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

Should you visit Montego Bay or Anchorage?

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 Anchorage 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 Anchorage?

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.

Anchorage

Anchorage, Alaska's largest city, is in the south-central part of the state on the Cook Inlet. It's known for its cultural sites and also as a gateway to nearby wilderness areas and mountains. From the sparkling waters of Cook Inlet to the tallest peaks of the Chugach Mountains, Anchorage encompasses incredible adventures and metropolitan appeals that are larger than life. With 1,500 moose, incredible national parks nearby and 60 glaciers a short drive away, it's a dream destination in Alaska.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City.


Which place is cheaper, Anchorage 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
    Anchorage Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Montego Bay $255
    Anchorage $228

The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $255, while the average daily cost in Anchorage is $228. 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 Anchorage in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Montego Bay $100
    Anchorage $117
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Montego Bay $200
    Anchorage $234
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Anchorage

Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Anchorage? 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 Anchorage


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 Anchorage Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Montego Bay $14
    Anchorage $27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:

  • Shared Transfer: From/to Montego Bay International Airport: $9.26
  • Private Transfer from Montego Bay Airport : $10
  • Hyatt Zillara or Ziva Rose Hall private Transfers: $10
  • Private Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Negril *Air Conditioning : $10
  • Montego Bay Hotels Airport Private Transfers : $10
  • Private Airport transfer Montego Bay: $12
  • Sangster International Airport Private Transfer to Montego Bay: $12
  • Grandiosa Hotel Private Airport Transfer : $13
  • Tropical Court Hotel Private Airport Transfer : $13
  • El Greco Resort Private Airport Transfer : $13
  • Private Transfer to Royal Decameron Cornwall Beach/Montego Beach : $13
  • Private Airport Transfer to Breathless/ to Secrets Resort: $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Anchorage

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Anchorage:

  • One Way Private Transfer: $10
  • Private Departure Transfer - to Anchorage Airport (ANC): $62
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Anchorage Airport (ANC): $62
  • Anchorage to Whittier Direct Transfer Tour: $75
  • ANC Airport to City Centre Private Transfer: $79
  • Private Transfer Alaska Anchorage Airport ANC to Anchorage City: $180
  • Seward to Anchorage- Post Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $227
  • Anchorage to Seward- Pre-Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $227
  • Private Transfer, Anchorage to Seward Cruise Ship Terminal: $299
  • Private Transfer, Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal: $299
  • Private Transfer, Whittier Cruise ship to Anchorage: $299
  • Matanuska Glacier Hike with Transfers: $299

Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Anchorage?

Prices for flights to both Anchorage 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
    Anchorage $87

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montego Bay

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

  • Montego Bay Jerk Tour and Rum Punch Mixology/Food Tour : $40
  • Lunch or Dinner Dining Experience in Montego Bay : $40
  • Street Food Tour in Montego Bay: $59
  • 3 to 5 Hour Private Herbal Tour Shopping and Dinner at Ricks Cafe: $120
  • Bar Hopping and Local Food Tour in Jamaica : $130
  • Dinner or lunch at pier one Montego bay Food Tour: $144
  • Cooking Class in Montego Bay with Home Chef: $150
  • Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios Dinner and Nightlife Experience: $150
  • Sunset Boat Cruise and Luminous Lagoon with Dinner and Transfer : $150
  • Private Beach Day and Street Food Tour from Montego Bay: $170
  • Dinner Experience and Celebration on the Beach with Decorations : $175
  • PRIVATE Food Tour of Local Jamaican Cuisine Montego Bay & Negril: $190

Typical Food Prices in Anchorage

Some typical examples of dining costs in Anchorage are as follows:


  • Bread
    $4.25
  • Breakfast for Two
    $17

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Anchorage

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

  • City of Anchorage SIGHTSEEING & FOOD Tour - Winter & Summer: $195

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Montego Bay $31
    Anchorage $30
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:

