Which place is cheaper, Monterey or Negril?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Negril or Monterey?
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 Monterey. 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 Monterey?
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!
Monterey
When it comes to California, Monterey may not be mentioned half as much as you hear about Los Angeles or San Francisco, but it is a beautiful city to visit, with a diverse expanse of exciting and relaxing things to do, whether you're looking for adventure, a quiet getaway, or romance.
Located on California's central coast, the city of Monterey was the first State Capital of California. It was also home to many artists, athletes, and musicians, such as John Steinbeck, Clint Eastwood, and Ron Johnson.
Monterey has mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm, dry summers. Cold season runs from December to April and warm season, from July until October. The peak travel seasons are during summer, from July to September. If you want to avoid crowds, the months of April and October are ideal times to visit for fewer crowds and comfortable weather.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNegril $139Monterey $170
The average daily cost (per person) in Negril is $139, while the average daily cost in Monterey is $170. 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 Monterey in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNegril $106Monterey $90
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNegril $212Monterey $180
Compare Hotels in Negril and Monterey
Looking for a hotel in Negril or Monterey? 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 Monterey Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Negril $8.71Monterey $32
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:
- Transfers between Montego Bay Airport and Negril Hotels: $107
- Sunset at The Palms Airport Transfer: $53
- Sangster International Airport Transfers to/from Rui Negril : $61
- Sandals South Coast Private Transfer (White House): $83
- Sandals South Coast Private Car Transfer From Montego Bay Airport: $76
- Royalton Negril Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Rountrip): $280
- Round-Trip or Direct Private Airport Transfer to Lucea Resorts: $37
- Private Transfer to Hotels in Negril from Montego Bay Airport : $55
- Private Transfer from Negril to Sangster Airport (MBJ): $50
- Private Transfer from Montego Bay Airport - Negril Hotels: $58
- Private Transfer from MBJ Airport to Grand Palladium Hotel: $36
- Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer to Grand Palladium Resort in Jamaica: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Monterey?
Prices for flights to both Monterey 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 $23Monterey $56
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Negril
For Negril, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 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 Monterey
For Monterey, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Guided Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $150
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Negril $27Monterey $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$44
Tours and Activities in Negril
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Negril.
- YS Falls and Sightseeing Tour Day Adventure: $138
- Appleton Estate Rum Tour: $275
- Appleton Estate Rum Tour [Transportation services]: $125
- Appleton Estate Rum Tour and Tasting from Negril: $232
- Appleton Estate Rum and Black River Safari Private Tour : $185
- Appleton Rum Factory and Black River Safari Tour: $279
- Appleton Rum Factory, YS Falls, and Reggae Horseback Ride & Swim Combo Tour: $195
- Appleton and Y.S Falls Tour from Negril Hotels: $261
- Atv Adventure and Ricks Cafe with Private Transportation: $367
- Atv Adventure and Ziplines with Private Transportation: $413
- Atv, Seven Mile Beach and Rick’s Cafe Tour & Transportation: $333
- Atv, Seven Mile Beach and Ricks Cafe Private Tour: $293
Tours and Activities in Monterey
For Monterey, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Big Sur: Sightseeing Tour with 4 to 5 Stops: $125
- California: Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle: $40
- From San Francisco: Monterey and Carmel Day Tour: $114
- Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise: $95
- Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour: $70
- Monterey Cannery Row: Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $49
- Monterey County Salinas Valley Farm Tour: $120
- Monterey Fisherman's Wharf & Presidio Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $49
- Monterey Peninsula Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
- Monterey Peninsula Sightseeing Tour along the 17 Mile Drive: $115
- 17-Mile Drive Guided E-Bike Tour: $79
- 17-Mile Drive Pebble Beach E-Bike Tour: $75
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNegril $10Monterey $21
Sample the Local Flavors in Monterey
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Monterey:
- Carmel Valley Wine Tasting Tour: $150
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Negril and Monterey, we can see that Monterey 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 Monterey 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 Monterey would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Monterey 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 Monterey Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Negril or Monterey?
Monterey has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Negril. When comparing the sizes of Negril and Monterey, 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 Monterey?
Monterey 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 Monterey in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and Monterey. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Monterey this time of year.
In the summer, Negril is much warmer than Monterey. Typically, the summer temperatures in Negril in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Monterey averages at about 63°F (17°C).
Negril gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Negril usually receives more rain than Monterey. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Monterey receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNegril 27°C (81°F)Monterey 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Negril or Monterey in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Negril as well as Monterey. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Monterey for the shopping scene.
In October, Negril is generally much warmer than Monterey. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 27°C (81°F), and Monterey fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).
Negril receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Negril usually gets more rain in October than Monterey. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Monterey receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNegril 27°C (81°F)Monterey 62°F (17°C)
Should I visit Negril or Monterey in the Winter?
Both Monterey and Negril are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Negril throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Monterey in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Negril is much warmer than Monterey in the winter. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Monterey fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).
In January, Negril usually receives less rain than Monterey. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Monterey receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNegril 25°C (77°F)Monterey 51°F (11°C)
Should I visit Negril or Monterey in the Spring?
Both Monterey and Negril during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Negril because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Monterey for the beaches during these months.
In the spring, Negril is much warmer than Monterey. Typically, the spring temperatures in Negril in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Monterey averages at about 56°F (13°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually gets more rain in April than Monterey. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Monterey receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNegril 26°C (79°F)Monterey 56°F (13°C)
Typical Weather for Monterey and Negril
| Negril | Monterey | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 53°F (12°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.1 inches (55 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 205 mm (8.1 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (4 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 62°F (16°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 222 mm (8.7 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.6 inches (14 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 51°F (10°C) | 2 inches (51 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.