139
Typical Food Prices in Phuket
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Phuket:
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Casual Dinner (for Two)$9.08
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.34
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Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$13
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Thai Noodles$2.83
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Bananas$0.79
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Pizza (for Two)$9.42
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phuket
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Phuket.
- Phuket Coral Island and Sunset Dinner by Luxury Catamaran: $43
- Phuket Express Thai Cooking Course with Authentic Recipes : $44
- Phuket 10+ Tastings Food Tour & Charming Old Town: $52
- Express Thai Cooking Class in Phuket: $52
- Vegetarian Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $53
- Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $57
- Authentic Thai Cooking Class by Suuko Wellness Spa: $57
- Phuket Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour and Hotel Pickup: $58
- Carnival Entertainment and Dinner Experience in Phuket: $59
- Southern Flavors Phuket Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Flavours of the South Food Tour: $59
- Baba Tastes Phuket Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Phuket $49Montego Bay $31
Typical Entertainment Prices in Phuket
Here are a few typical costs in Phuket for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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One Day Boat Tour$28
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Scuba Diving (Two Dives)$79
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Thai Oil Massage$20
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Surfboard Rental$9.42
Tours and Activities in Phuket
Here are a few actual costs in Phuket for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Self Guided Scavenger Hunts and Gamified Tours: $4.75
- Oto Indoor Play Park Entrance Ticket in Phuket: $8.05
- Phuket Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Aquarium Phuket Admission Ticket: $14
- Phuket Rock Beach Swing Tickets: $17
- Aquaria Phuket Tickets and 4D Trickeye Museum Combo Deal: $17
- Aquaria Phuket and 4D Trickeye Museum Experience Ticket: $17
- Phuket to Koh Phi Phi by Phi Phi Cruiser: $19
- Phuket Highlights: Half Day City Tour with Landmark & Viewpoint: $21
- Phang Nga Bay Skywalk at Samet Nangshe Admission Ticket: $21
- Half Day Phuket City tour + Hotel Pick Up and Drop Off: $21
- Patong Beach Parasailing and Jet Skiing Experience Shared: $22
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$2.63
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Snorkeling Trip$18
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One Tank Dive$37
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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:
- Explore the Beauty of Montego Bay Nature Tour in Jamaica: $30
- Luminous Lagoon Admission Tickets: $40
- Jet Car Experience/ clear kayak photo shoot in Montego Bay: $40
- Jamaica Bamboo Rafting Experience with Lime Stone Massage: $50
- 7 Mile Beach & Ricks Cafe with free Shopping experience: $50
- Montego Bay Sight Seeing with Tour Guide : $50
- Luminous Lagoon Night Tour from Montego Bay: $54
- Bamboo Rafting Adventure with Limestone Massage from Montego Bay: $55
- Montego Bay & Falmouth Hotels, Souvenir Shopping and sightseeing: $60
- Private Tour in Dunns River Falls: $60
- Luminous Lagoon Glow in the Dark Boat Tour from Montego Bay: $65
- Private Montego Bay Customized Tour with Pickup and Guide: $65
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPhuket $7.32Montego Bay $13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Phuket
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Phuket from other travelers:
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Cocktails (for Two)$6.28
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Beer$2.67
Sample the Local Flavors in Phuket
Also in Phuket, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Chalong Bay Rum Distillery Experience: $41
- Chalong Bay Rum Distillery Experience and Lunch: $55
- Phuket Real City Tour with Rum Cocktail Distillery: $89
- Phuket Sightseeing Tour with Rum Distillery : $113
- Big Buddha & The Distillery Phuket: $138
- Phuket Rum Distillery Cocktail Workshop And Wat Chalong Temple : $172
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 Phuket and Montego Bay, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is Phuket much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Phuket 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 Phuket would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Phuket 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 Phuket.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Phuket Expensive? and Is Montego Bay Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Phuket or Montego Bay?
Phuket has a larger population, and is about 7% larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Phuket 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 Phuket 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 Phuket or Montego Bay in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Phuket and Montego Bay. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Phuket year-round. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Phuket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Phuket usually receives more rain than Montego Bay. Phuket gets 287 mm (11.3 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 Phuket, it's very sunny this time of the year. Phuket usually receives less sunshine than Montego Bay during summer. Phuket gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Montego Bay receives 257 hours of full sun in the summer.
Phuket is around the same temperature as Montego Bay in the summer. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Montego Bay fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPhuket 28°C (82°F)Montego Bay 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Montego Bay in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Phuket as well as Montego Bay. Phuket attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montego Bay throughout the year.
Also, December to March in Phuket is the dry season. June to October in Phuket is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Montego Bay. Phuket receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Phuket usually gets more rain in October than Montego Bay. Phuket gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. In the autumn, Phuket often gets less sunshine than Montego Bay. Phuket gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montego Bay receives 233 hours of full sun.
In the autumn, Phuket is around the same temperature as Montego Bay. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Phuket in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Montego Bay averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPhuket 27°C (81°F)Montego Bay 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Montego Bay in the Winter?
Both Montego Bay and Phuket are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Phuket throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Montego Bay because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Phuket is December to March. In January, Phuket usually receives less rain than Montego Bay. Phuket gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phuket. Phuket usually receives more sunshine than Montego Bay during winter. Phuket gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Montego Bay receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Phuket is generally a little warmer than Montego Bay. Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 28°C (82°F), and Montego Bay fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPhuket 28°C (82°F)Montego Bay 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Montego Bay in the Spring?
Both Montego Bay and Phuket during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Phuket because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round.
June to October is the rainy season in Phuket. It rains a lot this time of the year in Phuket. Phuket usually gets more rain in April than Montego Bay. Phuket gets 120 mm (4.7 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 Phuket. In the spring, Phuket often gets more sunshine than Montego Bay. Phuket gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montego Bay receives 225 hours of full sun.
Phuket is a little warmer than Montego Bay in the spring. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Montego Bay fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPhuket 29°C (84°F)Montego Bay 25°C (77°F)
Typical Weather for Montego Bay and Phuket
| Phuket | Montego Bay | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 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.