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

Should you visit Negril or Saint Simons?

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 Simons. 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 Simons?

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 Simons

Located just off the coast of southern Georgia, Saint Simons Island is the largest of the state’s renowned "Golden Isle's." Visitors are drawn to the Island for its warm climate, beaches, variety of outdoor activities, shops and restaurants, historical sites, and its natural environment. With most of the natural marsh and woodlands to the north and the commercial attractions centralized in the south, Saint Simons has a little taste of everything for all who come to see it.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Saint Simons 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 Simons is $176. 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 Simons in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Negril $106
    Saint Simons $100
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Negril $212
    Saint Simons $200
Compare Hotels in Negril and Saint Simons

Looking for a hotel in Negril or Saint Simons? 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 Simons


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 Simons Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Negril $8.71
    Saint Simons $49
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 Negril Resorts Transfer 1 way: $33
  • From Montego Bay Airport (MBJ): Private Transfer to Negril: $105
  • Grand Palladium Airport Transfer: $37
  • Grand Palladium Private Airport Transfer: $48
  • Grand Palladium Private Transfers from MBJ Airport: $40
  • Grand palladium Private Airport Transfers : $70
  • Montego Bay Airport Transfer To Negril Hotels Private: $46

Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Saint Simons?

Prices for flights to both Saint Simons 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 Simons $48

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: $85
  • Zimbali Mountain Cooking Studio: $105
  • Local food tour and local fields : $164

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Negril $27
    Saint Simons $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
    $44

Tours and Activities in Negril

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Negril.

  • 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
  • Jamwest JamCulture Tour from Negril: $89
  • Bob Marley Birth Place Nine Mile Day Tour: $94
  • Private Dunn River Falls Tour From Negril: $100
  • South Coast Jamaica YS Falls Tour: $100
  • Floyd's Pelican Bar (Complimentary Rum Punch, Private Tour): $100
  • Must Do-Accompong Town Maroon Village Tour & Celebration from Negril: $112

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Negril $10
    Saint Simons $60


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Negril and Saint Simons, we can see that Saint Simons is more expensive. And not only is Negril much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Negril is in Caribbean Islands and Saint Simons is in North 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 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 Simons would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Simons 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 Simons Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Negril or Saint Simons?

Saint Simons has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Negril. When comparing the sizes of Negril and Saint Simons, 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 Simons?

Saint Simons has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Negril experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Negril or Saint Simons in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Negril as well as Saint Simons. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Saint Simons for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Negril is generally around the same temperature as Saint Simons. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 27°C (81°F), and Saint Simons fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Simons. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Negril this time of the year. In the summer, Negril often gets less sunshine than Saint Simons. Negril gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Simons receives 286 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Saint Simons. Negril receives a lot of rain in the summer. Negril usually gets more rain in July than Saint Simons. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Saint Simons receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Saint Simons 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Negril or Saint Simons in the Autumn?

Both Saint Simons and Negril are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Negril throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Saint Simons in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Negril is a little warmer than Saint Simons in the autumn. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Saint Simons fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

It's quite sunny in Saint Simons. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually receives more sunshine than Saint Simons during autumn. Negril gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Simons receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Negril. In October, Negril usually receives more rain than Saint Simons. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Saint Simons receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Saint Simons 70°F (21°C)

Should I visit Negril or Saint Simons in the Winter?

Both Saint Simons 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Saint Simons for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Negril is much warmer than Saint Simons. Typically, the winter temperatures in Negril in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Saint Simons averages at about 53°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Negril. In the winter, Negril often gets more sunshine than Saint Simons. Negril gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Simons receives 191 hours of full sun.

Negril usually gets less rain in January than Saint Simons. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Saint Simons receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Negril 25°C (77°F) 
    Saint Simons 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Negril or Saint Simons in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and Saint Simons. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Saint Simons because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Negril is generally a little warmer than Saint Simons. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 26°C (79°F), and Saint Simons fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Simons this time of the year. In Negril, it's very sunny this time of the year. Negril usually receives less sunshine than Saint Simons during spring. Negril gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Simons receives 285 hours of full sun in the spring.

Negril gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Negril usually receives more rain than Saint Simons. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Saint Simons receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Negril 26°C (79°F) 
    Saint Simons 68°F (20°C)

Typical Weather for Saint Simons and Negril

Negril Saint Simons
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
May 27°C (81°F) 205 mm (8.1 in) 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 181 mm (7.1 in) 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 222 mm (8.7 in) 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)