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

Should you visit Negril or Duck Key?

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 Duck Key. 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 Duck Key?

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!

Duck Key

If you are thirsty for the taste of tropical splendor, Duck Key, Florida will surely quench your desires. Located in Monroe County, Florida, right beside its neighbor Conch Key, Duck Key stands. The community is chock full of everyone's favorite seaside activities, including fishing, jetskiing, scuba diving, canoeing, and kayaking. Though a quaint town, Duck Key attracts tourists from all over due to its quiet beaches and friendly locals. Whether you are looking to meet and greet with the dolphins or simply lie upon the sandy white beaches as the fire orange sun sets before you, Duck Key is truly a sweet and small subtropical diversion.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Duck Key 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 Duck Key is $143. 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 Duck Key in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Negril $106
    Duck Key $56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Negril $212
    Duck Key $112
Compare Hotels in Negril and Duck Key

Looking for a hotel in Negril or Duck Key? 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 Duck Key


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Negril $8.71
    Duck Key $69
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

Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Duck Key?

Prices for flights to both Duck Key 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
    Duck Key $45

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
    Duck Key $30
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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Negril $10
    Duck Key $7.99


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


Which is Bigger, Negril or Duck Key?

Negril has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Duck Key. When comparing the sizes of Negril and Duck Key, 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 Duck Key?

Duck Key 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 Duck Key in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and Duck Key. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round.

Negril is around the same temperature as Duck Key in the summer. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Duck Key fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Duck Key this time of the year. In Negril, it's very sunny this time of the year. Negril usually receives less sunshine than Duck Key during summer. Negril gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Duck Key receives 328 hours of full sun in the summer.

Negril gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Negril usually receives more rain than Duck Key. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Duck Key receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Duck Key 84°F (29°C)

Should I visit Negril or Duck Key in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Negril as well as Duck Key. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the autumn, Negril is around the same temperature as Duck Key. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Negril in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Duck Key averages at about 80°F (27°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Duck Key. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Negril this time of the year. In the autumn, Negril often gets less sunshine than Duck Key. Negril gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Duck Key receives 258 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Duck Key. Negril receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Negril usually gets more rain in October than Duck Key. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Duck Key receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Duck Key 80°F (27°C)

Should I visit Negril or Duck Key in the Winter?

Both Duck Key and Negril are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Negril throughout the year.

In January, Negril is generally a little warmer than Duck Key. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 25°C (77°F), and Duck Key fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

It's quite sunny in Duck Key. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually receives less sunshine than Duck Key during winter. Negril gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Duck Key receives 252 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Negril usually receives more rain than Duck Key. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Duck Key receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Negril 25°C (77°F) 
    Duck Key 70°F (21°C)

Should I visit Negril or Duck Key in the Spring?

Both Duck Key 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.

Negril is around the same temperature as Duck Key in the spring. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Duck Key fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

In Duck Key, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Negril. In the spring, Negril often gets less sunshine than Duck Key. Negril gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Duck Key receives 326 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually gets more rain in April than Duck Key. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Duck Key receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Negril 26°C (79°F) 
    Duck Key 77°F (25°C)

Typical Weather for Duck Key and Negril

Negril Duck Key
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 70°F (21°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 71°F (21°C) 1.4 inches (36 mm)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 74°F (23°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 77°F (25°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
May 27°C (81°F) 205 mm (8.1 in) 81°F (27°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 83°F (28°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 84°F (29°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 84°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 181 mm (7.1 in) 83°F (29°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 222 mm (8.7 in) 80°F (27°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 76°F (24°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 72°F (22°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm)