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

Should you visit Negril or Phoenix?

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 Phoenix. 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 Phoenix?

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!

Phoenix

The most populous city in the American Southwest, Phoenix is the capital city of Arizona and busiest hub of activity in the general area. Geographically it is located in the Sonoran Desert, making for long hot summers and mild winters. This climate has ensured a thriving tourism industry with plenty of attractions both in and around Phoenix.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City.


Which place is cheaper, Phoenix or Negril?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Negril Prices
    Jamaica Prices
    Phoenix Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Negril $152
    Phoenix $275

The average daily cost (per person) in Negril is $152, while the average daily cost in Phoenix is $275. 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 Phoenix in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Negril $103
    Phoenix $144
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Negril $206
    Phoenix $288
Compare Hotels in Negril and Phoenix

Looking for a hotel in Negril or Phoenix? 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 Phoenix


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 Phoenix Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Negril $8.48
    Phoenix $39
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Negril

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


  • Taxi From Airport
    $13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Negril

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

  • Fun Holiday Beach Resort Montego Bay Airport Transfer: $205
  • Grand Palladium Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Rountrip): $200
  • Private Transfer to Mystic Mountain Jamaica From Negril Hotels: $200
  • Private, Round-Trip Negril Airport Transfer: $200
  • Chukka and Rafting Ocho Rios with Private Transfer Negril Hotels: $200
  • Private Transfers-Negril and Runaway Bay hotels(Round Trip): $180
  • Private Transfer from Negril to Jamaica (MBJ) Airport: $173
  • Private Transfer from Jamaica (MBJ) Airport to Negril: $173
  • Luxury Grand Palladium Transfer: $144
  • Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer Negril Hotels: $141
  • Private Customizable Transfer from Sangster Intl Airport - Negril: $140
  • Montego Bay Airport (MBJ) to Negril hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $138

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phoenix

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

  • Private Transfer: Scottsdale to Phoenix Airport PHX by Luxury SUV: $151
  • Arrival Transfer: Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix by Luxury SUV: $129
  • Private Transfer: Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix by Luxury SUV: $129
  • Arrival Private Transfer Phoenix Airport PHX to Phoenix City: $117
  • Private Transfer Phoenix Airport PHX to Phoenix Downtown / Hotels: $110
  • Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) to Phoenix - Arrival Private Transfer: $83
  • Phoenix to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) - Departure Private Transfer: $83
  • One Way Airport Transfer Service: $68

Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Phoenix?

Prices for flights to both Phoenix 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 $38
    Phoenix $90

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: $80
  • Cultural Food Tour & Seven Mile Beach At Negril’s Margaritaville: $150

Typical Food Prices in Phoenix

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Phoenix:


  • Nice Lunch (for 2)
    $36
  • Indian Food Dinner (for 2)
    $32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phoenix

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

  • Guided French Crêpes Cooking Class in Scottsdale: $75
  • Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery in Phoenix: $75
  • Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery: $75
  • Downtown Food Tour with 7+ Authentic Food Tastings: $99
  • Phoenix Food Tour on Trendy Roosevelt Row with 7 Food Tastings: $100
  • Scottsdale's Original Food Tour: $108
  • Scottsdale Old Town Food Tour of Hidden Gems with 6 Food Tastings: $108
  • Scottsdale Sunset Dinner Tour: $125

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Negril $26
    Phoenix $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
    $43

Tours and Activities in Negril

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Negril.

  • 7Mile Beach/Ricks Cafe Tour with Free Shopping from Montego Bay: $115
  • ATV's, Shopping, Seven Mile Beach,Catamaran Cruise to Ricks Cafe: $130
  • Appleton Estate Rum Tour [Transportation services]: $125
  • Appleton Estate Rum and Black River Safari Private Tour: $185
  • Appleton and Y.S Falls Tour from Negril Hotels: $261
  • Bamboo Rafting and Rick Cafe Negril Private Tour: $161
  • Bambuza ATV, Zipline and Horseback Adventure from Negril: $190
  • Blue Hole Mineral Springs, Rick's Café, and Shopping Combo Tour: $75
  • Boat tour: $123
  • Bob Marley 9 miles with French tour guide: $260
  • Bob Marley Museum Tour From Negril Hotel: $215
  • Bob Marley's Nine Mile Day-Trip w/Admission & Guided Tour from Grand Palladium: $145

Tours and Activities in Phoenix

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Phoenix.

