A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sydney vs. Montego Bay for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Sydney or Montego Bay?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sydney 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: Sydney or Montego Bay?

Sydney

Sydney, known as the harbour city, is the most famous and frequently visited city in Australia. It is at the economical and cultural heart of the country, and is one of the most beautiful and livable cities in the world. It's situated on the water with stunning views of the famous harbour throughout the city. It's most famous landmarks include the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It is also very close wonderful beaches, parks, and nature.

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 Contiki Tours to Australia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Montego Bay or Sydney?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Sydney is $225, 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 Sydney and Montego Bay in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sydney $112
    Montego Bay $102
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sydney $224
    Montego Bay $204
Compare Hotels in Sydney and Montego Bay

Looking for a hotel in Sydney 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.

Hotels in Sydney


Hotels in Montego Bay


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: Sydney Hotel Prices and Montego Bay Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sydney $16
    Montego Bay $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Sydney

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Sydney:


  • Taxi Ride
    $14
  • Taxi to Airport
    $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sydney

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sydney:

  • Transfer Between Airport & Hotels or Cruise Terminal: $13
  • Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport: Shared Transfer to Sydney CBD: $26
  • Shuttle Transfer from Sydney City Hotel or Cruise Port to Sydney Airport: $27
  • Sydney Port Arrival Transfer: Cruise Port to City Hotel: $27
  • Sydney Arrival Transfer: Airport to City or Overseas Passenger Terminal: $27
  • Shuttle Transfer from Sydney Airport to Cruise Ship Terminal at Circular Quay: $27
  • Sydney Airport to White Bay Port transfer: $29
  • Sydney Port Private Arrival Transfer: Cruise Port to City: $33
  • Sydney Airport Vip Transfer to city: $36
  • SYD Airport to Sydney City Centre Private Transfer: $37
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel or Cruise Port to Sydney Airport: $39
  • Airport Shuttle Transfer to and from CBD Hotels: $40

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 Sydney or Montego Bay?

Prices for flights to both Montego Bay and Sydney 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Sydney $84
    Montego Bay $142
Typical Food Prices in Sydney

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Sydney:


  • Tea
    $2.85
  • Lunch Special
    $11
  • Food/Drink Coogie Beach
    $11
  • Meat Pies
    $3.56

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sydney

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sydney.

  • Vivid Festival of Light Harbor Cruise with Dinner: $36
  • City Highlights Walking Food Tour with Harbor Cruise: $45
  • Vivid Sydney Fireworks Dinner Cruises: $47
  • Harbour Dinner Cruise with Buffet: $50
  • Roti Making Class with 5-Course Dinner: $50
  • Foraging Food Tour Sydney Native Aussie Food: $53
  • Sydney Harbour Discovery Dinner Cruise Scenic Sights and Buffet: $54
  • Twilight Dinner Cruise on Coral Trekker: $59
  • Harbor Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $59
  • Sydney Harbour Tall Ship Twilight Dinner Cruise: $65
  • Vivid Tall Ships Dinner Cruise on Sydney Harbour: $65
  • Tall Ship Harbour Twilight Dinner Cruise: $72

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sydney $34
    Montego Bay $32
Typical Entertainment Prices in Sydney

Here are a few typical costs in Sydney for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Theatre Show
    $32
  • Sydney Tower Visit (for 2)
    $33
  • Blue Mountain Tour/Featherdale Park (for 2)
    $136
  • Powerhouse Museum
    $11

Tours and Activities in Sydney

Here are a few actual costs in Sydney for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Sydney Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self Guided Audio Tour: $5.80
  • Sydney Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
  • Sydney Kids Quest: Family Walking Adventure: $6.53
  • Sydney Botanic Garden: Kids Quest Family Walking Adventure: $6.53
  • Sydney's Lavender Bay: An Audio Tour by ABC Broadcaster: $6.99
  • Sydney Ghost Tour: $8.00
  • Sydney Cockatoo Island Escape: Convict Adventure Game: $8.29
  • Sydney Manly and North Head Self Guided Walking Tour: $9.99
  • Sydney’s Iconic Sights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Sydney City Highlights Self Guided Walking Tour: $9.99
  • Self Guided Electric Bike Tour of Sydney: $11
  • Sydney Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $14

