Which place is cheaper, Montego Bay or Rio de Janeiro?
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 Rio de Janeiro or Montego Bay?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Rio de Janeiro and Montego Bay 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: Rio de Janeiro or Montego Bay?
Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is the most popular travel destination in Brazil. It is the second largest city in Brazil and the sixth largest in the Americas. A portion of the city has been designated a World Heritage Site. It's also famous for Carnival, it's gorgeous beaches, and world-famous landmarks. Rio's appeal as a travel destination is apparent year round due to the great weather and plenty of fun activities. The city has a wonderful natural harbor that is surrounded by Sugar Loaf Mountain, Corcovado Peak, and the hills of Tijuca, creating an absolutely breathtaking and awe-inspiring setting.
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 Luxury Tours to Brazil, and The Best Budget Tours to Brazil.
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Rio de Janeiro Prices
Brazil PricesMontego Bay Prices
Jamaica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRio de Janeiro $122Montego Bay $260
The average daily cost (per person) in Rio de Janeiro is $122, while the average daily cost in Montego Bay is $260. 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 Rio de Janeiro and Montego Bay in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRio de Janeiro $67Montego Bay $102
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRio de Janeiro $134Montego Bay $204
Compare Hotels in Rio de Janeiro and Montego Bay
Looking for a hotel in Rio de Janeiro 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: Rio de Janeiro Hotel Prices and Montego Bay Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rio de Janeiro $8.10Montego Bay $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rio de Janeiro
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rio de Janeiro:
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Taxi Ride$2.98
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:
- Private Transfer to Rio de Janeiro Airport (GIG): $18
- Private Airport Transfer with Meet & Greet: $19
- Rio Galeão Airport (GIG): Shuttle Transfer to/from Hotels: $20
- Rio Santos Dumont (SDU): Shuttle Transfer to/from Hotels: $20
- Private Transfer to/from GIG Airport: $20
- Private Transfer to Rio de Janeiro Airport (SDU): $20
- Private Transfer from Rio de Janeiro Airport (SDU): $20
- Transfer from Santos Dumont Airport to Zona Sul Rio: $26
- Private Transfer Economic GIG / SDU up to 4 pax to South Zone: $26
- One Way Shared Transfer from Airport to hotels in Rio de Janeiro: $27
- Private transfer Minivan GIG Rio Galeao airport up to 6 pax to Zona Sul: $28
- Transfer: Galeão Airport(GIG) to Rio de Janeiro City: $29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- A "Private" Airport Transfer to any Resort in Montego Bay: $14
- Ahhh Ras Natango Gallery and Garden Private Transfer: $97
- Airport (MBJ) Round Trip Transfer in Montego Bay: $60
- Airport - Ocho Rios Hotels Transfers and Returns: $260
- Airport MBJ Round Trip Transfers, to Montego Bay Airbnb & Resorts: $53
- Airport Private Round Trip Transfer: $30
- Airport Private Transfers from Montego Bay to Hilton Rose Hall: $21
- Airport Round Trip Transfer To Hotels in Montego Bay: $19
- Airport Transfer: $80
- Airport Transfer From Kingston: $200
- Airport Transfer MBJ Montego Bay to Kingston: $150
- Airport Transfer Montego Bay Hotels: $120
Is it cheaper to fly into Rio de Janeiro or Montego Bay?
Prices for flights to both Montego Bay and Rio de Janeiro 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 dayRio de Janeiro $35Montego Bay $142
Typical Food Prices in Rio de Janeiro
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rio de Janeiro:
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Popcorn$0.60
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Corn on the Cob$0.79
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Hamburger$0.99
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rio de Janeiro
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rio de Janeiro.
- Barra da Tijuca Walk & Food Tour with Drinks: $0.21
- Rio's Vegan Cooking Class: Hands-On Moqueca & Caipirinhas: $50
- Vegan Rio Cooking Class: Hands-On Moqueca & Caipirinhas: $55
- Rio Afro-Brazilian Street Food Tour: $62
- Scenarium Nightclub Entry with Dinner Option: $64
- Brazilian Breakfast Cooking Class in Rio: Bake and Blend: $68
- Feijoada Food Tour with Transfers: $72
- Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $79
- Brazilian Churrascaria Guided Dinner n Rio with Wine Pairing: $79
- Food Tour Rio de Janeiro - The Best Typical Brazilian Dishes: $79
- Rio: Copacabana Food Tour with 7 Tastings & a Secret Dish: $80
- Rio: Roxy Dinner Show – Aquele Abraço Show Ticket: $81
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 City and Food Tour All Inclusive Experience: $50
- Dinner or Lunch with Pickup from Montego Bay: $50
- Montego Bay Jerk Tour and Rum Punch Mixology/Food Tour: $50
- Street Food Tour in Montego Bay: $59
- Club2727 Nightlife Experience With Optional Dinner In Montego Bay: $60
- Mystic Lagoon Sunset Cruise with Dinner and Lagoon Swim: $76
- Sunset Dinner at Bamboo Beach Club: $99
- 3 to 5 Hour Private Herbal Tour Shopping and Dinner at Ricks Cafe: $120
- Jamaican Seafood Street Food Tour from Montego Bay, Falmouth: $130
- Bar Hopping and Local Food Tour in Jamaica: $130
- Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios Dinner and Nightlife Experience: $150
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Rio de Janeiro $22Montego Bay $32
Tours and Activities in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few actual costs in Rio de Janeiro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Rio de Janeiro (Urca) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.55
- Rio de Janeiro(Ipanema-Copacabana)Scavenger Hunt Self-Guided Tour: $4.55
- Salvador Sights Self Guided Tour (Pelourinho): $4.57
- Rio de Janeiro Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Santa Teresa: the staircase: $6.49
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Imperial Rio: $6.72
- Self-Guided Audio Tour-Story of Bossanova: Rhythm and soul of Rio: $6.72
