A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Montego Bay vs. Amber Cove (Puerto Plata) for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Montego Bay or Amber Cove (Puerto Plata)?

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 Amber Cove (Puerto Plata) 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 Amber Cove (Puerto Plata)?

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.

Amber Cove (Puerto Plata)

Puerto Plata, nestled on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, is a captivating destination known for its beautiful beaches, historical landmarks, and vibrant culture. Whether you're arriving via the bustling Amber Cove cruise port or planning an extended stay, Puerto Plata offers a diverse range of experiences for every traveler.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Dominican Republic, and The Best Adventure Tours to Dominican Republic.


Which place is cheaper, Amber Cove (Puerto Plata) 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.

The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $255, while the average daily cost in Amber Cove (Puerto Plata) is $231. 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 Amber Cove (Puerto Plata) in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Montego Bay $100
    Amber Cove (Puerto Plata) $141
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Montego Bay $200
    Amber Cove (Puerto Plata) $282
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Amber Cove (Puerto Plata)

Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Amber Cove (Puerto Plata)? 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 Amber Cove (Puerto Plata)


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 Amber Cove (Puerto Plata) Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Montego Bay $14
    Amber Cove (Puerto Plata) $9.01

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:

  • Kingston: One Way Private Transfer to Montego Bay Airport: $319
  • Private Airport Transfers To and From Kingston (KIN) Airport: $200
  • Horseback Ride/Swim and Blue Hole Falls Daytrip with Transfers: $190
  • Green Grato Caves and Dunns River Falls with Private Transfer : $180
  • Riu Resorts Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Roundtrip): $169
  • Private Martha Brae Bamboo Rafting Tour with Private Transfer: $135
  • Club Mobay VIP Lounge Access and Round-Trip Airport Transfer: $113
  • Private Transfer to Dunns River Blue Hole Tubing from Montego Bay: $110
  • Private Transfer to Dunn's River Falls and Blue Hole: $110
  • Experience Jamaica Private Tour with Airport Transfer: $100
  • Airport Transfer Service In Montego bay: $95
  • Sandals South Coast Airport Transfer: $80

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amber Cove (Puerto Plata)

Also for Amber Cove (Puerto Plata), here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Puerto Plata to Punta Cana Airport PUJ Departure Private Transfer: $23
  • Transfer of Gregorio Luperón International to Puerto Plata: $30
  • Puerto Plata Airport (POP) to Sosua / Cabarete - Arrival Transfer: $30
  • Cibao International Airport (STI) to Santiago hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $31
  • Private Puerto Plata Airport Transfer – Fast, Safe & Hassle-Free: $40
  • Private Airport Transfer in Puerto Plata : $44
  • transportation and Private transfer Airport pop, silver port: $45
  • Puerto Plata Airport(POP)to Puerto Plata/Cofresi-Arrival Transfer: $54
  • Transfer Premium Airport POP to your Destination: $60
  • Puerto Plata Airport(POP) to Sosua/Cabarete - Round-Trip Transfer: $60
  • Private Transfer Santiago Airport (STI): $61
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Puerto Plata International Airport to Hotels (1 - 6): $62

Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Amber Cove (Puerto Plata)?

Prices for flights to both Amber Cove (Puerto Plata) 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
    Amber Cove (Puerto Plata) $75

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Montego Bay $31
    Amber Cove (Puerto Plata) $40
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:

  • Black River Day Adventure Tour: $92
  • Dunn’s River Secret falls with Horse-back&Bamboo Raft Experience: $125
  • Falmouth Mystic from Montego Bay Luminous Lagoon Night Tour: $90
  • Luminous Lagoon Glow in the Dark Boat Tour from Montego Bay: $65
  • Luminous Lagoon Night Tour from Montego Bay: $118
  • Private Dolphin Cove Adventure : $250
  • 1 Hour Horse Back Riding & Dunn's River Falls Tour Combo: $240
  • 3 Hours Private Highlights Tour & Shopping in Montego Bay Jamaica: $100
  • 3 Hours Private Tour in Montego Bay From Falmouth: $75
  • 7 Mile Beach & Ricks Cafe with free Shopping experience: $50
  • ATV Adventure and Rick's Cafe Tour with Transportation: $238
  • ATV Jungle Safari Tour from Montego Bay: $125

Typical Entertainment Prices in Amber Cove (Puerto Plata)

For Amber Cove (Puerto Plata), here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Snorkeling Tour
    $42
  • Banana Boat Ride
    $5.96
  • Paragliding
    $51
  • 1 Hr Kayak Rental
    $12
  • Water Skiing
    $18

Tours and Activities in Amber Cove (Puerto Plata)

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Amber Cove (Puerto Plata).

  • Damjagua Waterfalls Tickets: $19
  • Puerto Plata Fort de San Felipe and Beach City Tour: $32
  • Puerto Plata City Tour with Pickup: $40
  • 27 Charcos de Damajagua Adventure: $44
  • city and history tours: $44
  • Guided Puerto Plata City Tour – Fortress, Rum & Umbrella Street: $45
  • Cultural and Historical Tour of Puerto Plata: $45
  • Half Day Tour in Puerto Plata: $45
  • Puerto Plata City Tour Ron Puros Culture and History: $50
  • The POP Experience with Ámbar : $50
  • Waterfalls of Damajagua Tour: $50
  • Damajagua 7 Waterfalls Adventure – In Puerto Plata: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Montego Bay $13
    Amber Cove (Puerto Plata) $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 comparing the travel costs between Montego Bay and Amber Cove (Puerto Plata), 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. Since both cities are in Caribbean Islands, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Amber Cove (Puerto Plata) Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Amber Cove (Puerto Plata)?

Amber Cove (Puerto Plata) has a larger population, and is about 45% larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Amber Cove (Puerto Plata), 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.