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

Should you visit Negril or Columbus?

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 Columbus. 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 Columbus?

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!

Columbus

The capital city of Ohio, Columbus sits at the meeting point of America's Rust Belt, Bible Belt, Appalachia, and the Plains. It is also home of Ohio State University, which is a major financial and economic force in the city. While not always famous for it's sights and attractions, visitors will be pleasantly surprised by what they find here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City.


Which place is cheaper, Columbus 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 Columbus is $158. 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 Columbus in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Negril $106
    Columbus $72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Negril $212
    Columbus $144
Compare Hotels in Negril and Columbus

Looking for a hotel in Negril or Columbus? 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 Columbus


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 Columbus Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Negril $8.71
    Columbus $50
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:

  • Transfers between Montego Bay Airport and Negril Hotels: $107
  • Sunset at The Palms Airport Transfer: $53
  • Sangster International Airport Transfers to/from Rui Negril : $61
  • Sandals South Coast Private Transfer (White House): $83
  • Sandals South Coast Private Car Transfer From Montego Bay Airport: $76
  • Royalton Negril Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Rountrip): $280
  • Round-Trip or Direct Private Airport Transfer to Lucea Resorts: $37
  • Private Transfer to Hotels in Negril from Montego Bay Airport : $55
  • Private Transfer from Negril to Sangster Airport (MBJ): $50
  • Private Transfer from Montego Bay Airport - Negril Hotels: $58
  • Private Transfer from MBJ Airport to Grand Palladium Hotel: $36
  • Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer to Grand Palladium Resort in Jamaica: $80

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Columbus

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

  • Columbus Ohio (CMH) Airport Arrival or Departure Private Transfer: $180
  • Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) to Columbus - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $131
  • Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) to Columbus - Arrival Private Transfer: $65
  • Columbus to Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) - Departure Private Transfer: $65

Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Columbus?

Prices for flights to both Columbus 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
    Columbus $49

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
    Columbus $46
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.

  • YS Falls and Sightseeing Tour Day Adventure: $138
  • Appleton Estate Rum Tour: $275
  • Appleton Estate Rum Tour [Transportation services]: $125
  • Appleton Estate Rum Tour and Tasting from Negril: $232
  • Appleton Estate Rum and Black River Safari Private Tour : $185
  • Appleton Rum Factory and Black River Safari Tour: $279
  • Appleton Rum Factory, YS Falls, and Reggae Horseback Ride & Swim Combo Tour: $195
  • Appleton and Y.S Falls Tour from Negril Hotels: $261
  • Atv Adventure and Ricks Cafe with Private Transportation: $367
  • Atv Adventure and Ziplines with Private Transportation: $413
  • Atv, Seven Mile Beach and Rick’s Cafe Tour & Transportation: $333
  • Atv, Seven Mile Beach and Ricks Cafe Private Tour: $293

Tours and Activities in Columbus

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

  • Columbus Scavenger Hunt Adventure : $21
  • 1-Hour Themed Escape Room Adventure & Narrative: $41
  • Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Columbus with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus Ticket: $28
  • Trolley Pub Holiday Lights Tour in Columbus: $45
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Columbus by Crazy Dash: $10

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Negril $10
    Columbus $20


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


Which is Bigger, Negril or Columbus?

Columbus has a larger population, and is about 250 times larger than the population of Negril. When comparing the sizes of Negril and Columbus, 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 Columbus?

Columbus 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 Columbus in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and Columbus. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Columbus for the family-friendly experiences.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Columbus 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 Columbus during summer. Negril gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Columbus receives 254 hours of full sun in the summer.

Columbus receives a lot of rain in the summer. Negril gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Negril usually receives more rain than Columbus. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Columbus receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Columbus 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Negril or Columbus in the Autumn?

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

Negril is much warmer than Columbus in the autumn. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Columbus fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Negril this time of the year. In the autumn, Negril often gets more sunshine than Columbus. Negril gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbus receives 179 hours of full sun.

Negril receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Negril usually gets more rain in October than Columbus. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Columbus 57°F (14°C)

Should I visit Negril or Columbus in the Winter?

Both Columbus 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, most visitors come to Columbus for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Columbus can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Negril is much warmer than Columbus. Typically, the winter temperatures in Negril in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Columbus averages at about 30°F (-1°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually receives more sunshine than Columbus during winter. Negril gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Columbus receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Negril usually receives less rain than Columbus. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Negril 25°C (77°F) 
    Columbus 30°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Negril or Columbus in the Spring?

Both Columbus 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.

In April, Negril is generally much warmer than Columbus. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 26°C (79°F), and Columbus fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Negril. In the spring, Negril often gets more sunshine than Columbus. Negril gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbus receives 200 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually gets more rain in April than Columbus. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Columbus receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Negril 26°C (79°F) 
    Columbus 54°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Columbus and Negril

Negril Columbus
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 30°F (-1°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 33°F (1°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 45°F (7°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 54°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
May 27°C (81°F) 205 mm (8.1 in) 65°F (18°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 73°F (23°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 77°F (25°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 75°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 181 mm (7.1 in) 69°F (20°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 222 mm (8.7 in) 57°F (14°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 35°F (2°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)