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

Should you visit Negril or Durham?

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 Durham. 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 Durham?

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!

Durham

Durham is a city in central North Carolina with about 230,000 residents. Together with Raleigh and Chapel Hill, it forms the Research Triangle area. Durham is often referred to as the "City of Medicine" and is home to the famous Duke University.

Durham's history is rooted in tobacco. The Duke family established American Tobacco, which controlled 90% of all cigarette production in the US during the second half of the 19th century. The family donated money to Trinity College, which changed its name to Duke University in 1924.

Today much of Durham's economy is centered around the university and Research Triangle Park. The area has many technology and pharmaceutical jobs and the economy continues to grow.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.


Which place is cheaper, Durham 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 Durham is $162. 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 Durham in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Negril $106
    Durham $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Negril $212
    Durham $184
Compare Hotels in Negril and Durham

Looking for a hotel in Negril or Durham? 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 Durham


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 Durham Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Negril $8.71
    Durham $33
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

Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Durham?

Prices for flights to both Durham 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
    Durham $44

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
    Durham $26
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

Tours and Activities in Durham

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

  • Downtown Durham Historian-Guided Walking Tour: $16
  • Durham African American History Tour: $16
  • Durham NC: Art Walking Tour: $20
  • True Crime Tour: $13

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Negril $10
    Durham $34


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


Which is Bigger, Negril or Durham?

Durham has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Negril. When comparing the sizes of Negril and Durham, 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 Durham?

Durham 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 Durham in the Summer?

Both Durham 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Durham in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Negril is around the same temperature as Durham. Typically, the summer temperatures in Negril in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Durham averages at about 79°F (26°C).

In Durham, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Negril. In the summer, Negril often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Durham. Negril gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Durham receives 259 hours of full sun.

Durham gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually gets more rain in July than Durham. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Durham receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Durham 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Negril or Durham in the Autumn?

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

In October, Negril is generally much warmer than Durham. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 27°C (81°F), and Durham fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Durham this time of the year. In Negril, it's very sunny this time of the year. Negril usually receives more sunshine than Durham during autumn. Negril gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Durham receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Negril gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Negril usually receives more rain than Durham. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Durham receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Durham 61°F (16°C)

Should I visit Negril or Durham in the Winter?

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

The weather in Durham can be very cold. Negril is much warmer than Durham in the winter. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Durham fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Negril this time of the year. In the winter, Negril often gets more sunshine than Durham. Negril gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Durham receives 162 hours of full sun.

Negril usually gets less rain in January than Durham. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Durham receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Negril 25°C (77°F) 
    Durham 40°F (5°C)

Should I visit Negril or Durham in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Negril is much warmer than Durham. Typically, the spring temperatures in Negril in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Durham averages at about 60°F (16°C).

It's quite sunny in Durham. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually receives less sunshine than Durham during spring. Negril gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Durham receives 251 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Negril. In April, Negril usually receives more rain than Durham. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Durham receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Negril 26°C (79°F) 
    Durham 60°F (16°C)

Typical Weather for Durham and Negril

Negril Durham
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 40°F (5°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 52°F (11°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 60°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 27°C (81°F) 205 mm (8.1 in) 68°F (20°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 76°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 79°F (26°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 78°F (26°C) 4.9 inches (125 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 181 mm (7.1 in) 73°F (23°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 222 mm (8.7 in) 61°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 53°F (11°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)