Which place is cheaper, Montego Bay or Zanzibar?
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 Zanzibar 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 Zanzibar 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: Zanzibar or Montego Bay?
Zanzibar
Just off the coast of Tanzania lies an entrancing archipelago known as Zanzibar. This gorgeous string of islands is the land of sultans, palaces beaches and spice-filled markets. Once an important trading center, many restorations have been done in recent years to restore Zanzibar to its ancient grandeur - earning its capital city UNESCO World Heritage status in 2000.
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 Eco Tours in Tanzania, and The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania.
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Zanzibar Prices
Tanzania PricesMontego Bay Prices
Jamaica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $62Montego Bay $258
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $62, 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 Zanzibar and Montego Bay in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $24Montego Bay $102
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $48Montego Bay $204
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Montego Bay
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar 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: Zanzibar Hotel Prices and Montego Bay Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $11Montego Bay $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- Zanzibar Airport Private Transfer Anywhere: $12
- Zanzibar Airport Transfers Pickup and Drop off/departure: $20
- Private Airport Transfers in Zanzibar To Stone Town: $20
- Zanzibar Taxi & Transfer Services – From Airport to All Resorts: $20
- Zanzibar Airport Transfers & Island Shuttles – Book Now: $20
- Zanzibar Arrival Transfer: Zanzibar Airport to Hotel: $20
- Zanzibar Airport Transfers to Hotels: $20
- Zanzibar Departure Transfer from Stone Town Hotels to the Airport: $20
- Private Airport Transfers to Stone Town and Beyond: $20
- Zanzibar Airport Private Transfer to/from Hotel: $20
- Zanzibar Aiport transfer services: $23
- Private Transfer from Zanzibar airport/port - Pick & Drop off: $25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- 2727lounge/Magarativille/Pier1 & taboo nightlife private transfer: $45
- 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 MBJ Round Trip Transfers, to Montego Bay Airbnb & Resorts: $53
- Airport Transfer: $80
- Airport Transfer From Kingston: $200
- Airport Transfer MBJ Montego Bay to Kingston: $150
- Airport Transfer Montego Bay Hotels: $120
- Airport Transfer Riu Montego / Reggae / Palace: $40
- Airport Transfer Negril Hotels: $130
- Airport Transfer To Grand Bahia Principe Hotel: $120
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Montego Bay?
Prices for flights to both Montego Bay and Zanzibar 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 dayZanzibar $28Montego Bay $142
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zanzibar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zanzibar.
- Zanzibar Traditional Cooking Class: $49
- Local Cooking Class with Spice Tour in Zanzibar: $60
- Zanzibar Cultural Cuisines Cooking Class & Spice Farm Tour: $75
- Traditional Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $75
- 5 Hours Guided Spice Tour and Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $99
- Zanzibar Private Tour & Cooking Class: $110
- Fully Day Private Tour Spice Tour Cooking Class and Stone town: $130
- Spice Farm with Cooking Class + Lunch and Stone town (City tour): $130
- Exclusive Private Sunset Dinner Sail along North Coast Zanzibar: $140
- Spice Tour; Secret Garden Restaurant; Stone Town; Dinner at The Rock Restaurant: $140
- Private Dinner on Sandbank in Zanzibar: $150
- Mnemba Snorkeling Tour, Secret Garden, Stone Town Tour, Emerson Spice Dinner: $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.Zanzibar $13Montego Bay $31
Tours and Activities in Zanzibar
Here are a few actual costs in Zanzibar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Stone Town Self Audio Guide Tour With Tourist Map: $6.00
- Private Zanzibar Stone Town Heritage Tour: $15
- Stone town Private Walking Tour: $16
- Golden Walking Tour Of Stone Town Zanzibar: $17
- Guided Stone Town Tour In Zanzibar: $17
- City Tour with French guide: $18
- Stone Town Walking Tour in Zanzibar: $18
- 3 Hours Private Stone Town Walking Tour: $19
- Zanzibar stone town city tour: $20
- Zanzibar Stone Town Walking Tour: $20
- Daily Karibu Assalam Tour: $20
- Zanzibar Stone Town Historical Walking Tour: $20
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 dayZanzibar $6.75Montego Bay $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Zanzibar
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Zanzibar:
- Thrilling Pub Crawl In Zanzibar. Visit 3 Unique Bars: $26
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 Zanzibar and Montego Bay, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is Zanzibar much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Zanzibar is in Africa 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 Zanzibar would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zanzibar 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 Zanzibar.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zanzibar Expensive? and Is Montego Bay Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Montego Bay?
Zanzibar has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar 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 Zanzibar 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 Zanzibar or Montego Bay in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Montego Bay. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Montego Bay. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 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 Zanzibar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives less sunshine than Montego Bay during summer. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Montego Bay receives 257 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Zanzibar is generally cooler than Montego Bay. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (77°F), and Montego Bay fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Montego Bay 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Montego Bay in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Montego Bay. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montego Bay throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Montego Bay. Zanzibar usually gets less rain in October than Montego Bay. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 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. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zanzibar this time of the year. In the autumn, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than Montego Bay. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montego Bay receives 233 hours of full sun.
Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Montego Bay in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Montego Bay fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Montego Bay 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Montego Bay in the Winter?
Both Montego Bay and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Montego Bay because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Montego Bay. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 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 Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Montego Bay during winter. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Montego Bay receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.
In the winter, Zanzibar is a little warmer than Montego Bay. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zanzibar in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Montego Bay averages at about 24°C (75°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Montego Bay 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Montego Bay in the Spring?
Both Montego Bay and Zanzibar during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Zanzibar because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually gets more rain in April than Montego Bay. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 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. In the spring, Zanzibar often gets less sunshine than Montego Bay. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montego Bay receives 225 hours of full sun.
In April, Zanzibar is generally around the same temperature as Montego Bay. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 27°C (81°F), and Montego Bay fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Montego Bay 25°C (77°F)
Typical Weather for Montego Bay and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Montego Bay | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 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.