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

Should you visit Negril or Saint Croix?

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 Saint Croix. 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 Saint Croix?

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!

Saint Croix

Sometimes all you want out of a vacation is the warmth of the sun, the sound of the waves and the taste of a cold drink. No more. No less. That's exactly what you can expect in St. Croix.

The largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Croix is a place of our leisure and relaxation. It's a bit of an expensive lifestyle for its 50,000 residents and daily visitors, but when you're living on island time, money is never a worry. There are no worries on island time.

This once volcanic island is covered in incredible beaches, stunning mountains, palm tress in the wind and historic colonial towns. While they may be a bit old and rundown, the Danish architecture still stands as a unique part of this island's legacy. Don't expect much window-shopping, though. That was not a feature incorporated in this style of architecture. If you want to know if a store is open, just step on in, but remember, shop hours are also running on island time.

Which place is cheaper, Saint Croix 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 Saint Croix is $236. 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 Saint Croix in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Negril $106
    Saint Croix $149
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Negril $212
    Saint Croix $298
Compare Hotels in Negril and Saint Croix

Looking for a hotel in Negril or Saint Croix? 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 Saint Croix


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 Saint Croix Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Negril $8.71
    Saint Croix $35
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:

  • 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 Saint Croix

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint Croix:

  • Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) to St.Croix - Round-Trip Transfer: $217
  • St Croix Airport to St Croix Hotels Private Round Trip Transfer: $217
  • Private Transfer from St. Croix Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) to St. Croix : $164
  • St. Croix to Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) - Departure Transfer: $109
  • Saint Croix Airport (STX) to Saint Croix Hotels -Arrival Transfer: $109
  • Henry E.Rohlsen Airport(STX) to St. Croix island-Arrival Transfer: $109
  • Private Transfer from St. Croix Airport to St. Croix Cruise Port : $71
  • Private Transfer from St. Croix Cruise Port to St. Croix Airport: $71
  • Private Transfer from St.Croix hotels to St. Croix Cruise Port : $49
  • Private Transfer from St.Croix Cruise Port to St.Croix hotels: $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Saint Croix?

Prices for flights to both Saint Croix 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
    Saint Croix $56

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 Saint Croix

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

  • A Evening Cultural Experience Through Food Cooking Class St. Croix: $90
  • Taste of Twin City Food Tour with VI Food Tours: $129
  • C'sted Sip & Savor Mixology Class with VI Food Tours: $129

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Negril $27
    Saint Croix $58
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.

  • 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 Saint Croix

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Saint Croix are as follows:

  • 1 Hour Private Jetcar Experience in Virgin Islands : $250
  • 30 Minute Private Jetcar Experience in Virgin Islands: $150
  • Grange Estate History and Heritage Private Tour and Luncheon : $60
  • Horseback Riding Experience: $160
  • Parasail Experience in St Croix: $132
  • Private Sailing Tour of Pirate Waters and Shipwrecks: $75
  • St Croix Island Tour: $100

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Negril $10
    Saint Croix $27


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



When is the best time to visit Negril or Saint Croix?

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 Saint Croix in the Summer?

Both Saint Croix 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 Saint Croix year-round.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually gets more rain in July than Saint Croix. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Negril is around the same temperature as Saint Croix in the summer. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Saint Croix fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Saint Croix 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Negril or Saint Croix in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and Saint Croix. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round. Saint Croix attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Saint Croix 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 Saint Croix. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In the autumn, Negril is around the same temperature as Saint Croix. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Negril in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Saint Croix averages at about 28°C (82°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Saint Croix 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Negril or Saint Croix in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Negril as well as Saint Croix. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Croix throughout the year.

Negril usually gets more rain in January than Saint Croix. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

In January, Negril is generally around the same temperature as Saint Croix. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 25°C (77°F), and Saint Croix fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Negril 25°C (77°F) 
    Saint Croix 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Negril or Saint Croix in the Spring?

Both Saint Croix 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 Saint Croix 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 Saint Croix. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Negril is around the same temperature as Saint Croix in the spring. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Saint Croix fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Negril 26°C (79°F) 
    Saint Croix 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Saint Croix and Negril

Negril Saint Croix
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 205 mm (8.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 181 mm (7.1 in) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 222 mm (8.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)