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

Should you visit Negril or San Francisco?

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 San Francisco. 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 San Francisco?

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!

San Francisco

San Francisco is a beautiful city that is famous for it's picturesque neighborhoods, liberal character, and stunning location on the bay. Some people describe San Francisco as the United State's most "European City." This title most likely comes from its compact development and its easy walkability. It also has no shortage of parks and public spaces where you can pass some time. The city sits on the end of a peninsula and offers stunning views of the blue bay, rolling green hills, and the striking Golden Gate Bridge.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, San Francisco or Negril?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Negril Prices
    Jamaica Prices
    San Francisco Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Negril $153
    San Francisco $251

The average daily cost (per person) in Negril is $153, while the average daily cost in San Francisco is $251. 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 San Francisco in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Negril $103
    San Francisco $130
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Negril $206
    San Francisco $260
Compare Hotels in Negril and San Francisco

Looking for a hotel in Negril or San Francisco? 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 San Francisco


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 San Francisco Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Negril $8.52
    San Francisco $16
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Negril

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Negril:


  • Taxi From Airport
    $13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Negril

Also for Negril, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Airport Transfer: Kingston to Grand Palladium Resort: $240
  • Private Airport Transfer Montego Bay and Negril: $200
  • Private Airport Transfer Royalton Negril: $200
  • Private Transfers-Negril and Runaway Bay hotels(Round Trip): $180
  • Private Transfer from Negril to Jamaica (MBJ) Airport: $170
  • Private Transfer from Jamaica (MBJ) Airport to Negril: $170
  • Luxury Grand Palladium Transfer: $144
  • Private Customizable Transfer from Sangster Intl Airport - Negril: $140
  • Montego Bay Airport (MBJ) to Negril hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $135
  • Montego Bay Airport Transfers to Negril Hotels: $134
  • Airport MBJ Round Trip Transfer to Negril Airbnb Homes, Resorts: $133
  • Private Airport transfer to/from all hotels in Negril round trip: $130

Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Francisco

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in San Francisco:


  • Taxi to SFO
    $45
  • Golden Gate Bridge Toll
    $6.00
  • Alcatraz Tour
    $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Francisco

Also for San Francisco, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Silicon Valley Private Tour with Transfers: $510
  • SFO Airport Private Transfer to/from Sacramento: $432
  • Napa Valley 1-Way Transfer to/from the San Francisco Airport: $400
  • Arrival Private Transfer SFO Airport to San Francisco City by SUV: $293
  • Sedan Airport Transfer from Walnut Creek to SFO (one way): $269
  • Departure Private Transfer San Francisco to SFO Airport in a SUV: $266
  • Sedan Airport Transfer from SFO to East Bay (one way): $262
  • San Francisco Airport SFO to Oakland -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $261
  • Sedan Airport Transfer from Vallejo to SFO (one way): $259
  • Private Luxury Transfer Tour: $200
  • Departure Private Transfer: San Francisco to Airport SFO in Luxury Car: $181
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Airport SFO to San Francisco in Luxury Car: $181

Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or San Francisco?

Prices for flights to both San Francisco 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 $38
    San Francisco $79

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Negril

For Negril, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Dinner in the Sky Jamaica Round Trip Taxi & Guide only: $42
  • The Jungle Nightclub Experience with Optional Dinner in Negril: $80
  • Local food tour and local fields: $164

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Francisco

For San Francisco, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • City Cruises Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise: $75
  • Mission District Street Art and Food Tour: $79
  • North Beach and Little Italy Food Tour: $84
  • Little Italy & Chinatown Original Food Tour: $84
  • Mission District Food Tour with 5 Tastings: $84
  • The Mission District Food Tour with 5 Local Dishes: $85
  • San Francisco : Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $92
  • San Francisco Food Tour: Ferry Building and Ferry Plaza Farmers Market: $95
  • Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39 Food Tour: $99
  • Fisherman’s Wharf & Pier 39 Food Tour - Includes Full Meal, 3 hrs: $115
  • Exclusive North Beach Food Tour in San Francisco: $115
  • SF's Chinatown: Tea & Dim Sum Food Tour - Includes full meal, 3hr: $115

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Negril $26
    San Francisco $31
Typical Entertainment Prices in Negril

For Negril, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • 2 Hr Horseback Ride
    $43

