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

Should you visit Negril or Palm Springs?

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 Palm Springs. 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 Palm Springs?

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!

Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a desert resort town located about two hours east of Los Angeles, most famously known as Hollywood's playground, where stars and starlets could escape for rest and relaxation but still be close enough to return for impromptu work.

It's no wonder that Palm Springs is increasingly popular as a weekend getaway for special occasions, and even for bachelor and bachelorette parties. Closer than the typical Las Vegas weekend for Southern California residents, Palm Springs provides a desert getaway with endless possibilities of activities, whether visitors want to gamble, shop, hike, or wander through an art gallery.

Climate in the high-desert is generally warm with highs in the 100s during the hot and dry summers, and lows in the mid 40s in the winter months, with sparse rainfall. However, if you're visiting during winter, be sure to pack versatile attire and layers as the days may be warm, but the nights in the low desert can get chilly enough to convince you to change into long pants.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.


Which place is cheaper, Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs is $206. 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 Palm Springs in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Negril $106
    Palm Springs $120
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Negril $212
    Palm Springs $240
Compare Hotels in Negril and Palm Springs

Looking for a hotel in Negril or Palm Springs? 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 Palm Springs


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 Palm Springs Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Negril $8.71
    Palm Springs $52
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 Negril Resorts Transfer 1 way: $33
  • 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: $46
  • Private Airport Transfer Grand Palladium/ Lady Hamilton Jamaica: $47
  • Grand Palladium Private Airport Transfer: $48
  • Private Airport Transfers to Negril Hotels: $48
  • Private Transfer from Negril to Sangster Airport (MBJ): $50
  • One-Way & Round-Trip Private Transfer from Montego Bay to Negril *42O VIP Option: $50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Palm Springs

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Palm Springs:

  • Palm Springs Airport to Snow Summit - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $262
  • Private Airport Transfer in Palm Springs: $195
  • Palm Springs Airport to Desert Hot Springs Round-Trip Transfer: $175
  • Palm Springs Airport (PSP) to LOS ANGELES - Arrival Private Transfer: $171
  • Palm Springs Airport (PSP) to INDIAN WELLS - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $162
  • Private Transfer from PSP to Palm Desert / Indian Wells: $135
  • Palm Springs Airport PSP to Snow Summit-Arrival Private Transfer: $131
  • Palm Springs Airport (PSP) to LA QUINTA/INDIO - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $129
  • Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) to SANTA ANA - Arrival Private Transfer: $128
  • Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) to ONTARIO - Arrival Private Transfer: $105
  • Desert Hot Springs to Palm Springs Airport Departure Transfer: $87
  • Palm Springs Airport (PSP) to Desert Hot Springs Private Transfer: $87

Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Palm Springs?

Prices for flights to both Palm Springs 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
    Palm Springs $53

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Negril $27
    Palm Springs $29
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.

  • 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
  • Jamwest JamCulture Tour from Negril: $89
  • Bob Marley Birth Place Nine Mile Day Tour: $94
  • Private Dunn River Falls Tour From Negril: $100
  • South Coast Jamaica YS Falls Tour: $100
  • Floyd's Pelican Bar (Complimentary Rum Punch, Private Tour): $100
  • Must Do-Accompong Town Maroon Village Tour & Celebration from Negril: $112

Tours and Activities in Palm Springs

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

  • 10+ Self-Guided Driving Tours from Las Vegas: $50
  • 100+ Self Guided Driving & Walking Tours by Action: $100
  • Best of Palm Springs Small Group Tour w/ Aerial Tram: $166
  • Covered Wagon Adventure & BBQ: $129
  • Death Valley National Park Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $17
  • Desert Healing Experience: $175
  • Earthquake Canyon Express Downhill Bicycle Adventure: $139
  • Food Adventure Game: $99
  • Indian Canyons Walking Tour by Jeep from Palm Springs: $200
  • Joshua Tree National Park Driving Tour : $235
  • Joshua Tree National Park Offroad Tour: $235
  • Joshua Tree National Park Scenic Tour: $149

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Negril $10
    Palm Springs $13


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


Which is Bigger, Negril or Palm Springs?

Palm Springs has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Negril. When comparing the sizes of Negril and Palm Springs, 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 Palm Springs?

Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs in the Summer?

Both Palm Springs 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. Also, many visitors come to Palm Springs in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Negril is generally a little warmer than Palm Springs. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 27°C (81°F), and Palm Springs fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually gets more rain in July than Palm Springs. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Palm Springs 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Negril or Palm Springs in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and Palm Springs. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round. Also, most visitors come to Palm Springs for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

Negril is a little warmer than Palm Springs in the autumn. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Palm Springs fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

Negril gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Negril usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Palm Springs 69°F (20°C)

Should I visit Negril or Palm Springs in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Negril as well as Palm Springs. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Palm Springs because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Negril is much warmer than Palm Springs. Typically, the winter temperatures in Negril in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Palm Springs averages at about 57°F (14°C).

Negril usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Palm Springs. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 2 inches (52 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Negril 25°C (77°F) 
    Palm Springs 57°F (14°C)

Should I visit Negril or Palm Springs in the Spring?

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

In April, Negril is generally much warmer than Palm Springs. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 26°C (79°F), and Palm Springs fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

It's quite rainy in Negril. In April, Negril usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.9 inches (24 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Negril 26°C (79°F) 
    Palm Springs 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Palm Springs and Negril

Negril Palm Springs
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 57°F (14°C) 2 inches (52 mm)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 58°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 59°F (15°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 62°F (17°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm)
May 27°C (81°F) 205 mm (8.1 in) 65°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 69°F (20°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 73°F (23°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 74°F (24°C) 0.2 inches (4 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 181 mm (7.1 in) 73°F (23°C) 0.4 inches (9 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 222 mm (8.7 in) 69°F (20°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 62°F (17°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 57°F (14°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)