Which place is cheaper, Montego Bay or Negril?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Negril or Montego Bay?
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 Montego Bay. 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 Montego Bay?
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!
Montego Bay
As with most places around the tropical oasis of Jamaica, Montego Bay (or "MoBay") is an ideal place to visit for a Caribbean getaway. It is Jamaica's second largest city and the capital of St. James parish on the northern coast. Montego Bay is considered to be the tourist capital of the country and is where the largest airport is located, bringing in many international travelers.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNegril $139Montego Bay $203
The average daily cost (per person) in Negril is $139, while the average daily cost in Montego Bay is $203. 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 Montego Bay in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNegril $106Montego Bay $104
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNegril $212Montego Bay $208
Compare Hotels in Negril and Montego Bay
Looking for a hotel in Negril or Montego Bay? 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 Montego Bay Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Negril $8.71Montego Bay $15
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$14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Negril
Also for Negril, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Comfortable Montego Bay Airport to Grand Palladium Transfer: $23
- Private Transfer from MBJ Airport to Grand Palladium Hotel: $36
- Round-Trip or Direct Private Airport Transfer to Lucea Resorts: $37
- Grand Palladium Airport Transfer: $37
- Grand Palladium Private Transfers from MBJ Airport: $40
- Private Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Grand Palladium: $40
- Montego Bay Airport Transfer To Negril Hotels Private: $47
- Private Airport Transfer Grand Palladium/ Lady Hamilton Jamaica: $47
- Grand Palladium Private Airport Transfer: $48
- Private Airport Transfers to Negril Hotels: $48
- Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Negril Hotel: $50
- Private Transfer from Negril to Sangster Airport (MBJ): $50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- MBJ Airport to Strawberry Hill Hotel & Spa Transfer: $243
- Private Transfer to Island Gully Falls: $240
- Black River and YS Falls Adventure with Transfer: $235
- Airport-Negril Hotels Transfers and Returns For 1- 4 persons: $230
- Private Transfer From Montego Bay Area or Airport MBJ to Kingston: $215
- Private Transfer to Kingston: $215
- Kingston Airport Transfer (Montego bay,Negril,Ocho rio): $214
- Iberostar Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Roundtrip): $200
- Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Kingston Hotels: $195
- Negril Hotel Private Transfer Service: $190
- Sangster Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Ocho Rios: $186
- Zoetry Montego Bay Airport Transfers MBJ (Private Roundtrip Exclusive): $180
Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Montego Bay?
Prices for flights to both Montego Bay 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 $23Montego Bay $84
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Negril
For Negril, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Zimbali Mountain Cooking Studio: $105
- Local food tour and local fields : $164
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montego Bay
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Montego Bay.
- Dinner or Lunch with Pickup from Montego Bay: $40
- Private Transportation to DINNER or NIGHT CLUBS: $55
- Lunch or Dinner with Pickup from Montego Bay : $81
- Night cruise and swim the Falmouth Mystic Lagoon, Dinner and Rum Punch Inclusive: $85
- Private Beach Day and Street Food Tour from Montego Bay: $130
- Rick’s Cafe Cliff Diving, Sunset & Dinner Tour with Transportation : $130
- Flavors of Jamaica Food Tour from Montego Bay: $147
- Sunset Boat Ride in the Falmouth Luminous Lagoon swim and Dinner : $165
- Houseboat Restaurant and Grill for Dinner Private Transportation : $180
- Private Sea-Food Tour & Floyds Pelican Bar from Montego Bay or ..: $185
- [PRIVATE] Premium Jamaican Food Tour of Local Cuisine: $190
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Negril $27Montego Bay $32
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$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
- Blue Hole Mineral Springs, Rick's Café, and Shopping Combo Tour: $75
- Negril Beach and Catamaran Cruise: $79
- Ricks Cafe Sunset Catamaran Cruise Negril Palladium Montego Bay: $85
- Jamwest JamCulture Tour from Negril: $89
- Rick's Cafe Sunset Cruise and Snorkelling: $90
- 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
- Jamwest Reggae Zipline Tour from Negril: $118
Typical Entertainment Prices in Montego Bay
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Montego Bay are as follows:
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Admission to Doctor's Cave Beach$2.74
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Snorkeling Trip$19
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One Tank Dive$38
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1.5 Hr Horseback Ride$44
Tours and Activities in Montego Bay
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Montego Bay are as follows:
- ATV Adventure to Seven Mile Beach and Ricks Cafe: $220
- ATV, Bamboo Rafting, and Horseback Ride Tour From Montego Bay: $173
- Appleton Estate Rum Tour and Pelican Bar Customize Tour: $120
- Black River Day Adventure Tour: $92
- Blue Hole Adventure Tour : $120
- Catamaran Party Cruise and Snorkeling from Montego Bay: $220
- Dirt Adventure ATV from Montego Bay: $160
- Falmouth Mystic from Montego Bay Luminous Lagoon Night Tour: $90
- Floyds Pelican Bar Private Tour : $155
- Green Grotto Cave Private Tour: $115
- Horseback Riding and Tour from Montego Bay : $230
- Jetski Experience: $245
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNegril $10Montego Bay $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Montego Bay
Also in Montego Bay, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Appleton Estate Admission Ticket & Distillery Tour with Tastings: $39
- Montego Bay Pub Crawl To Negril and Rick's Cafe: $103
- Montego Bay Jamaica Rum Distillery Tour Private Driver: $215
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Negril and Montego Bay, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is Negril much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Montego Bay would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Montego Bay 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 Montego Bay Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Negril or Montego Bay?
Montego Bay has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Negril. When comparing the sizes of Negril and Montego Bay, 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 Montego Bay?
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 Montego Bay in the Summer?
Both Montego Bay 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 Montego Bay year-round.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually gets more rain in July than Montego Bay. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Negril. In the summer, Negril often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Montego Bay. Negril gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montego Bay receives 257 hours of full sun.
Negril is around the same temperature as Montego Bay in the summer. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Montego Bay fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNegril 27°C (81°F)Montego Bay 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Negril or Montego Bay in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and Montego Bay. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Montego Bay receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Negril gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Negril usually receives more rain than Montego Bay. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montego Bay 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 Montego Bay during autumn. Negril gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Montego Bay receives 233 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In the autumn, Negril is around the same temperature as Montego Bay. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Negril in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Montego Bay averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNegril 27°C (81°F)Montego Bay 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Negril or Montego Bay in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Negril as well as Montego Bay. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montego Bay throughout the year.
Negril usually gets less rain in January than Montego Bay. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Negril this time of the year. In the winter, Negril often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Montego Bay. Negril gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montego Bay receives 226 hours of full sun.
In January, Negril is generally around the same temperature as Montego Bay. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 25°C (77°F), and Montego Bay fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNegril 25°C (77°F)Montego Bay 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Negril or Montego Bay in the Spring?
Both Montego Bay 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 Montego Bay because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Negril. In April, Negril usually receives more rain than Montego Bay. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Montego Bay during spring. Negril gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Montego Bay receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.
Negril is around the same temperature as Montego Bay in the spring. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Montego Bay fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNegril 26°C (79°F)Montego Bay 25°C (77°F)
Typical Weather for Montego Bay and Negril
| Negril | Montego Bay | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 205 mm (8.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 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) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 222 mm (8.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 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.