Which place is cheaper, Gatlinburg or Negril?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Negril or Gatlinburg?
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 Gatlinburg. 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 Gatlinburg?
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!
Gatlinburg
Located in eastern Tennessee, Gatlinburg is a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and for many it is a destination in and of itself. It's anything but natural, and most of its entertainment is centered around amusement park rides and gimmicky sights. You'll find no shortage of cheap hotels and restaurant options, many of which are the typical chains you would find in most tourist towns. It is a convenient town to pick up any necessities you may have forgotten before your visit to the nearby national park.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.
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Negril Prices
Jamaica PricesGatlinburg Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNegril $152Gatlinburg $253
The average daily cost (per person) in Negril is $152, while the average daily cost in Gatlinburg is $253. 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 Gatlinburg in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNegril $103Gatlinburg $80
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNegril $206Gatlinburg $160
Compare Hotels in Negril and Gatlinburg
Looking for a hotel in Negril or Gatlinburg? 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 Gatlinburg Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Negril $8.48Gatlinburg $35
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$13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Negril
Also for Negril, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Fun Holiday Beach Resort Montego Bay Airport Transfer: $205
- Grand Palladium Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Rountrip): $200
- Private Transfer to Mystic Mountain Jamaica From Negril Hotels: $200
- Private, Round-Trip Negril Airport Transfer: $200
- Chukka and Rafting Ocho Rios with Private Transfer Negril Hotels: $200
- Private Transfers-Negril and Runaway Bay hotels(Round Trip): $180
- Private Transfer from Negril to Jamaica (MBJ) Airport: $173
- Private Transfer from Jamaica (MBJ) Airport to Negril: $173
- Luxury Grand Palladium Transfer: $144
- Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer Negril Hotels: $141
- Private Customizable Transfer from Sangster Intl Airport - Negril: $140
- Montego Bay Airport (MBJ) to Negril hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $138
Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Gatlinburg?
Prices for flights to both Gatlinburg 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 $38Gatlinburg $148
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: $80
- Cultural Food Tour & Seven Mile Beach At Negril’s Margaritaville: $150
Typical Food Prices in Gatlinburg
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Gatlinburg:
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Chinese Food Dinner (for 2)$21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Gatlinburg
For Gatlinburg, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Riga Tony's Murder Mystery Dinner Show, Pigeon Forge, TN: $70
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Negril $26Gatlinburg $24
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$43
Tours and Activities in Negril
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Negril.
- 7Mile Beach/Ricks Cafe Tour with Free Shopping from Montego Bay: $115
- ATV's, Shopping, Seven Mile Beach,Catamaran Cruise to Ricks Cafe: $130
- Appleton Estate Rum Tour [Transportation services]: $125
- Appleton Estate Rum and Black River Safari Private Tour: $185
- Appleton and Y.S Falls Tour from Negril Hotels: $261
- Bamboo Rafting and Rick Cafe Negril Private Tour: $161
- Bambuza ATV, Zipline and Horseback Adventure from Negril: $190
- Blue Hole Mineral Springs, Rick's Café, and Shopping Combo Tour: $75
- Boat tour: $123
- Bob Marley 9 miles with French tour guide: $260
- Bob Marley Museum Tour From Negril Hotel: $215
- Bob Marley's Nine Mile Day-Trip w/Admission & Guided Tour from Grand Palladium: $145
Typical Entertainment Prices in Gatlinburg
For Gatlinburg, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Horseback Riding Photos$22
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Horseback Riding (for 2)$55
Tours and Activities in Gatlinburg
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Gatlinburg.
- 2 hour Extended Ghost and Haunt Tour of Gatlinburg: $40
- 3-Hour Nantahala River Fully Guided Rafting Experience: $65
- 5 Hour Tour of the Mountain Heritage of Cades Cove: $150
- 7-Line Zipline Experience in Sevierville: $119
- Admission Ticket: Patty Waszak Show in Pigeon Forge: $38
- Blue Ridge Parkway Self-Guided Tour: Cherokee to Asheville: $1.16
- Cades Cove Jeep Tour: $242
- Cades Cove Sightseeing Bus Tour from Pigeon Forge: $80
- Cades Cove Sightseeing Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
- Clingmans Dome (Kuwohi) Self Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
- Discover the Great Smoky Mountains: A Self-Guided Tour: $1.17
- Douglas Lake View Scenic Helicopter Tour: $55
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNegril $9.85Gatlinburg $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Negril
Also in Negril, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Negril One Love Bus Bar Crawl: $26
Sample the Local Flavors in Gatlinburg
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Gatlinburg:
- Famous Moonshine & Wine Tour From Pigeon Forge: $68
- Tennessee Smokies Distillery Tour and Tastings: $100
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Negril and Gatlinburg, we can see that Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Negril or Gatlinburg?
Gatlinburg has a larger population, and is about 39% larger than the population of Negril. When comparing the sizes of Negril and Gatlinburg, 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 Gatlinburg?
Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg in the Summer?
Both Gatlinburg and Negril are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Negril throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the summer for the hiking.
In July, Negril is generally around the same temperature as Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 27°C (81°F), and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).
It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually receives less sunshine than Gatlinburg during summer. Negril gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 294 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. It's quite rainy in Negril. In July, Negril usually receives more rain than Gatlinburg. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNegril 27°C (81°F)Gatlinburg 81°F (27°C)
Should I visit Negril or Gatlinburg in the Autumn?
Both Gatlinburg and Negril during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Negril because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Gatlinburg for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.
Negril is much warmer than Gatlinburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).
In Gatlinburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Negril. In the autumn, Negril often gets more sunshine than Gatlinburg. Negril gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 213 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually gets more rain in October than Gatlinburg. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNegril 27°C (81°F)Gatlinburg 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Negril or Gatlinburg in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and Gatlinburg. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Gatlinburg because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Gatlinburg can be very cold. In the winter, Negril is much warmer than Gatlinburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Negril in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Gatlinburg averages at about 40°F (5°C).
In Negril, it's very sunny this time of the year. Negril usually receives more sunshine than Gatlinburg during winter. Negril gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 134 hours of full sun in the winter.
Gatlinburg receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Negril usually receives less rain than Gatlinburg. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNegril 25°C (77°F)Gatlinburg 40°F (5°C)
Should I visit Negril or Gatlinburg in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Negril as well as Gatlinburg. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Negril is generally much warmer than Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 26°C (79°F), and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Negril this time of the year. In the spring, Negril often gets less sunshine than Gatlinburg. Negril gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 263 hours of full sun.
Negril receives a lot of rain in the spring. Negril usually gets more rain in April than Gatlinburg. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNegril 26°C (79°F)Gatlinburg 62°F (17°C)
Typical Weather for Gatlinburg and Negril
| Negril | Gatlinburg | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 40°F (5°C) | 4.7 inches (119 mm) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 44°F (7°C) | 4.7 inches (120 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 4.8 inches (123 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 205 mm (8.1 in) | 70°F (21°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 78°F (25°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 4.7 inches (119 mm) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 80°F (27°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 222 mm (8.7 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 53°F (12°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 44°F (7°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) |
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.