A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Montego Bay vs. Saint Petersburg for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Montego Bay or Saint Petersburg?

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 Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg?

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.

Saint Petersburg

Located at the base of the Tampa Bay peninsula of Florida, Saint Petersburg is a city known for its pleasant weather, coastal activities, and downtown arts scene. Nicknamed the "Sunshine City," Saint Petersburg is also a popular location for golfing, boating, fishing and beachgoing in addition to the usual entertainment options to be found in a thriving city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Saint Petersburg 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.

  • Montego Bay Prices
    Jamaica Prices
    Saint Petersburg Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Montego Bay $255
    Saint Petersburg $239

The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $255, while the average daily cost in Saint Petersburg is $239. 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 Saint Petersburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Montego Bay $100
    Saint Petersburg $127
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Montego Bay $200
    Saint Petersburg $254
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Saint Petersburg

Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Saint Petersburg? 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.

Hotels in Montego Bay


Hotels in Saint Petersburg


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 Saint Petersburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Montego Bay $14
    Saint Petersburg $47

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
  • Mercedes Benz Sprinter Airport Transfer: $300
  • Chevy Suburban Montego Bay Airport Transfer: $300
  • Club Night Life Round-Trip Private Transfer in Montego Bay : $300
  • Private Transfer from Montego Bay Airport To Ocho Rios: $267
  • Ocho Rios Hotels / Resort - Airport Transfers: $267
  • Private Transfer from Montego Bay Airport to Negril (Round Trip): $225
  • Private Transfer To/From Montego Bay & Airport MBJ Across Jamaica: $215
  • Luxury Montego Bay Airport Transfers – Reliable & Affordable: $200
  • Iberostar Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Roundtrip): $200
  • Catamaran Cruise with Snorkeling & Private Transfer Montego Bay: $200
  • Private Airport Transfers To and From Kingston (KIN) Airport: $200

Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Saint Petersburg?

Prices for flights to both Saint Petersburg 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 day
    Montego Bay $139
    Saint Petersburg $84

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 Saint Petersburg

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Saint Petersburg:


  • Burger Dinner (for 2)
    $20
  • Indian Food Dinner (for 2)
    $37
  • Gelato (for 2)
    $8.00
  • Breakfast at Piper's Patio (for 2)
    $17

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Montego Bay $31
    Saint Petersburg $13
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:

  • 2 Days Of Blue Hole, Dunns River Falls & Hidden Beauty Adventure: $180
  • ATV Adventure to Seven Mile Beach and Ricks Cafe: $220
  • Bioluminescence Lagoon Tour from Montego Bay with Pick Up: $105
  • Black River Day Adventure Tour: $92
  • Bob Marley Nine Mile and Dunn's River Falls Tour From Montego Bay : $300
  • Dirt Adventure ATV from Montego Bay: $160
  • Dunn’s River Secret falls with Horse-back&Bamboo Raft Experience: $125
  • Falmouth Mystic from Montego Bay Luminous Lagoon Night Tour: $90
  • Falmouth to Bob Marley Nine Miles and Dunns River Falls Tour : $250
  • Floyds Pelican Bar Private Tour : $155
  • Green Grotto Cave Private Tour: $115
  • Horseback Riding and Tour from Montego Bay : $230

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Montego Bay $13
    Saint Petersburg $41

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


When comparing the travel costs between Montego Bay and Saint Petersburg, 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 Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Saint Petersburg?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Saint Petersburg, 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 Saint Petersburg?

Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Saint Petersburg. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Montego Bay is generally around the same temperature as Saint Petersburg. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 28°C (82°F), and Saint Petersburg fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montego Bay this time of the year. In the summer, Montego Bay often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Petersburg. Montego Bay gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Petersburg receives 265 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Saint Petersburg. Montego Bay usually gets less rain in July than Saint Petersburg. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Montego Bay 28°C (82°F) 
    Saint Petersburg 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Saint Petersburg in the Autumn?

Both Saint Petersburg 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 autumn months attract visitors to Saint Petersburg because of the shopping scene.

Montego Bay is a little warmer than Saint Petersburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Saint Petersburg fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. 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 Saint Petersburg during autumn. Montego Bay gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Petersburg receives 234 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Montego Bay. In October, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Saint Petersburg. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Saint Petersburg is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Montego Bay 27°C (81°F) 
    Saint Petersburg 76°F (24°C)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Saint Petersburg in the Winter?

Both Saint Petersburg 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. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year.

In the winter, Montego Bay is much warmer than Saint Petersburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montego Bay in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Saint Petersburg averages at about 59°F (15°C).

In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. In the winter, Montego Bay often gets more sunshine than Saint Petersburg. Montego Bay gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Petersburg receives 200 hours of full sun.

Montego Bay usually gets more rain in January than Saint Petersburg. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Montego Bay 24°C (75°F) 
    Saint Petersburg 59°F (15°C)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Saint Petersburg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Saint Petersburg. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Also, many travelers come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches.

In April, Montego Bay is generally a little warmer than Saint Petersburg. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 25°C (77°F), and Saint Petersburg fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Petersburg this time of the year. In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montego Bay usually receives less sunshine than Saint Petersburg during spring. Montego Bay gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Petersburg receives 299 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Saint Petersburg. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Montego Bay 25°C (77°F) 
    Saint Petersburg 73°F (23°C)

Typical Weather for Saint Petersburg and Montego Bay

Montego Bay Saint Petersburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 59°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 62°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 67°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Apr 25°C (77°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 73°F (23°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
May 26°C (79°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 78°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 69°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)