Which place is cheaper, Ponce or Negril?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Negril or Ponce?
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 Ponce. 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 Ponce?
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!
Ponce
Ponce is on the south coast of Puerto Rico. It's the second largest city on the island and has been around since 1692 when it was originally founded by Ponce de Leon's grandson Juan Ponce de Leon y Loayza. The city has several nicknames, including La Perla del Sur (The Pearl of the South), La Ciudad Senorial (The Noble, or Lordly, City), and La Ciudad de las Quenepas (Genip City).
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNegril $139Ponce $205
The average daily cost (per person) in Negril is $139, while the average daily cost in Ponce is $205. 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 Ponce in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNegril $106Ponce $151
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNegril $212Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Negril and Ponce
Looking for a hotel in Negril or Ponce? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Negril $8.71Ponce $10
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:
- Comfortable Montego Bay Airport to Grand Palladium Transfer: $23
- Comfortable Montego Bay Airport to Negril Resorts Transfer: $33
- Private Transfer from MBJ Airport to Grand Palladium Hotel: $36
- Grand Palladium Airport Transfer: $37
- Round-Trip or Direct Private Airport Transfer to Lucea Resorts: $37
- Private Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Grand Palladium: $40
- Grand Palladium Private Transfers from MBJ Airport: $40
- Montego Bay Airport Transfer To Negril Hotels Private: $47
- Private Airport Transfer Grand Palladium/ Lady Hamilton Jamaica: $47
- Grand Palladium Private Airport Transfer: $48
- Private Airport Transfers to Negril Hotels: $48
- Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Negril Hotel: $50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ponce
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ponce:
- Double ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $279
- Single ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $189
- Transfer SJU Airport to Humacao and Nagüabo. Vice Versa One Way Trip: $185
- Vega Baja to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $170
- San Juan Airport (SJU) to Rio Grande hotel - Arrival Private Transfer: $109
- Rio Grande hotel to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $109
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $92
- San Juan Airport (SJU) to San Juan Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
- San Juan Airport (SJU) to San Juan hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
- Aguadilla Hernandez Airport (BQN) to Isabela - RoundTrip Transfer: $87
- Private Transfer from San Juan City Hotels to Ponce Cruise Port: $79
- Transfer TO or FROM: Airport,Cruise,Hotel in DORADO or RIO GRANDE: $70
Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Ponce?
Prices for flights to both Ponce 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 $23Ponce $35
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 Ponce
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ponce.
- Private Cooking Class with a Fun Local in San German, Puerto Rico: $96
- Private Half-Day Food Tour : $130
- Private San Juan Cooking Class with a Local Expert: $146
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Negril $27Ponce $56
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 Ponce
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ponce are as follows:
- Half-Day El Yunque Rainforest Tour from Fajardo: $65
- Scuba Boat Diving Experience in Gilligan's Island at Copamarina: $160
- 1 Hour Historical UTV Tour in San Juan: $200
- 2-Hour Private UTV Can-Am Beach Tour in San Juan, Puerto Rico: $264
- 2.5-Hour Historical Walking Tour of Old San Juan: $65
- 5 hours Tour in La Parguera Private Boat Charter: $200
- 7 Hours River Tour with Beach and Learn to Make Piña Colada : $195
- 90 Minute Portrait Photoshoot Experience in the Caribbean: $129
- ATV Adventure at Hacienda Campo Rico: $136
- Adventure Trail Tour in the foothills of the National Rainforest: $110
- Afro-Boriken-Loiza: Food, Cave & Art Tour: $140
- All Inclusive Cordillera Cay’s Sailing Catamaran Beach & Snorkeling Tour: $150
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNegril $10Ponce $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Ponce
Also in Ponce, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Artisan Puertorrican Winery and Distillery Tour: $50
- Old San Juan Bar Crawl: Experience Local Hotspots: $65
- Local Puerto Rican Rum Distillery Tour - Ron Pepon: $90
- Rum Distillery and Old San Juan Tour: $99
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Negril and Ponce, we can see that Ponce is more expensive. And not only is Negril much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Ponce would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ponce 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 Ponce Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Negril or Ponce?
Ponce has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Negril. When comparing the sizes of Negril and Ponce, 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 Ponce?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Negril or Ponce in the Summer?
Both Ponce 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually gets more rain in July than Ponce. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Negril. In the summer, Negril often gets less sunshine than Ponce. Negril gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 287 hours of full sun.
Negril is around the same temperature as Ponce in the summer. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNegril 27°C (81°F)Ponce 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Negril or Ponce in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and Ponce. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Ponce 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 Ponce. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. In Negril, it's very sunny this time of the year. Negril usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ponce during autumn. Negril gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In the autumn, Negril is around the same temperature as Ponce. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Negril in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Ponce averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNegril 27°C (81°F)Ponce 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Negril or Ponce in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Negril as well as Ponce. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year.
Negril usually gets less rain in January than Ponce. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Negril this time of the year. In the winter, Negril often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ponce. Negril gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 240 hours of full sun.
In January, Negril is generally around the same temperature as Ponce. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 25°C (77°F), and Ponce fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNegril 25°C (77°F)Ponce 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Negril or Ponce in the Spring?
Both Ponce and Negril are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Negril throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Negril. In April, Negril usually receives more rain than Ponce. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in Ponce. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during spring. Negril gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
Negril is around the same temperature as Ponce in the spring. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Ponce fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNegril 26°C (79°F)Ponce 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Ponce and Negril
| Negril | Ponce | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 205 mm (8.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 222 mm (8.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 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.