A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mar del Plata vs. Negril for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Mar del Plata or Negril?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Mar del Plata and Negril can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Mar del Plata or Negril?

Mar del Plata

Mar del Plata is found only 404 km southeast of the city of Buenos Aires, on the Atlantic coast. Today Mar Del Plata is Argentina‘s most well known beach resort. It has successfully married the two worlds of beach and city into a fun, cosmopolitan urban center with the presence of highly developed tourist infrastructure. Founded in 1874, Mar del Plata was at first mainly an industrial and commercial center before becoming a vacation destination for Argentinians. For a peaceful trip and intimate oceanfront promenades, avoid visiting Mar del Plata during summer time, as the gorgeous arced coastline will be crawling with visitors. But the city is more than just beaches. It also offers some culture, lively nightlife, and great food.

Negril

Negril is a town in western Jamaica known for its miles of white sand beaches and cliffs. It is certainly one of the more laid back towns on the island yet still attracts a lot of tourists. The hotels are as close to the water as you can get, and the sand gets whiter and whiter the further away from populated areas you get. The water is unbelievably clear and warm in Negril!

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Argentina, and The Best Eco Tours in Argentina.


Which place is cheaper, Negril or Mar del Plata?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Mar del Plata is $8.78, while the average daily cost in Negril is $139. 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 Mar del Plata and Negril in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mar del Plata $3.15
    Negril $106
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mar del Plata $6.30
    Negril $212
Compare Hotels in Mar del Plata and Negril

Looking for a hotel in Mar del Plata or Negril? 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 Mar del Plata


Hotels in Negril


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: Mar del Plata Hotel Prices and Negril Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mar del Plata $2.50
    Negril $8.71

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Negril

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Negril:


  • Taxi From Airport
    $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Negril

Also for Negril, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Royalton Negril Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Rountrip): $280
  • Montego Bay: Private Transfer from Airport to Negril: $250
  • Private Airport transfer to/from all hotels in Negril round trip: $170
  • Montego Bay Airport Transfers-Negril(Round Trip): $160
  • Comfortable Montego Bay Airport to Negril Resorts Transfer: $130
  • Club Kingston VIP Lounge & Fast Track with Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer: $112
  • Private Airport Transfer To Negril Hotels : $107
  • From Montego Bay Airport (MBJ): Private Transfer to Negril: $105
  • Airport Round Trip Transfer from Montego Bay to Grand Palladium: $105
  • Airport transfers, private tours and excursions in Jamaica : $80
  • Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer to Grand Palladium Resort in Jamaica: $80
  • Negril Hotels Private Airport Transfer: $73

Is it cheaper to fly into Mar del Plata or Negril?

Prices for flights to both Negril and Mar del Plata 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
    Mar del Plata $3.81
    Negril $23

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Negril

For Negril, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Zimbali Mountain Cooking Studio: $105
  • Local food tour and local fields : $164

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mar del Plata $2.27
    Negril $27

Typical Entertainment Prices in Negril

For Negril, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • 2 Hr Horseback Ride
    $44

Tours and Activities in Negril

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Negril.

  • ATV Outback Adventure From Negril: $144
  • Appleton Estate Rum Tour: $275
  • Appleton Estate Rum Tour [Transportation services]: $125
  • Appleton Estate Rum Tour and Tasting from Negril: $232
  • Appleton Estate Rum and Black River Safari Private Tour : $185
  • Appleton Rum Factory and Black River Safari Tour: $280
  • Appleton Rum Factory, YS Falls, and Reggae Horseback Ride & Swim Combo Tour: $195
  • Appleton and Y.S Falls Tour from Negril Hotels: $261
  • Atv Adventure and Ricks Cafe with Private Transportation: $367
  • Atv Adventure and Ziplines with Private Transportation: $414
  • Atv, Seven Mile Beach and Rick’s Cafe Tour & Transportation: $334
  • Atv, Seven Mile Beach and Ricks Cafe Private Tour: $294

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mar del Plata $1.78
    Negril $10


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mar del Plata and Negril, we can see that Negril is more expensive. And not only is Mar del Plata much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Mar del Plata is in South America and Negril is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Mar del Plata would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mar del Plata 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 Negril would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Negril than you might in Mar del Plata.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mar del Plata Expensive? and Is Negril Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Mar del Plata or Negril?

Mar del Plata has a larger population, and is about 180 times larger than the population of Negril. When comparing the sizes of Mar del Plata and Negril, 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 Mar del Plata or Negril?

Mar del Plata has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Negril experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Mar del Plata or Negril in the Summer?

Both Negril and Mar del Plata are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Negril because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the summer, Mar del Plata is cooler than Negril. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mar del Plata in January average around 20°C (69°F), and Negril averages at about 27°C (81°F)in July.

It's quite sunny in Negril. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mar del Plata. Mar del Plata usually receives less sunshine than Negril during summer. Mar del Plata gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Negril receives 257 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Negril. In January, Mar del Plata usually receives less rain than Negrilin July. Mar del Plata gets 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Negril receives 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Mar del Plata 20°C (69°F) 
    Negril 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Mar del Plata or Negril in the Autumn?

Both Negril and Mar del Plata during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round.

In April, Mar del Plata is generally much colder than Negrilin October. Daily temperatures in Mar del Plata average around 15°C (59°F), and Negril fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Negril gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Mar del Plata usually gets less rain in April than Negrilin October. Mar del Plata gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Negril receives 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Mar del Plata 15°C (59°F) 
    Negril 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Mar del Plata or Negril in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Mar del Plata and Negril. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Mar del Plata is much colder than Negril in the winter. The daily temperature in Mar del Plata averages around 9°C (47°F) in July, and Negril fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.

In July, Mar del Plata usually receives more rain than Negrilin January. Mar del Plata gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Negril receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Mar del Plata 9°C (47°F) 
    Negril 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Mar del Plata or Negril in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Mar del Plata as well as Negril. The warm climate attracts visitors to Negril throughout the year.

In the spring, Mar del Plata is much colder than Negril. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mar del Plata in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Negril averages at about 26°C (79°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Negril. In the spring, Mar del Plata often gets less sunshine than Negrilin April. Mar del Plata gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Negril receives 225 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Negril. Mar del Plata usually gets less rain in October than Negrilin April. Mar del Plata gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Negril receives 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Mar del Plata 13°C (56°F) 
    Negril 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for Negril and Mar del Plata

Mar del Plata Negril
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 20°C (69°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 18°C (65°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 205 mm (8.1 in)
Jun 9°C (48°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Jul 9°C (47°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 176 mm (6.9 in)
Aug 9°C (49°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 188 mm (7.4 in)
Sep 11°C (51°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 181 mm (7.1 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 222 mm (8.7 in)
Nov 16°C (61°F) 75 mm (3 in) 26°C (79°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Dec 19°C (66°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 26°C (79°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)