Which place is cheaper, Clearwater 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 Clearwater?
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 Clearwater 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 Clearwater?
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.
Clearwater
Clearwater is a city in Florida's Tampa Bay area known for its sunny weather and gulf coast beaches. Its most famous beach (Clearwater Beach) is located on a barrier island with white sands and crystal waters - a perfect setting for activities such as fishing, sailing, kayaking, jet skiing, dolphin and sunset tours, parasailing, and more.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.
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Montego Bay Prices
Jamaica PricesClearwater Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontego Bay $255Clearwater $343
The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $255, while the average daily cost in Clearwater is $343. 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 Clearwater in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontego Bay $100Clearwater $141
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontego Bay $200Clearwater $282
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Clearwater
Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Clearwater? 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 Clearwater Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montego Bay $14Clearwater $221
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 Clearwater?
Prices for flights to both Clearwater 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 $139Clearwater $79
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 Clearwater
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Clearwater.
- Clearwater Beach Fun and Tropical Food Tour: $99
- Clearwater Beach: Tropical Delights Walking Food Tour: $106
- Taste of Downtown St Petersburg-A Walking/Food Tour: $115
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montego Bay $31Clearwater -
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 Clearwater
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Clearwater are as follows:
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Clearwater by Operation City Quest: $10
- St Petersburg Ultimate (ALL-IN-ONE) City Trolley Tour : $25
- Clearwater Daytime Yacht Sightseeing Cruise with Optional Dining : $27
- Clearwater; Aspirations Winery Tour and Tasting Experience: $27
- Happy Hour Cruise: $27
- Dolphin Watching Intercoastal Cruise: $27
- Clearwater Beach Tiki Getaway Cruise BYOB: $27
- Clearwater Beach: Dolphin & Island Sandbar Cruise: $28
- Clearwater Beach: Sunset and Harbor Lights Cruise: $28
- Mega Bite Dolphin Tour Boat in Clearwater Beach: $28
- Clearwater Beach: Dolphin-Watching Sunset Cruise: $29
- Dolphin Watching Nature Cruise and Eco Tour from Hubbard's Marina in John's Pass: $29
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontego Bay $13Clearwater -
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 Clearwater
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Clearwater:
- The Tour and Wine Tasting Experience at Aspirations Winery: $25
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montego Bay and Clearwater, we can see that Clearwater 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 Clearwater 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 Clearwater would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Clearwater 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 Clearwater Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Clearwater?
Clearwater has a larger population, and is about 30% larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Clearwater, 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 Clearwater?
Clearwater 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 Clearwater in the Summer?
Both Clearwater 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 Clearwater for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Montego Bay is generally around the same temperature as Clearwater. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 28°C (82°F), and Clearwater fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).
It's quite sunny in Clearwater. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Clearwater during summer. Montego Bay gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Clearwater receives 265 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Clearwater. In July, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Clearwater. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Clearwater receives 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMontego Bay 28°C (82°F)Clearwater 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Clearwater in the Autumn?
Both Clearwater 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 Clearwater in the autumn for the shopping scene.
Montego Bay is a little warmer than Clearwater in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Clearwater fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).
In Clearwater, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. In the autumn, Montego Bay often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Clearwater. Montego Bay gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Clearwater receives 234 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 Clearwater. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Clearwater receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Clearwater.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMontego Bay 27°C (81°F)Clearwater 75°F (24°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Clearwater in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Clearwater. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Also, most visitors come to Clearwater for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, Montego Bay is much warmer than Clearwater. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montego Bay in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Clearwater averages at about 60°F (15°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Clearwater this time of the year. In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montego Bay usually receives more sunshine than Clearwater during winter. Montego Bay gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Clearwater receives 200 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Clearwater. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Clearwater receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMontego Bay 24°C (75°F)Clearwater 60°F (15°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Clearwater in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Clearwater. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Clearwater because of the beaches.
In April, Montego Bay is generally a little warmer than Clearwater. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 25°C (77°F), and Clearwater fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Clearwater. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montego Bay this time of the year. In the spring, Montego Bay often gets less sunshine than Clearwater. Montego Bay gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Clearwater receives 299 hours of full sun.
Montego Bay usually gets more rain in April than Clearwater. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Clearwater receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Clearwater is the hurricane season.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMontego Bay 25°C (77°F)Clearwater 71°F (22°C)
Typical Weather for Clearwater and Montego Bay
| Montego Bay | Clearwater | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 60°F (15°C) | 2.3 inches (59 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 61°F (16°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 67°F (19°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 6.5 inches (165 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 8.4 inches (214 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 8 inches (203 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 6.3 inches (161 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 2.2 inches (56 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.