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

Should you visit Negril or Destin?

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 Destin. 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 Destin?

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!

Destin

An upscale resort town located on the Florida Panhandle, Destin is best known for its white sand beaches and clear green waters, golfing opportunities, and world renowned fishing. The stretch of beach here (on a peninsula between the Gulf of Mexico and the Choctawhatchee Bay) is nicknamed Florida's Emerald Coast.

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


Which place is cheaper, Destin 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 Destin is $192. 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 Destin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Negril $106
    Destin $111
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Negril $212
    Destin $222
Compare Hotels in Negril and Destin

Looking for a hotel in Negril or Destin? 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 Destin


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 Destin Hotel Prices.

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

  • 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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Destin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Destin:

  • Destin, FL to Pensacola International Airport (PNS) - Departure Private Transfer: $71

Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Destin?

Prices for flights to both Destin 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
    Destin $51

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Destin

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

  • 3 Hour Destin Dinner Cruise: Solaris Yacht in Miramar Beach: $128
  • 3 Hour Sunset Dinner Cruise by Solaris Yacht in Miramar Beach: $128
  • Mother's Day Sunset Dinner Cruise: SOLARIS Yacht Miramar Beach FL: $128

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Negril $27
    Destin $17
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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Destin

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Destin are as follows:


  • 1 Day Rental Umbrella and Chairs
    $40

Tours and Activities in Destin

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

  • FAMOUS Destin Dolphin Cruise & Crab Island Sandbar: $70
  • 1 Hour and 30 Minutes Harbor Sightseeing Cruise from Destin: $60
  • 3 Hour Crab Island and Dolphin Cruise from Destin : $70
  • Chakras Sound Bath Meditation Experience in Destin: $35
  • Clear Kayak Ecotour Destin Ft. Walton Beach: $75
  • Clear Kayak Glow Tour Destin Ft. Walton Beach: $75
  • Clear Kayaking Eco Adventure Tour in Marianna: $75
  • Crab Island Dolphin Jetski Adventure : $227
  • Destin Harbor Fireworks Cruise: $40
  • Destin Harbor Sunset Eco Dolphin Cruise: $35
  • Destin Private Guided Sunset Cruise up to 6 Passengers: $230
  • Crab Island Catamaran Tour with Dolphin Watching: $59

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Negril $10
    Destin $49


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


Which is Bigger, Negril or Destin?

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

Destin 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 Destin in the Summer?

Both Destin 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, many visitors come to Destin in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

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

Destin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Destin. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Destin receives 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Negril or Destin in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and Destin. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round. Also, most visitors come to Destin for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Negril is a little warmer than Destin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Destin fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

Destin receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Negril gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Negril usually receives more rain than Destin. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Destin receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Destin 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Negril or Destin in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Negril as well as Destin. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Destin because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Negril is much warmer than Destin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Negril in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Destin averages at about 50°F (10°C).

It's quite rainy in Destin. Negril usually gets less rain in January than Destin. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Destin receives 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Negril 25°C (77°F) 
    Destin 50°F (10°C)

Should I visit Negril or Destin in the Spring?

Both Destin 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, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Destin this time of year.

In April, Negril is generally a little warmer than Destin. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 26°C (79°F), and Destin fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite rainy in Negril. In April, Negril usually receives more rain than Destin. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Destin receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Negril 26°C (79°F) 
    Destin 68°F (20°C)

Typical Weather for Destin and Negril

Negril Destin
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 50°F (10°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 54°F (12°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 60°F (16°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 68°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
May 27°C (81°F) 205 mm (8.1 in) 74°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 80°F (27°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 82°F (28°C) 7.4 inches (189 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 82°F (28°C) 7.4 inches (188 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 181 mm (7.1 in) 79°F (26°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 222 mm (8.7 in) 69°F (21°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 61°F (16°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 54°F (12°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm)