Which place is cheaper, Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge?
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 Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge?
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.
Columbia River Gorge
Columbia River Gorge is a popular destination in the Cascade Mountains in the Pacific Northwest. The region's close proximity to Portland, which is just 30 minutes away, makes it a popular weekend destination.
The gorge is formed by the Columbia River, with an 80 mile stretch designated as a National Scenic Area. The area has many beautiful cliffs with a number of tall waterfalls and its protected status means that most new development must occur within one of the already established towns.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.
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Montego Bay Prices
Jamaica PricesColumbia River Gorge Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontego Bay $255Columbia River Gorge $212
The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $255, while the average daily cost in Columbia River Gorge is $212. 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 Columbia River Gorge in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontego Bay $100Columbia River Gorge $89
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontego Bay $200Columbia River Gorge $178
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Columbia River Gorge
Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Columbia River Gorge? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montego Bay $14Columbia River Gorge $78
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 Columbia River Gorge?
Prices for flights to both Columbia River Gorge 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 $139Columbia River Gorge $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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montego Bay $31Columbia River Gorge $20
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontego Bay $13Columbia River Gorge $12
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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montego Bay and Columbia River Gorge, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is Columbia River Gorge much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Montego Bay is in Caribbean Islands and Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge.
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 Columbia River Gorge Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Columbia River Gorge?
Montego Bay has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Columbia River Gorge. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Columbia River Gorge, 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 Columbia River Gorge?
Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge in the Summer?
Both Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Montego Bay is generally a little warmer than Columbia River Gorge. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 28°C (82°F), and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).
It's quite sunny in Columbia River Gorge. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually receives less sunshine than Columbia River Gorge during summer. Montego Bay gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia River Gorge receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Columbia River Gorge. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMontego Bay 28°C (82°F)Columbia River Gorge 68°F (20°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Columbia River Gorge in the Autumn?
Both Columbia River Gorge 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, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Columbia River Gorge this time of year.
Montego Bay is much warmer than Columbia River Gorge in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).
It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. In the autumn, Montego Bay often gets more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge. Montego Bay gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia River Gorge receives 155 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 Columbia River Gorge. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMontego Bay 27°C (81°F)Columbia River Gorge 55°F (13°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Columbia River Gorge in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Columbia River Gorge. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Columbia River Gorge for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Columbia River Gorge. In the winter, Montego Bay is much warmer than Columbia River Gorge. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montego Bay in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Columbia River Gorge averages at about 40°F (4°C).
In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montego Bay usually receives more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge during winter. Montego Bay gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia River Gorge receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.
Columbia River Gorge receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Columbia River Gorge. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMontego Bay 24°C (75°F)Columbia River Gorge 40°F (4°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Columbia River Gorge in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Columbia River Gorge. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Columbia River Gorge in the spring for the natural beauty.
In April, Montego Bay is generally much warmer than Columbia River Gorge. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 25°C (77°F), and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Columbia River Gorge. 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 Columbia River Gorge. Montego Bay gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia River Gorge receives 231 hours of full sun.
Montego Bay usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Columbia River Gorge. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMontego Bay 25°C (77°F)Columbia River Gorge 51°F (11°C)
Typical Weather for Columbia River Gorge and Montego Bay
| Montego Bay | Columbia River Gorge | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 40°F (4°C) | 5.2 inches (132 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 44°F (7°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 47°F (9°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 2 inches (51 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 1.5 inches (39 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 69°F (20°C) | 1 inches (25 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 1.7 inches (44 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 46°F (8°C) | 5.4 inches (136 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 40°F (5°C) | 6.1 inches (156 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.