Which place is cheaper, Santa Barbara or Negril?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Negril or Santa Barbara?
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 Santa Barbara. 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 Santa Barbara?
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!
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is located in California, less than 100 miles from Los Angeles. It sits between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, giving it a stunning backdrop. The town has a population of just 90,000 but it still offers visitors many cultural, culinary, and shopping experiences that surpass many large cities. There are wide beaches along a beautiful coastline, impressive wineries, and many top rated restaurants. Many people see Santa Barbara as a hangout for the rich and famous, but with a university and diverse population, the city is much more relatable than you might expect, although travel prices here are still somewhat high.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.
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Negril Prices
Jamaica PricesSanta Barbara Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNegril $153Santa Barbara $196
The average daily cost (per person) in Negril is $153, while the average daily cost in Santa Barbara is $196. 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 Santa Barbara in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNegril $104Santa Barbara $88
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNegril $208Santa Barbara $176
Compare Hotels in Negril and Santa Barbara
Looking for a hotel in Negril or Santa Barbara? 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 Santa Barbara Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Negril $8.54Santa Barbara $42
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$13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Negril
Also for Negril, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Grand Palladium Jamaica - Lady Hamilton Airport Transfer MBJ ***: $15
- MBJ Airport Transfers to/from Montego Bay Hotels/Villas/Airbnb: $20
- Grand Palladium hotel transfer from Montego Bay airport: $29
- Montego Bay Jamaica Airport Transfer to Falmouth, Grand Palladium: $35
- Airport transfer to or from Grand Palladium: $35
- Private Transfer from MBJ Airport to Grand Palladium Hotel: $38
- MBJ Airport Private Transfers to any Negril Hotels: $39
- Montego Bay Airport Transfers Private Taxi to Hotels in Negril: $40
- Montego Bay Jamaica Airport Private Transfer To Hedonism Negril: $42
- MBJ Private Airport transfer to or from Negril: $42
- Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Grand Palladium Hotel Lucea Ja: $42
- Private Montego Bay Jamaica Airport Transfer To Negril Hotels: $43
Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Santa Barbara?
Prices for flights to both Santa Barbara 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 $38Santa Barbara $80
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
- Cultural Food Tour & Seven Mile Beach At Negril’s Margaritaville: $150
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santa Barbara
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Santa Barbara.
- Comedian Led Hidden Gems Food Tour: $99
- Santa Barbara Authentic Walking Food Tour with 5 Dishes: $138
- Taco Tour Santa Barbara | Food Tour: $159
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Negril $26Santa Barbara $27
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$43
Tours and Activities in Negril
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Negril.
- Blue Hole Mineral Spring and Rastafari Herb Farm Experience: $40
- Private Negril Beach Experience and Rick's Cafe from Negril: $60
- Jamwest Push Kart Adventure Experience Entry Ticket in Negril: $60
- Negril Glass Bottom Boat Tour Snorkeling and Booby Cay: $65
- Rick's Cafe Glass Bottom Sunset Cruise: $65
- Rockland's Bird Sanctuary Tour from Montego Bay/ Falmouth: $70
- Blue Hole Mineral Springs, Rick's Café, and Shopping Combo Tour: $75
- Martha Brae River Bamboo Rafting Tour: $75
- Choose Your Adventure: ATV, Zipline, Horseback Ride & Rafting: $80
- NEGRIL CATAMARAN CRUISE Sunset Ricks Cafe ALL HOTELS: $89
- Negril Catamaran Sunset Cruise with Snorkeling, Drinks & DJ: $89
- Family Catamaran Cruise from Jamwest Beach Negril Hotels: $90
Tours and Activities in Santa Barbara
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santa Barbara are as follows:
- "Dead of the Night" SB Ghost Tour History & Mystery-Children FREE: $55
- 2- Hour Pottery Workshop and Studio Tour in Ojai: $65
- 3-Winery Santa Ynez Tour with Picnic Lunch & Tasting Fees: $149
- Amazing Adventure Hunt: Santa Barbara Beauty: $12
- Beginner or Intermediate Mountain Bike Tour of Santa Barbara: $125
- Bellosguardo Estate Tour: $100
- Best of Santa Barbara Walking Tour with Ice Cream: $90
- Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara: $38
- Discover Santa Barbara Yacht Experience: $45
- Epic Zipline Tour near Santa Barbara: $155
- Funk Zone Wine & Food Walking Tour: $145
- Gaviota Coast Kayak Tour Near Santa Barbara (3.5 Hours): $122
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNegril $9.91Santa Barbara $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Santa Barbara
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Santa Barbara:
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Camping$20
Sample the Local Flavors in Santa Barbara
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Santa Barbara:
- Santa Barbara Craft Brewery and History Crawl: $140
- Santa Ynez Valley Biking and Wine Tasting Tour: $175
- Small-Group (8 max) All-Inclusive Santa Barbara Wine Tour: $235
- Small-Group Wine Tour in Santa Barbara to Exclusive Vineyards: $235
- Santa Ynez Wine Tour (All-Inclusive): $239
- Solvang Santa Ynez Valley Small Group All-Inclusive Wine Tour: $240
- Cycling and Guided Wine Tasting in Solvang CA: $250
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Negril and Santa Barbara, we can see that Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Negril or Santa Barbara?
Santa Barbara has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Negril. When comparing the sizes of Negril and Santa Barbara, 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 Santa Barbara?
Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara in the Summer?
Both Santa Barbara and Negril during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Negril because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Santa Barbara for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Negril is a little warmer than Santa Barbara. Typically, the summer temperatures in Negril in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Santa Barbara averages at about 65°F (19°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually gets more rain in July than Santa Barbara. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNegril 27°C (81°F)Santa Barbara 65°F (19°C)
Should I visit Negril or Santa Barbara in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and Santa Barbara. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Santa Barbara in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Negril is generally much warmer than Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 27°C (81°F), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).
Negril gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Negril usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNegril 27°C (81°F)Santa Barbara 62°F (17°C)
Should I visit Negril or Santa Barbara in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Negril as well as Santa Barbara. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Santa Barbara for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Negril is much warmer than Santa Barbara in the winter. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).
Negril usually gets less rain in January than Santa Barbara. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNegril 25°C (77°F)Santa Barbara 52°F (11°C)
Should I visit Negril or Santa Barbara in the Spring?
Both Santa Barbara and Negril are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Negril throughout the year. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Santa Barbara because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Negril is much warmer than Santa Barbara. Typically, the spring temperatures in Negril in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Santa Barbara averages at about 57°F (14°C).
It's quite rainy in Negril. In April, Negril usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNegril 26°C (79°F)Santa Barbara 57°F (14°C)
Typical Weather for Santa Barbara and Negril
| Negril | Santa Barbara | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 52°F (11°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 205 mm (8.1 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (4 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 65°F (19°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 67°F (19°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 0.5 inches (12 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 222 mm (8.7 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.5 inches (13 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 52°F (11°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) |
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.