How Much Does Montego Bay Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Montego Bay is a high-contrast destination where daily expenses range significantly from a modest $41 / JMD 6,489 for budget travelers to over $796 / JMD 124,797 for luxury seekers. While it is more affordable than Caribbean hubs like Nassau, it remains more expensive than parts of the Dominican Republic due to the enclave nature of its resort zones. Costs here are uniquely shaped by the distinction between the tourist-centric Hip Strip and the local downtown area. Visitors can find incredible value in local street food and shared transit, but international-standard luxury and organized water activities command premium prices. During the peak season, when temperatures average a pleasant 28–29°C (82–84°F), hotel rates often double, making timing essential for budget management.
Is Montego Bay expensive to visit?
Montego Bay offers a wide cost spectrum—expect to spend between $41 / JMD 6,489 and $796 / JMD 124,797 per day depending on whether you choose local guesthouses or elite all-inclusive resorts.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Montego Bay
$41
per person /day
$182
per person /day
$796
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $125 | $545 | $2,389 |
| 5-Day Trip | $207 | $907 | $3,982 |
| 7-Day Trip | $290 | $1,271 | $5,574 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
It is wise to maintain a 15% buffer to account for the General Consumption Tax (GCT) and the $4.12 / JMD 646 local ATM fees. This also covers the Government Room Tax, which adds between $1.06 / JMD 166 and $4.24 / JMD 664 per night depending on the size of your accommodation.
How Does It Compare?
See how Montego Bay stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Montego Bay
Food & Drink (2)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Inexpensive Restaurant Meal Typically covers a plate of jerk chicken with rice and peas at a local eatery. | $9.15 JMD 1,433 |
| Domestic Beer (Restaurant) A bottle of Red Stripe is usually ~$2.24 / JMD 350 in restaurants, cheaper in supermarkets. | $2.22 JMD 349 |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| JUTC Standard Adult Fare Standard adult fare on public buses. Children pay ~$0.19 / JMD 30 and seniors pay ~$0.26 / JMD 41. | $0.64 JMD 100 |
| Official Airport Taxi to Hip Strip Flat rate for JUTA/CAL authorized taxis to hotels in the main tourist area. | $20 JMD 3,123 |
| Knutsford Express to Negril High-end scheduled coach service. Reliable and air-conditioned (~$14 / JMD 2,195). | $14 JMD 2,197 |
| Route Taxi (Short Local Trip) Shared taxis with red license plates. Short hops around town are ~$1.59 / JMD 249. | $1.59 JMD 249 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Mobay Kotch - Private Room Starting price for a private room in a centrally located hostel. | $22 JMD 3,412 |
| Toby's Resort (Mid-range Hotel) Standard mid-range resort featuring two salt water pools and close proximity to the Hip Strip. | $101 JMD 15,813 |
| Half Moon Luxury Resort Premier 400-acre luxury resort. Prices can exceed ~$1,412 / JMD 221,340 for villas during peak season. | $523 JMD 81,995 |
Activities (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Doctor's Cave Beach Entrance International adult entry. Renting a chair or umbrella costs an additional ~$6.36 / JMD 996 each. | $5.98 JMD 937 |
| Dunn's River Falls Ticket Standard non-resident adult rate. Resident rate is significantly lower (~$6.36 / JMD 996). | $25 JMD 3,905 |
| Rose Hall Great House Day Tour Guided tour of the historic mansion. The haunted night tour is ~$3.18 / JMD 498 more expensive. | $25 JMD 3,905 |
Connectivity (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Local SIM + 10GB Data Plan Weekly plan including 10GB of data and local minutes (~$12 / JMD 1,845). | $12 JMD 1,846 |
Other (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Rafting on Martha Brae (Per Raft) Price is per raft, seating 2 adults. Includes a tropical welcome drink. | $99 JMD 15,462 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
The dining landscape is divided between high-end resort fare and vibrant local eateries where an inexpensive restaurant meal costs approximately $9.15 / JMD 1,433. A bottle of domestic Red Stripe beer is typically $2.22 / JMD 349 in restaurants, though budget-conscious travelers can save by purchasing from supermarkets. Be aware that most restaurant menus exclude the 15% General Consumption Tax (GCT) and may add a mandatory 10–15% service charge.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Scotchies
$7.65–$16 / JMD 1,199–JMD 2,496Coral Gardens · Local chain
The gold standard for jerk chicken. Order 'festivals' (sweet fried dough) as your side for ~$1.29 / JMD 203.
The Pork Pit
$7–$14 / JMD 1,097–JMD 2,197Hip Strip · Street food area
Located right on the main tourist strip; great value for traditional wood-smoked jerk pork.
Juici Patties
$1.59–$3.83 / JMD 249–JMD 599Downtown · Local chain
The cheapest quick meal in Jamaica. A beef patty and a coco bread will cost less than ~$2.94 / JMD 461.
Peppa's Cool Dive
$9.56–$22 / JMD 1,498–JMD 3,493Hospital Hill · Local chain
Excellent local vibe with views. Try the curry goat or brown stew chicken for ~$12 / JMD 1,845.
