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

Should you visit Montego Bay or Acapulco de Juarez?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Montego Bay and Acapulco de Juarez 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: Montego Bay or Acapulco de Juarez?

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.

Acapulco de Juarez

Located on the southwestern Pacific Coast of Mexico is the beautiful beach city of Acapulco de Juarez. Acapulco is one of the original travel and resort destinations in Mexico, and it's still considered a popular spring break destination for Americans. Known as simply "Acapulco" to many travelers, this region is a popular spot for cruise lines to stop and timeshares to grow. Thanks to those cruise lines and timeshares, tourist activities like water parks and jet skis have experienced considerable growth.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, Acapulco de Juarez or Montego Bay?

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

  • Montego Bay Prices
    Jamaica Prices
    Acapulco de Juarez Prices
    Mexico Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Montego Bay $255
    Acapulco de Juarez $92

The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $255, while the average daily cost in Acapulco de Juarez is $92. 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 Montego Bay and Acapulco de Juarez in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Montego Bay $100
    Acapulco de Juarez $35
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Montego Bay $200
    Acapulco de Juarez $70
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Acapulco de Juarez

Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Acapulco de Juarez? 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 Montego Bay


Hotels in Acapulco de Juarez


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: Montego Bay Hotel Prices and Acapulco de Juarez Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Montego Bay $14
    Acapulco de Juarez $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:

  • Montego Bay Private Transfer with Airport Pickup and Dropoff : $20
  • Airport Transfer Service In Montego bay: $95
  • Brown Boss Private Airport Transfers: $20
  • Club Mobay VIP Lounge Access and Round-Trip Airport Transfer: $113
  • Eden Bay Private Airport Transfer: $50
  • Excellence Oyster Bay Private Transfer: $40
  • Excellence Resort Private Airport Transfer: $40
  • Experience Jamaica Private Tour with Airport Transfer: $100
  • Experience private Airport Transfer to Falmouth: $50
  • From Kingston One Way Shared Transfer to Montego Bay Airport: $44
  • Green Grato Caves and Dunns River Falls with Private Transfer : $180
  • Horseback Ride/Swim and Blue Hole Falls Daytrip with Transfers: $190

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Acapulco de Juarez

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Acapulco de Juarez:

  • Shared Transfer from Acapulco Airport (ACA): $13
  • Shared Transfer to Acapulco Airport (ACA): $13
  • Private Transfer from Acapulco Airport (ACA): $13
  • Private Transfer to Acapulco Airport (ACA): $13
  • Roundtrip Shared Transfer from Acapulco Airport (ACA): $27
  • Roundtrip Private Transfer from Acapulco Airport (ACA): $27
  • Airport Transfer In Suburban: $45
  • Acapulco hotels to Acapulco Airport (ACA) – Departure Private Transfer : $45
  • Acapulco Airport (ACA) to Acapulco hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
  • Private - One Way or Round Trip Airport Transfer: $66
  • Acapulco Airport Roundtrip Transfers: $75
  • Private Airport Transfer &on 2nd Day 4Hr TourAll AttractionsCombo: $90

Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Acapulco de Juarez?

Prices for flights to both Acapulco de Juarez and Montego Bay 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
    Montego Bay $139
    Acapulco de Juarez $45

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montego Bay

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

  • Club2727 Nightlife Experience With Optional Dinner In Montego Bay: $10
  • 3 to 5 Hour Private Herbal Tour Shopping and Dinner at Ricks Cafe: $120
  • Bar Hopping and Local Food Tour in Jamaica : $130
  • Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios Dinner and Nightlife Experience: $150
  • Dinner Experience and Celebration on the Beach with Decorations : $158
  • PRIVATE Food Tour of Local Jamaican Cuisine Montego Bay & Negril: $190

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Acapulco de Juarez

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Acapulco de Juarez.

  • Lucha Libre-Wrestling FiestaExper Taco Dinner Beer ONLY SUNDAYS: $62
  • High Divers DeLuxe Three Course Dinner + Two Drinks plus SUNSET: $66
  • Wrestling-Lucha Libre Experience Tacos Beer Dinner Only On SUNDAY: $74
  • Sunset Dinner and Cliff Divers in Acapulco: $91
  • Mexican Cooking Class & Market Tour with a Professional Chef: $100
  • Mexican Fiesta Show & Dinner: $115
  • Super DeLuxe Bella Vista Dinner &1 Drink +2 Drinks at CliffDivers: $253
  • Off the Beaten Path Mexican Cooking Class Lagoon Boatride &Lunch: $286

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Montego Bay $31
    Acapulco de Juarez $16
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
    $2.63
  • Snorkeling Trip
    $18
  • One Tank Dive
    $37
  • 1.5 Hr Horseback Ride
    $42

Tours and Activities in Montego Bay

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Montego Bay are as follows:

