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

Should you visit Montego Bay or Boston?

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 Boston 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 Boston?

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.

Boston

Boston is one of the oldest and most historic cities in New England. It is also the capital of the state of Massachusetts and the largest city in the region. The city proper covers 48 square miles and has a population of more than 600,000. The Greater Boston area has 4.5 million people and is the tenth largest metropolitan area in the country.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Boston 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
    Boston Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Montego Bay $255
    Boston $291

The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $255, while the average daily cost in Boston is $291. 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 Boston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Montego Bay $100
    Boston $166
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Montego Bay $200
    Boston $332
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Boston

Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Boston? 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 Boston


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 Boston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Montego Bay $14
    Boston $37

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Boston

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Boston are as follows:


  • Taxi
    $35
  • Subway Daily Pass
    $9.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Boston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Boston:

  • Private Departure Transfer to Boston Airport BOS: $28
  • BOS Airport Private Transfer to Boston Downtown: $37
  • Boston Logan Airport Chauffeur, Boston Airport private Transfer: $50
  • Boston Logan Airport (BOS) to Boston - Arrival Private Transfer: $61
  • Boston Airport (BOS) to Providence – Arrival Private Transfer : $70
  • Manchester–Boston Regional Airport to Manchester - Arrival Private Transfer: $75
  • Private Transfer from Flynn Cruise Port to Boston Airport (BOS): $81
  • Private Transfer from Boston Airport (BOS) to Flynn Cruise Port: $82
  • One Way Airport Transfer Service: $85
  • Boston Logan Intl Airport (BOS) to Flynn Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $94
  • Departure Private Transfer Boston to Boston Airport BOS: $97
  • Private Airport Transfer to/from Logan Airport: $99

Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Boston?

Prices for flights to both Boston 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
    Boston $86

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Boston

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

  • Self Guided "The North End Pizza, Cannoli and Picnic" Solo Walking Tour : $5.50
  • Morning Walks with Salem Food Tours: $34
  • Boston Freedom Trail History and Food Tour: $39
  • Freedom Trail History and Food Tour: $39
  • Pizza Beer and Paul Revere Tour: $65
  • Boston Pizza Lovers Food & History Walking Food Tour: $69
  • North End Pizza Walking Tour with 3 Slices & Cannoli: $69
  • 2-Hour Pasta Making Cooking Class With Local Chef in Boston: $75
  • North End Food Experience with Pizza, Meats & Cheese: $75
  • Pizza, Beer, and Paul Revere Tour: $75
  • City Cruises Harbor Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise: $89
  • Boston’s Politically Incorrect North End Food tour: $98

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Montego Bay $31
    Boston $33
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 Boston

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


  • Two Tickets to Celtics Game
    $101
  • Duck Tour
    $32

Tours and Activities in Boston

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

  • 2 Hour Boston Historical and Heritage Walking Tour: $5.00
  • Self Guided "Historic Boston Downtown Freedom Trail" Audio/GPS Walking Tour: $5.00
  • The Ghosts of Boston's Past Haunted Self-guided Tour: $5.00
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour of Boston North End: $5.75
  • Self-Guided Smartphone Ghost Walking Tour in Salem: $7.75
  • Harvard's Haunts Solo Smart Phone Guided App Ghost Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Self Guided Classic Freedom Trail Location Aware (GPS) Walking Audio Tour: $7.75
  • City History and Highlights Audio App Walking Tour: $7.99
  • Boston's Old North Church Admission with Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.00
  • Boston Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $8.32
  • Harvard’s Secret Society: Exploration Game and Tour: $8.93
  • Boston Harborwalk & Tea Party Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $8.99

For more ideas for your next trip, check out Free Things to Do in Boston, Must-See Monuments and Memorials In Boston, and The Best Things To Do in Boston with Kids.


Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Montego Bay $13
    Boston $27

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 Boston

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Boston:

  • Boston Bar Crawl Back Bay Beat Bar Craw: $15
  • Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl: $29
  • Boston Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Haunted Pub Crawl of Historic Pubs and Taverns: $35
  • 2 Hour Historic Pub Crawl in Boston: $35
  • Salem Booze and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl by US Ghost Adventures: $36
  • Boston Ghosts Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl : $36
  • History Pub Crawl Tour Along the Freedom Trail: $56
  • Boston Freedom Trail History Pub Crawl Small-Group Tour: $60
  • Freedom Trail History Tour and Brewery Taste: $71
  • Sushi Making Class at a Local Brewery in Boston: $75
  • Sushi Making Class at a Local Distillery in Boston: $75


When comparing the travel costs between Montego Bay and Boston, we can see that Boston 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 Boston 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 Boston Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Boston?

Boston has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Boston, 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 Boston?

Boston 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 Boston in the Summer?

Both Boston 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, many travelers come to Boston for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Montego Bay is generally a little warmer than Boston. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 28°C (82°F), and Boston fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Boston. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually receives less sunshine than Boston during summer. Montego Bay gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 304 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Boston. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Boston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Montego Bay 28°C (82°F) 
    Boston 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Boston in the Autumn?

Both Boston 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, many visitors come to Boston in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Montego Bay is much warmer than Boston in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Boston fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. In the autumn, Montego Bay often gets more sunshine than Boston. Montego Bay gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 194 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 Boston. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Montego Bay 27°C (81°F) 
    Boston 54°F (12°C)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Boston in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Boston. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Also, most visitors come to Boston for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

Boston can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Montego Bay is much warmer than Boston. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montego Bay in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Boston averages at about 29°F (-2°C).

In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montego Bay usually receives more sunshine than Boston during winter. Montego Bay gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Boston. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Montego Bay 24°C (75°F) 
    Boston 29°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Boston in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Boston. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Boston because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Montego Bay is generally much warmer than Boston. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 25°C (77°F), and Boston fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Boston. 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 Boston. Montego Bay gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 225 hours of full sun.

Montego Bay usually gets less rain in April than Boston. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Montego Bay 25°C (77°F) 
    Boston 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Boston and Montego Bay

Montego Bay Boston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 29°F (-2°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 30°F (-1°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 38°F (4°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm)
Apr 25°C (77°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 48°F (9°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
May 26°C (79°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 58°F (15°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 68°F (20°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 72°F (22°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 64°F (18°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 54°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 45°F (7°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 33°F (1°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)