Tastee Patties
$1.79–$4.46 / JMD 280–JMD 699Airport/Downtown · Local chain
Juici's main rival. Locals are fiercely divided on which is better; try both for under ~$2.35 / JMD 369.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
Getting around is most economical via shared route taxis with red license plates, which cost roughly $1.59 / JMD 249 for short trips. While official airport taxis to the Hip Strip have a set flat rate of $20 / JMD 3,123, those traveling between cities can utilize the reliable Knutsford Express coach to Negril for $14 / JMD 2,197.
Accommodation Overview
Lodging ranges from affordable private rooms in central hostels like Mobay Kotch for $22 / JMD 3,412 to mid-range resorts like Toby's Resort for $101 / JMD 15,813. For high-end luxury, premier estates such as Half Moon start at $523 / JMD 81,995, though prices for private villas frequently exceed $1,412 / JMD 221,340 during the winter months.
Accommodation Budget in Montego Bay
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Eat at Juici Patties or Tastee Patties downtown for a filling, authentic meal that costs significantly less than the $9.15 / JMD 1,433 average for restaurant plates.
- 2 Use red-plate Route Taxis for short hops to pay the local rate of $1.59 / JMD 249 instead of expensive private charters.
- 3 Visit Dead End Beach at the north end of the Hip Strip to enjoy the water for free, avoiding the $5.98 / JMD 937 entry fee at Doctor's Cave Beach.
- 4 Purchase a local SIM card with a 10GB data plan for $12 / JMD 1,846 to avoid exorbitant international roaming fees.
- 5 Head to Scotchies in Coral Gardens for jerk chicken; it offers better value and more authentic flavor than most resort buffets.
- 6 Shop for snacks and spirits at local supermarkets in the Ironshore area rather than using the hotel minibar.
- 7 Travel between Montego Bay and Negril using the Knutsford Express for $14 / JMD 2,197 instead of paying over $94 / JMD 14,756 for a private tourist taxi.
- 8 Haggle firmly but politely at the Harbour Street Craft Market; the first price quoted is rarely the final price.
- 9 Avoid renting beach umbrellas and chairs at Doctor's Cave for $6.36 / JMD 996 each by bringing a lightweight travel towel to use on public sands.
- 10 Opt for the Rose Hall Great House day tour at $25 / JMD 3,905 instead of the haunted night tour to save roughly $3.18 / JMD 498 per person.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
+30–50%
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
-25–40%
May, Nov
Peak season (Dec–Apr) offers perfect 28°C (82°F) weather but hotel prices double. May and November offer the best balance of lower prices and acceptable weather.
Events to Watch
- ● Reggae Sumfest (July): +60% hotels
- ● Christmas/New Year: +100% hotels
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Dead End Beach: Watch commercial planes land just meters above the water at this popular local public beach.
- 2 Sam Sharpe Square: Visit the historic cobblestone center of downtown Montego Bay to see the statue of the national hero.
- 3 St. James Parish Church: Explore this 18th-century limestone church, considered one of the finest in Jamaica.
- 4 The Cage: View the exterior of this 1806-built stone lock-up formerly used for runaway slaves and vagrants.
- 5 One Man Beach: Relax at this centrally located public beach that requires no entry fee.
- 6 Old Fort Craft Park: Walk through the remains of a 17th-century fort while browsing local artisan crafts.
- 7 Montego Bay Marine Park: Access the shoreline of this nature reserve to enjoy the coastal views and local birdlife.
- 8 Harbour Street Craft Market: Window shop through blocks of colorful stalls to experience the local bustle without spending.
- 9 Dumping Ground Beach: Join local residents at this quiet, free beach located away from the main tourist crowds.
- 10 Richmond Hill Hotel View: Visit the hotel grounds to take panoramic photos of the bay and the city skyline for free.
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Luminous Lagoon Night Tour
One of only four places in the world where you can swim in bioluminescent water. Entry is ~$27 / JMD 4,242.
Private Bamboo Rafting
A tranquil 1-hour glide through the jungle on a handmade raft; includes a guide and history lesson (~$108 / JMD 16,969).
Chukka Blue Catamaran Cruise
Includes snorkeling, open bar, and a stop at Margaritaville. Excellent value for a half-day trip (~$92 / JMD 14,387).
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Montego Bay
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Montego Bay and what they cost
Negril (Seven Mile Beach)
$28 / JMD 4,394 by bus
Free
$76 / JMD 11,980
Ocho Rios (Dunn's River Falls)
$36 / JMD 5,591 by bus
$25 / JMD 3,868
$96 / JMD 14,975
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
Jamaican Dollar (JMD)
1 $ ≈ 157 $
Yes
Cards are standard in resorts and the Hip Strip, but cash (JMD) is vital for taxis, jerk stands, and markets.
10–15% is standard if not already included. Housekeeping typically receives ~$2.35–$5.89 / JMD 369–JMD 922 per day.
Use ATMs inside banks (NCB or Scotiabank) for security. Avoid standalone ATMs on the street. All dispense JMD.
Expected in markets and with independent taxi drivers. Never bargain in restaurants or supermarkets.
Connectivity
eSIM: $9.42–$14 for 3GB (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $12–$18 / JMD 1,845–JMD 2,767 for 10GB-20GB
WiFi: Reliable in hotels and larger cafes on the Hip Strip, but non-existent on public beaches.
Buy a local Flow or Digicel SIM at the airport; it is significantly cheaper and more reliable than international eSIMs for Jamaica.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Montego Bay.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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Complete Cost Guide
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