Which place is cheaper, Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island?
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 Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island?
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.
Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head, also called Hilton Head Island, is primarily a resort and beach town off the coast of South Carolina. Located on a barrier island, the place is best known for its beaches and golf courses overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.
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Montego Bay Prices
Jamaica PricesHilton Head Island Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontego Bay $255Hilton Head Island $287
The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $255, while the average daily cost in Hilton Head Island is $287. 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 Hilton Head Island in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontego Bay $100Hilton Head Island $129
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontego Bay $200Hilton Head Island $258
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Hilton Head Island
Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Hilton Head Island? 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 Hilton Head Island Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montego Bay $14Hilton Head Island $34
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Hilton Head Island?
Prices for flights to both Hilton Head Island 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 $139Hilton Head Island $105
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 Hilton Head Island
For Hilton Head Island, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hilton Head Sunset Dinner Cruise: $106
- Sunset Dinner Cruise: $106
- Hibachi Dinner Cruise: $117
- Lowcountry Boil Dinner Cruise: $118
- Sunset Hibachi Dinner Cruise : $128
- Lowcountry Boil Dinner Cruise on Hilton Head: $148
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montego Bay $31Hilton Head Island $23
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:
- 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 Hilton Head Island
For Hilton Head Island, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Tybee Island Ghost Tour: $30
- Historic Tour of Tybee Island: $35
- Walking Tour in Beaufort: $35
- 90-Minute Dolphin & Nature Tour: $35
- Beaufort City Minibus Tour: $37
- History and Movie Tour of Beaufort by Golf Cart: $38
- #1 Historical Horse Drawn Carriage Tour: $38
- Hilton Head Island Ocean Dolphin Cruise: $38
- Tybee Island Bike Tour: $39
- Beaufort’s #1 Horse & Carriage History Tour: $39
- Daytime Dolphin Watching Boat Tour: $40
- Hilton Head Island Dolphin Boat Cruise: $40
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontego Bay $13Hilton Head Island $26
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 Hilton Head Island
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Hilton Head Island:
- Hilton Head's ONLY Distillery Experience: $55
When comparing the travel costs between Montego Bay and Hilton Head Island, we can see that Hilton Head Island is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Montego Bay is in Caribbean Islands and Hilton Head Island is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
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 Hilton Head Island Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Hilton Head Island?
Montego Bay has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Hilton Head Island. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Hilton Head Island, 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 Hilton Head Island?
Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island in the Summer?
Both Hilton Head Island 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, most visitors come to Hilton Head Island for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Montego Bay is around the same temperature as Hilton Head Island. Typically, the summer temperatures in Montego Bay in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Hilton Head Island averages at about 82°F (28°C).
In Hilton Head Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. In the summer, Montego Bay often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hilton Head Island. Montego Bay gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilton Head Island receives 267 hours of full sun.
Hilton Head Island gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Montego Bay usually gets less rain in July than Hilton Head Island. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMontego Bay 28°C (82°F)Hilton Head Island 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Hilton Head Island in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Hilton Head Island. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Hilton Head Island because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Montego Bay is generally a little warmer than Hilton Head Island. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 27°C (81°F), and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hilton Head Island this time of the year. In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montego Bay usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hilton Head Island during autumn. Montego Bay gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Hilton Head Island receives 223 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Montego Bay gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Hilton Head Island. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMontego Bay 27°C (81°F)Hilton Head Island 68°F (20°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Hilton Head Island in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Hilton Head Island. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Hilton Head Island this time of year.
Montego Bay is much warmer than Hilton Head Island in the winter. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).
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 Hilton Head Island. Montego Bay gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilton Head Island receives 176 hours of full sun.
Montego Bay usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Hilton Head Island. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMontego Bay 24°C (75°F)Hilton Head Island 48°F (9°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Hilton Head Island in the Spring?
Both Hilton Head Island 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. Also, many travelers come to Hilton Head Island for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Montego Bay is a little warmer than Hilton Head Island. Typically, the spring temperatures in Montego Bay in April average around 25°C (77°F), and Hilton Head Island averages at about 67°F (19°C).
It's quite sunny in Hilton Head Island. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually receives less sunshine than Hilton Head Island during spring. Montego Bay gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Hilton Head Island receives 275 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Hilton Head Island. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMontego Bay 25°C (77°F)Hilton Head Island 67°F (19°C)
Typical Weather for Hilton Head Island and Montego Bay
| Montego Bay | Hilton Head Island | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 48°F (9°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 52°F (11°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 58°F (15°C) | 4.4 inches (112 mm) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 67°F (19°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 80°F (26°C) | 5.9 inches (150 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 7.9 inches (200 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 6.5 inches (164 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 5.6 inches (141 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 52°F (11°C) | 3.3 inches (83 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.