Which place is cheaper, La Fortuna 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 La Fortuna?
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 La Fortuna. 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 La Fortuna?
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!
La Fortuna
La Fortuna is in San Carlos, in the province of Alajuela. It is the closest town to Arenal Volcano, and the area is often simply refered to as Arenal. The volcano itself is active and has been constantly erupting since 1968. It erupts on average 41 times a day. This area of northern Costa Rica is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the country.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Eco Tours in Costa Rica.
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Negril Prices
Jamaica PricesLa Fortuna Prices
Costa Rica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNegril $153La Fortuna $138
The average daily cost (per person) in Negril is $153, while the average daily cost in La Fortuna is $138. 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 La Fortuna in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNegril $103La Fortuna $57
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNegril $206La Fortuna $114
Compare Hotels in Negril and La Fortuna
Looking for a hotel in Negril or La Fortuna? 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 La Fortuna Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Negril $8.53La Fortuna $23
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:
- Grand Palladium Jamaica - Lady Hamilton Airport Transfer MBJ ***: $12
- Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Negril Hotel: $25
- Grand Palladium Private Transfers from MBJ Airport: $30
- Montego Bay Jamaica Airport Transfer to Grand Palladium Hotel: $34
- Montego Bay Jamaica Airport Transfer to Falmouth, Grand Palladium: $35
- Private Transfer from MontegoBay Airport to Lucea/Grand Palladium: $35
- Montego Bay Jamaica Airport Transfer to Grand Palladium Hotel: $38
- Private Transfer from MBJ Airport to Grand Palladium Hotel: $38
- MBJ Airport Private Transfers to any Negril Hotels: $39
- Grand Palladium Airport Transfer: $40
- MBJ Private Airport transfer to or from Negril: $42
- Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Grand Palladium Hotel Lucea Ja: $42
Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Fortuna
Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Fortuna:
- La Fortuna de Arenal: Transfer to Puerto Viejo de Limon: $500
- Private Transfer: San José Airport (SJO) ↔ La Fortuna: $300
- Private VIP Transfer La Fortuna to Tamarindo, Flamingo & Conchal: $299
- Private Transfer to Manuel Antonio & Crocodiles: $295
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Arenal La Fortuna: $295
- From San Jose Airport To Arenal - La Fortuna - PRIVATE TRANSFER: $295
- Private Transfer Service From Liberia Airport To Arenal - La Fortuna: $285
- From Private Transfer to Tamarindo & Conchal: $279
- San Jose Airport: Private transfer from/to La Fortuna: $270
- Private Transfer Liberia Airport to Bijagua: $265
- Private Transfer from Bijagua to Liberia Airport: $265
- Private Transfer from Arenal La Fortuna to San Jose Airport: $255
Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or La Fortuna?
Prices for flights to both La Fortuna 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 $38La Fortuna $53
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 La Fortuna
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in La Fortuna.
- Traditional cooking lesson with a local family: $37
- Sloth Tour in La Fortuna and Tortillas Cooking Class: $38
- Traditional cooking class with Tica family: $40
- 2 Hours Private Cooking Class in La Fortuna: $45
- Farm to Table Cooking Class: $45
- Typical Costa Rican Cooking Classes in La Fortuna: $48
- Organic Farm Visit & Farm-to-Table Cooking Class: $50
- Costa Rican Cooking Class: $57
- Costa Rica The Chela Cooking Experience: $60
- 3-Hour Costa Rican Cooking Class with Dinner: $68
- Arenal Boat Tour & Pirate Hot Springs Dinner: $69
- Private typical cooking class with a Costa Rican family: $70
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Negril $26La Fortuna $49
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.
