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

Should you visit Montego Bay or Halifax?

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 Halifax 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 Halifax?

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.

Halifax

The quaint and charming coastal town of Halifax, Nova Scotia has an interesting personality. While it caters to travelers from all over the world, it maintains the pace and lifestyle of a small town.

Steeped in maritime history, Halifax is the capital of Nova Scotia, and one of the world's greatest natural harbors. This busy seaport serves as the economic and cultural hub of Eastern Canada.

When planning your trip keep in mind that this city has a climate like other coastal cities. Summers are nice with the occasional humidity. Winters are mild, but still full of snow and wind. The best time of year to visit is most certainly the fall.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Vancouver.


Which place is cheaper, Halifax 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.

The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $255, while the average daily cost in Halifax is $137. 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 Halifax in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Montego Bay $100
    Halifax $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Montego Bay $200
    Halifax $130
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Halifax

Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Halifax? 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 Halifax


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 Halifax Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Montego Bay $14
    Halifax $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:

  • VIP Luxury Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Montego Bay/ Falmouth: $70
  • Transfer Service, Sangster MBJ Airport From/To Iberostar zone: $61
  • Sangster Airport Montego Bay Transfer to Montego Bay or Falmouth: $16
  • Sandals South Coast Airport Transfer: $80
  • Royalton White Sands Private Airport Transfer: $40
  • Royalton Blue Waters & Hideaway by Blue Waters Private Transfer: $35
  • Roundtrip Montego Bay Airport Private Transfer to Hotel or Airbnb: $22
  • Riu Resorts Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Roundtrip): $169
  • Private airport transfer to negril resorts arrival/departure: $17
  • Private Transfer/Tours to/from Montego Bay: $60
  • Private Transfer to Dunns River Blue Hole Tubing from Montego Bay: $110
  • Private Transfer to Dunn's River Falls and Blue Hole: $110

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Halifax

Also for Halifax, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Halifax Stanfield Airport YHZ: $85

Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Halifax?

Prices for flights to both Halifax 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
    Halifax $54

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

Typical Food Prices in Halifax

For Halifax, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Bluenose II Restaurant
    $45

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Halifax

For Halifax, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Peggy's Cove Small Group Night Tour with Dinner: $157

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Montego Bay $31
    Halifax $28
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:

  • Black River Day Adventure Tour: $92
  • Dunn’s River Secret falls with Horse-back&Bamboo Raft Experience: $125
  • Falmouth Mystic from Montego Bay Luminous Lagoon Night Tour: $90
  • Luminous Lagoon Glow in the Dark Boat Tour from Montego Bay: $65
  • Luminous Lagoon Night Tour from Montego Bay: $118
  • Private Dolphin Cove Adventure : $250
  • 1 Hour Horse Back Riding & Dunn's River Falls Tour Combo: $240
  • 3 Hours Private Highlights Tour & Shopping in Montego Bay Jamaica: $100
  • 3 Hours Private Tour in Montego Bay From Falmouth: $75
  • 7 Mile Beach & Ricks Cafe with free Shopping experience: $50
  • ATV Adventure and Rick's Cafe Tour with Transportation: $238
  • ATV Jungle Safari Tour from Montego Bay: $125

Tours and Activities in Halifax

For Halifax, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 Admission & Tour: $14
  • Georges Island National Historic Site Ferry Ticket: $16
  • Happy Hour Cruise with Live Music: $21
  • Guided Kayak Tour with Multiple Options: $29
  • Halifax Sunset Cruise Aboard the Tall Ship Silva: $33
  • Best of Halifax Harbour Tour: $40
  • Party Cruise on the Harbour Queen: $42
  • 50-Minute Boat Tour of the Harbour: $42
  • Tall Ship Harbor Sailing Cruise with Live Music: $42
  • Harbour Hopper City & Water Cruise in a Duck Boat: $56
  • Signature Adventure Sail: $56
  • Solar Waterfront Food/Drink Party Bike Experience: $57

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Montego Bay $13
    Halifax $15

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 Halifax

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Halifax:

  • Nova Scotia Annapolis Valley Wine Tour Lead by a Sommelier: $168


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montego Bay and Halifax, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is Halifax much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Montego Bay is in Caribbean Islands and Halifax 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 Halifax would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Halifax 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 Halifax.

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 Halifax Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Halifax?

Halifax has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Halifax, 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 Halifax?

Halifax 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 Halifax in the Summer?

Both Halifax and Montego Bay during the summer 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 summer months attract visitors to Halifax because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Montego Bay is generally much warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 28°C (82°F), and Halifax fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Halifax, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. In the summer, Montego Bay often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Montego Bay gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 230 hours of full sun.

Montego Bay usually gets less rain in July than Halifax. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Montego Bay 28°C (82°F) 
    Halifax 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Halifax in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Halifax. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Furthermore, the shopping scene are the main draw to Halifax this time of year.

Montego Bay is much warmer than Halifax in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Halifax fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montego Bay usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during autumn. Montego Bay gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Halifax receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Montego Bay gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Halifax. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Montego Bay 27°C (81°F) 
    Halifax 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Halifax in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Halifax. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Halifax for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Halifax. In the winter, Montego Bay is much warmer than Halifax. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montego Bay in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Halifax averages at about -4°C (24°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montego Bay this time of the year. In the winter, Montego Bay often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Montego Bay gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 111 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Halifax. Montego Bay usually gets less rain in January than Halifax. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Montego Bay 24°C (75°F) 
    Halifax -4°C (24°F)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Halifax in the Spring?

Both Halifax and Montego Bay are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montego Bay throughout the year.

Halifax can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Montego Bay is generally much warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 25°C (77°F), and Halifax fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during spring. Montego Bay gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Halifax. In April, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Halifax. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Montego Bay 25°C (77°F) 
    Halifax 4°C (39°F)

Typical Weather for Halifax and Montego Bay

Montego Bay Halifax
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) -4°C (24°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) -5°C (24°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) -1°C (31°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Apr 25°C (77°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 4°C (39°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 26°C (79°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 15°C (58°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 10°C (49°F) 121 mm (4.7 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 5°C (40°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) -1°C (29°F) 152 mm (6 in)