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

Should you visit Negril or Pensacola?

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 Pensacola. 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 Pensacola?

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!

Pensacola

With sands as white as sugar grain and a sky devoid of grey clouds and innumerable downpours, Pensacola is known by many as the "Western Gate to the Sunshine State." Located in northern Florida, Pensacola is a waterfront city known for its pristine beaches and rich Floridian history. As one of the earliest European settlements in the U.S., Pensacola is riddled with museums and landmarks that commemorate the state's history, making the city quite appetizing for history buffs and students alike. However, if you are simply looking to get the most out of the all-around good weather of Florida, Pensacola's protected beaches complemented with high-class restaurants and stores make this a vacation capital for many.

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, Pensacola 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 Pensacola is $198. 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 Pensacola in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Negril $106
    Pensacola $115
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Negril $212
    Pensacola $230
Compare Hotels in Negril and Pensacola

Looking for a hotel in Negril or Pensacola? 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 Pensacola


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 Pensacola Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Negril $8.71
    Pensacola $64
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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Pensacola

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Pensacola:


  • Boca Grande Causeway Toll
    $5.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pensacola

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pensacola:

  • Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Destin, FL - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $142
  • Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Pensacola - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109
  • Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Destin, FL - Arrival Private Transfer: $71
  • Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Pensacola - Arrival Private Transfer: $55
  • Pensacola to Pensacola International Airport (PNS) - Departure Private Transfer: $55

Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Pensacola?

Prices for flights to both Pensacola 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
    Pensacola $48

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

Typical Food Prices in Pensacola

Some typical examples of dining costs in Pensacola are as follows:


  • Two Ice Creams
    $6.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pensacola

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

  • Seville Stroll Food Tour: $72

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Negril $27
    Pensacola $13
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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Pensacola

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


  • Bike Rental
    $16

Tours and Activities in Pensacola

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

  • 1hr Segway Tour Downtown : $57
  • 2hr Segway Tour of Downtown : $72
  • 3 Hour Sandbar Adventure on Motorized Floats: $69
  • 3 hours cruise with swimming: $81
  • Dolphin & Sightseeing Cruise + Private Beach Stop: $64
  • Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise: $59
  • Frisky Mermaid Fireworks Cruise Up to 49 Pax: $64
  • Frisky Mermaid Public Dolphin + Sightseeing Cruise Up to 49 Pax: $37
  • Ghosts and Graveyard Tour of Pensacola: $34
  • Hop-on Hop-off Tour in Pensacola : $35
  • Land Paddle Tour in Pensacola: $50
  • Pensacola Beach Jolly Dolphin Cruise and Scenic Bay Tour: $39

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Negril $10
    Pensacola $44

Sample the Local Flavors in Pensacola

Also in Pensacola, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Walking Pub Tour : $21


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


Which is Bigger, Negril or Pensacola?

Pensacola has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Negril. When comparing the sizes of Negril and Pensacola, 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 Pensacola?

Pensacola 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 Pensacola in the Summer?

Both Pensacola 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 Pensacola in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Negril is around the same temperature as Pensacola in the summer. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Pensacola fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

Pensacola gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Pensacola. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Pensacola receives 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Negril or Pensacola in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Negril is a little warmer than Pensacola. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Negril in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Pensacola averages at about 69°F (21°C).

Pensacola 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 Pensacola. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Pensacola receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Pensacola is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Pensacola 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Negril or Pensacola in the Winter?

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

In January, Negril is generally much warmer than Pensacola. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 25°C (77°F), and Pensacola fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

It's quite rainy in Pensacola. Negril usually gets less rain in January than Pensacola. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Pensacola receives 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Negril 25°C (77°F) 
    Pensacola 51°F (10°C)

Should I visit Negril or Pensacola in the Spring?

Both Pensacola and Negril are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Negril throughout the year. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Pensacola this time of year.

Negril is a little warmer than Pensacola in the spring. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Pensacola fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

It's quite rainy in Negril. In April, Negril usually receives more rain than Pensacola. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Pensacola receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Pensacola is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Negril 26°C (79°F) 
    Pensacola 67°F (20°C)

Typical Weather for Pensacola and Negril

Negril Pensacola
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 51°F (10°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 54°F (12°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 60°F (16°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
May 27°C (81°F) 205 mm (8.1 in) 74°F (24°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 80°F (27°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 82°F (28°C) 7.4 inches (189 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 82°F (28°C) 7.4 inches (188 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 181 mm (7.1 in) 78°F (26°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 222 mm (8.7 in) 69°F (21°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 61°F (16°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 54°F (12°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm)