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

Should you visit Negril or Clearwater?

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 Clearwater. 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 Clearwater?

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!

Clearwater

Clearwater is a city in Florida's Tampa Bay area known for its sunny weather and gulf coast beaches. Its most famous beach (Clearwater Beach) is located on a barrier island with white sands and crystal waters - a perfect setting for activities such as fishing, sailing, kayaking, jet skiing, dolphin and sunset tours, parasailing, and more.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Clearwater or Negril?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Negril Prices
    Jamaica Prices
    Clearwater Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Negril $153
    Clearwater $343

The average daily cost (per person) in Negril is $153, while the average daily cost in Clearwater is $343. 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 Clearwater in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Negril $104
    Clearwater $141
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Negril $208
    Clearwater $282
Compare Hotels in Negril and Clearwater

Looking for a hotel in Negril or Clearwater? 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 Clearwater


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 Clearwater Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Negril $8.54
    Clearwater $221
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Negril

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


  • Taxi From Airport
    $13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Negril

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

  • Grand Palladium Jamaica - Lady Hamilton Airport Transfer MBJ ***: $15
  • MBJ Airport Transfers to/from Montego Bay Hotels/Villas/Airbnb: $20
  • Grand Palladium hotel transfer from Montego Bay airport: $29
  • Montego Bay Jamaica Airport Transfer to Falmouth, Grand Palladium: $35
  • Airport transfer to or from Grand Palladium: $35
  • Private Transfer from MBJ Airport to Grand Palladium Hotel: $38
  • MBJ Airport Private Transfers to any Negril Hotels: $39
  • Montego Bay Airport Transfers Private Taxi to Hotels in Negril: $40
  • Montego Bay Jamaica Airport Private Transfer To Hedonism Negril: $42
  • MBJ Private Airport transfer to or from Negril: $42
  • Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Grand Palladium Hotel Lucea Ja: $42
  • Private Montego Bay Jamaica Airport Transfer To Negril Hotels: $43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Clearwater

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Clearwater:

  • Private Transfer from St Petersburg Clearwater Airport to St Pete Beach: $60

Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Clearwater?

Prices for flights to both Clearwater 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 $38
    Clearwater $79

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Negril

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

  • Dinner in the Sky Jamaica Round Trip Taxi & Guide only: $42
  • Cultural Food Tour & Seven Mile Beach At Negril’s Margaritaville: $150

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Clearwater

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

  • Clearwater Beach: Tropical Delights - 'The Fun' Food Tour!: $117
  • Clearwater Beach Fun and Tropical Food Tour: $119

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Negril $26
    Clearwater -
Typical Entertainment Prices in Negril

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


  • 2 Hr Horseback Ride
    $43

Tours and Activities in Negril

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

  • Blue Hole Mineral Spring and Rastafari Herb Farm Experience: $40
  • Private Negril Beach Experience and Rick's Cafe from Negril: $60
  • Jamwest Push Kart Adventure Experience Entry Ticket in Negril: $60
  • Negril Glass Bottom Boat Tour Snorkeling and Booby Cay: $65
  • Rick's Cafe Glass Bottom Sunset Cruise: $65
  • Rockland's Bird Sanctuary Tour from Montego Bay/ Falmouth: $70
  • Blue Hole Mineral Springs, Rick's Café, and Shopping Combo Tour: $75
  • Martha Brae River Bamboo Rafting Tour: $75
  • Choose Your Adventure: ATV, Zipline, Horseback Ride & Rafting: $80
  • NEGRIL CATAMARAN CRUISE Sunset Ricks Cafe ALL HOTELS: $89
  • Negril Catamaran Sunset Cruise with Snorkeling, Drinks & DJ: $89
  • Family Catamaran Cruise from Jamwest Beach Negril Hotels: $90

Tours and Activities in Clearwater

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

  • !! Flippers Fun Boat !! Dolphin Adventure Clearwater Beach!: $32
  • 1,5h Tiki Tour with Unlimited Alcoholic Drinks, Clearwater Beach: $49
  • 2 Hour Sunset Cruise in Clearwater, Florida: $39
  • 2 Hours Kayak Eco Tour in Tarpon Springs: $54
  • 2-Hour Sunset Cruise Tour in St. Petersburg: $67
  • 2.5 Hour Shell Key Island Adventure Including Dolphins And Shells: $59
  • 3 Hour Dolphin Snorkeling and Shell Key Adventure St. Pete Beach: $60
  • 3 hour - Two Island Sandbar Tiki Adventure: $595
  • 4 Hour Egmont Key Island Tour With Dolphins & Snorkeling Included: $79
  • 4-Hour St. Pete Pier to Egmont Key Experience by Ferry: $78
  • 90 Minute Jet Ski Ft Desoto Sand Bar Tour: $199
  • 90 min Dolphin tour: $38

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Negril $9.91
    Clearwater -

Sample the Local Flavors in Clearwater

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Clearwater:

  • St Petersburg Distillery Tour and Tasting Experience: $25
  • The Tour and Wine Tasting Experience at Aspirations Winery: $25


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


Which is Bigger, Negril or Clearwater?

Clearwater has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Negril. When comparing the sizes of Negril and Clearwater, 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 Clearwater?

Clearwater 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 Clearwater in the Summer?

Both Clearwater 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, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Clearwater this time of year.

In July, Negril is generally around the same temperature as Clearwater. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 27°C (81°F), and Clearwater fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

In Clearwater, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Negril. In the summer, Negril often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Clearwater. Negril gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Clearwater receives 265 hours of full sun.

Clearwater gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually gets less rain in July than Clearwater. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Clearwater receives 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Clearwater 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Negril or Clearwater in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and Clearwater. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round. Also, many travelers come to Clearwater for the shopping scene.

Negril is a little warmer than Clearwater in the autumn. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Clearwater fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Clearwater 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 Clearwater during autumn. Negril gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Clearwater receives 234 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 Clearwater. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Clearwater receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Clearwater is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Clearwater 75°F (24°C)

Should I visit Negril or Clearwater in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Negril as well as Clearwater. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Clearwater in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Negril is much warmer than Clearwater. Typically, the winter temperatures in Negril in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Clearwater averages at about 60°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Clearwater. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Negril this time of the year. In the winter, Negril often gets more sunshine than Clearwater. Negril gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Clearwater receives 200 hours of full sun.

Negril usually gets less rain in January than Clearwater. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Clearwater receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Negril 25°C (77°F) 
    Clearwater 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Negril or Clearwater in the Spring?

Both Clearwater 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, most visitors come to Clearwater for the beaches during these months.

In April, Negril is generally a little warmer than Clearwater. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 26°C (79°F), and Clearwater fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

It's quite sunny in Clearwater. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually receives less sunshine than Clearwater during spring. Negril gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Clearwater receives 299 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Negril. In April, Negril usually receives more rain than Clearwater. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Clearwater receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Clearwater.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Negril 26°C (79°F) 
    Clearwater 71°F (22°C)

Typical Weather for Clearwater and Negril

Negril Clearwater
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 67°F (19°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 71°F (22°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
May 27°C (81°F) 205 mm (8.1 in) 77°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 181 mm (7.1 in) 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 222 mm (8.7 in) 75°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 68°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)