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

Should you visit Negril or Cocoa Beach?

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 Cocoa Beach. 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 Cocoa Beach?

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!

Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach, Florida has long been a favorite vacation spot for travelers looking for sun, sand, and waves. The location was also made famous as the setting for the 1960's television show, "I Dream of Jeannie". The town of just over 11,000 is located in Brevard County along the Atlantic coast. Many people visit the area because of its excellent surfing. There are many surfing festivals and competitions held here yearly and the famous Ron Jon's surf shop receives about 2 million visitors a year. The city is also home to the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame.

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


Which place is cheaper, Cocoa Beach 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
    Cocoa Beach Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Negril $153
    Cocoa Beach $176

The average daily cost (per person) in Negril is $153, while the average daily cost in Cocoa Beach is $176. 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 Cocoa Beach in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Negril $103
    Cocoa Beach $85
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Negril $206
    Cocoa Beach $170
Compare Hotels in Negril and Cocoa Beach

Looking for a hotel in Negril or Cocoa Beach? 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 Cocoa Beach


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 Cocoa Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Negril $8.52
    Cocoa Beach $26
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:

  • Transfers between Montego Bay Airport and Negril Hotels: $107
  • Sangster International Airport to Negril Footprintson Transfer: $117
  • Sandals South Coast Private Transfer (White House): $83
  • Royalton Negril Resort Airport Transfer: $53
  • Roundtrip Transfer To or From Jam West Adventure: $100
  • Round-trip Airport Transfer to Grand Palladium Resort & Spa: $75
  • Round trip airport hotel transfer MBJ-Negril: $125
  • Private Transfers-Negril and Runaway Bay hotels(Round Trip): $180
  • Private Transfer to Bambuza Park From Negril Hotels: $55
  • Private Transfer from Sangster Intl Airport to Negril Jamaica: $60
  • Private Transfer from Negril to Sangster Airport (MBJ): $60
  • Private Transfer from Negril to Jamaica (MBJ) Airport: $170

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cocoa Beach

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

  • Private Transfer from Cocoa to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $152
  • Port Canaveral: Private Transfer to Orlando Airport MCO: $90

Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Cocoa Beach?

Prices for flights to both Cocoa Beach 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
    Cocoa Beach $75

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
  • The Jungle Nightclub Experience with Optional Dinner in Negril: $80
  • Local food tour and local fields: $164

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Negril $26
    Cocoa Beach $16
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.

  • 3 Hour Day Party Pass for Tourists at Jamaica Countryside Estate: $85
  • ATV Adventure and Zipline with Rick's Cafe Sunset Tour in Negril: $42
  • ATV's, Shopping, Seven Mile Beach,Catamaran Cruise to Ricks Cafe: $130
  • Appleton Estate Rum Tour [Transportation services]: $125
  • Appleton and Y.S Falls Tour from Negril Hotels: $261
  • Bamboo Rafting and Rick Cafe Negril Private Tour: $161
  • Bambuza ATV, Zipline and Horseback Adventure from Negril: $190
  • Black River Safari and YS Falls Tour from Negril: $232
  • Blue Hole Secret Falls and Dunns River Falls Adventure: $134
  • Boat tour: $123
  • Bob Marley 9 miles with French tour guide: $260
  • Bob Marley Museum Tour From Negril Hotel: $170

Tours and Activities in Cocoa Beach

For Cocoa Beach, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2 Hour Tiki Dolphin Sightseeing Tour in Cocoa Beach: $65
  • 2 hour Dolphin Sightseeing Tour in Melbourne Florida: $67
  • Bioluminescence Clear Kayak & Paddleboard Tour – Near Orlando: $75
  • Bioluminescence Kayak Tour: $75
  • Bioluminescence Rafting Tour - Wildlife Refuge (Titusville): $60
  • Bioluminescence Tour on Kayak or Paddle Board: $79
  • Bioluminescent Clear Bottom Kayak or Paddleboard Sit-On-Top Kayak Hybrid Tour!: $85
  • Bioluminescent Clear Kayak Tours in Titusville: $120
  • Bioluminescent Comb Jelly Clear Kayaking Tour: $89
  • Bioluminescent Kayak Tour in Floridas Indian River Lagoon: $65
  • Bioluminescent Kayaking Tour Cocoa Beach: $65
  • Clear Kayak Bioluminescence Tour: $90

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Negril $9.89
    Cocoa Beach $20


When comparing the travel costs between Negril and Cocoa Beach, we can see that Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Negril or Cocoa Beach?

Cocoa Beach has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Negril. When comparing the sizes of Negril and Cocoa Beach, 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 Cocoa Beach?

Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and Cocoa Beach. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round. Furthermore, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cocoa Beach this time of year.

In the summer, Negril is around the same temperature as Cocoa Beach. Typically, the summer temperatures in Negril in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Cocoa Beach averages at about 81°F (27°C).

Cocoa Beach receives a lot of rain in the summer. Negril gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Negril usually receives less rain than Cocoa Beach. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Cocoa Beach receives 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Negril or Cocoa Beach in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Negril as well as Cocoa Beach. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Cocoa Beach for the shopping scene.

In October, Negril is generally around the same temperature as Cocoa Beach. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 27°C (81°F), and Cocoa Beach fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

It's quite rainy in Cocoa Beach. Negril receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Negril usually gets more rain in October than Cocoa Beach. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Cocoa Beach receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Cocoa Beach is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Cocoa Beach 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Negril or Cocoa Beach in the Winter?

Both Cocoa Beach and Negril are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Negril throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Cocoa Beach in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Negril is a little warmer than Cocoa Beach in the winter. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Cocoa Beach fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In January, Negril usually receives less rain than Cocoa Beach. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cocoa Beach receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Negril 25°C (77°F) 
    Cocoa Beach 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Negril or Cocoa Beach in the Spring?

Both Cocoa Beach and Negril during the spring 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 Cocoa Beach for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Negril is a little warmer than Cocoa Beach. Typically, the spring temperatures in Negril in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Cocoa Beach averages at about 73°F (23°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually gets more rain in April than Cocoa Beach. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Cocoa Beach receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Negril 26°C (79°F) 
    Cocoa Beach 73°F (23°C)

Typical Weather for Cocoa Beach and Negril

Negril Cocoa Beach
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 63°F (17°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 67°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 73°F (23°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
May 27°C (81°F) 205 mm (8.1 in) 77°F (25°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 80°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 81°F (27°C) 8.3 inches (211 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 81°F (27°C) 6.7 inches (171 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 181 mm (7.1 in) 81°F (27°C) 7.2 inches (183 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 222 mm (8.7 in) 77°F (25°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 69°F (21°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 64°F (18°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)