A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Negril vs. Atlantic City for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Negril or Atlantic City?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Negril and Atlantic City. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Negril or Atlantic City?

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!

Atlantic City

Atlantic City, on the southeastern coast of New Jersey, is a popular destination for gambling, partying, and generally having fun. The beach is lined with casinos, many with famous names, and there's a boardwalk that offers a diverse experience. Most people don't head to Atlantic City for the beaches - it's the casinos and partying that draws a crowd. This is a popular spot for bachelor and bachelorette parties, or anybody looking for an affordable place to gamble.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Atlantic City or Negril?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Negril is $139, while the average daily cost in Atlantic City is $154. 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 Negril and Atlantic City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Negril $106
    Atlantic City $73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Negril $212
    Atlantic City $146
Compare Hotels in Negril and Atlantic City

Looking for a hotel in Negril or Atlantic City? 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 Negril


Hotels in Atlantic City


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: Negril Hotel Prices and Atlantic City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Negril $8.71
    Atlantic City $40
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:

  • Airport Round Trip Transfer from Montego Bay to Grand Palladium: $105
  • Airport Round-Trip Transfers To Negril From Sangster’s International Airport : $90
  • Airport transfers, private tours and excursions in Jamaica : $80
  • Azul Negril Resort Airport Transfer : $53
  • Club Kingston VIP Lounge & Fast Track with Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer: $112
  • Comfortable Montego Bay Airport to Negril Resorts Transfer 1 way: $33
  • From Montego Bay Airport (MBJ): Private Transfer to Negril: $105
  • Grand Palladium Airport Transfer: $37
  • Grand Palladium Private Airport Transfer: $48
  • Grand Palladium Private Transfers from MBJ Airport: $40
  • Grand palladium Private Airport Transfers : $70
  • Montego Bay Airport Transfer To Negril Hotels Private: $46

Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Atlantic City?

Prices for flights to both Atlantic City and Negril 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
    Negril $23
    Atlantic City $50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Negril

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

  • The Jungle Nightclub Experience with Optional Dinner in Negril: $85
  • Zimbali Mountain Cooking Studio: $105
  • Local food tour and local fields : $164

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Negril $27
    Atlantic City $44
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.

  • From Negril/Palladium: Negril Beach and Ricks Cafe Tour: $49
  • Private Glass Bottom Boat Sight Seeing Tour Jamaica: $58
  • Buddle's Taxi and Tours : $60
  • Blue Hole Mineral Springs, Rick's Café, and Shopping Combo Tour: $75
  • Negril Beach and Catamaran Cruise: $79
  • Negril guided day tour:7 mile beach and sunset at Ricks Cafe: $80
  • Jamwest JamCulture Tour from Negril: $89
  • Bob Marley Birth Place Nine Mile Day Tour: $94
  • Private Dunn River Falls Tour From Negril: $100
  • South Coast Jamaica YS Falls Tour: $100
  • Floyd's Pelican Bar (Complimentary Rum Punch, Private Tour): $100
  • Must Do-Accompong Town Maroon Village Tour & Celebration from Negril: $112

Tours and Activities in Atlantic City

Here are a few actual costs in Atlantic City for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 75-Minute Ocean Parasailing Adventure Above Ocean City, MD: $70
  • Atlantic City Adventure Scavenger Hunt: $27
  • Absecon Lighthouse Admission Ticket: $10
  • Dolphin Watching Ocean Cruise Adventure: $53
  • Morning or Afternoon Skyline Ocean Cruise: $27
  • Parasailing Experience: $95
  • Quiet Bay Cruise With Happy Hour Options: $27
  • Sunset Party Cruise with DJ: $33
  • Bay Hopper Breakfast Sandwich Cruise: $35
  • Downtown/Boardwalk Foodie Tour: $119
  • Midtown Dining District Foodie Tour: $110
  • OC Bay Hopper - Assateague Island Cruise (Departs 118th): $45

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Negril $10
    Atlantic City $39

Sample the Local Flavors in Atlantic City

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Atlantic City:

  • Little Water Distillery Spirit Tasting: $15


When comparing the travel costs between Negril and Atlantic City, we can see that Atlantic City is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Negril is in Caribbean Islands and Atlantic City is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, Negril or Atlantic City?

Atlantic City has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Negril. When comparing the sizes of Negril and Atlantic City, 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 Negril or Atlantic City?

Atlantic City 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 Negril or Atlantic City in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Negril as well as Atlantic City. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Atlantic City this time of year.

In July, Negril is generally a little warmer than Atlantic City. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 27°C (81°F), and Atlantic City fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlantic City. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Negril this time of the year. In the summer, Negril often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Atlantic City. Negril gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlantic City receives 273 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Atlantic City. Negril receives a lot of rain in the summer. Negril usually gets more rain in July than Atlantic City. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Atlantic City 75°F (24°C)

Should I visit Negril or Atlantic City in the Autumn?

Both Atlantic City and Negril are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Negril throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Atlantic City for the shopping scene.

Negril is much warmer than Atlantic City in the autumn. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Atlantic City fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually receives more sunshine than Atlantic City during autumn. Negril gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Atlantic City receives 197 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Negril. In October, Negril usually receives more rain than Atlantic City. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Atlantic City 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Negril or Atlantic City in the Winter?

Both Atlantic City and Negril during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Negril because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Atlantic City in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Atlantic City can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Negril is much warmer than Atlantic City. Typically, the winter temperatures in Negril in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Atlantic City averages at about 31°F (-0°C).

It's quite sunny in Negril. In the winter, Negril often gets more sunshine than Atlantic City. Negril gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlantic City receives 146 hours of full sun.

Negril usually gets less rain in January than Atlantic City. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Negril 25°C (77°F) 
    Atlantic City 31°F (-0°C)

Should I visit Negril or Atlantic City in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and Atlantic City. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round. Also, most visitors come to Atlantic City for the beaches during these months.

In April, Negril is generally much warmer than Atlantic City. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 26°C (79°F), and Atlantic City fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Atlantic City this time of the year. In Negril, it's very sunny this time of the year. Negril usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Atlantic City during spring. Negril gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Atlantic City receives 217 hours of full sun in the spring.

Negril gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Negril usually receives more rain than Atlantic City. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Negril 26°C (79°F) 
    Atlantic City 51°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Atlantic City and Negril

Negril Atlantic City
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 31°F (-0°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 33°F (1°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 42°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 51°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
May 27°C (81°F) 205 mm (8.1 in) 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 70°F (21°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 75°F (24°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 74°F (23°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 181 mm (7.1 in) 67°F (19°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 222 mm (8.7 in) 56°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 46°F (8°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 36°F (2°C) 3 inches (76 mm)