Which place is cheaper, Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons?
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 Simons 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 Simons?
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 Simons
Located just off the coast of southern Georgia, Saint Simons Island is the largest of the state’s renowned "Golden Isle's." Visitors are drawn to the Island for its warm climate, beaches, variety of outdoor activities, shops and restaurants, historical sites, and its natural environment. With most of the natural marsh and woodlands to the north and the commercial attractions centralized in the south, Saint Simons has a little taste of everything for all who come to see it.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.
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Montego Bay Prices
Jamaica PricesSaint Simons Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontego Bay $255Saint Simons $211
The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $255, while the average daily cost in Saint Simons is $211. 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 Simons in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontego Bay $100Saint Simons $100
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontego Bay $200Saint Simons $200
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Saint Simons
Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Saint Simons? 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 Saint Simons Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montego Bay $14Saint Simons $49
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- Airport Private Round Trip Transfer: $40
- Airport Transfer To Hotels in Negril : $88
- Airport Transfer To Secret Wild orchid/ST James Hotel : $60
- Airport Transfer to Montego Bay Hotels (Round-Trip): $54
- Airport Transfer to Ocho Rios Hotels (Round-Trip): $120
- Airport Transfers to Montego Bay Hotels – The Best in Jamaica!: $20
- MBJ Round Trip Private Airport Transfer to Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort : $36
- Montego Bay Hotels Private Airport Transfer: $20
- Montego Bay Private Transfer with Airport Pickup and Dropoff : $20
- Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios Areas Private Luxury Transfer: $179
- Private Airport Transfer To Jewel Grande Resort : $47
- Private Airport Transfers to/from Hotels in Montego Bay : $20
Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Saint Simons?
Prices for flights to both Saint Simons 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 $139Saint Simons $83
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montego Bay $31Saint Simons $16
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:
- Montego Bay Beach Day Experience: $20
- The Ultimate Montego Bay Night Life Experience: $25
- Montego Bay Cruise Ship Port Transportation Service : $26
- Montego Bay Shopping Private Tour: $26
- Lethe Rafting And Margaritaville Tour from Montego Bay : $30
- Skip the Line: Rose Hall Great House and Garden Tour Ticket: $30
- Great River Bamboo Rafting and Limestone Foot Massage Tour From Montego Bay: $30
- Doctors Cave Beach Roundtrip Tour in Montego Bay: $30
- Explore the Beauty of Montego Bay Nature Tour in Jamaica: $30
- Adventure and Activity Based Music and Nightlife and Nature: $30
- Ricks Cafe and Negril Seven Miles Beach Irie Tour: $35
- Private Shopping Tour in Montego Bay with Hotel Pickup: $35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontego Bay $13Saint Simons $60
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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montego Bay and Saint Simons, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is Saint Simons much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Montego Bay is in Caribbean Islands and Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons.
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 Simons Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Saint Simons?
Montego Bay has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Saint Simons. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Saint Simons, 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 Simons?
Saint Simons 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 Simons in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Saint Simons. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Also, many visitors come to Saint Simons in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Montego Bay is generally around the same temperature as Saint Simons. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 28°C (82°F), and Saint Simons fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Simons 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 Simons during summer. Montego Bay gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Simons receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.
Saint Simons receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Saint Simons. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Saint Simons receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMontego Bay 28°C (82°F)Saint Simons 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Saint Simons in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Saint Simons. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Saint Simons for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Montego Bay is a little warmer than Saint Simons in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Saint Simons fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Simons. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montego Bay this time of the year. In the autumn, Montego Bay often gets more sunshine than Saint Simons. Montego Bay gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Simons receives 214 hours of full sun.
Montego Bay receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Montego Bay usually gets more rain in October than Saint Simons. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Saint Simons receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMontego Bay 27°C (81°F)Saint Simons 70°F (21°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Saint Simons in the Winter?
Both Saint Simons and Montego Bay are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montego Bay throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Saint Simons because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Montego Bay is much warmer than Saint Simons. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montego Bay in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Saint Simons averages at about 53°F (12°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually receives more sunshine than Saint Simons during winter. Montego Bay gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Simons receives 191 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Saint Simons. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Saint Simons receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMontego Bay 24°C (75°F)Saint Simons 53°F (12°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Saint Simons in the Spring?
Both Saint Simons and Montego Bay during the spring 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, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Saint Simons this time of year.
In April, Montego Bay is generally a little warmer than Saint Simons. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 25°C (77°F), and Saint Simons fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).
In Saint Simons, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. In the spring, Montego Bay often gets less sunshine than Saint Simons. Montego Bay gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Simons receives 285 hours of full sun.
Montego Bay usually gets less rain in April than Saint Simons. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Saint Simons receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMontego Bay 25°C (77°F)Saint Simons 68°F (20°C)
Typical Weather for Saint Simons and Montego Bay
| Montego Bay | Saint Simons | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 53°F (12°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 80°F (27°C) | 5.7 inches (146 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 5.4 inches (137 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 7.8 inches (199 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 79°F (26°C) | 7.1 inches (180 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 70°F (21°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 2.2 inches (55 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 2.7 inches (69 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.