Comparison · Cancún vs Montego Bay · Mexico / Jamaica
Cancún vs Montego Bay
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
.jpg){kind=link}
Quick answer
Choose Cancún for Caribbean beaches and All-inclusive resorts; choose Montego Bay for Doctor's Cave Beach and Hip Strip. Day-to-day costs are similar, and the two are about 983 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 983 km
- Less expensive
- About the same
- Best time for Cancún
- December–April
- Best time for Montego Bay
- December–April
Side by side
| Cancún | Montego Bay | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Mexico | Jamaica |
| Known for | Caribbean beaches, All-inclusive resorts and Isla Mujeres | Doctor's Cave Beach, Hip Strip and Jerk cooking |
| Best time to visit | December–April | December–April |
| Ideal stay | 7 days | 7 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $180–$320 | $180–$350 |
| Cost level | Moderately priced | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | July, 33°C (91°F) | August, 33°C (91°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 28°C (82°F) | January, 30°C (86°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 6 | 5 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 5 |
| Beaches | Playa Delfines | Doctor's Cave Beach |
| Airports | CUN | MBJ, KIN |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Cancún for…
Caribbean beaches and All-inclusive resorts. Cancún is two places: the Hotel Zone, a 22-km sandbar shaped like a figure 7 between the turquoise Caribbean and the Nichupté Lagoon, lined with resorts, public beaches and nightclubs; and downtown, a working Mexican city of markets, taquerías and the main…
Choose Montego Bay for…
Doctor's Cave Beach and Hip Strip. Montego Bay, on Jamaica's northwest coast, is where most visitors to the island arrive, through Sangster International Airport on the edge of town. The Hip Strip along Gloucester Avenue has Doctor's Cave Beach, bars and jerk stands; the historic downtown…
Top sights compared
| # | Cancún | Montego Bay |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Playa Delfines (El Mirador) | Doctor's Cave Beach |
| 2 | Playa Langosta and Playa Tortugas | Hip Strip |
| 3 | Museo Maya de Cancún and San Miguelito | Rose Hall Great House |
| 4 | El Rey archaeological site | Greenwood Great House |
| 5 | MUSA Underwater Museum of Art | Sam Sharpe Square |
Food compared
| Cancún | Montego Bay |
|---|---|
| Cochinita pibil | Jerk chicken and pork |
| Sopa de lima | Ackee and saltfish |
| Poc chuc | Curry goat |
| Panuchos and salbutes | Escovitch fish |
Which is cheaper?
Cancún and Montego Bay cost about the same: a mid-range day is roughly $180–$320 in Cancún and $180–$350 in Montego Bay (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Cancún on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 983 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 15 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Cancún or Montego Bay cheaper?
Neither is clearly cheaper: a mid-range day costs about $180–$320 in Cancún and $180–$350 in Montego Bay (estimates).
+Is Cancún or Montego Bay better for a first trip?
Pick Cancún for Caribbean beaches and All-inclusive resorts, or Montego Bay for Doctor's Cave Beach and Hip Strip.
+How far is Cancún from Montego Bay?
About 983 km in a straight line.