Which place is cheaper, Marathon 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 Marathon?
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 Marathon. 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 Marathon?
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!
Marathon
You step outside your deluxe suite onto the balcony and are greeted with nothing less than tropical perfection. The hum of the ocean, the whispers of the palm trees, the songs of the seagulls - you bask in this paradise otherwise known as Marathon, Florida. A 10-mile-long island, the chain contains Vaca Key, Fat Deer Key and Grassy Key, along with Duck Key just another few minutes up the road.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.
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Negril Prices
Jamaica PricesMarathon Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNegril $153Marathon $195
The average daily cost (per person) in Negril is $153, while the average daily cost in Marathon is $195. 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 Marathon in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNegril $103Marathon $76
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNegril $206Marathon $152
Compare Hotels in Negril and Marathon
Looking for a hotel in Negril or Marathon? 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 Marathon Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Negril $8.52Marathon $47
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 Marathon?
Prices for flights to both Marathon 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 $38Marathon $89
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Negril $26Marathon $27
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 Marathon
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Marathon.
- Florida Keys: 1.5-Hour Tiki Fun Cruise: $89
- Florida: Sunset Champagne Cruise on the Marathon Mermaid: $70
- Marathon Key FL: Snorkel Trips and Sunset Cruises: $48
- Marathon, Florida Keys: Sunset Cruise with Local Seafood: $77
- Cruisin' Tikis Marathon - Sunset Cruise: $110
- FlowRider Surfing Experience: $60
- Guided Catamaran Tour to Island Sandbar: $128
- Guided Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Champagne: $101
- Intro to Foilboarding Experience: $214
- Morning Mimosas Boat Tour with Swim Stop: $84
- Reef Snorkel, Sandbar & Sunset Cruise TRIFECTA: $169
- Rhum Runner Aqua Park Adventure: $38
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNegril $9.89Marathon $24
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Negril and Marathon, we can see that Marathon 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 Marathon 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 Marathon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Marathon 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 Marathon Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Negril or Marathon?
Marathon has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Negril. When comparing the sizes of Negril and Marathon, 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 Marathon?
Marathon 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 Marathon in the Summer?
Both Marathon 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, most visitors come to Marathon for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Negril is generally around the same temperature as Marathon. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 27°C (81°F), and Marathon fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).
It's quite sunny in Marathon. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually receives less sunshine than Marathon during summer. Negril gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Marathon receives 328 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Negril. In July, Negril usually receives more rain than Marathon. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Marathon receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNegril 27°C (81°F)Marathon 84°F (29°C)
Should I visit Negril or Marathon in the Autumn?
Both Marathon 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, the autumn months attract visitors to Marathon because of the natural beauty of the area.
Negril is around the same temperature as Marathon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Marathon fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).
In Marathon, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Negril. In the autumn, Negril often gets less sunshine than Marathon. Negril gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marathon receives 258 hours of full sun.
Marathon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually gets more rain in October than Marathon. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Marathon receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNegril 27°C (81°F)Marathon 80°F (27°C)
Should I visit Negril or Marathon in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and Marathon. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round. Also, the cuisine are the main draw to Marathon this time of year.
In the winter, Negril is a little warmer than Marathon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Negril in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Marathon averages at about 70°F (21°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marathon this time of the year. In Negril, it's very sunny this time of the year. Negril usually receives less sunshine than Marathon during winter. Negril gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Marathon receives 252 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Negril usually receives more rain than Marathon. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Marathon receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNegril 25°C (77°F)Marathon 70°F (21°C)
Should I visit Negril or Marathon in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Negril as well as Marathon. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Marathon for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In April, Negril is generally around the same temperature as Marathon. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 26°C (79°F), and Marathon fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marathon. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Negril this time of the year. In the spring, Negril often gets less sunshine than Marathon. Negril gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marathon receives 326 hours of full sun.
Negril receives a lot of rain in the spring. Negril usually gets more rain in April than Marathon. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Marathon receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNegril 26°C (79°F)Marathon 77°F (25°C)
Typical Weather for Marathon and Negril
| Negril | Marathon | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 70°F (21°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 71°F (21°C) | 1.4 inches (36 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 205 mm (8.1 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 83°F (28°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 84°F (29°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 84°F (29°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) | 83°F (29°C) | 5.7 inches (144 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 222 mm (8.7 in) | 80°F (27°C) | 5.1 inches (129 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 1.4 inches (35 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.