Which place is cheaper, Puerto Vallarta or Negril?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Negril or Puerto Vallarta?
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 Puerto Vallarta. 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 Puerto Vallarta?
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!
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta remains a popular tourist destination with Americans, particularly during spring break when students flock to the area. The area is quite beautiful and has many gorgeous beaches, interesting jungles and waterfalls nearby, and no shortage of luxury resorts and four star restaurants. Many of the locals speak English and are friendly and open to helping tourists with directions or general information. Puerto Vallarta's popularity means that its prices are some of the highest in Mexico, particularly during holidays when the area can get quite crowded.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, and The Best Luxury Tours to Mexico.
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Negril Prices
Jamaica PricesPuerto Vallarta Prices
Mexico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNegril $152Puerto Vallarta $126
The average daily cost (per person) in Negril is $152, while the average daily cost in Puerto Vallarta is $126. 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 Puerto Vallarta in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNegril $103Puerto Vallarta $57
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNegril $206Puerto Vallarta $114
Compare Hotels in Negril and Puerto Vallarta
Looking for a hotel in Negril or Puerto Vallarta? 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 Puerto Vallarta Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Negril $8.49Puerto Vallarta $17
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$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 ***: $13
- MBJ Airport Transfers to/from Montego Bay Hotels/Villas/Airbnb: $20
- Azul Beach Resort Negril Airport Transfers from Montego Bay: $25
- Montego Bay Jamaica Airport Private Transfer To Grand Palladium: $35
- Montego Bay Jamaica Airport Transfer to Falmouth, Grand Palladium: $35
- Private Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Grand Palladium: $37
- Private Transfer from MBJ Airport to Grand Palladium Hotel: $38
- Montego Bay Jamaica Airport Transfer to Grand Palladium Hotel: $38
- Grand Palladium hotel transfer from Montego Bay airport: $39
- Montego Bay Jamaica Airport Transfer: $40
- Private Transfer to Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort: $43
- Private Montego Bay Jamaica Airport Transfer To Negril Hotels: $44
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Puerto Vallarta
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Puerto Vallarta:
- Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) to Sayulita hotels - Private Roundtrip Transfer: $296
- Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) to Punta de Mita - Private Roundtrip Transfer: $266
- Privat Transfer from Puerto Vallarta Airport PVR to Punta de Mita: $175
- Puerto Vallarta Port to Puerto Vallarta RoundTripPrivate Transfer: $137
- Airport Transfer Puerto Vallarta: $135
- Private Transfer from PVR to Puerto Vallarta / Punta de Mita / Sayulita: $135
- Private Transfer from Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) to Puerto Vallarta hotels: $134
- Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) to Puerto Vallarta - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $132
- Private transfer round trip Puerto Vallarta Airport To Hotel In Luxury Vehicle: $129
- Private Transfer Puerto Vallarta to Licenciado Gustavo Airport: $119
- PVR VIP Round Trip Transfer Airport - Boca de Tomatlan - Airport: $109
- Private Airport Transfers across Bahía de Banderas: $105
Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Puerto Vallarta?
Prices for flights to both Puerto Vallarta 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 $38Puerto Vallarta $57
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Puerto Vallarta
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Puerto Vallarta.
- Old Town Taco Tour with Vallarta Food Tours: $49
- 3-Hour Guided Food Tour in Puerto Vallarta: $49
- Taste of Pitillal Food Tour by Vallarta Food Tours: $59
- Bucerias Taco Tour with Vallarta Food Tours: $59
- Taco Adventure Evening Food Tour with Vallarta Food Tours: $59
- Winner 2026 Downtown Vallarta Food Tour with Vallarta Food Tours: $59
- Seafood Lover's Tour with Vallarta Food Tours: $65
- Vallarta Flavours Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $69
- Vallarta Tales Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $69
- Puerto Vallarta Evening Cooking Class: Tacos, Margaritas &Churros: $76
- Versalles de Noche Dinner Tour with Vallarta Food Tours: $79
- Vallarta by Road Food Tour with Vallarta Food Tours: $85
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Negril $26Puerto Vallarta $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$43
Tours and Activities in Negril
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Negril.
- Reto tours jamaica taxi service: $20
- Negril 7 mile beach and Ricks Cafe Tour: $55
- Horseback Riding/Swim, Catamaran and ATV Day Tour: $55
- Negril Beach Experience & Rick's Cafe from Negril: $59
- Negril Seven Mile Beach & Rick's Cafe Sunset Tour Negril Jamaica: $60
- Rick's Cafe Glass Bottom Sunset Cruise: $65
- Negril Glass Bottom Boat Tour Snorkeling and Booby Cay: $65
- Seven Mile Beach Negril and Rick’s Cafe Tour from Negril Hotels: $66
- Jamwest Motorsports & adventure park tour from Negril: $70
- Private Negril Highlights Tour: $75
- Martha Brae River Bamboo Rafting Tour: $75
- Private Negril Hidden Beaches Tour + Optional Rick’s Cafe Sunset: $75
Tours and Activities in Puerto Vallarta
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Puerto Vallarta are as follows:
- 1/2 Day Puerto Vallarta Botanical Garden tour: $60
- 10 Zip Line Tour and Tequila Suspension Bridge Walk: $101
- 2 Hour Private Surfing Experience in Puerto Vallarta: $110
- 2 Hour and 30 Minutes Walking Tour in 5 De Diciembre: $52
- ATV Adventure from Puerto Vallarta: $110
- ATV Adventure in Puerto Vallarta (Single): $107
- ATV All-Terrain Adventure in Punta Mita: $228
- ATV Doble in Puerto Vallarta Mountain and Waterfall Tour: $140
- ATV Jorullo Bridge Tour: $194
- ATV Jungle and River Adventure in Puerto Vallarta (3.5 Hours): $152
- ATV Single Jungle Adventure-Waterfalls, Tequila & Local Culture": $107
- ATV Tour: $129
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNegril $9.87Puerto Vallarta $21
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 Puerto Vallarta
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Puerto Vallarta:
- Puerto Vallarta Pub Crawl: $22
- Premium Tequila Tasting Puerto Vallarta Distillery: $28
- Mexican Wine Tasting Experience: $50
- Mexican Wine Tasting & Aroma Sensory Experience: $60
- Brewery Bus Tour from Mexico: $85
- Cachasol Tequila Tasting & Raicilla Distillery Tour: $98
- Secret Agave Bar Crawl in Vallarta: $98
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Negril and Puerto Vallarta, we can see that Negril is more expensive. And not only is Puerto Vallarta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Negril is in Caribbean Islands and Puerto Vallarta 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 Puerto Vallarta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Puerto Vallarta 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 Puerto Vallarta.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Negril Expensive? and Is Puerto Vallarta Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Negril or Puerto Vallarta?
Puerto Vallarta has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Negril. When comparing the sizes of Negril and Puerto Vallarta, 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.
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.