Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Negril?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Negril or Saint Thomas?
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 Thomas. 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 Thomas?
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 Thomas
Saint Thomas is a beautiful island in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Together with St. John, St. Croix, and Water Island, it forms the unincorporated territory of the United States. The island is also home to the territorial capital and port of Charlotte Amalie. The island's population is just over 50,000, which is slightly less than half of the territory's total population.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNegril $139Saint Thomas $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Negril is $139, while the average daily cost in Saint Thomas is $218. 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 Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNegril $106Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNegril $212Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Negril and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Negril or Saint Thomas? 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 Thomas $37
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:
- Royalton Negril Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Rountrip): $280
- Montego Bay: Private Transfer from Airport to Negril: $250
- Fun Holiday Beach Resort Montego Bay Airport Transfer: $205
- Private Airport transfer to/from all hotels in Negril round trip: $170
- Montego Bay Airport Transfers to Negril Hotels: $134
- Club Kingston VIP Lounge & Fast Track with Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer: $112
- Transfers between Montego Bay Airport and Negril Hotels: $107
- Private Airport Transfer To Negril Hotels : $107
- From Montego Bay Airport (MBJ): Private Transfer to Negril: $105
- Airport Round Trip Transfer from Montego Bay to Grand Palladium: $105
- Airport Round-Trip Transfers To Negril From Sangster’s International Airport : $90
- Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer to Grand Palladium Resort in Jamaica: $80
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Thomas
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Saint Thomas are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$65
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Taxi Ride$5.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Thomas
Also for Saint Thomas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Vi Top Taxi &Tours - Airport Transfer to the Ritz Carlton : $180
- Private Hotel and Resorts Transfers: $173
- PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St. Thomas- Airport Transfer to Ritz Carlton Elysian : $170
- Private Airport Transfer in Luxury Vehicle- St. Thomas, USVI: $169
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St. Thomas Airport Transfer to Wyndham Margaritaville: $160
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St Thomas- Airport Transfer Sapphire / Crystal Cove : $160
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St. Thomas - Airport Transfer to Red Hook Ferry: $160
- Private Airport Transfer in St. Thomas from Cyril E. King Airport: $135
- Private Ground Transfers: $120
- PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove: $110
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer Bluebeard’s / Yacht Haven: $110
- Vi Top Taxi -St.Thomas Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove : $110
Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas 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 Thomas $54
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 Thomas
For Saint Thomas, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Sunset & Harbor Lights Dinner Sail from the Marriott's Frenchman's Cove: $109
- Afternoon Snorkel, Pizza & Sunset Tour departing from St. Thomas & St. John: $110
- Flavors of St Thomas Walking Food Tour : $111
- St. John Dinner Sail to Lovango with Open Bar and Hors d'Oeuvres - Westin: $119
- Cruz Bay - PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail: $159
- St. Thomas Dinner Sail to Lovango w/ Open Bar and Hors D'oeuvres - Ritz-Carlton: $159
- St. Thomas Dinner Sail to St. John with Open Bar & Hors D'oeuvres - Ritz-Carlton: $169
- Waterfront Harbor Dinner Sail from Frenchman's Reef: $209
- St Thomas Legends Luxury Dinner Sail from the Ritz Carlton: $209
- Swim w/Turtles at St. John, Pizza Pi & Snorkel a shipwreck. : $250
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Negril $27Saint Thomas $60
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.
- YS Falls and Sightseeing Tour Day Adventure: $138
- Appleton Estate Rum Tour: $275
- Appleton Estate Rum Tour [Transportation services]: $125
- Appleton Estate Rum Tour and Tasting from Negril: $232
- Appleton Estate Rum and Black River Safari Private Tour : $185
- Appleton Rum Factory and Black River Safari Tour: $280
- Appleton Rum Factory, YS Falls, and Reggae Horseback Ride & Swim Combo Tour: $195
- Appleton and Y.S Falls Tour from Negril Hotels: $261
- Atv Adventure and Ricks Cafe with Private Transportation: $367
- Atv Adventure and Ziplines with Private Transportation: $414
- Atv, Seven Mile Beach and Rick’s Cafe Tour & Transportation: $334
- Atv, Seven Mile Beach and Ricks Cafe Private Tour: $294
Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.
- Two-Hour Sightseeing Excursion : $58
- 1 Hour Jet Ski Tour in the Virgin Islands from Westin St. John: $159
- 1-Hour Guided Jet Ski Tour in St. Thomas from Frenchman's Reef: $179
- Admission Ticket to Coral World & Coki Point Beach with Snorkeling: $40
- Admission Ticket to Coral World Ocean Park & Coki Beach: $35
- Aerial Sightseeing Adventure!: $250
- Book Your Private Two and a Half Hour Island Tour today!: $150
- Charlotte Amalie Walking Tour + Contemporary Art Experience: $79
- Children's Treasure Hunt Walking Tour: $10
- Cocktail Sunset Cruise aboard Breakaway Charters at Sapphire: $115
- Cocktail Sunset Cruise from Sapphire Beach Resort: $115
- Coral Reef and Turtle Discovery Kayak and Snorkel Tour : $169
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNegril $10Saint Thomas $27
Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Thomas
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Saint Thomas:
- Wine Tasting with Fine Art Downtown Experience: $60
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Negril and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas 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 Thomas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Thomas 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 Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Negril or Saint Thomas?
Saint Thomas has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Negril. When comparing the sizes of Negril and Saint Thomas, 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 Thomas?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Negril or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
Both Saint Thomas and Negril are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Negril throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Negril. In July, Negril usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during summer. Negril gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Negril is generally around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 27°C (81°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNegril 27°C (81°F)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Negril or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
Both Saint Thomas and Negril during the autumn 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 Thomas year-round.
Saint Thomas gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually gets more rain in October than Saint Thomas. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Negril. In the autumn, Negril often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas. Negril gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun.
Negril is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNegril 27°C (81°F)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Negril or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and Saint Thomas. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Negril usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas 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 Thomas during winter. Negril gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In the winter, Negril is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Negril in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 26°C (78°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNegril 25°C (77°F)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Negril or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Negril as well as Saint Thomas. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
Negril receives a lot of rain in the spring. Negril usually gets more rain in April than Saint Thomas. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Negril this time of the year. In the spring, Negril often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Negril gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun.
In April, Negril is generally around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 26°C (79°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNegril 26°C (79°F)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Negril
| Negril | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.