- ATV Adventure and Zipline with Rick's Cafe Sunset Tour in Negril: $42
- Rick's Cafe Glass Bottom Sunset Cruise: $62
- Negril Glass Bottom Boat Tour Snorkeling and Booby Cay: $65
- Rockland's Bird Sanctuary Tour from Montego Bay/ Falmouth: $70
- Seven Mile Beach and Rick's Cafe Sunset Tour in Negril Jamaica: $75
- Private Negril Highlights Tour: $75
- Martha Brae River Bamboo Rafting Tour: $75
- Choose Your Adventure: ATV, Zipline, Horseback Ride & Rafting: $80
- Negril Country Side Tour & Rick's Cafe: $82
- Off-road ATV Adventure with Wall Climbing: $85
- 3 Hour Day Party Pass for Tourists at Jamaica Countryside Estate: $85
- NEGRIL CATAMARAN CRUISE Sunset Ricks Cafe ALL HOTELS: $89
Tours and Activities in La Fortuna
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for La Fortuna are as follows:
- 2-in-1 Arenal Coffee and Chocolate Tour: $75
- 3 Hours Rainforest Experience in Arenal: $24
- 5-Day Pura Vida Adventure: Volcano and Jungle in Costa Rica: $1,099
- 7 Nights Costa Rica Fully Guided Adventure: $1,850
- 7-Cable Zipline Adventure: Fly Over La Fortuna Waterfall: $84
- 7-Cable Zipline Canopy Tour Over La Fortuna Waterfall: $95
- A day of Arenal Adventure 1968 and Spring: $96
- ARENAL FORTUNA CITY TOUR .: $30
- ATV Tour near Arenal Volcano, Jungle, and River Crossing: $165
- ATV Tour: Adventure tour in La Fortuna: $161
- ATV adventure Tour in La Fortuna: $105
- Adventure Pass: $167
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNegril $9.91La Fortuna $12
Sample the Local Flavors in La Fortuna
Also in La Fortuna, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Wine Tasting Experience: $135
When comparing the travel costs between Negril and La Fortuna, we can see that Negril 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 La Fortuna is in Central 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 La Fortuna Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Negril or La Fortuna?
La Fortuna has a larger population, and is about 0% larger than the population of Negril. When comparing the sizes of Negril and La Fortuna, 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 La Fortuna?
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 La Fortuna in the Summer?
Both La Fortuna 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to La Fortuna year-round.
La Fortuna gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as La Fortuna. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Negril. In the summer, Negril often gets more sunshine than La Fortuna. Negril gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Fortuna receives 164 hours of full sun.
Negril is around the same temperature as La Fortuna in the summer. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and La Fortuna fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNegril 27°C (81°F)La Fortuna 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Negril or La Fortuna in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and La Fortuna. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round. La Fortuna attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
December to April in La Fortuna is the dry season. May to November in La Fortuna is the hurricane season. La Fortuna receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Negril gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Negril usually receives less rain than La Fortuna. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In Negril, it's very sunny this time of the year. Negril usually receives more sunshine than La Fortuna during autumn. Negril gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while La Fortuna receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In the autumn, Negril is around the same temperature as La Fortuna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Negril in October average around 27°C (81°F), and La Fortuna averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNegril 27°C (81°F)La Fortuna 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Negril or La Fortuna in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Negril as well as La Fortuna. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to La Fortuna throughout the year.
Negril usually gets more rain in January than La Fortuna. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Fortuna. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Negril this time of the year. In the winter, Negril often gets less sunshine than La Fortuna. Negril gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Fortuna receives 264 hours of full sun.
In January, Negril is generally around the same temperature as La Fortuna. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 25°C (77°F), and La Fortuna fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNegril 25°C (77°F)La Fortuna 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Negril or La Fortuna in the Spring?
Both La Fortuna and Negril are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Negril throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to La Fortuna because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in La Fortuna is December to April. The hurricane season in La Fortuna is May to November. It's quite rainy in Negril. In April, Negril usually receives more rain than La Fortuna. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in La Fortuna. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually receives less sunshine than La Fortuna during spring. Negril gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while La Fortuna receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.
Negril is cooler than La Fortuna in the spring. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and La Fortuna fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNegril 26°C (79°F)La Fortuna 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for La Fortuna and Negril
| Negril | La Fortuna | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 205 mm (8.1 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 222 mm (8.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
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.