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

Should you visit Negril or Portland, Maine?

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 Portland, Maine. 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 Portland, Maine?

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!

Portland, Maine

The largest city in the U.S. state of Maine, Portland has much to offer with its most visited areas being the historic Old Port and the Arts District. They are a mix of the old and new, with a historic feel of the waterfront port versus the contemporary culture of the local art scene. In addition to these popular locations, the Portland area is marked with historical landmarks and museums, places to shop, award-winning restaurants, and activities in areas just outside the city as well.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine is $192. 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 Portland, Maine in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Negril or Portland, Maine? 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 Portland, Maine


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 Portland, Maine Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Negril $8.71
    Portland, Maine $34
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:

  • 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 Negril Resorts Transfer 1 way: $33
  • From Montego Bay Airport (MBJ): Private Transfer to Negril: $105
  • Grand Palladium Airport Transfer: $37
  • Grand Palladium Private Airport Transfer: $48
  • Grand Palladium Private Transfers from MBJ Airport: $40
  • Grand palladium Private Airport Transfers : $70
  • Montego Bay Airport Transfer To Negril Hotels Private: $46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portland, Maine

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portland, Maine:

  • Portland Jetport (PWM) to Portland - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $165
  • Portland to Portland Jetport (PWM) - Departure Private Transfer: $82
  • Private Transfer from Portland Port to Portland Jetport (PWM): $42
  • Private Transfer from Portland Jetport (PWM) to Portland Port: $42
  • Private Transfer from Portland Cruise Port to Portland city: $42
  • Private Transfer from Portland city to Portland Cruise Port: $42

Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Portland, Maine?

Prices for flights to both Portland, Maine 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
    Portland, Maine $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 Portland, Maine

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Portland, Maine:


  • Breakfast for 2
    $17
  • Dinner for 2
    $30

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Negril $27
    Portland, Maine $39
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

Tours and Activities in Portland, Maine

Here are a few actual costs in Portland, Maine for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2 Hours | Portland, Maine Black History Walking Tour: $49
  • 2 Hours | Portland, Maine Hidden Histories Walking Tour: $49
  • A Walk Through Time Tour in Portland: $49
  • Around The Peninsula Bike Tour: $79
  • Audio Guided Walking Tour from Old Port of Portland, Maine: $6.75
  • Casco Bay Half-Day Sea Kayak Tour: $75
  • Central Coastal Maine Private Day Tour: $250
  • Discover Portland City and Lighthouse Tour: $48
  • Donut Tasting Walking Tour in Portland’s Old Port: $48
  • Downtown Portland In-App Audio Tour (ENG): $9.00
  • Downtown Portland, Maine City and Lighthouse Tour-2.5 hour Land Tour: $70
  • Guided RIB Boat Adventure of Casco Bay: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Negril $10
    Portland, Maine $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Portland, Maine

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Portland, Maine:

  • Old Port Brewery & Pub Walking Tour: $89
  • Local Brewery & Spirits Bus Tour: $99


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


Which is Bigger, Negril or Portland, Maine?

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

Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Negril as well as Portland, Maine. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Portland, Maine for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Negril is a little warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the summer temperatures in Negril in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Portland, Maine averages at about 69°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Portland, Maine. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Negril this time of the year. In the summer, Negril often gets less sunshine than Portland, Maine. Negril gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 282 hours of full sun.

Negril receives a lot of rain in the summer. Negril usually gets more rain in July than Portland, Maine. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Portland, Maine 69°F (20°C)

Should I visit Negril or Portland, Maine in the Autumn?

Both Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Negril is generally much warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 27°C (81°F), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually receives more sunshine than Portland, Maine during autumn. Negril gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Negril. In October, Negril usually receives more rain than Portland, Maine. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Portland, Maine 49°F (9°C)

Should I visit Negril or Portland, Maine in the Winter?

Both Portland, Maine 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. Also, most visitors come to Portland, Maine for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Portland, Maine can be very cold during winter. Negril is much warmer than Portland, Maine in the winter. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

It's quite sunny in Negril. In the winter, Negril often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. Negril gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 163 hours of full sun.

Negril usually gets less rain in January than Portland, Maine. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Negril 25°C (77°F) 
    Portland, Maine 21°F (-6°C)

Should I visit Negril or Portland, Maine in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and Portland, Maine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Portland, Maine because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Negril is much warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the spring temperatures in Negril in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Portland, Maine averages at about 43°F (6°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine during spring. Negril gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 212 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 Portland, Maine. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Negril 26°C (79°F) 
    Portland, Maine 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Portland, Maine and Negril

Negril Portland, Maine
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 21°F (-6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 24°F (-5°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 33°F (1°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
May 27°C (81°F) 205 mm (8.1 in) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 63°F (17°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 69°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 181 mm (7.1 in) 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 222 mm (8.7 in) 49°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 39°F (4°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 27°F (-3°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)