  • Montego Bay Beach Day Experience: $20
  • The Ultimate Montego Bay Night Life Experience: $25
  • Montego Bay Cruise Ship Port Transportation Service : $26
  • Montego Bay Shopping Private Tour: $26
  • Lethe Rafting And Margaritaville Tour from Montego Bay : $30
  • Skip the Line: Rose Hall Great House and Garden Tour Ticket: $30
  • Great River Bamboo Rafting and Limestone Foot Massage Tour From Montego Bay: $30
  • Doctors Cave Beach Roundtrip Tour in Montego Bay: $30
  • Explore the Beauty of Montego Bay Nature Tour in Jamaica: $30
  • Adventure and Activity Based Music and Nightlife and Nature: $30
  • Ricks Cafe and Negril Seven Miles Beach Irie Tour: $35
  • Private Shopping Tour in Montego Bay with Hotel Pickup: $35

Typical Entertainment Prices in Anchorage

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


  • 1 Day Bike Rental
    $33
  • 1/2 Day Rafting Trip
    $105

Tours and Activities in Anchorage

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

  • Anchorage Museum General Admission Ticket: $25
  • Anchorage Trolley Tour: $25
  • Alaska Native Heritage Center Admission Ticket: $30
  • Anchorage Trolley's Deluxe City Tour: $50
  • Anchorage's Winter City Tour = Samples + Stops + WildLife: $59
  • Anchorage City Tour, w/Choc Factory Samplings: $59
  • Anchorage City Tour w/ Taste of Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage: $69
  • Anchorage City Tour w/ Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage: $69
  • Winter - Anchorage All Around City Tour: $69
  • Alaska: Ladies Only Snowshoe Adventure: $75
  • Anchorage to Whittier Wildlife Adventure: $79
  • Anchorage to Seward Wildlife Adventure: $99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Montego Bay $13
    Anchorage $20

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:

  • Montego Bay Jamaica Rum Distillery Tour Private Driver: $231
  • Montego Bay Pub Crawl To Negril and Rick's Cafe: $255

Sample the Local Flavors in Anchorage

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Anchorage:

  • Chocolate and Wine Tasting Tour: $110
  • Half-Day Anchorage Craft Brewery Tour and Tastings: $179
  • Hike Matanuska Glacier w/Alaska Honey, Wine Tasting: $310


When comparing the travel costs between Montego Bay and Anchorage, 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 Montego Bay is in Caribbean Islands and Anchorage is in North America, 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 Montego Bay Expensive? and Is Anchorage Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Anchorage?

Anchorage has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Anchorage, 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 Anchorage?

Anchorage 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 Anchorage in the Summer?

Both Anchorage and Montego Bay are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montego Bay throughout the year. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Anchorage this time of year.

In July, Montego Bay is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 28°C (82°F), and Anchorage fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Anchorage. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Anchorage during summer. Montego Bay gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Montego Bay 28°C (82°F) 
    Anchorage 59°F (15°C)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Anchorage in the Autumn?

Both Anchorage and Montego Bay during the autumn 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, many travelers come to Anchorage for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Anchorage. Montego Bay is much warmer than Anchorage in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Anchorage fluctuates around 35°F (2°C).

It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. In the autumn, Montego Bay often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Montego Bay gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 118 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually gets more rain in October than Anchorage. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Montego Bay 27°C (81°F) 
    Anchorage 35°F (2°C)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Anchorage in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Anchorage. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Anchorage in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Anchorage can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Montego Bay is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montego Bay in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Anchorage averages at about 15°F (-9°C).

In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montego Bay usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during winter. Montego Bay gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 80 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Montego Bay 24°C (75°F) 
    Anchorage 15°F (-9°C)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Anchorage in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Anchorage. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Anchorage for the natural beauty during these months.

Anchorage can be very cold during spring. In April, Montego Bay is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 25°C (77°F), and Anchorage fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Anchorage. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montego Bay this time of the year. In the spring, Montego Bay often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Anchorage. Montego Bay gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 233 hours of full sun.

Montego Bay usually gets more rain in April than Anchorage. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Montego Bay 25°C (77°F) 
    Anchorage 36°F (2°C)

Typical Weather for Anchorage and Montego Bay

Montego Bay Anchorage
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 15°F (-9°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 19°F (-7°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 26°F (-3°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
Apr 25°C (77°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 36°F (2°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
May 26°C (79°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 47°F (8°C) 0.8 inches (20 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 55°F (13°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 59°F (15°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 57°F (14°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 49°F (9°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 35°F (2°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 22°F (-6°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 17°F (-8°C) 1.1 inches (28 mm)