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

Should you visit Montego Bay or Valdosta?

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 Valdosta 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 Valdosta?

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.

Valdosta

Valdosta is a fast-growing city located in Southern Georgia in the United States. With a humid, subtropical climate, Valdosta is sometimes called the Azalea City, as the blossoms thrive in the area. The city is also home to many museums, galleries, restaurants, and venues for entertainment, as well as Valdosta State University.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Valdosta 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
    Valdosta Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Montego Bay $255
    Valdosta $169

The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $255, while the average daily cost in Valdosta is $169. 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 Valdosta in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Montego Bay $100
    Valdosta $70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Montego Bay $200
    Valdosta $140
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Valdosta

Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Valdosta? 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 Valdosta


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 Valdosta Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Montego Bay $14
    Valdosta $34

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
  • Chevy Suburban Montego Bay Airport Transfer: $300
  • Club Night Life Round-Trip Private Transfer in Montego Bay : $300
  • Mercedes Benz Sprinter Airport Transfer: $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
  • Iberostar Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Roundtrip): $200
  • Luxury Montego Bay Airport Transfers – Reliable & Affordable: $200
  • Private Airport Transfers To and From Kingston (KIN) Airport: $200
  • Catamaran Cruise with Snorkeling & Private Transfer Montego Bay: $200

Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Valdosta?

Prices for flights to both Valdosta 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
    Valdosta $77

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Montego Bay $31
    Valdosta $19
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
    Valdosta $27

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 Valdosta, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is Valdosta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Montego Bay is in Caribbean Islands and Valdosta 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 Valdosta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Valdosta 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 Valdosta.

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 Valdosta Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Valdosta?

Montego Bay has a larger population, and is about 81% larger than the population of Valdosta. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Valdosta, 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 Valdosta?

Valdosta 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 Valdosta in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Valdosta. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Montego Bay is around the same temperature as Valdosta in the summer. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Valdosta fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

It's quite rainy in Valdosta. Montego Bay usually gets less rain in July than Valdosta. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Valdosta receives 8.9 inches (227 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Montego Bay or Valdosta in the Autumn?

Both Valdosta 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.

In the autumn, Montego Bay is a little warmer than Valdosta. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Montego Bay in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Valdosta averages at about 69°F (20°C).

It's quite rainy in Montego Bay. In October, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Valdosta. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Valdosta receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Montego Bay 27°C (81°F) 
    Valdosta 69°F (20°C)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Valdosta in the Winter?

Both Valdosta 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.

In January, Montego Bay is generally much warmer than Valdosta. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 24°C (75°F), and Valdosta fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Montego Bay usually gets less rain in January than Valdosta. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Valdosta receives 3.7 inches (95 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Montego Bay 24°C (75°F) 
    Valdosta 51°F (11°C)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Valdosta in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Valdosta. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round.

Montego Bay is a little warmer than Valdosta in the spring. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 25°C (77°F) in April, and Valdosta fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

Valdosta receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Valdosta. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Valdosta receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Montego Bay 25°C (77°F) 
    Valdosta 67°F (19°C)

Typical Weather for Valdosta and Montego Bay

Montego Bay Valdosta
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 51°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 60°F (16°C) 5.9 inches (151 mm)
Apr 25°C (77°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 67°F (19°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
May 26°C (79°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 80°F (27°C) 6.6 inches (168 mm)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 82°F (28°C) 8.9 inches (227 mm)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 82°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (175 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 78°F (26°C) 6.7 inches (169 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 69°F (20°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 60°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)