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

Should you visit Negril or Havana?

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 Havana. 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 Havana?

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!

Havana

The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).

This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.

Which place is cheaper, Havana 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 Havana is $65. 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 Havana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Negril $106
    Havana $40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Negril $212
    Havana $80
Compare Hotels in Negril and Havana

Looking for a hotel in Negril or Havana? 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 Havana


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
    Havana $19
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:

  • 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 Havana

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.68

Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Havana?

Prices for flights to both Havana 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
    Havana $10

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 Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:


  • Pizza
    $0.03

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Negril $27
    Havana $11
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.

  • 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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Negril $10
    Havana $5.76

Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:


  • Mojito
    $0.15


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Negril and Havana, we can see that Negril is more expensive. And not only is Havana much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Havana would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Havana 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 Havana.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Negril Expensive? and Is Havana Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Negril or Havana?

Havana has a larger population, and is about 720 times larger than the population of Negril. When comparing the sizes of Negril and Havana, 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 Havana?

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 Havana in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Negril as well as Havana. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year.

Negril receives a lot of rain in the summer. Negril usually gets more rain in July than Havana. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Havana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Havana 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Negril or Havana in the Autumn?

Both Havana 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 Havana 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 Havana. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Havana receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In October, Negril is generally around the same temperature as Havana. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 27°C (81°F), and Havana fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Havana 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Negril or Havana in the Winter?

Both Havana 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 Havana year-round.

Negril usually gets more rain in January than Havana. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Havana receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Negril is a little warmer than Havana in the winter. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Havana fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).


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

Should I visit Negril or Havana in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and Havana. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round. Havana 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 Havana. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Havana receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

In the spring, Negril is around the same temperature as Havana. Typically, the spring temperatures in Negril in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Havana averages at about 24°C (75°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Negril 26°C (79°F) 
    Havana 24°C (75°F)

Typical Weather for Havana and Negril

Negril Havana
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 205 mm (8.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 181 mm (7.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 222 mm (8.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)