Which place is cheaper, Chicago 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 Chicago?
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 Chicago 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 Chicago?
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.
Chicago
Located in the Midwest, Chicago is the third largest city in the United States. It has a population of almost 3 million and a metropolitan area that covers more than 10,000 square kilometers. It is also a hub for music, comedy and theater. It's skyline is beautiful with modern skyscrapers and Lake Michigan as a backdrop. It is easy to stay entertained in Chicago for weeks. There are world class museums, upscale or eclectic shopping opportunities, and impressive architecture.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.
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Montego Bay Prices
Jamaica PricesChicago Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontego Bay $255Chicago $323
The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $255, while the average daily cost in Chicago is $323. 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 Chicago in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontego Bay $100Chicago $198
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontego Bay $200Chicago $396
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Chicago
Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Chicago? 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 Chicago Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montego Bay $14Chicago $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- Airport Private Round Trip Transfer: $40
- Airport Transfer To Hotels in Negril : $88
- Airport Transfer To Secret Wild orchid/ST James Hotel : $60
- Airport Transfer to Montego Bay Hotels (Round-Trip): $54
- Airport Transfer to Ocho Rios Hotels (Round-Trip): $120
- Airport Transfers to Montego Bay Hotels – The Best in Jamaica!: $20
- MBJ Round Trip Private Airport Transfer to Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort : $36
- Montego Bay Hotels Private Airport Transfer: $20
- Montego Bay Private Transfer with Airport Pickup and Dropoff : $20
- Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios Areas Private Luxury Transfer: $179
- Private Airport Transfer To Jewel Grande Resort : $47
- Private Airport Transfers to/from Hotels in Montego Bay : $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chicago
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Chicago:
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Parking$19
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Taxi Ride$10
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Taxi from Airport$45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chicago
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chicago:
- Airport transfer between Chicago O'Hare and Milwaukee: $38
- Private Airport Transfer to/from ORD Airport: $43
- Private Transfer ORD Airport to Chicago / Milwaukee / Oak Brook: $46
- Private Transfer Chicago Airport MDW to Chicago Downtown: $50
- Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD) to Chicago hotel/address - Arrival Private Transfer: $75
- Chicago to Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD) - Departure Private Car Transfer: $75
- Chicago City to Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) - Departure Private Transfer: $78
- Chicago O'Hare International Airport private transfer, pick up: $80
- Private Departure Transfer to Chicago Airports (ORD)(MDW): $90
- Round Trip Private Transfer ORD Airport to Chicago City Oak Brook: $92
- Private One-Way Airport Transfer From Chicago To O'Hare Airport: $94
- Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD) to Arrival Private Transfer: $103
Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Chicago?
Prices for flights to both Chicago 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 $139Chicago $85
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 Chicago
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Chicago:
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Dinner for 1$24
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Dinner for 3$118
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chicago
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chicago.
- Tamales and Tacos with Margarita Cooking Class at Su Casa: $59
- Downtown Pizza Guided Walking Tour with Tastings: $73
- Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Distillery: $75
- Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Distillery: $75
- Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Distillery in Chicago: $75
- Downtown Family Food Tour by Bike with Sightseeing: $80
- Vito's Vault Chicago finest dinner theatre speakeasy: $85
- Chicago Loop District Food Tour with Deep Dish & Beef Sandwich: $89
- City Cruises Lake Michigan Lunch or Dinner Cruise: $93
- Secret Food Tour: $93
- City Cruises Premier Lunch or Dinner Cruise: $94
- River North Walking Food Tour: $99
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montego Bay $31Chicago $47
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:
- 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 Chicago
Here are a few typical costs in Chicago for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Sears Tower (family of 4)$102
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Aquarium for 4$118
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Water Taxi (family of 4)$22
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IMAX Movie for Two$35
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Shakespeare Play (2)$116
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Art Institute (2)$36
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U-Boat Tour (2)$8.00
Tours and Activities in Chicago
Here are a few actual costs in Chicago for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- A Storied Neighborhood: A Self-Guided Audio Tour with Bill Ayers: $5.40
- Eastside Chicago The Heist Exploration Game and Tour: $7.16
- Chicago Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $7.77
- Lincoln Park Zoo Adventure: $8.00
- Chicago Chocolate Tour: $8.00
- Chicago’s Millennium Park Self Guided Audio GPS Walking Tour: $9.75
- Illinois Holocaust Museum presents Experience360 Ticket: $12
- The Loop, River North and Chicago’s Theater District: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Private Chicago Scavenger Hunts City Adventure: $15
- American Writers Museum Admission Ticket: $16
- Michigan Avenue Rendezvous GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $17
- Michigan Avenue Rendezvous Walking Tour with Smartphone App: $18
For more ideas for your next trip, check out The Best Free Things to Do in Chicago, Chicago Bucket List: The Best Places to See, and The Best Museums in Chicago.
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontego Bay $13Chicago $25
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 Chicago
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Chicago:
- Chicago Local Brewery Expedition with Homemade Guacamole: $63
- Chicago Craft Brewery Barrel Bus Tour: $100
- Craft Brewery Tour by Barrel Bus: $100
- Chicago:Milwaukee City Highlights Day Trip with Brewery Tour: $106
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montego Bay and Chicago, we can see that Chicago is more expensive. And not only is Montego Bay much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Montego Bay is in Caribbean Islands and Chicago 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 Montego Bay would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Montego Bay 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 Chicago would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chicago than you might in Montego Bay.
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 Chicago Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Chicago?
Chicago has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Chicago, 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 Chicago?
Chicago 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 Chicago in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Chicago. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Also, most visitors come to Chicago for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Montego Bay is a little warmer than Chicago. Typically, the summer temperatures in Montego Bay in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Chicago averages at about 77°F (25°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chicago this time of the year. In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montego Bay usually receives less sunshine than Chicago during summer. Montego Bay gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 326 hours of full sun in the summer.
Chicago receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Chicago. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMontego Bay 28°C (82°F)Chicago 77°F (25°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Chicago in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Chicago. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Chicago because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Montego Bay is generally much warmer than Chicago. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 27°C (81°F), and Chicago fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montego Bay this time of the year. In the autumn, Montego Bay often gets more sunshine than Chicago. Montego Bay gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 195 hours of full sun.
Montego Bay receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Montego Bay usually gets more rain in October than Chicago. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMontego Bay 27°C (81°F)Chicago 56°F (14°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Chicago in the Winter?
Both Chicago and Montego Bay are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montego Bay throughout the year. Also, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Chicago this time of year.
It's quite cold in Chicago in the winter. Montego Bay is much warmer than Chicago in the winter. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Chicago fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually receives more sunshine than Chicago during winter. Montego Bay gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 134 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Chicago. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMontego Bay 24°C (75°F)Chicago 25°F (-4°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Chicago in the Spring?
Both Chicago and Montego Bay during the spring 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 Chicago for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Montego Bay is much warmer than Chicago. Typically, the spring temperatures in Montego Bay in April average around 25°C (77°F), and Chicago averages at about 52°F (11°C).
In Chicago, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. In the spring, Montego Bay often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Chicago. Montego Bay gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 218 hours of full sun.
Chicago gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Montego Bay usually gets less rain in April than Chicago. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMontego Bay 25°C (77°F)Chicago 52°F (11°C)
Typical Weather for Chicago and Montego Bay
| Montego Bay | Chicago | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 25°F (-4°C) | 1.9 inches (47 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 29°F (-2°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 41°F (5°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 52°F (11°C) | 4.3 inches (108 mm) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 56°F (14°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 44°F (7°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 31°F (-1°C) | 2.8 inches (71 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.