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

Should you visit Negril or Pocono Mountains?

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 Pocono Mountains. 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 Pocono Mountains?

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!

Pocono Mountains

The Poconos are a region of mountains, small towns, and natural areas in Eastern Pennsylvania. Located just a few hours from both New York City and Philadelphia, this region of 4 counties (Wayne, Pike, Monroe, & Carbon) consists of plenty of mountain scenery, gorgeous lakes, historic small towns, ski resorts, state parks, water parks, and more.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Pocono Mountains 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
    Pocono Mountains Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Negril $153
    Pocono Mountains $213

The average daily cost (per person) in Negril is $153, while the average daily cost in Pocono Mountains is $213. 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 Pocono Mountains in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Negril $103
    Pocono Mountains $89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Negril $206
    Pocono Mountains $178
Compare Hotels in Negril and Pocono Mountains

Looking for a hotel in Negril or Pocono Mountains? 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 Pocono Mountains


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 Pocono Mountains Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Negril $8.52
    Pocono Mountains $49
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:

  • Grand Palladium Jamaica - Lady Hamilton Airport Transfer MBJ ***: $12
  • Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Negril Hotel: $25
  • Grand Palladium Private Transfers from MBJ Airport: $30
  • Montego Bay Jamaica Airport Private Transfer To Grand Palladium: $33
  • Montego Bay Jamaica Airport Transfer to Grand Palladium Hotel: $34
  • Private Transfer from MontegoBay Airport to Lucea/Grand Palladium: $35
  • Montego Bay Jamaica Airport Transfer to Falmouth, Grand Palladium: $35
  • Montego Bay Jamaica Airport Transfer to Grand Palladium Hotel: $35
  • Private Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Grand Palladium: $37
  • Montego Bay Jamaica Airport Transfer to Grand Palladium Hotel: $38
  • MBJ Airport Private Transfers to any Negril Hotels: $39
  • MBJ Private Airport transfer to or from Negril: $42

Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Pocono Mountains?

Prices for flights to both Pocono Mountains 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
    Pocono Mountains $92

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Negril

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

  • Dinner in the Sky Jamaica Round Trip Taxi & Guide only: $42
  • The Jungle Nightclub Experience with Optional Dinner in Negril: $80
  • Local food tour and local fields: $164

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Negril $26
    Pocono Mountains $30
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.

  • ATV Adventure and Zipline with Rick's Cafe Sunset Tour in Negril: $42
  • Rick's Cafe Glass Bottom Sunset Cruise: $62
  • Negril Glass Bottom Boat Tour Snorkeling and Booby Cay: $65
  • Rockland's Bird Sanctuary Tour from Montego Bay/ Falmouth: $70
  • Seven Mile Beach and Rick's Cafe Sunset Tour in Negril Jamaica: $75
  • Private Negril Highlights Tour: $75
  • Martha Brae River Bamboo Rafting Tour: $75
  • Choose Your Adventure: ATV, Zipline, Horseback Ride & Rafting: $80
  • Negril Country Side Tour & Rick's Cafe: $82
  • Off-road ATV Adventure with Wall Climbing: $85
  • 3 Hour Day Party Pass for Tourists at Jamaica Countryside Estate: $85
  • Negril Catamaran Sunset Cruise with Snorkeling, Drinks & DJ: $89

Tours and Activities in Pocono Mountains

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

  • Delaware Water Gap Air Tour: $195
  • Jim Thorpe Historic Smartphone Guided Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Private Mount Pocono Observation Air Tour: $96
  • Wooden Dough Bowl Candle Making Experience: $70

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Negril $9.89
    Pocono Mountains $13


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


Which is Bigger, Negril or Pocono Mountains?

Pocono Mountains has a larger population, and is about 2% larger than the population of Negril. When comparing the sizes of Negril and Pocono Mountains, 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 Pocono Mountains?

Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains in the Summer?

Both Pocono Mountains 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, the summer months attract visitors to Pocono Mountains because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Negril is a little warmer than Pocono Mountains in the summer. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

In Pocono Mountains, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Negril. In the summer, Negril often gets less sunshine than Pocono Mountains. Negril gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pocono Mountains receives 288 hours of full sun.

Pocono Mountains gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually gets more rain in July than Pocono Mountains. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Pocono Mountains 75°F (24°C)

Should I visit Negril or Pocono Mountains in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and Pocono Mountains. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Pocono Mountains this time of year.

In the autumn, Negril is much warmer than Pocono Mountains. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Negril in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Pocono Mountains averages at about 55°F (13°C).

In Negril, it's very sunny this time of the year. Negril usually receives more sunshine than Pocono Mountains during autumn. Negril gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Pocono Mountains receives 168 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Negril gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Negril usually receives more rain than Pocono Mountains. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Pocono Mountains 55°F (13°C)

Should I visit Negril or Pocono Mountains in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Negril as well as Pocono Mountains. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Pocono Mountains for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Pocono Mountains. In January, Negril is generally much warmer than Pocono Mountains. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 25°C (77°F), and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Negril this time of the year. In the winter, Negril often gets more sunshine than Pocono Mountains. Negril gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pocono Mountains receives 127 hours of full sun.

Negril usually gets less rain in January than Pocono Mountains. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Negril 25°C (77°F) 
    Pocono Mountains 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Negril or Pocono Mountains in the Spring?

Both Pocono Mountains 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, many visitors come to Pocono Mountains in the spring for the natural beauty.

Negril is much warmer than Pocono Mountains in the spring. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Pocono Mountains. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pocono Mountains during spring. Negril gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Pocono Mountains receives 213 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Negril. In April, Negril usually receives more rain than Pocono Mountains. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Negril 26°C (79°F) 
    Pocono Mountains 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Pocono Mountains and Negril

Negril Pocono Mountains
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 28°F (-2°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 31°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 41°F (5°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 51°F (11°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
May 27°C (81°F) 205 mm (8.1 in) 62°F (17°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 71°F (22°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 75°F (24°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 73°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 181 mm (7.1 in) 66°F (19°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 222 mm (8.7 in) 55°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 45°F (7°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 33°F (1°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)