Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or Negril?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Negril or Cuenca?
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 Cuenca. 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 Cuenca?
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!
Cuenca
Cuenca is a vibrant colonial city in southern Ecuador, the third largest in the country, and the capital of Azuay Province. Cuenca is considered as Ecuador's most important and beautiful colonial city after Quito. Dating from the 16th century, Cuenca's historic center, a Unesco World Heritage Site with its trademark skyline of massive rotundas and soaring steeples, is a magical sight in which you will feel like you are moving back in time. Cuenca is the center of many craft traditions, including ceramics, metalwork and the internationally famous panama hat. The nearby villages also offer many other handicrafts. Tourists enjoy wandering the ancient streets discovering picturesque alleys and hidden corners, where nuns march along cobblestone streets and kids in Catholic-school uniforms skip past historic churches. Fascinating historic monuments and fabulous views are found at every turn. Cuenca also has outstanding art museums and festivals. For a rewarding cultural experience, visit during Easter to attend the Festival of Religious Music.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNegril $139Cuenca $42
The average daily cost (per person) in Negril is $139, while the average daily cost in Cuenca is $42. 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 Cuenca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNegril $106Cuenca $13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNegril $212Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Negril and Cuenca
Looking for a hotel in Negril or Cuenca? 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.
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 Cuenca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Negril $8.71Cuenca $11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Negril
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Negril:
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Taxi From Airport$14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Negril
Also for Negril, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Round Trip Transfer from Montego Bay to Grand Palladium: $105
- Airport Round-Trip Transfers To Negril From Sangster’s International Airport : $90
- Airport transfers, private tours and excursions in Jamaica : $80
- Azul Negril Resort Airport Transfer : $53
- Club Kingston VIP Lounge & Fast Track with Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer: $112
- Comfortable Montego Bay Airport to Grand Palladium Transfer: $23
- Comfortable Montego Bay Airport to Negril Resorts Transfer: $33
- From Montego Bay Airport (MBJ): Private Transfer to Negril: $105
- Fun Holiday Beach Resort Montego Bay Airport Transfer: $205
- Grand Palladium Airport Transfer: $37
- Grand Palladium Private Airport Transfer: $48
- Grand Palladium Private Transfers from MBJ Airport: $40
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cuenca
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cuenca:
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Taxi Ride$2.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cuenca
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cuenca:
- Private Transfer from Cuenca to Guayaquil.: $104
- Shared transfer from Hotel to Airport in Cuenca: $47
Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Cuenca?
Prices for flights to both Cuenca 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
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Food Meals for one dayNegril $23Cuenca $15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Negril
For Negril, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Club2727 Nightlife Experience with Optional Dinner in Montego Bay: $60
- 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 Cuenca
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cuenca:
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Lunch$10
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Snacks$5.00
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Empanada$1.50
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Hot Dog$1.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cuenca
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cuenca.
- Street food Tour in Cuenca,Ecuador: $33
- Cooking Class & Market Tour in Cuenca: $55
- Cuenca City Tour & Cooking Class (PRIVATE Tour from Cuenca): $112
- Private Cooking Class: $125
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Negril $27Cuenca $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Negril
For Negril, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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2 Hr Horseback Ride$44
Tours and Activities in Negril
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Negril.
- Cruise Ship Excursion in Montego Bay : $41
- 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
- Ricks Cafe Sunset Catamaran Cruise Negril Palladium Montego Bay: $85
- Jamwest JamCulture Tour from Negril: $89
- Bob Marley Birth Place Nine Mile Day Tour: $94
- Negril Catamaran Adults Only Cruise, Snorkeling and Rick's Cafe from Negril: $110
- Must Do-Accompong Town Maroon Village Tour & Celebration from Negril: $112
Tours and Activities in Cuenca
Here are a few actual costs in Cuenca for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cuenca-Ec- City Tour with Panama Hat factory Half Day: $30
- Amazing Cajas National Park Tour from Cuenca: $48
- Azuay: San Bartolomé, Gualaceo, and Chordeleg Artisanal Tour: $63
- Biking Cuenca City Tour: $50
- Birdwatching Tour in Cajas National Park from Cuenca: $100
- Birdwatching Tour in Giron and Yunguilla Jocotoco Reserve from Cuenca: $150
- Birdwatching Tour, Via Gualaceo to the Eastern slope from Cuenca: $130
- Cañari Bike Tour: $96
- Cajas National Park Half Day Tour from Cuenca: $40
- Cajas National Park Small-Group tour from Cuenca: $49
- Cajas National Park Tour from Cuenca: $49
- Cajas National Park and Cuenca City private Tour: $115
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNegril $10Cuenca $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Negril and Cuenca, we can see that Negril is more expensive. And not only is Cuenca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Negril is in Caribbean Islands and Cuenca is in South 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 Cuenca would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cuenca 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 Negril would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Negril than you might in Cuenca.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Negril Expensive? and Is Cuenca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Negril or Cuenca?
Cuenca has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Negril. When comparing the sizes of Negril and Cuenca, 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 Cuenca?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Negril or Cuenca in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Negril as well as Cuenca. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
Negril receives a lot of rain in the summer. Negril usually gets more rain in July than Cuenca. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
Negril is a little warmer than Cuenca in the summer. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Cuenca fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNegril 27°C (81°F)Cuenca 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Negril or Cuenca in the Autumn?
Both Cuenca and Negril are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Negril throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Negril. In October, Negril usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In the autumn, Negril is much warmer than Cuenca. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Negril in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Cuenca averages at about 12°C (54°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNegril 27°C (81°F)Cuenca 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Negril or Cuenca in the Winter?
Both Cuenca and Negril during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Negril because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.
Negril usually gets more rain in January than Cuenca. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
Cuenca can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Negril is generally much warmer than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 25°C (77°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNegril 25°C (77°F)Cuenca 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Negril or Cuenca in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and Cuenca. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Negril gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Negril usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Negril is much warmer than Cuenca in the spring. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Cuenca fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNegril 26°C (79°F)Cuenca 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cuenca and Negril
| Negril | Cuenca | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 205 mm (8.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 222 mm (8.7 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.