Which place is cheaper, Montego Bay or Punta del Este?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Punta del Este or Montego Bay?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Punta del Este 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: Punta del Este or Montego Bay?
Punta del Este
Punta del Este with its many beaches, elegant seaside homes, yacht harbor, high-rise apartment buildings, pricey hotels, ardent night scene and glitzy restaurants is a chic beach resort town in Uruguay. Many tourists come from Brazil and Argentina, on the other side of the Rio de la Plata, to get some nice sun and lay on the beach for a weekend getaway. Punta del Este is more expensive than other areas in Uruguay and has been called the Monaco of South America. Tourist season varies wildly from totally deserted in the winter to very crowded in the summer.
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 Cultural Tours in Uruguay, and The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPunta del Este $98Montego Bay $203
The average daily cost (per person) in Punta del Este is $98, while the average daily cost in Montego Bay is $203. 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 Punta del Este and Montego Bay in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPunta del Este $55Montego Bay $104
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPunta del Este $110Montego Bay $208
Compare Hotels in Punta del Este and Montego Bay
Looking for a hotel in Punta del Este 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: Punta del Este Hotel Prices and Montego Bay Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Punta del Este $22Montego Bay $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta del Este
Also for Punta del Este, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Montevideo city to Montevideo Cruise Port: $30
- Montevideo hotels to Carrasco International Airport (MVD) - Departure Transfer: $49
- Montevideo Hotels to Carrasco Airport MVD Departure Transfer: $49
- Private Transfer from Montevideo City to Montevideo Cruise Port: $55
- Private Transfer to Punta del Este Airport: $60
- Punta del Este Airport Private Transfer: $60
- Private Transfer from Montevideo hotels to Punta Del Este Port: $72
- Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Port to Montevideo hotels: $72
- Private Transfer from Montevideo to Punta Del Este Cruise Port: $85
- Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Cruise Port to Montevideo: $85
- Private Transfer - Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $85
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- Private Airport OneWay Transfer to Hotel in Montego Bay : $300
- Private Transfer from Montego Bay Airport To Ocho Rios: $267
- Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Kingston Hotels: $245
- Private Transfer to Island Gully Falls: $240
- Black River and YS Falls Adventure with Transfer: $235
- Private Transfer to Kingston: $215
- Kingston Airport Transfer (Montego bay,Negril,Ocho rio): $214
- Negril Hotels / Resort - Airport Transfers: $213
- Iberostar Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Roundtrip): $200
- Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Kingston Hotels: $195
- Jewel Resort Transfer: $192
- Luxury Suburban Private Airport Transfer with Chauffeur : $192
Is it cheaper to fly into Punta del Este or Montego Bay?
Prices for flights to both Montego Bay and Punta del Este 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 dayPunta del Este $31Montego Bay $84
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montego Bay
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Montego Bay.
- Private Transportation to DINNER or NIGHT CLUBS: $55
- Lunch or Dinner with Pickup from Montego Bay : $81
- Night cruise and swim the Falmouth Mystic Lagoon, Dinner and Rum Punch Inclusive: $85
- Rick’s Cafe Cliff Diving, Sunset & Dinner Tour with Transportation : $130
- Sunset Boat Ride in the Falmouth Luminous Lagoon swim and Dinner : $165
- Sunset Boat Cruise in Falmouth Luminous Lagoon, Swim and Dinner : $170
- Restaurant Transportation for Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Montego Bay: $180
- Houseboat Restaurant and Grill for Dinner Private Transportation : $180
- Private Sea-Food Tour & Floyds Pelican Bar from Montego Bay or ..: $185
- [PRIVATE] Premium Jamaican Food Tour of Local Cuisine: $190
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Punta del Este $11Montego Bay $32
Tours and Activities in Punta del Este
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta del Este.
