Which place is cheaper, Phoenix 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 Phoenix?
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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix?
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.
Phoenix
The most populous city in the American Southwest, Phoenix is the capital city of Arizona and busiest hub of activity in the general area. Geographically it is located in the Sonoran Desert, making for long hot summers and mild winters. This climate has ensured a thriving tourism industry with plenty of attractions both in and around Phoenix.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City.
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Montego Bay Prices
Jamaica PricesPhoenix Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontego Bay $255Phoenix $276
The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $255, while the average daily cost in Phoenix is $276. 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 Phoenix in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontego Bay $100Phoenix $144
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontego Bay $200Phoenix $288
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Phoenix
Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Phoenix? 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 Phoenix Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montego Bay $14Phoenix $39
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 Phoenix
Also for Phoenix, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Tesla Transfer from Phoenix Airport to all Hotels : $51
- One Way Airport Transfer Service: $68
- Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) Private Transfer: $80
- Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) to Phoenix - Arrival Private Transfer: $84
- Phoenix to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) - Departure Private Transfer: $84
- One-Way Transfer Sky Harbor Airport to Phoenix: $104
- Arrival Private Transfer Phoenix Airport PHX to Phoenix City : $106
- Private Transfer from Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Business Car: $107
- Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Business Car: $107
- Private Transfer Phoenix Airport PHX to Phoenix Downtown / Hotels: $110
- Private Transfer: Phoenix Airport PHX to Scottsdale by Sedan Car: $125
- Private Transfer: Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix by Luxury SUV: $129
Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Phoenix?
Prices for flights to both Phoenix 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 $139Phoenix $90
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 Phoenix
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Phoenix:
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Nice Lunch (for 2)$36
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Indian Food Dinner (for 2)$32
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phoenix
For Phoenix, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Wine Bar in Phoenix: $75
- Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery in Phoenix: $75
- Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Wine Bar: $75
- Secret Food Tours Phoenix: $92
- Phoenix Food Tour on Trendy Roosevelt Row with 7 Food Tastings: $95
- Old Town Scottsdale Food Tour: $95
- Scottsdale Waterfront Food Tour: $95
- Downtown Phoenix Food Tour: $95
- Scottsdale Old Town Food Tour of Hidden Gems with 6 Food Tastings: $105
- Sunset at Desert Botanical Garden: Dinner & Walking Tour : $135
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montego Bay $31Phoenix $40
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 Phoenix
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Phoenix.
- Old Town Scottsdale's Art District: A Self-Guided Tour: $9.99
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Scottsdale by Operation City Quest: $10
- Phoenix Suns Basketball Game Ticket: $10
- Scottsdale Audio Tour Adventure: $15
- SEA LIFE Aquarium Arizona Admission Ticket: $18
- Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting Entry Ticket: $19
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Mesa by Zombie Scavengers: $20
- RoRo Street Art Walking Tour: $25
- Historic Walking Tour: $25
- Wings of Fire & Whispers of the Desert Phoenix Ghost Tours: $27
- Ultimate Phoenix Historic Walking Tour: $28
- Drunk Shakespeare Ticket: Phoenix, AZ: $29
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontego Bay $13Phoenix $17
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 Phoenix
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Phoenix:
- Phoenix Bar Crawl: $15
- Halloween Party Bike Bar Crawl in Old Town Scottsdale: $59
- Old Town Scottsdale Halloween Party Bike Bar Crawl : $69
- Pedal Bar Crawl Tour of Downtown Phoenix: $70
- Pedal Bar Crawl of Old Town Scottsdale: $70
- Make Alfredo Pasta at a Local Brewery in Phoenix: $75
- Stretch Limo Party Cart - Custom Bar Crawls, Wine Tastings, Night Clubs & More: $189
- Ultimate Bachelorette Party-Wine Tasting From Scottsdale/Phoenix: $200
When comparing the travel costs between Montego Bay and Phoenix, we can see that Phoenix 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Phoenix?
Phoenix has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Phoenix, 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 Phoenix?
Phoenix 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 Phoenix in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Phoenix. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Phoenix this time of year.
Phoenix can become quite hot in the summer. In the summer, Montego Bay is cooler than Phoenix. Typically, the summer temperatures in Montego Bay in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Phoenix averages at about 98°F (36°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phoenix. 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 Phoenix. Montego Bay gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 380 hours of full sun.
Montego Bay usually gets more rain in July than Phoenix. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMontego Bay 28°C (82°F)Phoenix 98°F (36°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Phoenix in the Autumn?
Both Phoenix 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, many travelers come to Phoenix for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
In October, Montego Bay is generally around the same temperature as Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 27°C (81°F), and Phoenix fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).
It's quite sunny in Phoenix. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during autumn. Montego Bay gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 305 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Montego Bay. In October, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMontego Bay 27°C (81°F)Phoenix 79°F (26°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Phoenix in the Winter?
Both Phoenix 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 visitors come to Phoenix in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Montego Bay is much warmer than Phoenix in the winter. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Phoenix fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).
In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. In the winter, Montego Bay often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Montego Bay gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 254 hours of full sun.
Montego Bay usually gets more rain in January than Phoenix. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMontego Bay 24°C (75°F)Phoenix 58°F (14°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Phoenix in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Phoenix. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round.
In the spring, Montego Bay is around the same temperature as Phoenix. Typically, the spring temperatures in Montego Bay in April average around 25°C (77°F), and Phoenix averages at about 74°F (23°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montego Bay usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during spring. Montego Bay gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 355 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMontego Bay 25°C (77°F)Phoenix 74°F (23°C)
Typical Weather for Phoenix and Montego Bay
| Montego Bay | Phoenix | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 58°F (14°C) | 0.7 inches (17 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.7 inches (17 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 0.9 inches (22 mm) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 83°F (28°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 92°F (34°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 98°F (36°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 96°F (35°C) | 0.9 inches (24 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 90°F (32°C) | 0.9 inches (22 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 79°F (26°C) | 0.7 inches (17 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 58°F (15°C) | 1 inches (25 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.