Which place is cheaper, Punta Cana 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 Punta Cana?
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 Punta Cana. 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 Punta Cana?
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!
Punta Cana
Punta Cana, located on the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic, is renowned for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant culture. This Caribbean paradise offers a diverse range of experiences that cater to all types of travelers, whether you're on a tight budget, seeking thrilling activities, exploring local cuisine, or figuring out the best ways to get around.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Dominican Republic, and The Best Adventure Tours to Dominican Republic.
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Negril Prices
Jamaica PricesPunta Cana Prices
Dominican Republic Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNegril $153Punta Cana $181
The average daily cost (per person) in Negril is $153, while the average daily cost in Punta Cana is $181. 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 Punta Cana in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNegril $103Punta Cana $101
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNegril $206Punta Cana $202
Compare Hotels in Negril and Punta Cana
Looking for a hotel in Negril or Punta Cana? 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 Punta Cana Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Negril $8.53Punta Cana $6.79
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:
- A "Private" Airport Transfer to AZUL, ROYALTON, RIU, HEDONISM: $53
- Airport MBJ Round Trip Transfer to Negril Airbnb Homes, Resorts: $133
- Airport Round Trip Transfer from Montego Bay to Grand Palladium: $105
- Airport Transfer To Negril: $60
- Airport Transfer To Negril: $60
- Airport Transfer To Negril Hotel: $70
- Azul Negril Resort Airport Transfer: $53
- Azul Sensatori Jamaica Airport Transfers: $90
- Club Kingston VIP Lounge & Fast Track with Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer: $112
- Grand Palladium Airport Transfer: $45
- Grand Palladium Airport Transfer: $40
- Grand Palladium Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Rountrip): $200
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta Cana
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Punta Cana:
- Private Transfer From Punta Cana and Bavaro to Las Americas Inter. Airport: $300
- Round Trip Transfer from Santo Domingo SDQ to Punta Cana: $295
- Private Round Trip Airport Transfer Uvero Alto Hotels 7-12 Pax: $295
- Best Deal Private Transfer Punta Cana to Santo Domingo Round Trip: $267
- private transfer standard and premium punta cana airport to puerto plata: $265
- Private car transfer from Punta Cana Airport to Santo Domingo: $250
- Punta Cana Airport (PUJ) to Santo Domingo - Round-Trip Transfer: $250
- Punta Cana Airport PUJ to Las Terrenas Arrival Private Transfer: $245
- 1 Hour Beach Photoshoot in Punta Cana with Round Trip Transfer: $240
- Private VIP SUV Transfer – PUJ Airport to/from Miches Hotels: $235
- Private Transfer Punta Cana Airport to Miches: $229
- Transfers From Las America Airport AILA SDQTo All Place at Punta Cana: $227
Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Punta Cana?
Prices for flights to both Punta Cana 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 $38Punta Cana $68
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Punta Cana
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Punta Cana.
- Punta Cana Buggy Ride, Dinner and Taino Party: $139
- Punta Cana Buggy Ride and Taino Party with Dinner: $139
- Sunset Buggies Adventure with Dinner from Punta Cana: $145
- Dinner in the Sky Experience in Punta Cana: $149
- Night Buggy Tour with Cenote Swim & Dinner Combo: $190
- Punta Cana Buggy Ride, Dinner and Taino Party: $294
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Negril $26Punta Cana $32
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.
- 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 CRUISE Sunset Ricks Cafe ALL HOTELS: $89
Typical Entertainment Prices in Punta Cana
Here are a few typical costs in Punta Cana for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Dune Buggy Adventure$54
Tours and Activities in Punta Cana
Here are a few actual costs in Punta Cana for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 3 ADVENTURES: Sailing Catamaran Cruise - Hooka Diving - Snorkeling: $105
- 3 Hour Punta Cana Outdoor Adventure: $65
- 3 Hours Half Day Tour Buggy Macao Beach cenote Hotel Pickup: $34
- 3 Hours Panoramic Tour in Punta Cana with Artisan Market: $35
- 3-Day Ultimate Dominican Adventure: Nature, Culture & History: $190
- 3-Hour Extreme Buggy Tour of Punta Cana: $45
- 4 Hour ATV and Horseback Adventure in Punta Cana: $125
- 4 Hour Buggys Adventure Tour in Punta Cana: $50
- 4 Hour Punta Cana Fishing Tour: $97
- 4 Hour Speed Experience in Punta Cana: $80
- 4 Hours Tour in Round Mountain and Macao Beach From Uvero Alto: $150
- 4-Hour ATV and Horseback Adventure from Bávaro: $100
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNegril $9.91Punta Cana $11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Negril and Punta Cana, we can see that Punta Cana 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 Punta Cana would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Punta Cana 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 Punta Cana Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Negril or Punta Cana?
Punta Cana has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Negril. When comparing the sizes of Negril and Punta Cana, 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.