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

Should you visit Negril or Cherokee?

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 Cherokee. 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 Cherokee?

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!

Cherokee

The town of Cherokee is the center of Cherokee Native American culture in North Carolina and the eastern United States. Many natives refer to this area as home and the Cherokee language is also spoken by many people in the area. The town was established by the Cherokee people who were able to stay behind when the US Government forced the majority of the Cherokee people west (ultimately to Oklahoma) in what is known as the Trail of Tears. Those who were able to stay behind were able to hide in the mountains that now comprise the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. The Cherokee people at one point lived in houses made of woven grass and mud, and later, log cabins.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Cherokee 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 Cherokee is $174. 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 Cherokee in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Negril $106
    Cherokee $158
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Negril $212
    Cherokee $316
Compare Hotels in Negril and Cherokee

Looking for a hotel in Negril or Cherokee? 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 Cherokee


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 Cherokee Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Negril $8.71
    Cherokee -
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

Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Cherokee?

Prices for flights to both Cherokee 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
    Cherokee $16

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
    Cherokee -
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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Negril $10
    Cherokee -


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Negril and Cherokee, we can see that Cherokee 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 Cherokee 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 Cherokee would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cherokee 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 Cherokee Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Negril or Cherokee?

Cherokee has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Negril. When comparing the sizes of Negril and Cherokee, 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 Cherokee?

Cherokee 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 Cherokee in the Summer?

Both Cherokee 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 Cherokee for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Negril is generally around the same temperature as Cherokee. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 27°C (81°F), and Cherokee fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

In Cherokee, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Negril. In the summer, Negril often gets less sunshine than Cherokee. Negril gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cherokee receives 294 hours of full sun.

Cherokee gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually gets more rain in July than Cherokee. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Cherokee receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Cherokee 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Negril or Cherokee in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and Cherokee. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Cherokee because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Negril is much warmer than Cherokee in the autumn. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Cherokee fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cherokee this time of the year. In Negril, it's very sunny this time of the year. Negril usually receives more sunshine than Cherokee during autumn. Negril gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Cherokee receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Negril gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Negril usually receives more rain than Cherokee. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Cherokee receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Negril or Cherokee in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Negril as well as Cherokee. 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 Cherokee this time of year.

It's quite cold in Cherokee in the winter. In the winter, Negril is much warmer than Cherokee. Typically, the winter temperatures in Negril in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Cherokee averages at about 40°F (5°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Negril this time of the year. In the winter, Negril often gets more sunshine than Cherokee. Negril gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cherokee receives 134 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cherokee. Negril usually gets less rain in January than Cherokee. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cherokee receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Negril 25°C (77°F) 
    Cherokee 40°F (5°C)

Should I visit Negril or Cherokee in the Spring?

Both Cherokee and Negril are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Negril throughout the year.

In April, Negril is generally much warmer than Cherokee. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 26°C (79°F), and Cherokee fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Cherokee. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually receives less sunshine than Cherokee during spring. Negril gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Cherokee receives 263 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Negril. In April, Negril usually receives more rain than Cherokee. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Cherokee receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Negril 26°C (79°F) 
    Cherokee 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Cherokee and Negril

Negril Cherokee
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 40°F (5°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 44°F (7°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
May 27°C (81°F) 205 mm (8.1 in) 70°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 78°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 81°F (27°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 181 mm (7.1 in) 74°F (24°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 222 mm (8.7 in) 63°F (17°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 53°F (12°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm)