Which place is cheaper, Dayton 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 Dayton?
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 Dayton 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 Dayton?
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.
Dayton
Located in southwest Ohio, Dayton is known as the "Gem City." It's the original home of Orville and Wilbur Wright, the brothers who designed the first airplane. You'll also find the Dayton Aviation Heritage Park here, which is one of the only multi-site National Parks in the United States. The cities climate has four different seasons, winter, spring, summer and fall. The winter months are quite cold and you can expect a decent amount of snow in the area. Spring remains cool and there are infrequent showers. This is also the peak time for tornadoes in the area. Summer is hot and humid and can be unpleasant at times, but fall is crisp and refreshing with occasional storms and infrequent tornadoes.
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 PricesDayton Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontego Bay $255Dayton $368
The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $255, while the average daily cost in Dayton is $368. 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 Dayton in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontego Bay $100Dayton $250
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontego Bay $200Dayton $500
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Dayton
Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Dayton? 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 Dayton Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montego Bay $14Dayton $25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- Shared Transfer: From/to Montego Bay International Airport: $9.26
- Private Transfer from Montego Bay Airport : $10
- Hyatt Zillara or Ziva Rose Hall private Transfers: $10
- Private Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Negril *Air Conditioning : $10
- Montego Bay Hotels Airport Private Transfers : $10
- Private Airport transfer Montego Bay: $12
- Sangster International Airport Private Transfer to Montego Bay: $12
- Grandiosa Hotel Private Airport Transfer : $13
- Tropical Court Hotel Private Airport Transfer : $13
- El Greco Resort Private Airport Transfer : $13
- Private Transfer to Royal Decameron Cornwall Beach/Montego Beach : $13
- Private Airport Transfer to Breathless/ to Secrets Resort: $14
Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Dayton?
Prices for flights to both Dayton 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 $139Dayton $105
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 Dayton
Some typical examples of dining costs in Dayton are as follows:
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Noodle Company Lunch (for 2)$17
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Indian Food Dinner (for 2)$34
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montego Bay $31Dayton -
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
Tours and Activities in Dayton
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dayton are as follows:
- Daytona Beach: Paddle Pub Experience: $45
- Daytona Beach: Guided Kayaking or Standup Paddling Tour: $65
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontego Bay $13Dayton -
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 Dayton
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dayton:
- Dive Bar Bus Crawl: $50
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montego Bay and Dayton, we can see that Dayton 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 Dayton 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 Dayton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dayton 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 Dayton Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Dayton?
Dayton has a larger population, and is about 92% larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Dayton, 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 Dayton?
Dayton 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 Dayton in the Summer?
Both Dayton 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.
In the summer, Montego Bay is around the same temperature as Dayton. Typically, the summer temperatures in Montego Bay in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Dayton averages at about 78°F (26°C).
It's quite sunny in Dayton. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually receives less sunshine than Dayton during summer. Montego Bay gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Dayton receives 298 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Dayton. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Dayton receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMontego Bay 28°C (82°F)Dayton 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Dayton in the Autumn?
Both Dayton 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.
In October, Montego Bay is generally much warmer than Dayton. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 27°C (81°F), and Dayton fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).
It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. In the autumn, Montego Bay often gets more sunshine than Dayton. Montego Bay gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dayton receives 188 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 Dayton. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Dayton receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMontego Bay 27°C (81°F)Dayton 57°F (14°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Dayton in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Dayton. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Dayton. Montego Bay is much warmer than Dayton in the winter. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Dayton fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).
In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montego Bay usually receives more sunshine than Dayton during winter. Montego Bay gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Dayton receives 129 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Dayton. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Dayton receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMontego Bay 24°C (75°F)Dayton 30°F (-1°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Dayton in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Dayton. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Montego Bay is much warmer than Dayton. Typically, the spring temperatures in Montego Bay in April average around 25°C (77°F), and Dayton averages at about 55°F (13°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dayton. 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 Dayton. Montego Bay gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dayton receives 215 hours of full sun.
Montego Bay usually gets less rain in April than Dayton. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Dayton receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMontego Bay 25°C (77°F)Dayton 55°F (13°C)
Typical Weather for Dayton and Montego Bay
| Montego Bay | Dayton | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 33°F (1°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 44°F (7°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 65°F (18°C) | 4 inches (102 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 69°F (21°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 47°F (8°C) | 3.1 inches (80 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 35°F (2°C) | 3 inches (75 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.