Which place is cheaper, Playa del Carmen or Negril?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Negril or Playa del Carmen?
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 Playa del Carmen. 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 Playa del Carmen?
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!
Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is in Quintana Roo on the Yucatan Peninsula. It's a popular resort town and is about seventy kilometers south of Cancun. It has a European atmosphere with many small hotels and a nice relaxed feel. It was originally a small fishing town but tourism began with the introduction of a passenger ferry to Cozumel. The area developed rapidly and there are many luxury hotels, condos, and resorts. There are also American chains and a variety of shopping opportunities nearby.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNegril $139Playa del Carmen $81
The average daily cost (per person) in Negril is $139, while the average daily cost in Playa del Carmen is $81. 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 Playa del Carmen in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNegril $106Playa del Carmen $40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNegril $212Playa del Carmen $80
Compare Hotels in Negril and Playa del Carmen
Looking for a hotel in Negril or Playa del Carmen? 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.
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 Playa del Carmen Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Negril $8.71Playa del Carmen $24
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Negril
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Negril:
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Taxi From Airport$14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Negril
Also for Negril, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Round Trip Transfer from Montego Bay to Grand Palladium: $105
- Airport Round-Trip Transfers To Negril From Sangster’s International Airport : $90
- Airport transfers, private tours and excursions in Jamaica : $80
- Azul Negril Resort Airport Transfer : $53
- Club Kingston VIP Lounge & Fast Track with Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer: $112
- Comfortable Montego Bay Airport to Grand Palladium Transfer: $23
- Comfortable Montego Bay Airport to Negril Resorts Transfer: $33
- From Montego Bay Airport (MBJ): Private Transfer to Negril: $105
- Fun Holiday Beach Resort Montego Bay Airport Transfer: $205
- Grand Palladium Airport Transfer: $37
- Grand Palladium Private Airport Transfer: $48
- Grand Palladium Private Transfers from MBJ Airport: $40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Playa del Carmen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Playa del Carmen:
- One Way Private Transfer from Playa del Carmen to Coba: $276
- Airport Transfers to Playa del Carmen - Private van (ROUND TRIP) FLAT RATE: $227
- Private Transfer to Cenote at Tulum: $213
- Transfers in Lincoln StretchLimo from Puerto Aventuras-Cun Airport.: $194
- Cancun Airport Round Trip transfer to Puerto Aventuras: $190
- 2x1 Tour: Isla Contoy, Isla Mujeres, Open Bar, Lunch and Transfers: $190
- Wedding Transfers Services in Round Trip Playa del Carmen: $180
- Roundtrip Private Transfer Playa del Carmen from CUN: $173
- Private Transfer From Cancún Airport - Puerto Aventuras: $163
- Contoy and Mujeres Islands Tour with Transfer Options: $159
- Tour Bacalar Ponton with Transfer from Cancun & Playa del Carmen : $147
- Access to Xel-Há Park with Transfer: $145
Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Playa del Carmen?
Prices for flights to both Playa del Carmen 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
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Food Meals for one dayNegril $23Playa del Carmen $24
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 Playa del Carmen
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Playa del Carmen.
- Cenotes by Bike and Mayan Cooking Class Half-Day Guided Tour: $60
- Walking Food Tour: $65
- Playa Del Carmen Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $75
- Playa del Carmen Walking Food Tour: $77
- Mexican Cooking Class: $100
- Seafood Tour in Playa del Carmen: $101
- PDC Traditional Mexican Cooking Experience: $104
- Authentic Mexican Cooking Class in Playa del Carmen: $120
- Isa’s Authentic Mexican Cooking Class: $120
- Cultural Coba Sunset Adventure with Dinner and show from Cancun: $130
- Sunset Adventure in Coba and Dinner with Show from Riviera Maya: $155
- Riviera Maya: Sunset Cruise with Beach Dinner and Open Bar: $157
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Negril $27Playa del Carmen $17
Typical Entertainment Prices in Negril
For Negril, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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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
Tours and Activities in Playa del Carmen
Here are a few actual costs in Playa del Carmen for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Romantic tour in Akumal: $115
- Tulum Ruins, Turtle Sightseeing & Underground Cenote from Tulum: $140
- VIP Cenote Scuba Tour, Certified Divers Only: $230
- 3 in 1 Private Tour Tulum Cenote and Snorkeling in the reef: $210
- 3D Museum of Wonders Admission Ticket: $42
- 5X1: Tulum and Coba Ruins, Cenote & Mayan Village Full Day Tour : $114
- ATV Adventure with Ziplines Cenote from Playa del Carmen: $75
- ATV Extreme and Snorkel Adventure from the Riviera Maya: $139
- ATV Ride and Secret Caves Tour from Playa del Carmen: $80
- ATV Shared & Ziplines Adventure in Tulum Jungle from Riviera Maya: $133
- ATV Shared, Cavern & Ziplines -Jungle Adventure from Riviera Maya: $158
- ATV Xtreme & Snorkel Experience: $138
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNegril $10Playa del Carmen $21
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Negril and Playa del Carmen, we can see that Negril is more expensive. And not only is Playa del Carmen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Negril is in Caribbean Islands and Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Playa del Carmen 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 Negril would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Negril than you might in Playa del Carmen.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Negril Expensive? and Is Playa del Carmen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Negril or Playa del Carmen?
Playa del Carmen has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Negril. When comparing the sizes of Negril and Playa del Carmen, 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 Playa del Carmen?
Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Negril as well as Playa del Carmen. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Negril is around the same temperature as Playa del Carmen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Negril in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Playa del Carmen averages at about 28°C (82°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Negril this time of the year. In the summer, Negril often gets more sunshine than Playa del Carmen. Negril gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa del Carmen receives 223 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. Negril receives a lot of rain in the summer. Negril usually gets more rain in July than Playa del Carmen. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNegril 27°C (81°F)Playa del Carmen 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Negril or Playa del Carmen in the Autumn?
Both Playa del Carmen and Negril are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Negril throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Negril is generally around the same temperature as Playa del Carmen. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 27°C (81°F), and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Playa del Carmen during autumn. Negril gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Playa del Carmen receives 233 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. It's quite rainy in Negril. In October, Negril usually receives more rain than Playa del Carmen. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn. June to October is the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNegril 27°C (81°F)Playa del Carmen 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Negril or Playa del Carmen in the Winter?
Both Playa del Carmen and Negril during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Negril because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Negril is around the same temperature as Playa del Carmen in the winter. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Negril. In the winter, Negril often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Playa del Carmen. Negril gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa del Carmen receives 224 hours of full sun.
Negril usually gets more rain in January than Playa del Carmen. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNegril 25°C (77°F)Playa del Carmen 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Negril or Playa del Carmen in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and Playa del Carmen. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the beaches and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Negril is around the same temperature as Playa del Carmen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Negril in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Playa del Carmen averages at about 27°C (81°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In Negril, it's very sunny this time of the year. Negril usually receives less sunshine than Playa del Carmen during spring. Negril gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Playa del Carmen receives 259 hours of full sun in the spring.
Negril gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Negril usually receives more rain than Playa del Carmen. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the spring. June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNegril 26°C (79°F)Playa del Carmen 27°C (81°F)
Typical Weather for Playa del Carmen and Negril
| Negril | Playa del Carmen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 205 mm (8.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 222 mm (8.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.