Which place is cheaper, Ketchikan 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.
Jump to 
Should you visit Montego Bay or Ketchikan?
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 Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan?
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.
Ketchikan
Ketchikan, Alaska is located at the southern end of the well-known Alaskan inside passage. It is often called the beginning of the last frontier, because of it's location near the southern entrance of Alaska. It is a beautiful and quaint town, that leaves you feeling like you may have gone back in time with its storefront lined streets and natural beauty. Ketchikan has been called some of the most beautifully stunning wilderness area in the world. It is known as the Salmon Capital of the World due to the superior century old fishing industry in the area. The Native Culture in Ketchikan is extremely rich and it is home to the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian tribes. The nearby Tongass rainforest provides red cedar trees for the popular totem poles, which are abundant in the area.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.
-
Montego Bay Prices
Jamaica PricesKetchikan Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontego Bay $255Ketchikan $259
The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $255, while the average daily cost in Ketchikan is $259. 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 Ketchikan in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontego Bay $100Ketchikan $136
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontego Bay $200Ketchikan $272
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Ketchikan
Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Ketchikan? 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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montego Bay $14Ketchikan $39
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ketchikan
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Ketchikan are as follows:
-
Bus Ride$1.00
Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Ketchikan?
Prices for flights to both Ketchikan 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 dayMontego Bay $139Ketchikan $92
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 Ketchikan
Some typical examples of dining costs in Ketchikan are as follows:
-
Slice of Pie & Drink$5.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ketchikan
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ketchikan.
- Alaskan Salmon Cooking Class & Dining Experience: $179
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montego Bay $31Ketchikan $46
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:
- 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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ketchikan
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Ketchikan are as follows:
-
Ticket to Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show$35
-
Duck Tour (one person)$38
-
Bear Viewing Tour$83
Tours and Activities in Ketchikan
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ketchikan are as follows:
- Ghost Walk Guided Tour: $35
- City Highlights Totem Parks and Sightseeing: $59
- Beautiful Totem Bight State Park and Rainforest Walking Tour: $75
- Ketchikan Duck Tour: $75
- Ketchikan, Alaska Native Cultural and Wildlife Adventure: $80
- Totem Pole, Wildlife & City Trolley Tour: $85
- From Potlatch Totem Park and Herring Cove Tour: $85
- 2.5 Hour Tour in Ketchikan on the Tongass Trolley: $85
- Clarke's Custom Island Tour (up to 11 guests): $90
- Wild Wolf Tour - 2 Hr: $92
- Fish Tales & Ales - 90 minute Historical Walking Tour of Fishing Fleet and Bars: $95
- 2 Hour Alaska Rainforest Walk and Totem Park Small Group Tour: $95
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontego Bay $13Ketchikan $23
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 Ketchikan
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Ketchikan:
- Distillery Tour and Signature Bottle Infusion Experience: $149
- Distillery Tour with Infusion Class: $161
When comparing the travel costs between Montego Bay and Ketchikan, we can see that Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Ketchikan?
Montego Bay has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Ketchikan. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Ketchikan, 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 Ketchikan?
Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan in the Summer?
Both Ketchikan 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, most visitors come to Ketchikan for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Montego Bay is generally much warmer than Ketchikan. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 28°C (82°F), and Ketchikan fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Ketchikan. In July, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 7.6 inches (193 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyMontego Bay 28°C (82°F)Ketchikan 58°F (15°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Ketchikan in the Autumn?
Both Ketchikan 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, the autumn months attract visitors to Ketchikan because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
Montego Bay is much warmer than Ketchikan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Ketchikan fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).
Ketchikan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually gets less rain in October than Ketchikan. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 22.9 inches (581 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMontego Bay 27°C (81°F)Ketchikan 46°F (8°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Ketchikan in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Ketchikan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ketchikan this time of year.
It's quite cold in Ketchikan in the winter. In the winter, Montego Bay is much warmer than Ketchikan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montego Bay in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Ketchikan averages at about 34°F (1°C).
Ketchikan receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 14.9 inches (379 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMontego Bay 24°C (75°F)Ketchikan 34°F (1°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Ketchikan in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Ketchikan. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Ketchikan for the small town charm and the natural beauty.
In April, Montego Bay is generally much warmer than Ketchikan. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 25°C (77°F), and Ketchikan fluctuates around 44°F (6°C).
It's quite rainy in Ketchikan. Montego Bay usually gets less rain in April than Ketchikan. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 11.3 inches (286 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilMontego Bay 25°C (77°F)Ketchikan 44°F (6°C)
Typical Weather for Ketchikan and Montego Bay
| Montego Bay | Ketchikan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 34°F (1°C) | 14.9 inches (379 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 38°F (3°C) | 13.2 inches (335 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 39°F (4°C) | 10.6 inches (270 mm) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 44°F (6°C) | 11.3 inches (286 mm) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 49°F (9°C) | 9.3 inches (237 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 8.2 inches (209 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 58°F (15°C) | 7.6 inches (193 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 11.1 inches (281 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 13.2 inches (335 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 46°F (8°C) | 22.9 inches (581 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 40°F (4°C) | 17.3 inches (441 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 36°F (2°C) | 15.7 inches (398 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.