A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Negril vs. Nassau for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Negril or Nassau?

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 Nassau. 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 Nassau?

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!

Nassau

There are few vacation destinations more famous than the Bahamian city of Nassau. This capital city is full of laid back locals, relaxed tourists and the iconic pastel pink government houses.

As the largest city in the Bahamas, Nassau can hold plenty of people. Not only are there hundreds of tourists on any given day, the city is also home to 260,000 people – that is 80 percent of the Bahamas' total population.

Founded around 1650, Nassau's location made it a great spot on the trade route. So great, in fact, that it also became a popular destination for pirates – including the infamous Blackbeard.

Pack light because it's going to be pretty steamy in Nassau. The climate is essentially identical to southern Florida. It is warm and humid all year with the occasional cold snap in the winter.

Which place is cheaper, Nassau or Negril?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Negril is $139, while the average daily cost in Nassau is $189. 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 Nassau in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Negril $106
    Nassau $109
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Negril $212
    Nassau $218
Compare Hotels in Negril and Nassau

Looking for a hotel in Negril or Nassau? 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.

Hotels in Negril


Hotels in Nassau


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 Nassau Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Negril $8.71
    Nassau $32
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:

  • Comfortable Montego Bay Airport to Grand Palladium Transfer: $23
  • Comfortable Montego Bay Airport to Negril Resorts Transfer: $33
  • Private Transfer from MBJ Airport to Grand Palladium Hotel: $36
  • Grand Palladium Airport Transfer: $37
  • Round-Trip or Direct Private Airport Transfer to Lucea Resorts: $37
  • Private Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Grand Palladium: $40
  • Grand Palladium Private Transfers from MBJ Airport: $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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nassau

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Nassau are as follows:


  • Water Taxi
    $8.02
  • Taxi to Cable Beach
    $25
  • Taxi from Airport
    $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nassau

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nassau:

  • Nassau Roundtrip Transfer by Limousine to Paradise Island: $360
  • Round-Trip Airport Transfer by Limousine: $360
  • Round-Trip Private Transfer: $300
  • Lynden Pindling Airport (NAS): Round-Trip Nassau Transfer: $252
  • Private Roundtrip Minibus Transfer to Paradise Island: $251
  • Private Roundtrip Luxury SUV Transfer to Paradise Island: $247
  • Private Roundtrip Luxury SUV Transfer to Downtown Nassau: $243
  • Private Roundtrip Minibus Transfer to Cable Beach: $243
  • Private Roundtrip Minibus Transfer to Palm Cay: $243
  • Private Roundtrip Minibus Transfer to Downtown Nassau: $243
  • Private Roundtrip Luxury SUV Transfer to Cable Beach: $243
  • Private Roundtrip Luxury SUV Transfer: $240

Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Nassau?

Prices for flights to both Nassau 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 day
    Negril $23
    Nassau $53

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 Nassau

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nassau.

  • Nassau Food Tour and Beach Break: $65
  • Conch Salad Cooking Lesson and Tasting in Nassau: $80
  • Savor Old Nassau Dining Stroll by Tru Bahamian Food Tours: $116
  • Sail Catamaran Sunset Dinner Cruise: $116
  • All Inclusive Sunset Dinner Cruise in Nassau Bahamas: $125
  • Dinner and Dancing: $130
  • Authentic Bahamian Cooking Class: $135
  • Bahamian Cooking Class Lunch Experience by Tru Bahamian Food Tour: $140
  • Island Food Tour: $140
  • Gourmet dinner & sunset cruise on luxury catamaran: $375

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Negril $27
    Nassau $37
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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Nassau

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Nassau are as follows:


  • Jet Ski
    $50
  • 4 Hr Kayak Tour
    $70
  • 1/2 Day Snorkel Trip
    $75

Tours and Activities in Nassau

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Nassau are as follows:

  • Bahamas Adventure: Pigs, Reef, Turtles, and Beach with Lunch: $299
  • 3 Hour Eco-Glide Adventure in Nassau: $99
  • 3 Hour Island Tour: Swimming with Pigs, Turtles, and Snorkeling: $250
  • ATV Half Day City Tour in Guided Tour With Free Samples: $259
  • ATV Island Tour with Beach Break, Lunch, and Pick-up/Drop-off: $199
  • ATV tours by RSR: $230
  • Archie's Weekend Tour with Seafood Snack and Spanish Friendly: $7.00
  • Atlantis Bridge Speed Boat Adventure: $100
  • Atlantis Speed Boat Tours: $69
  • Bahama Bonanza Cultural Tour: $80
  • Bahamas Cabbage Beach Parasailing Adventure: $100
  • Bahamas Culture Tour from Nassau Including Rum Cake: $80

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Negril $10
    Nassau $19

Typical Alcohol Prices in Nassau

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Nassau are as follows:


  • Cocktail
    $6.52

Sample the Local Flavors in Nassau

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nassau:

  • Nassau Rum Distillery Tour: $25
  • Rum Runners Pub Crawl: $140


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Negril and Nassau, we can see that Nassau 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 Nassau would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nassau 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 Nassau Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Negril or Nassau?

Nassau has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Negril. When comparing the sizes of Negril and Nassau, 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 Nassau?

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 Nassau in the Summer?

Both Nassau 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 Nassau year-round.

Nassau 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 July than Nassau. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Nassau, 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 Nassau. Negril gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nassau receives 273 hours of full sun.

In July, Negril is generally around the same temperature as Nassau. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 27°C (81°F), and Nassau fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Nassau 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Negril or Nassau in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and Nassau. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Nassau 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 Nassau. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nassau 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 Nassau during autumn. Negril gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Nassau receives 223 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Negril is around the same temperature as Nassau in the autumn. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Nassau fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Nassau 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Negril or Nassau in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Negril as well as Nassau. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nassau throughout the year.

Negril usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Nassau. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nassau. 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 Nassau. Negril gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nassau receives 220 hours of full sun.

In the winter, Negril is a little warmer than Nassau. Typically, the winter temperatures in Negril in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Nassau averages at about 21°C (70°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Negril 25°C (77°F) 
    Nassau 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Negril or Nassau in the Spring?

Both Nassau 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 Nassau 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 Nassau. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

It's quite sunny in Nassau. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually receives less sunshine than Nassau during spring. Negril gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Nassau receives 276 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Negril is generally a little warmer than Nassau. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 26°C (79°F), and Nassau fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Negril 26°C (79°F) 
    Nassau 23°C (74°F)

Typical Weather for Nassau and Negril

Negril Nassau
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 23°C (74°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 205 mm (8.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 27°C (80°F) 237 mm (9.3 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 211 mm (8.3 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 181 mm (7.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 222 mm (8.7 in) 26°C (79°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 24°C (75°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 22°C (71°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)