Typical Entertainment Prices in Montego Bay

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Montego Bay are as follows:


  • Admission to Doctor's Cave Beach
    $2.69
  • Snorkeling Trip
    $19
  • One Tank Dive
    $38
  • 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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sydney $16
    Montego Bay $13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Sydney

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Sydney:


  • Wine
    $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Sydney

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sydney:

  • Amazing Bar Crawl in Wollongong: Go Out with a Gong: $15
  • Sydney's Haunted Pub Tour & Cellar visit: $28
  • Big Night Out Pub Crawl with Local Party Hosts: $32
  • Private Wine Tasting at The Rocks: $46
  • Marrickville Brewery Tour: $84
  • The Rocks Pub Walking Tour: $86
  • From: Sydney - Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Guided Day Tour: $89
  • Luxury Hunter Valley Wildlife & Wine Tasting Tour from Sydney: $91
  • Brewery, Winery, and Distillery Tasting Tour: $112
  • From Full-Day Hunter Valley Wine Tour & Lunch: $145
  • From Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Day Tour: $145
  • From Hunter Valley Multi-Brewery Tour with Lunch: $149

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 comparing the travel costs between Sydney and Montego Bay, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Sydney is in Pacific and Montego Bay is in Caribbean Islands, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sydney Expensive? and Is Montego Bay Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Sydney or Montego Bay?

Sydney has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Sydney 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 Sydney or Montego Bay?

Sydney 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 Sydney or Montego Bay in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sydney and Montego Bay. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sydney this time of year. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Sydney is generally cooler than Montego Bayin July. Daily temperatures in Sydney average around 23°C (73°F), and Montego Bay fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montego Bay this time of the year. In Sydney, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sydney usually receives less sunshine than Montego Bay during summer. Sydney gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Montego Bay receives 257 hours of full sun in the summer.

Sydney gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Sydney usually receives more rain than Montego Bayin July. Sydney gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Sydney 23°C (73°F) 
    Montego Bay 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Sydney or Montego Bay in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Sydney as well as Montego Bay. Many travelers come to Sydney for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montego Bay throughout the year.

Sydney is cooler than Montego Bay in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sydney averages around 19°C (65°F) in April, and Montego Bay fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. In the autumn, Sydney often gets less sunshine than Montego Bayin October. Sydney gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montego Bay receives 233 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Montego Bay. Sydney receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Sydney usually gets less rain in April than Montego Bayin October. Sydney gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Sydney 19°C (65°F) 
    Montego Bay 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Sydney or Montego Bay in the Winter?

Both Montego Bay and Sydney are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Sydney in the winter 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, Sydney is much colder than Montego Bay. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sydney in July average around 12°C (53°F), and Montego Bay averages at about 24°C (75°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sydney. Sydney usually receives less sunshine than Montego Bay during winter. Sydney gets 208 hours of sunny skies, while Montego Bay receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Sydney usually receives less rain than Montego Bayin January. Sydney gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Sydney 12°C (53°F) 
    Montego Bay 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Sydney or Montego Bay in the Spring?

Both Montego Bay and Sydney during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Sydney for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round.

In October, Sydney is generally cooler than Montego Bayin April. Daily temperatures in Sydney average around 18°C (64°F), and Montego Bay fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sydney. In the spring, Sydney often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Montego Bayin April. Sydney gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montego Bay receives 225 hours of full sun.

Sydney usually gets more rain in October than Montego Bayin April. Sydney gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Sydney 18°C (64°F) 
    Montego Bay 25°C (77°F)

Typical Weather for Montego Bay and Sydney

Sydney Montego Bay
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 23°C (73°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 24°C (75°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 23°C (73°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 19°C (65°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
May 15°C (60°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 26°C (79°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 128 mm (5 in) 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 12°C (53°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Nov 20°C (67°F) 101 mm (4 in) 26°C (79°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Dec 22°C (71°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)