Which place is cheaper, Montego Bay or Zurich?
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 Zurich or Montego Bay?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Zurich and Montego Bay. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Zurich or Montego Bay?
Zurich
Zurich has the biggest connection for trains in Switzerland. It also has the country's biggest and busiest airport. Because of its importance as a transportation center, it is likely to be the first place you visit in Switzerland. It is the financial capital of the country (although, contrary to what you may have thought, not the political capital). It has many international companies, and is home to the country's stock exchange.
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 Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland.
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Zurich Prices
Switzerland PricesMontego Bay Prices
Jamaica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZurich $354Montego Bay $258
The average daily cost (per person) in Zurich is $354, 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 Zurich and Montego Bay in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZurich $192Montego Bay $102
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZurich $384Montego Bay $204
Compare Hotels in Zurich and Montego Bay
Looking for a hotel in Zurich 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: Zurich Hotel Prices and Montego Bay Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zurich $40Montego Bay $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Zurich
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Zurich:
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City Pass (2)$32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zurich
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zurich:
- Private One-way Airport Transfer from Zurich Airport to Zurich: $69
- Private One-way Airport Transfer from Zurich to Zurich Airport: $69
- Private Zurich Airport Transfers to and from Zurich Hotels: $70
- Transfer from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Zurich City Center: $81
- Private Transfer Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich by Luxury Sedan: $87
- Private Transfer Zurich to Zurich Airport ZRH by Luxury Sedan: $87
- From Zurich Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer To Zurich Hotel: $88
- Airport Transfer: Zurich to Zurich Airport ZRH by Business Car: $96
- Airport Transfer: Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich by Business Car: $96
- Departure Private Transfer from Zurich to Zurich Airport ZRH by Luxury Van: $101
- Departure Transfer from Zurich City to Zurich Airport ZRH in Private Car/Van: $101
- Private Transfer: Zurich to Zurich Airport ZRH by Luxury Van: $103
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- Private Airport Transfers from Montego Bay: $8.70
- Sangster International Airport Private Transfer to Montego Bay: $10
- Private Airport transfer Montego Bay: $12
- Private Transfer to Royal Decameron Cornwall Beach/Montego Beach: $13
- Sandals Royal Caribbean Hotel Private Airport Transfer: $13
- El Greco Resort Private Airport Transfer: $13
- A "Private" Airport Transfer to any Resort in Montego Bay: $14
- RIU Palace reggae and RIU Montego Bay private airport transfers: $14
- Riu reggae, palace & montego Bay Hotels Private Airport Transfer: $14
- Private Transfer From Montego Bay Airport to Hotel in Montego Bay: $14
- Private Airport Transfer To Riu Montego Bay, Palace & Reggae: $14
- RIU Reggae Palace and RIU Montego Bay Private Airport Transfer: $14
Is it cheaper to fly into Zurich or Montego Bay?
Prices for flights to both Montego Bay and Zurich 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 dayZurich $121Montego Bay $142
Typical Food Prices in Zurich
Some typical examples of dining costs in Zurich are as follows:
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Breakfast for 2$15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zurich
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zurich.
- Zurich Food Tour with 10 Local Delicacies, Cheeses & Chocolates: $174
- Taste Zurich – A Full Food Tour of Swiss Flavors by Do Eat Better: $184
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
- 3 to 5 Hour Private Herbal Tour Shopping and Dinner at Ricks Cafe: $120
- 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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zurich $40Montego Bay $31
Tours and Activities in Zurich
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zurich are as follows:
- Zurich Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $5.80
- Zurich Audio Guided Walking Tour 1h45 and 20 audio reviews: $6.84
- St Gallen Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.95
- Stein am Rhein Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $8.78
- Neuhausen Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $8.78
- Zurich Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $12
- TOP Zurich : Private guided tour with your mobile: $12
- Zurich Historic Old Town Audio Self Guided Tour: $12
- Historical Zürich: A Self-Guided Audio Tour Through the city of 1,000 Fountains: $15
- Guided Walking Tour: $25
- City tour Archaeology in Zurich: $25
- City tour Zurich milieu: $25
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:
- Jamaica Bamboo Rafting Experience with Lime Stone Massage: $20
- Souvenirs and Gift shopping Tour in Montego Bay: $20
- Lethe Rafting And Margaritaville Tour from Montego Bay: $20
- Montego Bay Beach Day Experience: $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
- Adventure and Activity Based Music and Nightlife and Nature: $30
- Great River Bamboo Rafting and Limestone Foot Massage Tour From Montego Bay: $30
- Experience horseback ride and swimming Adventure: $34
- Bob Marley 9 Mile Tour Admission: $35
- Montego Bay Sightseeing Tour and Souvenir Shopping: $35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZurich $33Montego Bay $13
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 Zurich and Montego Bay, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Montego Bay much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Zurich is in Europe 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 Montego Bay would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Montego Bay 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 Zurich would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zurich than you might in Montego Bay.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zurich Expensive? and Is Montego Bay Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zurich or Montego Bay?
Zurich has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Zurich 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 Zurich or Montego Bay?
Zurich 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 Zurich or Montego Bay in the Summer?
Both Montego Bay and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Zurich for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Montego Bay because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Zurich is cooler than Montego Bay in the summer. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Montego Bay fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zurich. Zurich usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Montego Bay during summer. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Montego Bay receives 257 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Zurich usually receives more rain than Montego Bay. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 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 JulyZurich 21°C (70°F)Montego Bay 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Zurich or Montego Bay in the Autumn?
Both Montego Bay and Zurich during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Zurich because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round.
In the autumn, Zurich is much colder than Montego Bay. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zurich in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Montego Bay averages at about 27°C (81°F).
In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Montego Bay. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montego Bay receives 233 hours of full sun.
Montego Bay gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Zurich usually gets less rain in October than Montego Bay. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZurich 13°C (56°F)Montego Bay 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Zurich or Montego Bay in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Montego Bay. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Zurich this time of year. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
It's quite cold in Zurich in the winter. In January, Zurich is generally much colder than Montego Bay. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 3°C (37°F), and Montego Bay fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montego Bay this time of the year. Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Montego Bay during winter. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Montego Bay receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Zurich usually receives more rain than Montego Bay. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 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 JanuaryZurich 3°C (37°F)Montego Bay 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Zurich or Montego Bay in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Montego Bay. Many travelers come to Zurich for the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montego Bay throughout the year.
Zurich is much colder than Montego Bay in the spring. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Montego Bay fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. In the spring, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Montego Bay. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montego Bay receives 225 hours of full sun.
Zurich usually gets more rain in April than Montego Bay. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZurich 12°C (53°F)Montego Bay 25°C (77°F)
Typical Weather for Montego Bay and Zurich
| Zurich | Montego Bay | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (39°F) | 83 mm (3.3 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.