Which place is cheaper, Providence 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 Providence?
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 Providence 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 Providence?
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.
Providence
Providence is the state capital and the largest city in Rhode Island. It's a fascinating city to visit with diverse neighborhoods, beautiful parks, and a rich history. Like much of New England, the winters are cold and snowy with milder summers. It's a great year round destination that has a beautiful setting whether it's covered in snow or in full bloom.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.
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Montego Bay Prices
Jamaica PricesProvidence Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontego Bay $255Providence $245
The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $255, while the average daily cost in Providence is $245. 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 Providence in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontego Bay $100Providence $114
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontego Bay $200Providence $228
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Providence
Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Providence? 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 Providence Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montego Bay $14Providence $46
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 Providence
Also for Providence, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Airport Transfer TO/FROM Providence TF Green Airport PVD: $32
- Providence to Rhode Island Airport PVD Departure Transfer : $40
- T. F. Green State Airport (PVD) to Providence – Arrival Private Transfer : $40
- Providence to Boston Airport (BOS) - Departure Private Transfer: $69
- T. F. Green State Airport (PVD) to Providence - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $81
- Private Transfer from Providence Airport (PVD) to Newport Port : $125
- Private Transfer from Providence City Hotels to Newport Port: $133
Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Providence?
Prices for flights to both Providence 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 $139Providence $82
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 Providence
For Providence, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Downcity Providence Food Tour: $99
- Federal Hill Dinner Stroll A Guided Italian Culinary Experience: $150
- Federal Hill Dinner Stroll with Italian Dinner: $150
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montego Bay $31Providence $26
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 Providence
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Providence.
- Providence Downtown and Brown Self Guided App GPS Walking Tour: $9.75
- Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt: Providence Adventure: $12
- Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Providence RI: $15
- Providence Ghost Tours: Phantoms, Poltergeists, & Pestilence: $24
- Dark Tales: The Haunted Authors of Providence Tour: $30
- Voices of Resilience: Hidden History of Providence Tour: $30
- The Creative Capital: An Art and Architecture Tour of Providence: $30
- Benefit Street History Guided Walking Tour: $30
- Parasols and Pocket Watches: A History Tour: $30
- Haunted History Walking Tour of Providence: $30
- Providence Ghost Tours: Phantoms, Poltergeists, & Pestilence: $32
- Dark Tales: Haunted Authors of Providence Tour: $35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontego Bay $13Providence $13
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
When comparing the travel costs between Montego Bay and Providence, 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. Even though Montego Bay is in Caribbean Islands and Providence 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 Providence Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Providence?
Providence has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Providence, 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 Providence?
Providence 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 Providence in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Providence. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Providence for the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Montego Bay is a little warmer than Providence. Typically, the summer temperatures in Montego Bay in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Providence averages at about 73°F (23°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Providence. 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 Providence. Montego Bay gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 293 hours of full sun.
Montego Bay usually gets less rain in July than Providence. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Providence receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMontego Bay 28°C (82°F)Providence 73°F (23°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Providence in the Autumn?
Both Providence 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 visitors come to Providence in the autumn for the shopping scene.
In October, Montego Bay is generally much warmer than Providence. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 27°C (81°F), and Providence fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).
It's quite sunny in Providence. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually receives more sunshine than Providence during autumn. Montego Bay gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Montego Bay. In October, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Providence. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Providence receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMontego Bay 27°C (81°F)Providence 53°F (12°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Providence in the Winter?
Both Providence 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, most visitors come to Providence for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Providence can be very cold during winter. Montego Bay is much warmer than Providence in the winter. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Providence fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).
It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. In the winter, Montego Bay often gets more sunshine than Providence. Montego Bay gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 170 hours of full sun.
Montego Bay usually gets less rain in January than Providence. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Providence receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMontego Bay 24°C (75°F)Providence 28°F (-2°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Providence in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Providence. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round.
In the spring, Montego Bay is much warmer than Providence. Typically, the spring temperatures in Montego Bay in April average around 25°C (77°F), and Providence averages at about 48°F (9°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Providence 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 Providence during spring. Montego Bay gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Providence. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Providence receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMontego Bay 25°C (77°F)Providence 48°F (9°C)
Typical Weather for Providence and Montego Bay
| Montego Bay | Providence | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 28°F (-2°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 30°F (-1°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 38°F (3°C) | 4 inches (101 mm) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 48°F (9°C) | 3.7 inches (94 mm) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 58°F (15°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 67°F (20°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 53°F (12°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 44°F (7°C) | 4.5 inches (115 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 33°F (0°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.