- La Vista 360 ticket de admisión: $11
- Skip the Line: Casapueblo Museum Admission Ticket in Punta del Este: $15
- Guided Tour of the Winery Viña Edén: $18
- Punta del Este Classic City Tour with Sunset in Casapueblo: $30
- Guided Tour of Vineyards: $33
- Half-Day City Tour: $47
- Discovering Half-Day City Tour: $47
- Punta del Este City Tour for Cruisers: $50
- Punta del Este, City Tour: $50
- Bike Tour Peninsula - Punta del Este: $65
- Private - Punta del Este City Tour for Cruisers: $120
- Punta del Este Shore Excursion: Private Sightseeing Tour of Punta del Este: $127
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$2.74
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Snorkeling Trip$19
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One Tank Dive$38
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1.5 Hr Horseback Ride$44
Tours and Activities in Montego Bay
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Montego Bay are as follows:
- ATV Adventure to Seven Mile Beach and Ricks Cafe: $220
- ATV, Bamboo Rafting, and Horseback Ride Tour From Montego Bay: $173
- Appleton Estate Rum Tour and Pelican Bar Customize Tour: $120
- Bioluminescence Lagoon tour from Montego Bay with Pick Up: $105
- Black River Day Adventure Tour: $92
- Blue Hole Adventure Tour : $120
- Dirt Adventure ATV from Montego Bay: $160
- Floyds Pelican Bar Private Tour : $155
- Green Grotto Cave Private Tour: $115
- Horseback Riding and Tour from Montego Bay : $230
- Jetski Experience: $245
- Luminous Lagoon Night Tour from Montego Bay: $118
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPunta del Este $7.70Montego Bay $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Punta del Este
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Punta del Este:
- Wine Tasting: $42
- Half Day Private Canelones Wine Tour from Montevideo : $158
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: $215
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Punta del Este and Montego Bay, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is Punta del Este much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Punta del Este is in South America 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 Punta del Este would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Punta del Este Expensive? and Is Montego Bay Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Punta del Este or Montego Bay?
Montego Bay has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Punta del Este. When comparing the sizes of Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este or Montego Bay?
Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este or Montego Bay in the Summer?
Both Montego Bay and Punta del Este during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round.
In January, Punta del Este is generally cooler than Montego Bayin July. Daily temperatures in Punta del Este average around 23°C (73°F), and Montego Bay fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Punta del Este. In the summer, Punta del Este often gets more sunshine than Montego Bayin July. Punta del Este gets 296 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montego Bay receives 257 hours of full sun.
Punta del Este usually gets more rain in January than Montego Bayin July. Punta del Este gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyPunta del Este 23°C (73°F)Montego Bay 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Montego Bay in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Punta del Este and Montego Bay. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Punta del Este is much colder than Montego Bay in the autumn. The daily temperature in Punta del Este averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Montego Bay fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in October.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montego Bay this time of the year. Punta del Este usually receives less sunshine than Montego Bay during autumn. Punta del Este gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Montego Bay receives 233 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Montego Bay receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In April, Punta del Este usually receives less rain than Montego Bayin October. Punta del Este gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberPunta del Este 17°C (63°F)Montego Bay 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Montego Bay in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Punta del Este as well as Montego Bay. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montego Bay throughout the year.
In the winter, Punta del Este is much colder than Montego Bay. Typically, the winter temperatures in Punta del Este in July average around 10°C (50°F), and Montego Bay averages at about 24°C (75°F)in January.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. In the winter, Punta del Este often gets less sunshine than Montego Bayin January. Punta del Este gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montego Bay receives 226 hours of full sun.
Punta del Este usually gets more rain in July than Montego Bayin January. Punta del Este gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryPunta del Este 10°C (50°F)Montego Bay 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Montego Bay in the Spring?
Both Montego Bay and Punta del Este are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Montego Bay because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Punta del Este is generally much colder than Montego Bayin April. Daily temperatures in Punta del Este average around 16°C (61°F), and Montego Bay fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Punta del Este. Punta del Este usually receives more sunshine than Montego Bay during spring. Punta del Este gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Montego Bay receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.
In October, Punta del Este usually receives more rain than Montego Bayin April. Punta del Este gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilPunta del Este 16°C (61°F)Montego Bay 25°C (77°F)
Typical Weather for Montego Bay and Punta del Este
| Punta del Este | Montego Bay | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 11°C (52°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 10°C (50°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (52°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 13°C (55°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 67 mm (2.6 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.