Which place is cheaper, Memphis 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 Memphis?
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 Memphis 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 Memphis?
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.
Memphis
Located on the banks of the Mississippi River in southwest Tennessee, Memphis is a city famous for the blues, soul, and Rock 'n' Roll music that originated there. There are a number of museums and historic landmarks like Elvis Presley's Graceland dedicated to that history, while areas of the city like Beale Street keep the musical culture alive today with a vibrant scene of bars, restaurants, and live music.
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 PricesMemphis Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontego Bay $255Memphis $199
The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $255, while the average daily cost in Memphis is $199. 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 Memphis in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontego Bay $100Memphis $84
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontego Bay $200Memphis $168
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Memphis
Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Memphis? 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 Memphis Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montego Bay $14Memphis $59
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- Kingston: One Way Private Transfer to Montego Bay Airport: $319
- Private Airport Transfers To and From Kingston (KIN) Airport: $200
- Horseback Ride/Swim and Blue Hole Falls Daytrip with Transfers: $190
- Green Grato Caves and Dunns River Falls with Private Transfer : $180
- Riu Resorts Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Roundtrip): $169
- Private Martha Brae Bamboo Rafting Tour with Private Transfer: $135
- Club Mobay VIP Lounge Access and Round-Trip Airport Transfer: $113
- Private Transfer to Dunns River Blue Hole Tubing from Montego Bay: $110
- Private Transfer to Dunn's River Falls and Blue Hole: $110
- Experience Jamaica Private Tour with Airport Transfer: $100
- Airport Transfer Service In Montego bay: $95
- Sandals South Coast Airport Transfer: $80
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Memphis
Also for Memphis, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Memphis Airport Transfers: $60
- Private Departure Transfer to Memphis Airport MEM: $72
- Private Arrival Transfer from Memphis Airport MEM: $72
- Memphis Airport (MEM) to Memphis City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $171
Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Memphis?
Prices for flights to both Memphis 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 $139Memphis $74
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 Memphis
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Memphis:
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Baskin Robins (for 2)$6.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Memphis
For Memphis, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Taste of Downtown Memphis Food Tour: $75
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montego Bay $31Memphis $45
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 Memphis
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Memphis.
- Memphis Grizzlies Basketball Game Ticket: $3.27
- Memphis Grizzlies Basketball Game Ticket at FedExForum: $3.36
- Beale Street Experience Audio App Self Guided Walking Tour: $7.75
- Memphis Music Hall of Fame Admission Ticket: $8.00
- Memphis Civil Rights Smartphone Guided Walking Tour: $9.75
- Entry Ticket to the Edge Motor Museum: $10
- Memphis Botanic Garden Entry Ticket: $12
- A Self Guided Walking Tour of Brews, Blues and BBQ in Memphis: $15
- Woodruff-Fontaine House Museum Admission Ticket in Memphis: $15
- Memphis Self Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
- 1-Hour Beale Street Guided Walking Tour: $22
- Beale Street Guided Walking Tour: $22
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontego Bay $13Memphis $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 Memphis
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Memphis:
- Drinking Spirits with Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $27
- Haunted Pub Crawl in Memphis: $31
- Guided Bar Crawl on a Pedal Bike: $40
- Memphis Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $69
- Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $69
- #1 Way To See Beale Street, Bar Crawl and Murals: $430
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montego Bay and Memphis, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is Memphis much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Montego Bay is in Caribbean Islands and Memphis 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 Memphis would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Memphis 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 Memphis.
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 Memphis Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Memphis?
Memphis has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Memphis, 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 Memphis?
Memphis 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 Memphis in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Memphis. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Memphis because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Montego Bay is around the same temperature as Memphis. Typically, the summer temperatures in Montego Bay in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Memphis averages at about 83°F (29°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Memphis. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montego Bay this time of the year. In the summer, Montego Bay often gets less sunshine than Memphis. Montego Bay gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 328 hours of full sun.
Montego Bay usually gets less rain in July than Memphis. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMontego Bay 28°C (82°F)Memphis 83°F (29°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Memphis in the Autumn?
Both Memphis and Montego Bay are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montego Bay throughout the year. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Memphis this time of year.
In October, Montego Bay is generally a little warmer than Memphis. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 27°C (81°F), and Memphis fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).
It's quite sunny in Memphis. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Memphis during autumn. Montego Bay gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 240 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Montego Bay. In October, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Memphis. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Memphis receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMontego Bay 27°C (81°F)Memphis 64°F (18°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Memphis in the Winter?
Both Memphis and Montego Bay during the winter 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, many travelers come to Memphis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Memphis. Montego Bay is much warmer than Memphis in the winter. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Memphis fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).
It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. In the winter, Montego Bay often gets more sunshine than Memphis. Montego Bay gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 163 hours of full sun.
Montego Bay usually gets more rain in January than Memphis. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMontego Bay 24°C (75°F)Memphis 40°F (5°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Memphis in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Memphis. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Memphis in the spring for the activities around the city.
In the spring, Montego Bay is a little warmer than Memphis. Typically, the spring temperatures in Montego Bay in April average around 25°C (77°F), and Memphis averages at about 64°F (18°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Memphis this time of the year. In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montego Bay usually receives less sunshine than Memphis during spring. Montego Bay gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 254 hours of full sun in the spring.
Memphis receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Memphis. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Memphis receives 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMontego Bay 25°C (77°F)Memphis 64°F (18°C)
Typical Weather for Memphis and Montego Bay
| Montego Bay | Memphis | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 40°F (5°C) | 2.4 inches (62 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 45°F (7°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 4.2 inches (106 mm) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 4.3 inches (109 mm) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 80°F (27°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 83°F (29°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 1.6 inches (41 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 44°F (7°C) | 4.1 inches (105 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.