  • 1-2 Hour Sonoran Desert Private Guided Hiking Tour: $70
  • 1.5 Hour Stretch Limo Golf Cart Tour, Ultimate Old Town Exploration: $60
  • 2 Hour Scottsdale Segway Tours - Ultimate Old Town Exploration: $60
  • 2 Hour Segway Tour - Sunset & City Lights: $65
  • 2.5 Hour FAT Tire E-Bike Tour – Scottsdale Greenbelt Adventure: $65
  • 3 Hour Sonoran Desert Private Guided Mountain Bike Tour: $135
  • 8:00AM Desert Off-Road UTV Tour, 2 hours, 2 people per vehicle: $199
  • Amazing Audio Tour : Scottsdale Adventure: $15
  • Ancient Ruins Tour - Guided Arizona Desert Tour by UTV: $150
  • Apache Trail Full-Day Scenic Tour from Phoenix: $945
  • Apache Trail Histories and Mysteries One Day Van Tour: $169
  • Apache Trail w/Dolly Steamboat Day Tour: $183

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Negril $9.85
    Phoenix $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Negril

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

  • Negril One Love Bus Bar Crawl: $26

Sample the Local Flavors in Phoenix

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

  • Phoenix Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $29
  • Holiday Lights Bar Crawl Tour in Old Town Scottsdale: $59
  • Halloween Party Bike Bar Crawl in Old Town Scottsdale: $59
  • Old Town Scottsdale Party Bike Bar Crawl and Pool Party: $69
  • Pedal Bar Crawl Tour of Downtown Phoenix: $70
  • Pedal Bar Crawl of Old Town Scottsdale: $70
  • Phoenix Brewery Tour: 12 Beer Tasters & VIP Access at 3 Breweries: $125
  • Stretch Limo Party Cart - Custom Bar Crawls, Wine Tastings, Night Clubs & More: $179


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


Which is Bigger, Negril or Phoenix?

Phoenix has a larger population, and is about 440 times larger than the population of Negril. When comparing the sizes of Negril and Phoenix, 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 Phoenix?

Phoenix 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 Phoenix in the Summer?

Both Phoenix and Negril are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Negril throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Phoenix because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Phoenix can become quite hot in the summer. In the summer, Negril is cooler than Phoenix. Typically, the summer temperatures in Negril in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Phoenix averages at about 98°F (36°C).

It's quite sunny in Phoenix. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during summer. Negril gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 380 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Negril. In July, Negril usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Phoenix 98°F (36°C)

Should I visit Negril or Phoenix in the Autumn?

Both Phoenix and Negril during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Negril because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Phoenix this time of year.

In October, Negril is generally around the same temperature as Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 27°C (81°F), and Phoenix fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Negril. In the autumn, Negril often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Negril gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 305 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually gets more rain in October than Phoenix. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Negril or Phoenix in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and Phoenix. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Phoenix for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Negril is much warmer than Phoenix in the winter. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Phoenix fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. In Negril, it's very sunny this time of the year. Negril usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during winter. Negril gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 254 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Negril usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Negril 25°C (77°F) 
    Phoenix 58°F (14°C)

Should I visit Negril or Phoenix in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Negril is a little warmer than Phoenix. Typically, the spring temperatures in Negril in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Phoenix averages at about 74°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phoenix. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Negril this time of the year. In the spring, Negril often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Negril gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 355 hours of full sun.

Negril receives a lot of rain in the spring. Negril usually gets more rain in April than Phoenix. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Phoenix and Negril

Negril Phoenix
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 58°F (14°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 62°F (17°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 66°F (19°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 74°F (23°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
May 27°C (81°F) 205 mm (8.1 in) 83°F (28°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 92°F (34°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 98°F (36°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 96°F (35°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 181 mm (7.1 in) 90°F (32°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 222 mm (8.7 in) 79°F (26°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 66°F (19°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 58°F (15°C) 1 inches (25 mm)