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

Should you visit Montego Bay or Bangor?

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 Bangor 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 Bangor?

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.

Bangor

Located along the Penobscot River in the U.S. State of Maine, modern Bangor really took off as a center for lumber and shipbuilding industries. Logs could easily be floated down-river to be processed and shipped from port on the Atlantic Ocean 30 miles downstream. Eventually lumbering turned to pulp and paper and shipping turned to railroads, but Bangor remains a city symbolic of industry. The city also has much to offer in shopping and entertainment with bookstores, cafes, restaurants, galleries, and museums located in the downtown area.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska.


Which place is cheaper, Bangor 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
    Bangor Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Montego Bay $255
    Bangor $237

The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $255, while the average daily cost in Bangor is $237. 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 Bangor in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Montego Bay $100
    Bangor $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Montego Bay $200
    Bangor $228
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Bangor

Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Bangor? 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 Bangor


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 Bangor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Montego Bay $14
    Bangor $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:

  • Private Airport transfer Montego Bay: $12
  • Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Montego Bay and Falmouth Hotels : $16
  • Montego Bay Jamaica Airport/ Port Transfers to Montego Bay Hotels: $16
  • Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Hotels in Montego Bay or Falmouth: $16
  • Private Montego Bay Jamaica Airport Transfer to Montego Bay Hotel: $16
  • Sangster Airport Montego Bay Transfer to Montego Bay or Falmouth: $16
  • Private Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Montego Bay Hotels: $16
  • Private airport transfer to negril resorts arrival/departure: $17
  • Private Airport Transfer Montego Bay: $20
  • Private Airport Transfer to Hotels in Montego Bay: $20
  • Montego Bay Airport Transfer: $20
  • Private Montego Bay Airport transfer to Falmouth Trelawny : $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangor:

  • Private Transfer from Bangor Airport(BGR) to Rockland Cruise Port: $210
  • Private Transfer from Bangor city hotels to Rockland Cruise Port: $210

Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Bangor?

Prices for flights to both Bangor 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
    Bangor $93

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
    Bangor $45
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
  • Montego Bay & Falmouth Hotels, Souvenir Shopping and sightseeing: $60
  • Private Tour in Dunns River Falls: $60
  • Luminous Lagoon Glow in the Dark Boat Tour from Montego Bay: $65
  • Private Montego Bay Customized Tour with Pickup and Guide: $65

Typical Entertainment Prices in Bangor

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


  • Children's Museum (for 4)
    $32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Montego Bay $13
    Bangor $23

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 Bangor, 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 Bangor 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 Bangor Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Bangor?

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

Bangor 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 Bangor in the Summer?

Both Bangor 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 small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bangor this time of year.

In the summer, Montego Bay is a little warmer than Bangor. Typically, the summer temperatures in Montego Bay in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Bangor averages at about 69°F (21°C).

In July, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Bangor. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Montego Bay 28°C (82°F) 
    Bangor 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Bangor in the Autumn?

Both Bangor 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 Bangor for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Montego Bay is generally much warmer than Bangor. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 27°C (81°F), and Bangor fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually gets more rain in October than Bangor. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Montego Bay 27°C (81°F) 
    Bangor 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Bangor in the Winter?

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

Bangor can get quite cold in the winter. Montego Bay is much warmer than Bangor in the winter. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Bangor fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).

In January, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Bangor. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bangor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Montego Bay 24°C (75°F) 
    Bangor 18°F (-8°C)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Bangor in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Montego Bay is much warmer than Bangor. Typically, the spring temperatures in Montego Bay in April average around 25°C (77°F), and Bangor averages at about 43°F (6°C).

Montego Bay usually gets less rain in April than Bangor. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Montego Bay 25°C (77°F) 
    Bangor 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Bangor and Montego Bay

Montego Bay Bangor
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Apr 25°C (77°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
May 26°C (79°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm)