Which place is cheaper, Kauai 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 Kauai?
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 Kauai. 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 Kauai?
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!
Kauai
Hawaii is certainly a bucket list destination, but what if you want to do it without being surrounded by tourists? You want the adventure of the land of volcanoes and less of the kids in water wings. Then Kaua'i is the island for you.
Kaua'i, or the "garden island," is full of tropical forests, little villages and even more laid back lifestyle – if you can imagine. It's a smaller island at 560 square miles with a population of only 68,000.
With more coastline miles than any other island, Kaua'i is the result of massive erosion forming awe-inspiring sights like the Waimea Canyon and Na Pali Coast. The island experiences more rainfall every year – keeping it lush and green all year.
You'll feel like you've walked into another world in Kaua'i. Because of height restrictions, this island's buildings are no taller than the coconut trees. So if you're looking for an escape from civilization, you'll want to head straight for Kaua'i.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.
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Negril Prices
Jamaica PricesKauai Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNegril $153Kauai $231
The average daily cost (per person) in Negril is $153, while the average daily cost in Kauai is $231. 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 Kauai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNegril $103Kauai $113
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNegril $206Kauai $226
Compare Hotels in Negril and Kauai
Looking for a hotel in Negril or Kauai? 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 Kauai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Negril $8.52Kauai $34
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:
- Private Airport Transfer: Kingston to Grand Palladium Resort: $240
- Private Airport Transfer Montego Bay and Negril: $200
- Private Airport Transfer Royalton Negril: $200
- Private Transfers-Negril and Runaway Bay hotels(Round Trip): $180
- Private Transfer from Negril to Jamaica (MBJ) Airport: $170
- Private Transfer from Jamaica (MBJ) Airport to Negril: $170
- Luxury Grand Palladium Transfer: $144
- Private Customizable Transfer from Sangster Intl Airport - Negril: $140
- Montego Bay Airport (MBJ) to Negril hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $135
- Montego Bay Airport Transfers to Negril Hotels: $134
- Airport MBJ Round Trip Transfer to Negril Airbnb Homes, Resorts: $133
- Private Airport transfer to/from all hotels in Negril round trip: $130
Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Kauai?
Prices for flights to both Kauai 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 $38Kauai $96
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Negril
For Negril, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Dinner in the Sky Jamaica Round Trip Taxi & Guide only: $42
- The Jungle Nightclub Experience with Optional Dinner in Negril: $80
- Local food tour and local fields: $164
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kauai
For Kauai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Allerton Garden and Estate Tour with Sunset Dinner: $106
- Local Tastes Small Group Food Tour: $121
- Food Tour of Kaua'i: $125
- Walking Food Tour Exploring Hanalei: $149
- Local Dishes Cooking Class: $174
- Luau Ka Hikina Admission with Dinner and Lei Greeting: $175
- Luau Kalamaku with Buffet Dinner and Show: $187
- Luau Kalamaku – Elevated Seating, Dinner & Show: $198
- VIP Manor House Dinner & Luau Kalamaku Show: $237
- Napali Sunset Dinner Cruise: $247
- Napali Coast Sunset Sailboat Tour with Dinner: $247
- Leila Na Pali Sunset Dinner Sail: $264
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Negril $26Kauai $17
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.
- 3 Hour Day Party Pass for Tourists at Jamaica Countryside Estate: $85
- ATV Adventure and Zipline with Rick's Cafe Sunset Tour in Negril: $42
- ATV's, Shopping, Seven Mile Beach,Catamaran Cruise to Ricks Cafe: $130
- Appleton Estate Rum Tour [Transportation services]: $125
- 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
- Black River Safari and YS Falls Tour from Negril: $232
- Blue Hole Secret Falls and Dunns River Falls Adventure: $134
- Boat tour: $123
- Bob Marley 9 miles with French tour guide: $260
- Bob Marley Museum Tour From Negril Hotel: $170
Tours and Activities in Kauai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kauai.
- AdrenaLine Zipline Tour with WaterZip & Hawaii's LONGEST Zipline: $183
- Best Kauai Northeast, Fern Grotto River Cruise & Lighthouse Tour: $242
- From USS Arizona Memorial and Honolulu City Tour: $400
- Hanalei Bay Morning Kayak and Snorkel Tour: $160
- Inside the Hive: Kauai Honey and Bee Tour: $115
- Kalapaki Kai Sunset Catamaran Cruise: $109
- Kauai Adventure Bundle 4 Epic Audio Driving Tours: $35
- Kauai Airplane Tour: Na Pali Coast, Waterfalls & Window Seats: $159
- Kauai Cessna Private Air Tour: $189
- Kauai Chocolate Farm Tasting Tour: $145
- Kauai Cruise Ship Excursion: Wailua River & Fern Grotto: $109
- Kauai Cruise Ship Shore Excursion Journey to Waimea Canyon: $97
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNegril $9.89Kauai $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Negril and Kauai, we can see that Kauai 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 Kauai 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 Kauai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kauai 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 Kauai Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Negril or Kauai?
Kauai 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 Kauai in the Summer?
Both Kauai 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, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kauai this time of year.
In the summer, Negril is around the same temperature as Kauai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Negril in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Kauai averages at about 78°F (25°C).
It's quite sunny in Kauai. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kauai during summer. Negril gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 255 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Negril. In July, Negril usually receives more rain than Kauai. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Kauai receives 0.6 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNegril 27°C (81°F)Kauai 78°F (25°C)
Should I visit Negril or Kauai in the Autumn?
Both Kauai 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kauai for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Negril is generally around the same temperature as Kauai. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 27°C (81°F), and Kauai fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).
In Kauai, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Negril. In the autumn, Negril often gets more sunshine than Kauai. Negril gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 208 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually gets more rain in October than Kauai. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNegril 27°C (81°F)Kauai 78°F (25°C)
Should I visit Negril or Kauai in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and Kauai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kauai in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Negril is a little warmer than Kauai in the winter. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Kauai fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).
In Negril, it's very sunny this time of the year. Negril usually receives more sunshine than Kauai during winter. Negril gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 174 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Negril usually receives less rain than Kauai. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNegril 25°C (77°F)Kauai 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit Negril or Kauai in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Negril as well as Kauai. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Kauai for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Negril is a little warmer than Kauai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Negril in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Kauai averages at about 73°F (23°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kauai. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Negril this time of the year. In the spring, Negril often gets more sunshine than Kauai. Negril gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 206 hours of full sun.
Negril receives a lot of rain in the spring. Negril usually gets more rain in April than Kauai. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Kauai receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNegril 26°C (79°F)Kauai 73°F (23°C)
Typical Weather for Kauai and Negril
| Negril | Kauai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 1.3 inches (32 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 2 inches (52 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 205 mm (8.1 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 0.4 inches (10 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 0.4 inches (9 mm) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 78°F (25°C) | 0.6 inches (17 mm) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 0.6 inches (16 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 1 inches (26 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 222 mm (8.7 in) | 78°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 2.5 inches (62 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.