Which place is cheaper, Sarasota or Negril?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Negril or Sarasota?
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 Sarasota. 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 Sarasota?
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!
Sarasota
Located on the Gulf Coast of southwest Florida, Sarasota is a popular city known for its thriving arts scene, selection of restaurants, plenty of shopping, and beautiful beaches. The metropolitan area is a hub of city culture, while the beaches offer escapes of fine white sand and aqua waters.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNegril $139Sarasota $249
The average daily cost (per person) in Negril is $139, while the average daily cost in Sarasota is $249. 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 Sarasota in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNegril $106Sarasota $108
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNegril $212Sarasota $216
Compare Hotels in Negril and Sarasota
Looking for a hotel in Negril or Sarasota? 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 Sarasota Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Negril $8.71Sarasota -
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
- Private Airport transfer to/from all hotels in Negril round trip: $170
- Private Airport Transfer Montego Bay and Negril: $140
- 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
- Airport Round Trip Transfer from Montego Bay to Grand Palladium: $105
- From Montego Bay Airport (MBJ): Private Transfer to Negril: $105
- Airport Round-Trip Transfers To Negril From Sangster’s International Airport : $90
- Sandals South Coast Private Transfer (White House): $83
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sarasota
Also for Sarasota, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Sarasota–Bradenton Airport (SRQ) to Sarasota Round-Trip Transfer: $96
- Sarasota to Sarasota–Bradenton Intl. Airport (SRQ) - Departure Private Transfer: $48
- Sarasota–Bradenton Intl. Airport (SRQ) to Sarasota - Arrival Private Transfer: $48
Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Sarasota?
Prices for flights to both Sarasota 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 $23Sarasota $137
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Negril
For Negril, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 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 Sarasota
For Sarasota, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Sarasota Street Food Tour: $85
- Taste of Downtown Food Tour: $105
- Downtown Walking Food Tour in Sarasota: $110
- Sarasota Kayak and Food Tour: $165
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Negril $27Sarasota $11
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: $279
- 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: $413
- Atv, Seven Mile Beach and Rick’s Cafe Tour & Transportation: $333
- Atv, Seven Mile Beach and Ricks Cafe Private Tour: $293
Tours and Activities in Sarasota
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sarasota.
- Lido Key Pedal Kayak Tour in Sarasota: $75
- Parasailing Adventure above the Gulf of Mexico: $95
- 2 Hour Guided Stand Up Paddle Board Tour along Upper Manatee River: $65
- 2 Hour Jet ski Rental Fast And Fun Adventure Florida Thrill : $240
- 2 Hour Sunset Cabaret Tour in Sarasota: $68
- 2 Hours Guided Robinson Preserve Mangrove Tour: $55
- 90 minute South Florida Jet Ski Adventure Fun Thrilling : $195
- 90-Minute Parasailing Adventure Above Anna Maria Island, FL: $75
- Adventure and Wildlife Watch Kayak Rentals in Sarasota: $50
- Amish Experience: Bridges to Understanding: $68
- Anna Maria Island Paddleboard Tours: $65
- Bradenton: Guided Pedal Kayak Tour: $999
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNegril $10Sarasota -
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Negril and Sarasota, we can see that Sarasota 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 Sarasota 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 Sarasota would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sarasota 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 Sarasota Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Negril or Sarasota?
Sarasota has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Negril. When comparing the sizes of Negril and Sarasota, 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 Sarasota?
Sarasota 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 Sarasota in the Summer?
Both Sarasota 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, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sarasota this time of year.
Negril is around the same temperature as Sarasota in the summer. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Sarasota fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).
It's quite sunny in Sarasota. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sarasota during summer. Negril gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Sarasota receives 265 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sarasota. It's quite rainy in Negril. In July, Negril usually receives less rain than Sarasota. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Sarasota receives 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNegril 27°C (81°F)Sarasota 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit Negril or Sarasota in the Autumn?
Both Sarasota 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. Also, many travelers come to Sarasota for the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Negril is a little warmer than Sarasota. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Negril in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Sarasota averages at about 76°F (24°C).
In Sarasota, 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 Sarasota. Negril gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarasota receives 234 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually gets more rain in October than Sarasota. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Sarasota receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Sarasota is June to November.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNegril 27°C (81°F)Sarasota 76°F (24°C)
Should I visit Negril or Sarasota in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and Sarasota. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round. Also, many visitors come to Sarasota in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Negril is generally much warmer than Sarasota. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 25°C (77°F), and Sarasota fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sarasota this time of the year. In Negril, it's very sunny this time of the year. Negril usually receives more sunshine than Sarasota during winter. Negril gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Sarasota receives 200 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Negril usually receives less rain than Sarasota. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Sarasota receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNegril 25°C (77°F)Sarasota 59°F (15°C)
Should I visit Negril or Sarasota in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Negril as well as Sarasota. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Sarasota for the beaches during these months.
Negril is a little warmer than Sarasota in the spring. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Sarasota fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sarasota. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Negril this time of the year. In the spring, Negril often gets less sunshine than Sarasota. Negril gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarasota receives 299 hours of full sun.
Negril receives a lot of rain in the spring. Negril usually gets more rain in April than Sarasota. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Sarasota receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Sarasota.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNegril 26°C (79°F)Sarasota 73°F (23°C)
Typical Weather for Sarasota and Negril
| Negril | Sarasota | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 2.3 inches (59 mm) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 67°F (20°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 205 mm (8.1 in) | 78°F (25°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 6.5 inches (165 mm) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 8.4 inches (214 mm) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 8 inches (203 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 6.3 inches (161 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 222 mm (8.7 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 69°F (20°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 62°F (17°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.