Which place is cheaper, Berkeley 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 Berkeley?
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 Berkeley 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 Berkeley?
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.
Berkeley
Berkeley is considered to be perhaps the most progressive or liberal city in the United States. The town has deep roots in the Free Speech movement of the 1960s. Visitors, students, and locals alike will find an eclectic mix of cultures and viewpoints. The city's free-thinking environment has witnessed the creation of quality attractions, great food from many world cultures, and of course the internationally renowned University of California, Berkeley (also known as "Cal" or "Cal Berkeley").
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.
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Montego Bay Prices
Jamaica PricesBerkeley Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontego Bay $255Berkeley $217
The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $255, while the average daily cost in Berkeley is $217. 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 Berkeley in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontego Bay $100Berkeley $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontego Bay $200Berkeley $262
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Berkeley
Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Berkeley? 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 Berkeley Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montego Bay $14Berkeley $30
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 Berkeley
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Berkeley:
- Private Arrival Transfer from Oakland Airport OAK: $81
- Private Departure Transfer to Oakland Airport OAK: $97
- Arrival Transfer from Oakland Airport OAK to Oakland by SUV: $270
Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Berkeley?
Prices for flights to both Berkeley 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 $139Berkeley $63
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 Berkeley
Some typical examples of dining costs in Berkeley are as follows:
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Chocolates at Sweet Dreams$4.46
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Berkeley
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Berkeley.
- Best of North Berkeley Food Tour: $137
- Black Food Tour - Downtown Oakland: $150
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montego Bay $31Berkeley $30
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
Tours and Activities in Berkeley
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Berkeley are as follows:
- Ruth Bancroft Garden General Admission Ticket: $15
- 2 Hours Private Walking Tour in Berkeley: $20
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Berkeley by Zombie Scavengers: $20
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Antioch by Zombie Scavengers: $20
- Redwoods of Marin and Mt. Tamalpais Walking Tour with Local Guide: $59
- Historic Houseboat Tour: $65
- Experience Create your own jewelry workshop for beginners: $95
- Classic Sausalito Wooden Boat Tour: $100
- Oakland's Temescal Tastes Tour: $126
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontego Bay $13Berkeley $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
Sample the Local Flavors in Berkeley
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Berkeley:
- Guided Wine Tasting at Berkeley Wineries with Local Sommelière : $175
- Guided Wine Tasting with Local Sommelière: $175
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montego Bay and Berkeley, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is Berkeley much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Montego Bay is in Caribbean Islands and Berkeley 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 Berkeley would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Berkeley 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 Berkeley.
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 Berkeley Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Berkeley?
Berkeley has a larger population, and is about 21% larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Berkeley, 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 Berkeley?
Berkeley 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 Berkeley in the Summer?
Both Berkeley 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 summer months attract visitors to Berkeley because of the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Montego Bay is much warmer than Berkeley. Typically, the summer temperatures in Montego Bay in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Berkeley averages at about 63°F (17°C).
In July, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Berkeley. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Berkeley receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMontego Bay 28°C (82°F)Berkeley 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Berkeley in the Autumn?
Both Berkeley 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. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Berkeley this time of year.
In October, Montego Bay is generally much warmer than Berkeley. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 27°C (81°F), and Berkeley fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually gets more rain in October than Berkeley. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMontego Bay 27°C (81°F)Berkeley 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Berkeley in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Berkeley. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Also, many travelers come to Berkeley for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Montego Bay is much warmer than Berkeley in the winter. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Berkeley fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).
In January, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Berkeley. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Berkeley receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMontego Bay 24°C (75°F)Berkeley 50°F (10°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Berkeley in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Berkeley. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Berkeley in the spring for the natural beauty.
In the spring, Montego Bay is much warmer than Berkeley. Typically, the spring temperatures in Montego Bay in April average around 25°C (77°F), and Berkeley averages at about 58°F (14°C).
Montego Bay usually gets more rain in April than Berkeley. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMontego Bay 25°C (77°F)Berkeley 58°F (14°C)
Typical Weather for Berkeley and Montego Bay
| Montego Bay | Berkeley | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 50°F (10°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 58°F (14°C) | 1.2 inches (31 mm) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 60°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.1 inches (1 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 1.3 inches (33 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.7 inches (68 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.