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

Should you visit Negril or Sonoma?

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 Sonoma. 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 Sonoma?

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!

Sonoma

When people say Sonoma, they are often referring to the region's wine country, but in fact, Sonoma is a county, a valley, and a town. The county covers 1,768 square miles and is more spread out than nearby Napa. There are more than 30 cities and towns in the county and 425 wineries with tasting rooms. The county also borders the Pacific Ocean, and the beautiful 55 mile stretch of coastline is rugged and dramatic.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Sonoma or Negril?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Negril is $139, while the average daily cost in Sonoma is $219. 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 Sonoma in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Negril $106
    Sonoma $93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Negril $212
    Sonoma $186
Compare Hotels in Negril and Sonoma

Looking for a hotel in Negril or Sonoma? 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 Sonoma


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 Sonoma Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Negril $8.71
    Sonoma $134
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Negril

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


  • 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

Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Sonoma?

Prices for flights to both Sonoma 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 $23
    Sonoma $56

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Negril $27
    Sonoma $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Negril

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


  • 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 Sonoma

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

  • Create your own wine blend experience: $140
  • From Napa Valley Classic Sidecar Tour to 3 Wineries: $300
  • Sonoma Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour & Game: $49
  • Sonoma Valley: Guided Winery Tour with Picnic Lunch: $126
  • Sonoma Valley: Wine Trolley Tasting Tour with Lunch: $125

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Negril $10
    Sonoma $41

Sample the Local Flavors in Sonoma

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

  • San Francisco: Half-Day Wine Tour with 2 Tastings Included: $189
  • Sonoma Food & Wine Tour: $235


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


Which is Bigger, Negril or Sonoma?

Sonoma has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Negril. When comparing the sizes of Negril and Sonoma, 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 Sonoma?

Sonoma 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 Sonoma in the Summer?

Both Sonoma 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 summer months attract visitors to Sonoma because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Negril is a little warmer than Sonoma. Typically, the summer temperatures in Negril in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Sonoma averages at about 73°F (23°C).

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Sonoma 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Negril or Sonoma in the Autumn?

Both Sonoma 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 hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Sonoma this time of year.

In October, Negril is generally much warmer than Sonoma. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 27°C (81°F), and Sonoma fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Sonoma 62°F (17°C)

Should I visit Negril or Sonoma in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and Sonoma. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sonoma for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Negril is much warmer than Sonoma in the winter. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Sonoma fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

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


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Negril 25°C (77°F) 
    Sonoma 46°F (8°C)

Should I visit Negril or Sonoma in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Negril as well as Sonoma. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Sonoma in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Negril is much warmer than Sonoma. Typically, the spring temperatures in Negril in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Sonoma averages at about 56°F (13°C).

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Negril 26°C (79°F) 
    Sonoma 56°F (13°C)

Typical Weather for Sonoma and Negril

Negril Sonoma
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 56°F (13°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
May 27°C (81°F) 205 mm (8.1 in) 64°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 69°F (21°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 73°F (23°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 181 mm (7.1 in) 70°F (21°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 222 mm (8.7 in) 62°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 54°F (12°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 46°F (8°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)