Which place is cheaper, Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica?
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 Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica?
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.
Santa Monica
When it comes to visiting Los Angeles, Santa Monica is high on the must-see-and-do list. Chances are you'll recognize the iconic ferris wheel from Pacific Park in films and TV shows, and nothing beats the relaxed yet bustling vibe of this laid-back city.
Santa Monica is a popular and diverse beach town, cultural hub, fitness venue, shopping district, and neighborhood full of unique and trendy restaurants, all rolled into one. Visited by more than 6 million people a year, it's no wonder you'll always find a crowd there.
So whether you're up for a high-end shopping spree, bicycling down the waterfront, an eclectic food crawl or simply a stroll down the promenade, Santa Monica is sure to have something in store for you.
The weather in Santa Monica is moderate, with average summer highs in the low to mid 70s and winter climate that rests comfortably around the low 50s. Though flip flops and sandals are considered year-round footwear in Los Angeles, bring comfortable walking shoes for browsing galleries, malls, and boutiques. Santa Monica is the perfect place to break out your California-casual wardrobe.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.
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Montego Bay Prices
Jamaica PricesSanta Monica Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontego Bay $255Santa Monica $248
The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $255, while the average daily cost in Santa Monica is $248. 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 Santa Monica in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontego Bay $100Santa Monica $123
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontego Bay $200Santa Monica $246
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Santa Monica
Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Santa Monica? 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 Santa Monica Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montego Bay $14Santa Monica $50
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santa Monica
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santa Monica:
- Santa Monica to Los Angeles Airport (LAX) - Departure Private Transfer: $63
- Santa Monica to Los Angeles Airport Departure Private Transfer: $191
Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Santa Monica?
Prices for flights to both Santa Monica 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 $139Santa Monica $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 Santa Monica
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Santa Monica.
- City Cruises Los Angeles Dinner Cruise from Marina del Rey: $132
- Romantic-Surprise Dinner-Wine & Cheese or Sushi Boat Cruise: $149
- Gourmet Santa Monica Walking Food Tour with Delicious Dish: $159
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montego Bay $31Santa Monica $38
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
Tours and Activities in Santa Monica
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santa Monica are as follows:
- Santa Monica Superhero Exploration Game and Tour: $5.96
- Santa Monica Pier Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $8.49
- Santa Monica Sinister Sins & Sorrow Ghost Tour: $26
- Santa Monica Art Museum: General Admission Ticket: $28
- LA & Self-Guided Aerospace Legacy Audio Tour: $30
- Highway 1 Pacific Coast Highway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $30
- Santa Monica Puzzling Adventure: $35
- Hollywood, Beverly Hills & Celebrity Home Tour: $49
- 3 ½-Hour Sea to the Stars Hollywood Hopper Tour: $55
- Hollywood Tour with Walk of Fame Stop: $55
- Venice Beach and Santa Monica eBike Tour : $56
- Best of LA Tour with 3 Iconic Stops: $59
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontego Bay $13Santa Monica $21
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 Santa Monica
Also in Santa Monica, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Santa Monica Bar Crawl: $15
When comparing the travel costs between Montego Bay and Santa Monica, 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 Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Santa Monica?
Santa Monica has a larger population, and is about 7% larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Santa Monica, 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 Santa Monica?
Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica in the Summer?
Both Santa Monica 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. Also, many visitors come to Santa Monica in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.
Montego Bay is a little warmer than Santa Monica in the summer. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).
In July, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMontego Bay 28°C (82°F)Santa Monica 70°F (21°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Santa Monica in the Autumn?
Both Santa Monica 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. Also, most visitors come to Santa Monica for the shopping scene during these months.
In the autumn, Montego Bay is a little warmer than Santa Monica. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Montego Bay in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Santa Monica averages at about 67°F (20°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually gets more rain in October than Santa Monica. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMontego Bay 27°C (81°F)Santa Monica 67°F (20°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Santa Monica in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Santa Monica. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Santa Monica because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Montego Bay is generally much warmer than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 24°C (75°F), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).
In January, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMontego Bay 24°C (75°F)Santa Monica 57°F (14°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Santa Monica in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Santa Monica. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Santa Monica this time of year.
Montego Bay is much warmer than Santa Monica in the spring. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 25°C (77°F) in April, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).
Montego Bay usually gets more rain in April than Santa Monica. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMontego Bay 25°C (77°F)Santa Monica 61°F (16°C)
Typical Weather for Santa Monica and Montego Bay
| Montego Bay | Santa Monica | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 0.7 inches (17 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 58°F (15°C) | 0.9 inches (24 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 58°F (15°C) | 0.4 inches (10 mm) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 61°F (16°C) | 0.2 inches (4 mm) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 0 inches (0 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 70°F (21°C) | 0 inches (0 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 0 inches (0 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 70°F (21°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 67°F (20°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 58°F (14°C) | 0.6 inches (15 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.