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

Should you visit Negril or Saint John's?

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's. 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's?

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's

If you've been to St. John's, Antigua, you were likely on a cruise - which means you likely did not have enough time to truly experience the magic of this tiny island getaway.

St. Johns is the capital of the tiny islands of Antigua and Barbuda. Located on Antigua, this tropical city lives up to its status as a tropical paradise. With 365 beaches on the island, you can enjoy the luxury of lounging in the sand every day of the year.

Which place is cheaper, Saint John's 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 John's is $222. 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's in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Negril $106
    Saint John's $120
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Negril $212
    Saint John's $240
Compare Hotels in Negril and Saint John's

Looking for a hotel in Negril or Saint John's? 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 Johns


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Negril $8.71
    Saint John's $17
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:

  • 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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint John's

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint John's:


  • Local Bus
    $1.52
  • Taxi From Airport
    $6.99

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint John's

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint John's:

  • Antigua&BarbudaV.C.Bird Airport(ANU)to island hotels-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $254
  • Private Roundtrip Airport Transfers & Tour in Antigua & Barbuda: $200
  • Airport Transfers to Antigua Hotels/Resorts: $170
  • JTAT Private Transfers & Tours, Saint John's, Antigua and Barbuda: $160
  • 3-Hours Stingray City - Transfer, Spanish-Italian Guide Included: $155
  • Antigua V.C. Bird Airport (ANU) to Island - Round-Trip Transfer : $155
  • Private Airport Transfers 1- 2 Pax Zone D: Hotels: $130
  • 3-Hours Snorkeling Activity in Stingray City - Transfer Included: $128
  • Private Airport Transfers 1- 2 Pax. Zone C: Hotels: $120
  • Private Transfer from Antigua & Barbuda V.C. Bird Airport (ANU) to island: $112
  • Antigua - VIP Fast Track On Arrival ONLY And Round Trip Transfer : $99
  • Private Round Trip Transfer From Antigua Airport To NonSuch Bay: $99

Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Saint John's?

Prices for flights to both Saint John's 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 John's $68

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 John's

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

  • City Lime Food Tour: Taste our culture on Antigua's only food tour in the city!: $105
  • Discover the Flavors of St. Johns Food Tour: $125
  • Private Art Tour or Food Tour: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Negril $27
    Saint John's $103
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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Saint John's

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


  • Entrance to the Museum of Antigua & Barbu
    $3.00

Tours and Activities in Saint John's

Here are a few actual costs in Saint John's for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2-Hours Stingray City Experience in Antigua: $73
  • 6-Hours Guided Stingray Tour in the East Coast of Antigua: $161
  • Adventure Antigua - Eli's Original Eco Tour: $125
  • Adventure Antigua - The Xtreme Circumnavigation: $190
  • Animal Lovers Dream Tour: $180
  • Antigua Historical Sites Island Tour: $75
  • Antigua Reef Riders Self-Drive Boat and Snorkeling Tour: $180
  • Antigua Round Island Tour: $85
  • Antigua Seafood Lunch Cruise From St. John's: $135
  • Antigua Shore Excursion: City of St John's Sightseeing Tour: $59
  • Antigua Shore Excursion: Round Island Tour: $110
  • Antigua Sunset Catamaran Cruise From St. John's: $116

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Negril $10
    Saint John's $18


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


Which is Bigger, Negril or Saint John's?

Saint John's has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Negril. When comparing the sizes of Negril and Saint John's, 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.


When is the best time to visit Negril or Saint John's?

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's in the Summer?

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

It's quite rainy in Saint John's. Negril receives a lot of rain in the summer. Negril usually gets more rain in July than Saint John's. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Saint John's receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint John's. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Negril this time of the year. In the summer, Negril often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint John's. Negril gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint John's receives 245 hours of full sun.

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Saint John's 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Negril or Saint John's in the Autumn?

Both Saint John's 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's because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint John's. It's quite rainy in Negril. In October, Negril usually receives around the same amount of rain as Saint John's. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Saint John's receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

It's quite sunny in Saint John's. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint John's during autumn. Negril gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Saint John's receives 217 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In the autumn, Negril is around the same temperature as Saint John's. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Negril in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Saint John's averages at about 27°C (80°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Saint John's 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Negril or Saint John's in the Winter?

Both Saint John's 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's year-round.

Negril usually gets less rain in January than Saint John's. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Saint John's receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Saint John's, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Negril. In the winter, Negril often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint John's. Negril gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint John's receives 236 hours of full sun.

In January, Negril is generally around the same temperature as Saint John's. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 25°C (77°F), and Saint John's fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Negril 25°C (77°F) 
    Saint John's 24°C (76°F)

Should I visit Negril or Saint John's in the Spring?

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

Saint John's receives a lot of rain in the spring. Negril gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Negril usually receives less rain than Saint John's. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Saint John's receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint John's this time of the year. In Negril, it's very sunny this time of the year. Negril usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint John's during spring. Negril gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Saint John's receives 240 hours of full sun in the spring.

Negril is around the same temperature as Saint John's in the spring. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Saint John's fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Negril 26°C (79°F) 
    Saint John's 26°C (78°F)

Typical Weather for Saint John's and Negril

Negril Saint John's
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 24°C (76°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 24°C (76°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 25°C (76°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 26°C (78°F) 123 mm (4.8 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 205 mm (8.1 in) 27°C (80°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 198 mm (7.8 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 181 mm (7.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 236 mm (9.3 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 222 mm (8.7 in) 27°C (80°F) 228 mm (9 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 220 mm (8.7 in)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)