Which place is cheaper, Whistler 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 Whistler?
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 Whistler 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 Whistler?
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.
Whistler
Located in the province of British Columbia in Canada, Whistler is most famous as the largest ski area in North America. It is also only a short distance from the city of Vancouver, and offers countless opportunities for snow boarding and other winter sports. The town has a permanent population of almost 10,000 and there is a larger seasonal population of workers that come from all over the world. Whistler is a major travel destination with more than two million people visiting the town yearly. As such, there are countless amenities available to visitors. Hotels can vary dramatically in price and quality. There are some budget options, including a couple of hostels in the area, but most people do not visit Whistler as a budget travel destination. It's usually an expensive vacation, but few would argue that it isn't worth the cost.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.
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Montego Bay Prices
Jamaica PricesWhistler Prices
Canada Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontego Bay $255Whistler $146
The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $255, while the average daily cost in Whistler is $146. 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 Whistler in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontego Bay $100Whistler $65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontego Bay $200Whistler $130
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Whistler
Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Whistler? 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 Whistler Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montego Bay $14Whistler $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- Shared Transfer: From/to Montego Bay International Airport: $9.26
- Private Transfer from Montego Bay Airport : $10
- Hyatt Zillara or Ziva Rose Hall private Transfers: $10
- Private Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Negril *Air Conditioning : $10
- Montego Bay Hotels Airport Private Transfers : $10
- Private Airport transfer Montego Bay: $12
- Sangster International Airport Private Transfer to Montego Bay: $12
- Grandiosa Hotel Private Airport Transfer : $13
- Tropical Court Hotel Private Airport Transfer : $13
- El Greco Resort Private Airport Transfer : $13
- Private Transfer to Royal Decameron Cornwall Beach/Montego Beach : $13
- Private Airport Transfer to Breathless/ to Secrets Resort: $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Whistler
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Whistler:
- Vancouver Airport Private Transfer to Whistler: $133
- Whistler to Vancouver Scenic Seaplane Transfer: One Way: $210
- Private Transfer from Whistler to Downtown Vancouver: $560
- Private Transfer from Richmond BC to Whistler: $684
Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Whistler?
Prices for flights to both Whistler 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 $139Whistler $52
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 Whistler
Some typical examples of dining costs in Whistler are as follows:
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Coffee at Starbucks$12
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Tim Hortons Breakfast$12
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Coffee at Timmy's$3.63
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Whistler
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Whistler.
- Finer Things: 4-Course Dinner Tour in Whistler: $121
- Finer Things Dinner Tour in Whistler: $153
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montego Bay $31Whistler $78
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Whistler
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Whistler are as follows:
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Driving Range$15
Tours and Activities in Whistler
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Whistler are as follows:
- Sea to Sky Highway: a Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $8.05
- Whistler Mountain Peeks Audio Tour Adventure: $15
- Audain Art Museum Admission Ticket: $17
- Audain Art Museum - Special Exhibition Public Guided Tour: $17
- 4 Tour Audio Adventure between Whistler & Lake Louise: $22
- One Hour Axe Throwing Guided Experience in Whistler: $33
- Axe Throwing Experience: $35
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure with Geocaching in Whistler: $36
- Vallea Lumina Multimedia Evening Experience: $45
- The Great Whistler Walking Tour: Discover Whistler's Sights, History & Culture!: $49
- Tour, Immersive Nature Experience: $52
- Tour, Sensory Nature Experience for Families: $52
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontego Bay $13Whistler $8.72
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 Whistler, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is Whistler much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Montego Bay is in Caribbean Islands and Whistler 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 Whistler would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Whistler 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 Whistler.
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 Whistler Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Whistler?
Montego Bay has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Whistler. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Whistler, 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 Whistler?
Whistler 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 Whistler in the Summer?
Both Whistler 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, the summer months attract visitors to Whistler because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Montego Bay is generally much warmer than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 28°C (82°F), and Whistler fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
It's quite sunny in Whistler. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually receives less sunshine than Whistler during summer. Montego Bay gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Whistler. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Whistler receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMontego Bay 28°C (82°F)Whistler 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Whistler in the Autumn?
Both Whistler 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. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Whistler this time of year.
Montego Bay is much warmer than Whistler in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Whistler fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. In the autumn, Montego Bay often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Montego Bay gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 124 hours of full sun.
Whistler gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually gets less rain in October than Whistler. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Whistler receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMontego Bay 27°C (81°F)Whistler 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Whistler in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Whistler. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Whistler for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Whistler. In the winter, Montego Bay is much warmer than Whistler. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montego Bay in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Whistler averages at about 4°C (40°F).
In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montego Bay usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during winter. Montego Bay gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.
Whistler receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Whistler. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Whistler receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMontego Bay 24°C (75°F)Whistler 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Whistler in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Whistler. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Whistler in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.
In April, Montego Bay is generally much warmer than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 25°C (77°F), and Whistler fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montego Bay this time of the year. In the spring, Montego Bay often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Montego Bay gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 172 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Whistler. Montego Bay usually gets less rain in April than Whistler. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Whistler receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMontego Bay 25°C (77°F)Whistler 9°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Whistler and Montego Bay
| Montego Bay | Whistler | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 179 mm (7.1 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
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.