Which place is cheaper, Leon or Negril?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Negril or Leon?
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 Leon. 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 Leon?
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!
Leon
Leon is one of the oldest city's in Nicaragua and you can see hints of its colonial past in the architecture around town. Tourism is not a major part of the economy in Leon, but the city is gaining popularity with budget travelers and backpackers and more recently tour groups are including Leon in their itinerary.
With a population of just over 200,000, Leon is the second largest city in Nicaragua, after Managua. During the university season the population grows dramatically as there is a heavy presence of students in Leon. It is a popular university town, and this young population gives the city plenty of energy and entertainment.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, and The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNegril $139Leon $59
The average daily cost (per person) in Negril is $139, while the average daily cost in Leon is $59. 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 Leon in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNegril $106Leon $16
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNegril $212Leon $32
Compare Hotels in Negril and Leon
Looking for a hotel in Negril or Leon? 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.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Negril $8.71Leon $1.51
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Leon?
Prices for flights to both Leon 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 dayNegril $23Leon $12
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Leon
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Leon.
- Tlakualli Food Tour: $19
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Negril $27Leon $5.81
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
Tours and Activities in Leon
Here are a few actual costs in Leon for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 6 Hours Sunset Private Guided Tour of Telica Volcano in León: $163
- A Stroll Through León’s Enchanting Streets: Romantic Walking Tour: $226
- Half Day Private Tour of Cerro Negro's Volcano Boarding: $35
- Half-Day Leon City Tour: $135
- Hike El Hoyo Volcano "Private Tour" : $67
- Horseback Riding Private Tour : $103
- Kayak Private tour at Juan Venado Island: $92
- Leon City Walking Private Tour : $48
- Old Leon and Asososca Lagoon Private Tour: $82
- Rum Tour & Chorotega Museum Experience: $62
- Somoto Canyon "Private Tour from Leon" : $154
- Telica Sunset Tour : $93
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayNegril $10Leon $3.53
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Negril and Leon, we can see that Negril is more expensive. And not only is Leon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Negril is in Caribbean Islands and Leon is in Central 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 Leon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Leon 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 Leon.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Negril Expensive? and Is Leon Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Negril or Leon?
Leon has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Negril. When comparing the sizes of Negril and Leon, 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 Leon?
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 Leon in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Negril as well as Leon. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Leon throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Leon. Negril receives a lot of rain in the summer. Negril usually gets more rain in July than Leon. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Leon receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Negril this time of the year. In the summer, Negril often gets more sunshine than Leon. Negril gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leon receives 175 hours of full sun.
In July, Negril is generally around the same temperature as Leon. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 27°C (81°F), and Leon fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyNegril 27°C (81°F)Leon 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Negril or Leon in the Autumn?
Both Leon 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 Leon because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Leon. It's quite rainy in Negril. In October, Negril usually receives more rain than Leon. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Leon receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually receives more sunshine than Leon during autumn. Negril gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Leon receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Negril is around the same temperature as Leon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Leon fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNegril 27°C (81°F)Leon 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Negril or Leon in the Winter?
Both Leon 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 Leon year-round.
Negril usually gets more rain in January than Leon. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Leon receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Leon, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Negril. In the winter, Negril often gets less sunshine than Leon. Negril gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leon receives 244 hours of full sun.
In the winter, Negril is around the same temperature as Leon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Negril in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Leon averages at about 26°C (79°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNegril 25°C (77°F)Leon 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Negril or Leon in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and Leon. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round. Leon 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 Leon. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Leon receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Leon this time of the year. In Negril, it's very sunny this time of the year. Negril usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Leon during spring. Negril gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Leon receives 242 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Negril is generally cooler than Leon. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 26°C (79°F), and Leon fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilNegril 26°C (79°F)Leon 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Leon and Negril
| Negril | Leon | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 205 mm (8.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 222 mm (8.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 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.