Which place is cheaper, Nassau 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 Nassau?
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 Nassau 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 Nassau?
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.
Nassau
There are few vacation destinations more famous than the Bahamian city of Nassau. This capital city is full of laid back locals, relaxed tourists and the iconic pastel pink government houses.
As the largest city in the Bahamas, Nassau can hold plenty of people. Not only are there hundreds of tourists on any given day, the city is also home to 260,000 people – that is 80 percent of the Bahamas' total population.
Founded around 1650, Nassau's location made it a great spot on the trade route. So great, in fact, that it also became a popular destination for pirates – including the infamous Blackbeard.
Pack light because it's going to be pretty steamy in Nassau. The climate is essentially identical to southern Florida. It is warm and humid all year with the occasional cold snap in the winter.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Bahamas, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Bahamas.
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Montego Bay Prices
Jamaica PricesNassau Prices
Bahamas Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontego Bay $255Nassau $226
The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $255, while the average daily cost in Nassau is $226. 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 Nassau in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontego Bay $100Nassau $108
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontego Bay $200Nassau $216
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Nassau
Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Nassau? 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 Nassau Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montego Bay $14Nassau $32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- Private Airport transfer Montego Bay: $12
- Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Montego Bay and Falmouth Hotels : $16
- Montego Bay Jamaica Airport/ Port Transfers to Montego Bay Hotels: $16
- Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Hotels in Montego Bay or Falmouth: $16
- Private Montego Bay Jamaica Airport Transfer to Montego Bay Hotel: $16
- Sangster Airport Montego Bay Transfer to Montego Bay or Falmouth: $16
- Private Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Montego Bay Hotels: $16
- Private airport transfer to negril resorts arrival/departure: $17
- Private Airport Transfer Montego Bay: $20
- Private Airport Transfer to Hotels in Montego Bay: $20
- Montego Bay Airport Transfer: $20
- Private Montego Bay Airport transfer to Falmouth Trelawny : $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nassau
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Nassau are as follows:
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Water Taxi$7.99
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Taxi to Cable Beach$25
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Taxi from Airport$30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nassau
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nassau:
- NAS Airport to City Centre|Hotels Private Transfer: $28
- Private One-Way Transfer from Lynden Airport to Bahamas: $45
- Nassau City Escape Transfer (One Way): $50
- Nassau Cruise Port to Nassau hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $51
- Nassau cruise port to Nassau Airport (NAS) - Departure Transfer: $51
- Nassau city to Nassau Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $51
- Airport Transfers : $58
- One Way Private Airport Transfer for 4 People or Less: $65
- Nassau Airport (NAS) to Nassau hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $84
- Nassau Airport (NAS) to Nassau cruise port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $103
- Nassau Cruise Port to Nassau hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $103
- Private Nassau Airport and Port Transfer (1 way): $107
Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Nassau?
Prices for flights to both Nassau 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 $139Nassau $91
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 Nassau
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nassau.
- Conch Salad Cooking Lesson and Tasting in Nassau: $80
- Savor Old Nassau Dining Stroll by Tru Bahamian Food Tours: $116
- Nassau Sunset Dinner Cruise: $129
- Sunset Dinner Cruise: $129
- Dinner and Dancing: $130
- Authentic Bahamian Cooking Class: $135
- All Inclusive Sunset Dinner Cruise in Nassau Bahamas: $138
- Bahamian Cooking Class Lunch Experience by Tru Bahamian Food Tour: $140
- Saturday Bahamian Cooking Class in Downtown Nassau: $149
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montego Bay $31Nassau $37
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:
- Explore the Beauty of Montego Bay Nature Tour in Jamaica: $30
- Luminous Lagoon Admission Tickets: $40
- Jet Car Experience/ clear kayak photo shoot in Montego Bay: $40
- Jamaica Bamboo Rafting Experience with Lime Stone Massage: $50
- 7 Mile Beach & Ricks Cafe with free Shopping experience: $50
- Montego Bay Sight Seeing with Tour Guide : $50
- Luminous Lagoon Night Tour from Montego Bay: $54
- Bamboo Rafting Adventure with Limestone Massage from Montego Bay: $55
- Montego Bay & Falmouth Hotels, Souvenir Shopping and sightseeing: $60
- Private Tour in Dunns River Falls: $60
- Luminous Lagoon Glow in the Dark Boat Tour from Montego Bay: $65
- Private Montego Bay Customized Tour with Pickup and Guide: $65
Typical Entertainment Prices in Nassau
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Nassau are as follows:
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Jet Ski$50
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4 Hr Kayak Tour$70
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1/2 Day Snorkel Trip$75
Tours and Activities in Nassau
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Nassau are as follows:
- All New Tour with Seafood Snack Português & Español : $7.00
- Historical & Cultural Walking Tour: $10
- Champagne and Diamond Shopping Experience in Downtown, Bahamas: $25
- Group City Tour and Beach Experience from Cruise Port: $40
- Private Sightseeing in Fort Montagu with Crab and Seafood meal: $45
- Jekyll Island Dolphin Tours: $45
- Nassau City Tour: $46
- Big Bus Private Tour (minimum of 15): $50
- Electric Bus Tour with Food & Drink Samples: $50
- Banana Boat Adventure: $50
- Taste Tour and Capture Nassau Island Experience with Photos: $55
- Cultural Walking Tour of Downtown Nassau Attractions: $55
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontego Bay $13Nassau $19
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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Nassau
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Nassau are as follows:
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Cocktail$6.49
When comparing the travel costs between Montego Bay and Nassau, we can see that Montego Bay 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. Since both cities are in Caribbean Islands, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
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 Nassau Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Nassau?
Nassau has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Nassau, 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 Nassau?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Montego Bay or Nassau in the Summer?
Both Nassau 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. Plenty of visitors come to Nassau because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nassau. In July, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Nassau. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Nassau. 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 Nassau during summer. Montego Bay gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Nassau receives 273 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Montego Bay is generally around the same temperature as Nassau. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 28°C (82°F), and Nassau fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMontego Bay 28°C (82°F)Nassau 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Nassau in the Autumn?
Both Nassau 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round.
Nassau 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 Nassau. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Nassau, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. In the autumn, Montego Bay often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nassau. Montego Bay gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nassau receives 223 hours of full sun.
Montego Bay is around the same temperature as Nassau in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Nassau fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMontego Bay 27°C (81°F)Nassau 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Nassau in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Nassau. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Nassau. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nassau 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 Nassau during winter. Montego Bay gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Nassau receives 220 hours of full sun in the winter.
In the winter, Montego Bay is a little warmer than Nassau. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montego Bay in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Nassau averages at about 21°C (70°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMontego Bay 24°C (75°F)Nassau 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Nassau in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Nassau. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nassau throughout the year.
Montego Bay usually gets more rain in April than Nassau. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nassau. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montego Bay this time of the year. In the spring, Montego Bay often gets less sunshine than Nassau. Montego Bay gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nassau receives 276 hours of full sun.
In April, Montego Bay is generally around the same temperature as Nassau. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 25°C (77°F), and Nassau fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMontego Bay 25°C (77°F)Nassau 23°C (74°F)
Typical Weather for Nassau and Montego Bay
| Montego Bay | Nassau | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
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.