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

Should you visit Negril or Ottawa?

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 Ottawa. 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 Ottawa?

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!

Ottawa

Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, located on the Ontario side of the Ottawa River. A city of many ethnic populations, Ottawa is uniquely bilingual with English as the first language of the population's majority and French as a close second.  It is best known as the nation's capital, which is centered on Parliament Hill, an architectural landmark as well as the seat of government.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Ottawa 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 Ottawa is $122. 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 Ottawa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Negril $106
    Ottawa $18
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Negril $212
    Ottawa $36
Compare Hotels in Negril and Ottawa

Looking for a hotel in Negril or Ottawa? 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 Ottawa


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 Ottawa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Negril $8.71
    Ottawa $7.21
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:

  • 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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ottawa

Also for Ottawa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Ottawa to Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier Airport (YOW) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
  • Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW Private Arrival/Departure Shuttle Transfer : $52
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW: $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Ottawa?

Prices for flights to both Ottawa 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
    Ottawa $17

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 Ottawa

For Ottawa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Oh Canada Eh!? Dinner Musical : $71
  • Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour: $79

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Negril $27
    Ottawa $40
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.

  • 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: $278
  • 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: $364
  • Atv Adventure and Ziplines with Private Transportation: $411
  • Atv, Seven Mile Beach and Rick’s Cafe Tour & Transportation: $331
  • Atv, Seven Mile Beach and Ricks Cafe Private Tour: $292

Tours and Activities in Ottawa

For Ottawa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2-Hour Ottawa Express City Bike Tour: $59
  • A Self Guided Audio Tour of Ottawa's Hidden History: $6.99
  • Best of Ottawa Neighbourhoods & Nature Bike Tour: $82
  • Best of Ottawa Small Group Tour with River Cruise: $133
  • Best of Ottawa Small Group Walking Tour with Boat Cruise: $85
  • City Beers: Bus Tour of Ottawa Breweries: $75
  • Explore Canada Through Ottawa's Eyes with Walking Tours Through The City: $6.68
  • Full Day Montreal and Cruise Tour from Ottawa: $115
  • Gems and Surprises – Ottawa Walking Tour: $186
  • Helicopter Private Tour Over Ottawa 70KM in 20 min : $150
  • Hidden Ottawa Secrets Walking Tour: $25
  • Ottawa Boat Cruise - Paul's Boat Line: $36

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Negril $10
    Ottawa $18

Sample the Local Flavors in Ottawa

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Ottawa:

  • Epic Ottawa Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12


When comparing the travel costs between Negril and Ottawa, we can see that Negril is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Negril is in Caribbean Islands and Ottawa is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Negril Expensive? and Is Ottawa Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Negril or Ottawa?

Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 270 times larger than the population of Negril. When comparing the sizes of Negril and Ottawa, 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 Ottawa?

Ottawa 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 Ottawa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and Ottawa. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round.

In the summer, Negril is a little warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Negril in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Ottawa averages at about 21°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ottawa 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 Ottawa during summer. Negril gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.

Negril gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Negril usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Ottawa 21°C (71°F)

Should I visit Negril or Ottawa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Negril as well as Ottawa. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Negril is generally much warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 27°C (81°F), and Ottawa fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Negril this time of the year. In the autumn, Negril often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Negril gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun.

Negril receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Negril usually gets more rain in October than Ottawa. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Ottawa 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Negril or Ottawa in the Winter?

Both Ottawa and Negril are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Negril throughout the year.

Ottawa can be very cold during winter. Negril is much warmer than Ottawa in the winter. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Ottawa fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during winter. Negril gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Negril usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ottawa. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Negril 25°C (77°F) 
    Ottawa -10°C (14°F)

Should I visit Negril or Ottawa in the Spring?

Both Ottawa 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.

In the spring, Negril is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Negril in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Ottawa averages at about 6°C (44°F).

It's quite sunny in Negril. In the spring, Negril often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Negril gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually gets more rain in April than Ottawa. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Negril 26°C (79°F) 
    Ottawa 6°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Ottawa and Negril

Negril Ottawa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) -10°C (14°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) -9°C (16°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) -2°C (28°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 6°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 205 mm (8.1 in) 13°C (56°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 19°C (65°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 21°C (71°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 181 mm (7.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 222 mm (8.7 in) 9°C (48°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 2°C (36°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) -7°C (20°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)