Which place is cheaper, Bar Harbor 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.
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Should you visit Montego Bay or Bar Harbor?
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 Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor?
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.
Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor is a seafront town located on Mount Desert Island just off the coast of Maine. The Wabanaki Indians who seasonally fished, hunted and gathered berries, clams, and other shellfish in the area, called it the ‘clam-gathering' or ‘clambake' place. Eventually the area was settled by Europeans who established industries in fishing, lumbering, shipbuilding, and agriculture. Its maritime scenery even attracted artists of the Hudson River School like Thomas Cole, and the area soon became a seasonal resort for the affluent, comparable to that of Newport, Rhode Island.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.
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Montego Bay Prices
Jamaica PricesBar Harbor Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontego Bay $255Bar Harbor $243
The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $255, while the average daily cost in Bar Harbor is $243. 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 Bar Harbor in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontego Bay $100Bar Harbor $117
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontego Bay $200Bar Harbor $234
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Bar Harbor
Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Bar Harbor? 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: Montego Bay Hotel Prices and Bar Harbor Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montego Bay $14Bar Harbor $35
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Bar Harbor?
Prices for flights to both Bar Harbor 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
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Food Meals for one dayMontego Bay $139Bar Harbor $98
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
Typical Food Prices in Bar Harbor
Some typical examples of dining costs in Bar Harbor are as follows:
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West Street Cafe (for 4)$70
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montego Bay $31Bar Harbor $39
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$2.63
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Snorkeling Trip$18
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One Tank Dive$37
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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 Bar Harbor
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bar Harbor are as follows:
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Acadia National Park Entrance Fee$25
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Sunset Cruise (for 4)$96
Tours and Activities in Bar Harbor
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bar Harbor are as follows:
- Self Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour Acadia NP From Hulls Cove VC: $9.50
- Acadia's Ocean Path Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
- Historic Bar Harbor Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour Guide: $13
- Acadia Mount Desert Island Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
- Acadia National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour: $16
- Ultimate Acadia National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
- Cape Cod Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
- Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Acadia National Park: $20
- Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour: $25
- Haunted Ghost Walking Tour: $30
- Bar Harbor Walking Tour: $30
- 90-minute Ghost Walking Tour in Bar Harbor: $33
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontego Bay $13Bar Harbor $30
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 Bar Harbor, 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 Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Bar Harbor?
Montego Bay has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Bar Harbor, 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 Bar Harbor?
Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor in the Summer?
Both Bar Harbor 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 beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bar Harbor this time of year.
In July, Montego Bay is generally a little warmer than Bar Harbor. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 28°C (82°F), and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).
In July, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Bar Harbor. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMontego Bay 28°C (82°F)Bar Harbor 69°F (21°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Bar Harbor in the Autumn?
Both Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
Montego Bay is much warmer than Bar Harbor in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMontego Bay 27°C (81°F)Bar Harbor 48°F (9°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Bar Harbor in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Bar Harbor. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bar Harbor in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Bar Harbor can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Montego Bay is much warmer than Bar Harbor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montego Bay in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Bar Harbor averages at about 18°F (-8°C).
In January, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Bar Harbor. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMontego Bay 24°C (75°F)Bar Harbor 18°F (-8°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Bar Harbor in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Bar Harbor. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Bar Harbor for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Montego Bay is generally much warmer than Bar Harbor. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 25°C (77°F), and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).
Montego Bay usually gets less rain in April than Bar Harbor. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMontego Bay 25°C (77°F)Bar Harbor 43°F (6°C)
Typical Weather for Bar Harbor and Montego Bay
| Montego Bay | Bar Harbor | |||
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| 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) |
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.