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

Should you visit Negril or Quito?

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 Quito. 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 Quito?

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!

Quito

Nestled between two mountain ranges lies the world's highest capital city, Quito, Ecuador. For history lovers, Quito is a very desirable destination as it's home to the Quito Historic Center – one of the largest and best-preserved historic centers in the Americas.

Even though Quito is full of people – in fact, it's the second most populous city in the country – very few of its inhabitants speak English. Luckily, however, the citizens of Quito tend to speak a slower and more clear Spanish than surrounding areas. This is the perfect place to practice what you read in your Intro to Spanish book.

Before visiting Quito, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, give yourself a few days to grow accustomed to the elevation. Staying 9,350 feet above sea level takes some getting used to. Second, don't be fooled into thinking that just because you're visiting a town on the equator that you'll need all your summer clothes. Because of the city's elevation, the area keeps a relatively cool climate year round.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Eco Tours in Ecuador.


Which place is cheaper, Quito or Negril?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Negril is $152, while the average daily cost in Quito is $66. 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 Quito in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Negril $103
    Quito $22
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Negril $206
    Quito $44
Compare Hotels in Negril and Quito

Looking for a hotel in Negril or Quito? 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 Quito


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 Quito Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Negril $8.48
    Quito $6.99
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:

  • 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 Round-Trip Transfers To Negril From Sangster’s International Airport: $50
  • Airport Transfer To Negril Hotel: $70
  • Airport Transfer To and From Grand Palladium Resort: $45
  • Azul Negril Resort Airport Transfer: $53
  • Azul Sensatori Jamaica Airport Transfers: $90
  • Chukka and Rafting Ocho Rios with Private Transfer Negril Hotels: $200
  • Fun Holiday Beach Resort Montego Bay Airport Transfer: $205
  • Grand Palladium Jamaica - Lady Hamilton Airport Transfer MBJ ***: $15
  • Grand Palladium Private Airport Transfer: $48

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Quito

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Quito:


  • Taxi from Bus Terminal to Hotel
    $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Quito

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Quito:

  • From Quilotoa Lake Private Tour with Transfer & Lunch: $166
  • Arrival Private Transfer Quito Airport UIO to Quito by Minivan: $137
  • From Mindo Cloud Forest Day Trip with Transfer: $129
  • Panoramic City Tour & Airport Departure Transfer: $114
  • Middle of the World Tour with Airport Transfer: $114
  • Airport Transfer and City Highlights Tour: $114
  • Private City Tour & Intiñam Museum Visit w/ Transfer: $89
  • Transfer Quito → Papallacta (one way / round trip): $85
  • Private Transfer from Quito to Baños de Agua Santa (one way): $80
  • Transfer from or to Airport Mariscal Sucre (one way): $75
  • Private Transfer from Quito Airport to Hotels in Quito: $70
  • Private Transfer Out From Quito to International Airport Mariscal Sucre: $65

Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Quito?

Prices for flights to both Quito 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
    Quito $34

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 Quito

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Quito.

  • Ecuadorian Gastronomy Tasting and Cooking Class in Quito: $15
  • Guilty Pleasures Walking Food Tours in Quito: $45
  • Quito Kitchens Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $55
  • From Cayambe Traditional Cooking Class with Transfers: $60
  • The Delicious Side of Quito Food Tour: $70
  • Food Tour in quaint old town with tastings and lunch: $71
  • Street Food Tour with Private Transport: $79
  • Homemade Local Food Tour in Guayaquil: $80
  • Hidden Gems Food Tour with Cacao Tasting and Culture: $87
  • Cooking Class with Chef, Market Tour & Transportation: $88
  • Cooking Class in Quito with Chef, Market Tour and Transportation: $88
  • Cooking Class with a chef and local market including hotel pickup: $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Negril $26
    Quito $16
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.

  • Catamaran, ATV and Horse Back Riding/Swim Day Tour: $51
  • Negril Beach Experience & Rick's Cafe from Negril: $59
  • Negril Seven Mile Beach & Rick's Cafe Sunset Tour Negril Jamaica: $60
  • Jamwest Push Kart Adventure Experience Entry Ticket in Negril: $60
  • Rick's Cafe Glass Bottom Sunset Cruise: $65
  • Negril Glass Bottom Boat Tour Snorkeling and Booby Cay: $65
  • Rockland's Bird Sanctuary Tour from Montego Bay/ Falmouth: $70
  • Martha Brae River Bamboo Rafting Tour: $75
  • Blue Hole Mineral Springs, Rick's Café, and Shopping Combo Tour: $75
  • Private Guided 2-Hour Tour in Montego Bay: $77
  • Choose Your Adventure: ATV, Zipline, Horseback Ride & Rafting: $80
  • Off-road ATV Adventure with Wall Climbing: $85

Typical Entertainment Prices in Quito

Here are a few typical costs in Quito for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Entrance to Guyasimine Museum for Two
    $8.00

Tours and Activities in Quito

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

  • “Adventure in Baths: Waterfalls, End of the World Swing and More”: $190
  • 2 day 1 night tour to Cotopaxi Volcano and Quilotoa Lagoon all included: $280
  • 2-Day Tour of Cotopaxi Volcano and Quilotoa Lagoon with hotel: $222
  • 3-Day Adventure: Quito, Cotopaxi, Quilotoa, Baños, Jungle: $897
  • 3-Day Antisana & Amazon comunities, Caves, Baños Guided Tour: $734
  • 6-Day Ecuador Heritage Tour: Art, Culture and Otavalo: $1,847
  • All-Inclusive Private Mindo Cloud Forest Tour from Quito: $220
  • Amazon Adventure: 4 Days of Nature & Culture from Quito: $1,770
  • Andean Adventure : Riding and Cotopaxi Refuge: $140
  • Antisana Birding Tours to see CONDORS - by Richard Hernandez: $185
  • Antisana Condor Tour from Quito: $220
  • Antisana Volcano Birding & Natural History Condor Tour PRIVATE, all included: $210

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Negril $9.85
    Quito $17

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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Quito

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Quito from other travelers:


  • Beers for Two
    $9.00

Sample the Local Flavors in Quito

Also in Quito, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Ecuador Spirit Craft Brewery Tasting and Latitude 0 Private Tour: $155


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Negril and Quito, we can see that Negril is more expensive. And not only is Quito much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Negril is in Caribbean Islands and Quito is in South 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 Quito would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Quito 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 Quito.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Negril Expensive? and Is Quito Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Negril or Quito?

Quito has a larger population, and is about 470 times larger than the population of Negril. When comparing the sizes of Negril and Quito, 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.