Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Negril?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Negril or San Juan?
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 Juan. 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 Juan?
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 Juan
If you've ever set foot on a Caribbean cruise, you've probably spent a bit of time in San Juan, Puerto Rico. However, maybe you should consider spending more than just a port day in this beautiful and historically rich city.
As the capital and largest city in all of Puerto Rico, San Juan is home to approximately 400,000 people. Established in 1521, it is also the second oldest European-founded settlement in the Americas.
As this city fuses a historic paradise with modern day energy, it has absolutely everything to offer. Intellectual wanderers, beach bums, rainforest adventurers and radical surfers will all find plenty to do in San Juan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNegril $139San Juan $192
The average daily cost (per person) in Negril is $139, while the average daily cost in San Juan is $192. 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 Juan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNegril $106San Juan $124
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNegril $212San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Negril and San Juan
Looking for a hotel in Negril or San Juan? 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 Juan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Negril $8.71San Juan $14
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan
Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- San Juan Airport (SJU): Private Transfer to San Juan Port: $270
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port: Transfer to San Juan hotel: $270
- Carabali Rain Forest Round Trip Private Taxi Transfer: $210
- Private Airport Transfers to Ceiba Ferry Terminal and Airport: $155
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, 16Pax Mercedes Van, Select Zone: $130
- Oneway Transfer from San Juan (SJU, hotel, airbnb, port) to Ponce: $125
- Private Transfer from SJU Airport to San Juan / Rio Grande: $105
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, 11Pax Lux Sprinter Van: $103
- Old San Juan Sunset Cruise with Drinks & Transfer: $99
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Mercedes ECO Van, Select Zone: $87
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Ford Premium SUV, Select Zone: $87
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Lexus Luxury Sedan, Select Zone: $81
Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or San Juan?
Prices for flights to both San Juan 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 Juan $36
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 Juan
For San Juan, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Old San Juan Sunset Food Tour with Drinks: $156
- Savor the Sunset: Old San Juan Walk and Food Tour: $159
- City Lights Sky High Dinner Experience: $165
- Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $170
- Private Local Food Tour in San Juan: $275
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Negril $27San Juan $49
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Juan
For San Juan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Horseback Riding Tour$40
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Full Day Snorkeling Trip$100
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1 Hr Windsurfing Lesson$75
Tours and Activities in San Juan
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Juan.
- Rum Craft Cocktail Tour in San Juan: $65
- 1 or 2 Hour Puerto Rico Horseback Ride Experience!: $210
- Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Adventure from San Juan: $110
- Carolina: ATV Adventure at Campo Rico Ranch with Guide: $136
- Cave Day Tour From San Juan: $109
- Cruise Ship Travelers: Hike to a Hidden Puerto Rican Waterfall: $85
- Culebra Beach Day Tour with Snorkeling from San Juan by Ferry: $200
- Culebra Snorkeling Tour by Catamaran from Fajardo: $175
- Discover El Yunque: Half-Day Rainforest Tour: $115
- Discover Old In-App Audio Tour of History: $11
- El Yunque National RainForest: Tour with Nature walk: $75
- El Yunque Rainforest Guided Day Tour from San Juan: $85
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNegril $10San Juan $12
Sample the Local Flavors in San Juan
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Juan:
- Pinones Pub crawl in Puerto Rico: $50
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Negril and San Juan, we can see that San Juan 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 San Juan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Juan 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 Juan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Negril or San Juan?
San Juan has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Negril. When comparing the sizes of Negril and San Juan, 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 Juan?
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 San Juan in the Summer?
Both San Juan 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 San Juan 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 San Juan. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in San Juan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during summer. Negril gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Negril is generally around the same temperature as San Juan. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 27°C (81°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNegril 27°C (81°F)San Juan 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Negril or San Juan in the Autumn?
Both San Juan 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 San Juan year-round.
San Juan 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 San Juan. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In San Juan, 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 San Juan. Negril gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 235 hours of full sun.
Negril is around the same temperature as San Juan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNegril 27°C (81°F)San Juan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Negril or San Juan in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and San Juan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Negril usually receives less rain than San Juan. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan 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 San Juan during winter. Negril gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In the winter, Negril is around the same temperature as San Juan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Negril in January average around 25°C (77°F), and San Juan averages at about 25°C (77°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNegril 25°C (77°F)San Juan 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Negril or San Juan in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Negril as well as San Juan. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.
Negril receives a lot of rain in the spring. Negril usually gets more rain in April than San Juan. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Negril this time of the year. In the spring, Negril often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Negril gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun.
In April, Negril is generally around the same temperature as San Juan. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 26°C (79°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNegril 26°C (79°F)San Juan 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for San Juan and Negril
| Negril | San Juan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 205 mm (8.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 222 mm (8.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 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.