Which place is cheaper, Saint John or Negril?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Negril or Saint John?
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 John. 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 John?
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 John
With the popularity of the Caribbean rising, many islands have become touristy and expensive – but not St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
At only nine miles long and five miles wide, St. John is the smallest of the Virgin Islands, and, many argue, the prettiest. It's the kind of place that has maintained it's cultural identity, but still welcomes visitors from all over the world. With a population of just 5,000, the residents of St. John know everyone and everything happening on the island.
This island is perfect for people who want an undisturbed island getaway at any price. Between resorts and campgrounds there is a spot for everyone on St. John.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNegril $139Saint John $192
The average daily cost (per person) in Negril is $139, while the average daily cost in Saint John 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 Saint John in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNegril $106Saint John $106
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNegril $212Saint John $212
Compare Hotels in Negril and Saint John
Looking for a hotel in Negril or Saint John? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Negril $8.71Saint John $49
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$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 Grand Palladium Transfer: $23
- Comfortable Montego Bay Airport to Negril Resorts Transfer: $33
- From Montego Bay Airport (MBJ): Private Transfer to Negril: $105
- Fun Holiday Beach Resort Montego Bay Airport Transfer: $205
- Grand Palladium Airport Transfer: $37
- Grand Palladium Private Airport Transfer: $48
- Grand Palladium Private Transfers from MBJ Airport: $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Saint John?
Prices for flights to both Saint John 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 $23Saint John $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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Negril $27Saint John $23
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$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 John
Here are a few actual costs in Saint John for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- St. John: A Private Island Adventure Tour & Trunk Bay Beach: $627
- USVI: Island & Beach Tours in St. Thomas & St. John (2 Days): $199
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNegril $10Saint John $44
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Negril and Saint John, we can see that Saint John 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 John would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint John 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 John Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Negril or Saint John?
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 John in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Negril as well as Saint John. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint John throughout the year.
Negril receives a lot of rain in the summer. Negril usually gets more rain in July than Saint John. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Saint John receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
In July, Negril is generally around the same temperature as Saint John. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 27°C (81°F), and Saint John fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNegril 27°C (81°F)Saint John 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Negril or Saint John in the Autumn?
Both Saint John and Negril are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Negril throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Saint John because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint John. It's quite rainy in Negril. In October, Negril usually receives more rain than Saint John. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Saint John receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Negril is around the same temperature as Saint John in the autumn. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Saint John fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNegril 27°C (81°F)Saint John 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Negril or Saint John in the Winter?
Both Saint John 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint John year-round.
Negril usually gets more rain in January than Saint John. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Saint John receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the winter, Negril is around the same temperature as Saint John. Typically, the winter temperatures in Negril in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Saint John averages at about 26°C (78°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNegril 25°C (77°F)Saint John 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Negril or Saint John in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and Saint John. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round. Saint John attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Negril gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Negril usually receives more rain than Saint John. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Saint John receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In April, Negril is generally around the same temperature as Saint John. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 26°C (79°F), and Saint John fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNegril 26°C (79°F)Saint John 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint John and Negril
| Negril | Saint John | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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) |
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.