  • Explore the Beauty of Montego Bay Nature Tour in Jamaica: $30
  • Luminous Lagoon Admission Tickets: $40
  • Jet Car Experience/ clear kayak photo shoot in Montego Bay: $40
  • Jamaica Bamboo Rafting Experience with Lime Stone Massage: $50
  • 7 Mile Beach & Ricks Cafe with free Shopping experience: $50
  • Montego Bay Sight Seeing with Tour Guide : $50
  • Luminous Lagoon Night Tour from Montego Bay: $54
  • Bamboo Rafting Adventure with Limestone Massage from Montego Bay: $55
  • Private Tour in Dunns River Falls: $60
  • Montego Bay & Falmouth Hotels, Souvenir Shopping and sightseeing: $60
  • Private Montego Bay Customized Tour with Pickup and Guide: $65
  • Luminous Lagoon Glow in the Dark Boat Tour from Montego Bay: $65

Tours and Activities in Acapulco de Juarez

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

  • Kayaks Tour to El Morro Islet: $22
  • Acapulco Malibu, Avenida Kids Tour : $50
  • Small-Group or Private All Inclusive 4 Hours City Tour & Divers: $53
  • Different Faces Of Acapulco Tour: $55
  • Acapulco Port Tour in 4 hours: $56
  • 4hr Fun Guide Tour For Cruisers or Hotels Guests with Divers Show: $58
  • 4Hrs City Tour Exclusively for Hotels, Divers, Chapel & Mural.: $60
  • Acapulco City Tour: $65
  • Acapulco Historical Tour with Cliff Divers Show: $65
  • City Tour & Sunset High Cliff Divers by Night w/Different Choices: $67
  • 4 Hrs Exclusive to Cruise Ship Passengers Sightseeing Experience : $67
  • Tour Isla de la Roqueta Stand up paddle Acapulco: $67

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Montego Bay $13
    Acapulco de Juarez $9.81

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 Montego Bay and Acapulco de Juarez, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is Acapulco de Juarez much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Montego Bay is in Caribbean Islands and Acapulco de Juarez is in North America, 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 Acapulco de Juarez would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Acapulco de Juarez 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 Acapulco de Juarez.

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


Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Acapulco de Juarez?

Acapulco de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Acapulco de Juarez, 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 Montego Bay or Acapulco de Juarez?

Acapulco de Juarez 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 Montego Bay or Acapulco de Juarez in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Acapulco de Juarez. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Also, many visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Montego Bay is around the same temperature as Acapulco de Juarez. Typically, the summer temperatures in Montego Bay in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Acapulco de Juarez averages at about 29°C (83°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Acapulco de Juarez this time of the year. In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montego Bay usually receives more sunshine than Acapulco de Juarez during summer. Montego Bay gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Acapulco de Juarez receives 224 hours of full sun in the summer.

Acapulco de Juarez receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Acapulco de Juarez. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Acapulco de Juarez receives 209 mm (8.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Montego Bay 28°C (82°F) 
    Acapulco de Juarez 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Acapulco de Juarez in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Acapulco de Juarez. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Montego Bay is generally around the same temperature as Acapulco de Juarez. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 27°C (81°F), and Acapulco de Juarez fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Acapulco de Juarez. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montego Bay this time of the year. In the autumn, Montego Bay often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Acapulco de Juarez. Montego Bay gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Acapulco de Juarez receives 245 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Acapulco de Juarez. Montego Bay receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Montego Bay usually gets less rain in October than Acapulco de Juarez. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Acapulco de Juarez receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Montego Bay 27°C (81°F) 
    Acapulco de Juarez 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Acapulco de Juarez in the Winter?

Both Acapulco de Juarez and Montego Bay are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montego Bay throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Acapulco de Juarez because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Montego Bay is around the same temperature as Acapulco de Juarez in the winter. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Acapulco de Juarez fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

It's quite sunny in Acapulco de Juarez. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually receives less sunshine than Acapulco de Juarez during winter. Montego Bay gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Acapulco de Juarez receives 272 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Acapulco de Juarez. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Acapulco de Juarez receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Montego Bay 24°C (75°F) 
    Acapulco de Juarez 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Acapulco de Juarez in the Spring?

Both Acapulco de Juarez and Montego Bay during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Montego Bay because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the beaches are the main draw to Acapulco de Juarez this time of year.

In the spring, Montego Bay is around the same temperature as Acapulco de Juarez. Typically, the spring temperatures in Montego Bay in April average around 25°C (77°F), and Acapulco de Juarez averages at about 27°C (81°F).

In Acapulco de Juarez, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. In the spring, Montego Bay often gets less sunshine than Acapulco de Juarez. Montego Bay gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Acapulco de Juarez receives 274 hours of full sun.

Montego Bay usually gets more rain in April than Acapulco de Juarez. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Acapulco de Juarez receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Montego Bay 25°C (77°F) 
    Acapulco de Juarez 27°C (81°F)

Typical Weather for Acapulco de Juarez and Montego Bay

Montego Bay Acapulco de Juarez
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 26°C (80°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 25°C (77°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
May 26°C (79°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 29°C (83°F) 271 mm (10.7 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 29°C (83°F) 209 mm (8.2 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 29°C (83°F) 312 mm (12.3 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 28°C (83°F) 341 mm (13.4 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 28°C (83°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 27°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)