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

Should you visit Negril or Berkeley?

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 Berkeley. 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 Berkeley?

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!

Berkeley

Berkeley is considered to be perhaps the most progressive or liberal city in the United States. The town has deep roots in the Free Speech movement of the 1960s. Visitors, students, and locals alike will find an eclectic mix of cultures and viewpoints. The city's free-thinking environment has witnessed the creation of quality attractions, great food from many world cultures, and of course the internationally renowned University of California, Berkeley (also known as "Cal" or "Cal Berkeley").

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Berkeley 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 Berkeley is $190. 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 Berkeley in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Negril $106
    Berkeley $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Negril $212
    Berkeley $262
Compare Hotels in Negril and Berkeley

Looking for a hotel in Negril or Berkeley? 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 Berkeley


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 Berkeley Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Negril $8.71
    Berkeley $30
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:

  • Comfortable Montego Bay Airport to Negril Resorts Transfer 1 way: $33
  • Private Transfer from MBJ Airport to Grand Palladium Hotel: $36
  • Round-Trip or Direct Private Airport Transfer to Lucea Resorts: $37
  • Grand Palladium Airport Transfer: $37
  • Grand Palladium Private Transfers from MBJ Airport: $40
  • Private Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Grand Palladium: $40
  • Montego Bay Airport Transfer To Negril Hotels Private: $46
  • Private Airport Transfer Grand Palladium/ Lady Hamilton Jamaica: $47
  • Grand Palladium Private Airport Transfer: $48
  • Private Airport Transfers to Negril Hotels: $48
  • Private Transfer from Negril to Sangster Airport (MBJ): $50
  • One-Way & Round-Trip Private Transfer from Montego Bay to Negril *42O VIP Option: $50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Berkeley

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Berkeley:

  • Arrival Transfer from Oakland Airport OAK to San Francisco by SUV: $232
  • Private Transfer: Oakland International Airport to Hotel: $200
  • Private Departure Transfer to Oakland Airport OAK: $97
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland: $93
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $87
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Oakland Airport OAK: $81
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to San Francisco hotel/address - Private Arrival Transfer: $63
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland hotel or address - Private Arrival Transfer: $44

Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Berkeley?

Prices for flights to both Berkeley 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
    Berkeley $36

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

Typical Food Prices in Berkeley

Some typical examples of dining costs in Berkeley are as follows:


  • Chocolates at Sweet Dreams
    $4.46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Berkeley

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Berkeley.

  • North 3-Hour Food Tour: $116
  • Best of North Berkeley Food Tour: $130
  • Black Food Tour - Downtown Oakland: $130

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Negril $27
    Berkeley $30
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 Berkeley

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Berkeley are as follows:

  • 2 Hours Private Walking Tour in Berkeley: $20
  • Classic Sausalito Wooden Boat Tour: $135
  • Comedy Oakland at The Washington Inn Show Tickets: $20
  • Historic Houseboat Tour: $65
  • Oakland Athletics Baseball Game Ticket at RingCentral Coliseum: $14
  • Oakland's Temescal Tastes Tour: $120
  • Redwoods of Marin and Mt. Tamalpais Walking Tour with Local Guide: $59
  • Ruth Bancroft Garden General Admission Ticket: $12
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Berkeley by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Self-Guided Oakland Tour in an Urban Excursion: $20
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Antioch by Zombie Scavengers: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Negril $10
    Berkeley $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Berkeley

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Berkeley:

  • Guided Wine Tasting at Berkeley Wineries with Local Sommelière : $175
  • Guided Wine Tasting with Local Sommelière: $175


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

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


Which is Bigger, Negril or Berkeley?

Berkeley has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Negril. When comparing the sizes of Negril and Berkeley, 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 Berkeley?

Berkeley 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 Berkeley in the Summer?

Both Berkeley and Negril during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Negril because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Berkeley for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Negril is much warmer than Berkeley. Typically, the summer temperatures in Negril in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Berkeley averages at about 63°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually gets more rain in July than Berkeley. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Berkeley receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Negril or Berkeley in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and Berkeley. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Berkeley because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Negril is generally much warmer than Berkeley. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 27°C (81°F), and Berkeley fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Negril gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Negril usually receives more rain than Berkeley. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Negril or Berkeley in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Negril as well as Berkeley. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Berkeley this time of year.

Negril is much warmer than Berkeley in the winter. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Berkeley fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

Negril usually gets less rain in January than Berkeley. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Berkeley receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Negril 25°C (77°F) 
    Berkeley 50°F (10°C)

Should I visit Negril or Berkeley in the Spring?

Both Berkeley and Negril are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Negril throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Berkeley for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Negril is much warmer than Berkeley. Typically, the spring temperatures in Negril in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Berkeley averages at about 58°F (14°C).

It's quite rainy in Negril. In April, Negril usually receives more rain than Berkeley. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Negril 26°C (79°F) 
    Berkeley 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Berkeley and Negril

Negril Berkeley
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 50°F (10°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 58°F (14°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
May 27°C (81°F) 205 mm (8.1 in) 60°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 62°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 63°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 64°F (18°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 181 mm (7.1 in) 66°F (19°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 222 mm (8.7 in) 63°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)