Which place is cheaper, San Ignacio or Negril?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Negril or San Ignacio?
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 Ignacio. 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 Ignacio?
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 Ignacio
So you want a tropical getaway, but also don't want to lay around with nothing to do. You want an adventure! You want relaxation and exploration.
You want to visit the small town of San Ignacio, Belize.
This section of the Cayo region is really more of a jungle than a typical Belize beach getaway. Located close the ancient Mayan ruins on the western and inland side of Belize, this town is most popular for its many outdoor adventures including hiking, climbing, and caving!
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Belize, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Belize.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNegril $139San Ignacio $72
The average daily cost (per person) in Negril is $139, while the average daily cost in San Ignacio is $72. 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 Ignacio in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNegril $106San Ignacio $19
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNegril $212San Ignacio $38
Compare Hotels in Negril and San Ignacio
Looking for a hotel in Negril or San Ignacio? 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 and San Ignacio Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Negril $8.71San Ignacio $3.11
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Ignacio
Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Ignacio:
- From Van Transfer To Flores Peten in Guatemala: $20
- San Ignacio Hotel to Belize City Transfer: $20
Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or San Ignacio?
Prices for flights to both San Ignacio 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 $23San Ignacio $21
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 San Ignacio
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in San Ignacio.
- Xunantunich & Food Tour with local chocolate experience: $150
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Negril $27San Ignacio $100
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 San Ignacio
Here are a few actual costs in San Ignacio for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- ATV Excursions in Cayo with Waterfalls Experience: $174
- Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Tour and Picnic: $125
- Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Tour from San Ignacio : $125
- Actun Tunichil Muknal with Local Tour guide & Belizean Lunch: $120
- Belize Cave Tubing Adventure from San Ignacio: $90
- Caracol Maya Ruins Tour Including Rio On Pools, Rio Frio Cave and a Picnic Lunch: $125
- Cave Canoeing with Local Tour Guide: $80
- Cave Tubing Adventure at Nohoch Che'en and Jaguar Paw : $115
- Cave Tubing and Zip line Adventure from San Ignacio: $144
- Cave Tubing with local tour Guide and Belizean Lunch: $90
- Deluxe Cave Tubing combo Adventure: $125
- Farm Ride plus Xunantunich tour: $90
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNegril $10San Ignacio $17
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Negril and San Ignacio, we can see that Negril is more expensive. And not only is San Ignacio much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Negril is in Caribbean Islands and San Ignacio is in Central 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 San Ignacio would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Ignacio 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 Negril would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Negril than you might in San Ignacio.
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 Ignacio Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Negril or San Ignacio?
San Ignacio has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Negril. When comparing the sizes of Negril and San Ignacio, 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 Ignacio?
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 San Ignacio in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Negril as well as San Ignacio. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Ignacio throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in San Ignacio. Negril receives a lot of rain in the summer. Negril usually gets less rain in July than San Ignacio. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while San Ignacio receives 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Ignacio. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Negril this time of the year. In the summer, Negril often gets more sunshine than San Ignacio. Negril gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Ignacio receives 226 hours of full sun.
Negril is around the same temperature as San Ignacio in the summer. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and San Ignacio fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNegril 27°C (81°F)San Ignacio 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Negril or San Ignacio in the Autumn?
Both San Ignacio 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 San Ignacio because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in San Ignacio. It's quite rainy in Negril. In October, Negril usually receives less rain than San Ignacio. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while San Ignacio receives 255 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually receives more sunshine than San Ignacio during autumn. Negril gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while San Ignacio receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In the autumn, Negril is around the same temperature as San Ignacio. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Negril in October average around 27°C (81°F), and San Ignacio averages at about 26°C (80°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNegril 27°C (81°F)San Ignacio 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Negril or San Ignacio in the Winter?
Both San Ignacio 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 San Ignacio year-round.
San Ignacio gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Negril usually gets less rain in January than San Ignacio. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while San Ignacio receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Negril. In the winter, Negril often gets more sunshine than San Ignacio. Negril gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Ignacio receives 199 hours of full sun.
In January, Negril is generally around the same temperature as San Ignacio. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 25°C (77°F), and San Ignacio fluctuates around 24°C (74°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNegril 25°C (77°F)San Ignacio 24°C (74°F)
Should I visit Negril or San Ignacio in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and San Ignacio. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round. San Ignacio 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 San Ignacio. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while San Ignacio receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Ignacio this time of the year. In Negril, it's very sunny this time of the year. Negril usually receives less sunshine than San Ignacio during spring. Negril gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while San Ignacio receives 256 hours of full sun in the spring.
Negril is around the same temperature as San Ignacio in the spring. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and San Ignacio fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNegril 26°C (79°F)San Ignacio 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for San Ignacio and Negril
| Negril | San Ignacio | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 205 mm (8.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 243 mm (9.6 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 222 mm (8.7 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 138 mm (5.4 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.