Tours and Activities in Negril

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

  • 3 Hour Day Party Pass for Tourists at Jamaica Countryside Estate: $85
  • ATV Adventure and Zipline with Rick's Cafe Sunset Tour in Negril: $42
  • ATV's, Shopping, Seven Mile Beach,Catamaran Cruise to Ricks Cafe: $130
  • Appleton Estate Rum Tour [Transportation services]: $125
  • Appleton and Y.S Falls Tour from Negril Hotels: $261
  • Bamboo Rafting and Rick Cafe Negril Private Tour: $161
  • Bambuza ATV, Zipline and Horseback Adventure from Negril: $190
  • Black River Safari and YS Falls Tour from Negril: $232
  • Blue Hole Secret Falls and Dunns River Falls Adventure: $134
  • Boat tour: $123
  • Bob Marley 9 miles with French tour guide: $260
  • Bob Marley Museum Tour From Negril Hotel: $170

Tours and Activities in San Francisco

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

  • 17-Mile Drive, Monterey Peninsula&Carmel Premium Small Group Tour: $118
  • 1HR San Francisco Chinatown and Downtown GoCar Tour: $99
  • 2HR Golden Gate Bridge and Lombard Loop GoCar Tour: $169
  • 2hr. INTERACTIVE Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay: $149
  • 2hr. SUNSET Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay: $149
  • 2hrs- Beyond the Bridge - Marin Headlands GoCar Tour: $219
  • 3-Hour Beyond the Bridge Buggy Tour to Sausalito: $279
  • 3HR Golden Gate Bridge and Golden Gate Park GoCar Tour: $229
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour of San Francisco’s Chocolate Story: $12
  • AURA: An Immersive Experience in USA: $29
  • Alamo Sq, Lombard St, North Beach, Chinatown Walking & Metro Tour: $70
  • Alcatraz Day Tour and San Francisco Bay Cruise: $152

For more ideas for your next trip, check out The Best Museums in San Francisco, The Best Outdoor Activities in San Francisco, and Things to Do In San Francisco on a Rainy Day.


Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Negril $9.89
    San Francisco $22

Sample the Local Flavors in San Francisco

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in San Francisco:

  • #1 San Francisco Pub Crawl & Clubbing Experience: $24
  • Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Walk with Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $44
  • Wine Tasting on the Bay: $85
  • Distillery Gin Cocktail Making Class: $89
  • Local Distillery Cocktail Making Class: $89
  • Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour with Optional Tasting: $99
  • Napa Valley Half-Day Wine Tour with Tastings: $116
  • From Napa & Sonoma Valley Wine Tour with Tastings: $116
  • Half-Day Wine Country Tour with Wine Tastings: $130
  • Napa and Sonoma Premium Small Group Wine Tour from San Francisco: $138
  • Premium Small Group Napa and Sonoma Wine Tour: $138


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


Which is Bigger, Negril or San Francisco?

San Francisco has a larger population, and is about 240 times larger than the population of Negril. When comparing the sizes of Negril and San Francisco, 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 San Francisco?

San Francisco 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 San Francisco in the Summer?

Both San Francisco and Negril are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Negril throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to San Francisco for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Negril is much warmer than San Francisco. Typically, the summer temperatures in Negril in July average around 27°C (81°F), and San Francisco averages at about 63°F (17°C).

It's quite rainy in Negril. In July, Negril usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    San Francisco 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Negril or San Francisco in the Autumn?

Both San Francisco 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. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to San Francisco because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Negril is generally much warmer than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 27°C (81°F), and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually gets more rain in October than San Francisco. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    San Francisco 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Negril or San Francisco in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and San Francisco. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to San Francisco this time of year.

Negril is much warmer than San Francisco in the winter. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and San Francisco fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

In January, Negril usually receives less rain than San Francisco. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Negril 25°C (77°F) 
    San Francisco 50°F (10°C)

Should I visit Negril or San Francisco in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Negril as well as San Francisco. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to San Francisco for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Negril is much warmer than San Francisco. Typically, the spring temperatures in Negril in April average around 26°C (79°F), and San Francisco averages at about 58°F (14°C).

Negril receives a lot of rain in the spring. Negril usually gets more rain in April than San Francisco. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Negril 26°C (79°F) 
    San Francisco 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for San Francisco and Negril

Negril San Francisco
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 50°F (10°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 58°F (14°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
May 27°C (81°F) 205 mm (8.1 in) 60°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 62°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 63°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 64°F (18°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 181 mm (7.1 in) 66°F (19°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 222 mm (8.7 in) 63°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)