Explore Jamaica

Cost To Visit Jamaica: Complete 2026 Budget Guide

If you're wanting to know what it cost to vacation in Jamaica, you've came to the right place!

In this Jamaica travel cost guide, I’ll help you plan your travel budget by breaking down what you’ll spend on accommodations, food, attractions, and more!

Is Jamaica Expensive to Visit?

Jamaica offers great value for most travelers. Compared to U.S. travel costs, it’s cheaper overall, especially when it comes to all-inclusive resorts and local meals. But costs vary widely depending on whether you stay at a resort or go the independent travel route.

Regionally, Jamaica is more affordable than The Bahamas or Turks and Caicos, and on par with other Caribbean destinations like the Dominican Republic or St. Lucia.

In this guide, we’ll break down:

The cheapest and most expensive travel seasons
Where to stay (budget vs. luxury areas)
What you’ll spend on food, lodging, transport & attractions
Daily and weekly budget examples

Seasonal Cost

Jamaica's tropical climate means year-round warmth, but pricing changes drastically depending on the season.

Peak Season (Mid-December – Mid-April)

Best weather: sunny and dry
Popular with winter vacationers from the U.S., Canada, and Europe
Most expensive time for hotels and flights

Shoulder Season (Mid-April – June & November – Early December)

Fewer tourists and lower prices
Warm weather, some rain
Great value season with good availability

Off-Season (July – October)

Hottest and rainiest months
Hurricane season risk
Deep discounts on resorts and flights
Some tours may be reduced or canceled due to weather

Most Expensive Times To Visit Jamaica

Christmas and New Year (late Dec – early Jan)
Spring Break (March – early April)
Independence Day (August 6) – especially around Kingston
Carnival Season (April) – vibrant but crowded in Kingston and Ocho Rios

Cheapest Months To Visit Jamaica

Late August – early October – lowest hotel rates, fewer crowds
Mid-November – early December – great weather, pre-holiday pricing
May – early June – shoulder season with tropical beauty at lower cost

Expensive Vs Budget Areas

Jamaica offers everything from boutique hostels and beach cottages to all-inclusive luxury resorts. Your budget will largely depend on where you stay.

Most Expensive Areas To Stay

Montego Bay
- Hub for international flights and high-end all-inclusives
- Luxury beach resorts and golf courses
- Near: Doctor's Cave Beach, Rose Hall Great House, Hip Strip nightlife
Negril (5-Mile Beach / West End)
- Premium beachfront resorts and cliffside villas
- Great for sunset views and snorkeling
- Near: Rick’s Café, Seven Mile Beach, scuba diving spots
Ocho Rios (Resort Zone)
- Large luxury resorts and cruise port area
- Near: Dunn’s River Falls, Mystic Mountain, Blue Hole

Affordable Areas To Stay

Port Antonio
- Less touristy and more relaxed
- Guesthouses and boutique hotels
- Near: Blue Lagoon, Reach Falls, Frenchman’s Cove
Runaway Bay
- Smaller resort town with affordable all-inclusives and family hotels
- Near: Green Grotto Caves, secluded beaches
Treasure Beach (South Coast)
- Off-the-beaten-path town with villas and local inns
- Great for quiet trips and community tourism
- Near: Pelican Bar, YS Falls, Appleton Rum Estate

Cheapest Areas To Stay

Mandeville / Kingston Suburbs
- Local guesthouses and budget Airbnbs
- Not beachfront, but very affordable
- Kingston offers culture but requires caution with safety
Inland Parishes (Clarendon, St. Elizabeth)
- No beach access but lowest lodging rates
- Good for cultural or volunteer travel

Jamaica Vacation Costs

Let’s break down accommodation, food, transport, and attractions by travel style.

Average Accommodation Cost (Per Night)

Budget Traveler
- Guesthouses, hostels, budget hotels
- JMD $6,000–9,000 / $40–$60 USD
Moderate Traveler
- Mid-range hotels, boutique resorts, small all-inclusives
- JMD $15,000–25,000 / $100–$165 USD
Luxury Traveler
- 5-star resorts, villas, private beachfront stays
- JMD $40,000–100,000+ / $270–$670+ USD

Food Cost (Per Person, Per Day)

Budget
- Jerk chicken stands, patty shops, small diners
- JMD $1,000–2,000 / $7–$13 USD
Moderate
- Sit-down restaurants and hotel meals
- JMD $3,000–6,000 / $20–$40 USD
Luxury
- Upscale restaurants, resort buffets, seafood & cocktails
- JMD $8,000+ / $55+ USD

Transportation Cost

Route Taxis (Shared)
- Between towns and locally
- JMD $200–500 / $1.50–$4 USD
Private Taxis (Tourist-only)
- More expensive—confirm rate beforehand
- JMD $2,500–5,000 / $15–$35 USD for short trips
Car Rental
- JMD $9,000–12,000 / $60–$80 USD per day
- Note: Drive on the left side of the road
Airport Transfers (MBJ to Negril, etc.)
- Shared shuttles: $20–$30 USD
- Private transfers: $60–$100 USD

Attractions

Dunn’s River Falls – JMD $3,000 / $20 USD
Rick’s Café (cliff diving, free entry) – Drinks/food extra
Mystic Mountain (zipline + bobsled) – JMD $13,500 / $90 USD
Blue Hole (guided tour) – JMD $4,000–6,000 / $25–$40 USD
Bob Marley Museum (Kingston) – JMD $3,500 / $24 USD
Luminous Lagoon Night Tour – JMD $4,500 / $30 USD

Day Trips From Major Cities

Montego Bay to Negril
- 1.5–2 hour drive
- Route taxi or shuttle: $20–$30 USD one way
Ocho Rios to Blue Mountains
- Scenic inland tour with coffee plantations
- Private tour: $90–$150 USD
South Coast from Negril or Montego Bay
- YS Falls, Pelican Bar, Appleton Estate Rum Tour
- Full-day excursion: $100–$150 USD
Port Antonio Day Tours
- Blue Lagoon, Reach Falls, rafting Rio Grande
- Tour packages: $75–$120 USD

Daily Budget (Per Person)

Budget Traveler
- Guesthouse, street food, route taxis
- $60–$90 USD per day
Moderate Traveler
- Mid-range hotel, restaurant meals, shared tours
- $130–$200 USD per day
Luxury Traveler
- 5-star resort, private driver, guided tours, fine dining
- $350–$700+ USD per day

Weekly Budget (7 Days)

Budget Level	Lodging	Food	Transport	Attractions	Total (USD)
Budget	$280–$420	$100–$150	$50–$80	$75–$100	$505–$750
Moderate	$700–$1,150	$200–$300	$120–$200	$150–$250	$1,170–$1,900
Luxury	$2,000+	$400+	$250+	$350+	$3,000+

Flight Cost

Round-trip flights from the U.S. to Sangster International Airport (MBJ) or Norman Manley (KIN):

Peak Season: $550–$900
Shoulder Season: $400–$650
Off-Season: $350–$550

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