- Rio de Janeiro Audio Guided Walking Tour 3h00 and 24 reviews: $7.43
- Discover A Guided Tour: $8.29
- A Self-Guided Black History Audio Tour of Rio de Janeiro’s Little Africa: $12
- Free walking tour around Histórico Rio Downtow and Lapa: $12
- Yup Star Observation Wheel Ticket: $18
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$2.69
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Snorkeling Trip$19
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One Tank Dive$38
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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:
- Souvenirs and Gift shopping Tour in Montego Bay: $20
- Margaritaville Hip-Strip and Great River Rafting Private Tour: $20
- Lethe Rafting And Margaritaville Tour from Montego Bay: $20
- Montego Bay Jamaica Quad and ATV Riding Adventure: $29
- Montego Bay Cruise Ship Port to Doctor's Cave Beach and City Tour: $29
- Great River Bamboo Rafting and Limestone Foot Massage Tour From Montego Bay: $30
- Explore the Beauty of Montego Bay Nature Tour in Jamaica: $30
- Private Tour Souvenir Shopping in Montego Bay: $30
- VR Experience in Montego Bay: $30
- Montego Bay Private Shopping Tour with Hotel Pickup: $30
- Doctor Cave Beach and Hip Strip Shopping from Cruise Ship: $30
- Rose Hall Great House Haunted Night Tour with Admission: $35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRio de Janeiro $12Montego Bay $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rio de Janeiro:
- Rio: Pub crawl at clubs and bars in Copacabana. Live music, shots and more: $19
- Rio: The madness is here. Fun pub crawl in Lapa: $25
- Rio: More than a Pub Crawl - an authentic nighttime experience: $27
- Pedra do Sal Bar Crawl: $29
- Rio: Pub Crawl in Pedra do Sal. Night with live music, dancing, shots: $30
- Rio: Pub Crawl in Pedra do Sal w/ live samba and caipirinhas: $30
- Rio: Botafogo Bar Crawl - Eat & Drink like a Local: $30
- Rio: Pub Crawl in Lapa with Cachaça Tasting and Live Samba: $33
- More than a Pub Crawl: An Authentic Night Experience in Rio: $33
- Dance the Night Away at a Pedra do Sal Bar Crawl: $39
- Lapa Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour: $41
- Petropolis City Tour with Imperial Museum and Optional Lunch & Bohemia Brewery: $47
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 Rio de Janeiro and Montego Bay, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is Rio de Janeiro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Rio de Janeiro Expensive? and Is Montego Bay Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rio de Janeiro or Montego Bay?
Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro or Montego Bay?
Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro or Montego Bay in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Rio de Janeiro and Montego Bay. The summer months attract visitors to Rio de Janeiro because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Rio de Janeiro is generally around the same temperature as Montego Bayin July. Daily temperatures in Rio de Janeiro average around 26°C (79°F), and Montego Bay fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
Rio de Janeiro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Rio de Janeiro usually receives more rain than Montego Bayin July. Rio de Janeiro gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyRio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)Montego Bay 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Montego Bay in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Rio de Janeiro as well as Montego Bay. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Rio de Janeiro this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montego Bay throughout the year.
Rio de Janeiro is around the same temperature as Montego Bay in the autumn. The daily temperature in Rio de Janeiro averages around 25°C (77°F) in April, and Montego Bay fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in October.
It's quite rainy in Montego Bay. Rio de Janeiro receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Rio de Janeiro usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Montego Bayin October. Rio de Janeiro gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, May to November in Rio de Janeiro is the dry season. December to April in Rio de Janeiro is the rainy season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberRio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)Montego Bay 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Montego Bay in the Winter?
Both Montego Bay and Rio de Janeiro are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Rio de Janeiro for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Montego Bay because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the winter, Rio de Janeiro is cooler than Montego Bay. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rio de Janeiro in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Montego Bay averages at about 24°C (75°F)in January.
In July, Rio de Janeiro usually receives less rain than Montego Bayin January. Rio de Janeiro gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryRio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)Montego Bay 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Montego Bay in the Spring?
Both Montego Bay and Rio de Janeiro during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Rio de Janeiro in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round.
In October, Rio de Janeiro is generally around the same temperature as Montego Bayin April. Daily temperatures in Rio de Janeiro average around 23°C (73°F), and Montego Bay fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
Rio de Janeiro usually gets more rain in October than Montego Bayin April. Rio de Janeiro gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year. May to November is the dry season in Rio de Janeiro. December to April is the rainy season in Rio de Janeiro.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilRio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)Montego Bay 25°C (77°F)
Typical Weather for Montego Bay and Rio de Janeiro
| Rio de Janeiro | Montego Bay | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 169 mm (6.7 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.