Which place is cheaper, Tampa or Negril?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Negril or Tampa?
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 Tampa. 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 Tampa?
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!
Tampa
On the north shore of Tampa Bay, across the water from Saint Peterburg, is the city of Tampa. The city has a population of almost 350,000. The metropolitan area includes Tampa, St. Peterburg, and Clearwater. It has about 2.9 million residents and is the second largest metropolitan area in the state. The city is a popular destination for outdoor activities and in 2008 it was ranked the 5th best outdoor city by Forbes.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNegril $139Tampa $179
The average daily cost (per person) in Negril is $139, while the average daily cost in Tampa is $179. 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 Tampa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNegril $106Tampa $85
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNegril $212Tampa $170
Compare Hotels in Negril and Tampa
Looking for a hotel in Negril or Tampa? 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 Tampa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Negril $8.71Tampa $69
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:
- Transfers between Montego Bay Airport and Negril Hotels: $107
- Sunset at The Palms Airport Transfer: $53
- Sangster International Airport Transfers to/from Rui Negril : $61
- Sandals South Coast Private Transfer (White House): $83
- Sandals South Coast Private Car Transfer From Montego Bay Airport: $76
- Royalton Negril Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Rountrip): $280
- Round-Trip or Direct Private Airport Transfer to Lucea Resorts: $37
- Private Transfer to Hotels in Negril from Montego Bay Airport : $55
- Private Transfer from Negril to Sangster Airport (MBJ): $50
- Private Transfer from Montego Bay Airport - Negril Hotels: $58
- Private Transfer from MBJ Airport to Grand Palladium Hotel: $36
- Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer to Grand Palladium Resort in Jamaica: $80
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tampa
Also for Tampa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Tampa Bay Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Tampa hotels: $302
- Tampa Airport (TPA): Transfer tо Tampa Bay Cruise Port: $302
- Tampa Airport (TPA): Private Transfer to Tampa hotel/address: $203
- Private Transfer from Tampa Airport (TPA) to Clearwater Beach: $187
- Private Transfer from Tampa Airport TPA to Lakeland/Winter Haven: $187
- Private Transfer from Tampa Airport (TPA) to St Petersburg Accommodation: $187
- Private Transfer from Tampa Airport (TPA) to Tampa hotel or address : $187
- Tampa Airport (TPA) to Clearwater Beach - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $175
- Private transfer from Tampa airport To Zephyrhills, FL: $155
- Private Transfer from Tampa Airport to Clearwater: $120
- Tampa Airport (TPA) to Lakeland / Winter Haven - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $107
- Tampa Airport (TPA) to Tampa Bay Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $100
Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Tampa?
Prices for flights to both Tampa 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 $23Tampa $53
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 Tampa
For Tampa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Class near Disney in Tampa Florida: $88
- Ybor City Food Tour On Sundays: $89
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Negril $27Tampa $20
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 Tampa
For Tampa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Tampa Terrors Ghost Tour By US Ghost Adventures: $30
- 1.5-hour Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise from Tampa: $31
- 2 Hour Guided Segway Tour: $69
- Adventure Island Water Park Ticket: $50
- Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Admission Ticket: $108
- Downtown Tampa Historic Walking Tour: $30
- Escape to Paradise: Private Island Boat Adventure in Tampa: $630
- Ghost Hunters Paranormal Ghost Tour: $39
- Ghost Investigation Tour Interactive Paranormal Experience 18Plus: $35
- Guided Tampa Sightseeing Tour in 2023 Street Legal Golf Cart: $41
- Guided Tampa Sightseeing Tour in a Deluxe Street Legal Golf Cart: $49
- Haunted Tampa Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour - Ybor City: $35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNegril $10Tampa $26
Sample the Local Flavors in Tampa
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tampa:
- Tampa Bar Crawl on a 2023 Street Legal Golf Cart: $40
- Haunted Pub Crawl: $40
- Ybor City Private Brewery Tour by Custom Golf Cart: $200
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Negril and Tampa, we can see that Tampa 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 Tampa 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 Tampa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tampa 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 Tampa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Negril or Tampa?
Tampa has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Negril. When comparing the sizes of Negril and Tampa, 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 Tampa?
Tampa 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 Tampa in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and Tampa. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round. Also, many travelers come to Tampa for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Negril is around the same temperature as Tampa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Negril in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Tampa averages at about 82°F (28°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tampa 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 Tampa during summer. Negril gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Tampa receives 265 hours of full sun in the summer.
Tampa receives a lot of rain in the summer. Negril gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Negril usually receives less rain than Tampa. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Tampa 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)Tampa 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit Negril or Tampa in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Negril as well as Tampa. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Tampa in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions.
In October, Negril is generally a little warmer than Tampa. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 27°C (81°F), and Tampa fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tampa. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Negril this time of the year. In the autumn, Negril often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tampa. Negril gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tampa receives 234 hours of full sun.
Negril receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Negril usually gets more rain in October than Tampa. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Tampa receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNegril 27°C (81°F)Tampa 75°F (24°C)
Should I visit Negril or Tampa in the Winter?
Both Tampa and Negril are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Negril throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Tampa for the cuisine during these months.
Negril is much warmer than Tampa in the winter. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Tampa fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).
It's quite sunny in Tampa. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually receives more sunshine than Tampa during winter. Negril gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Tampa receives 200 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Negril usually receives less rain than Tampa. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Tampa 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)Tampa 60°F (15°C)
Should I visit Negril or Tampa in the Spring?
Both Tampa and Negril during the spring 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 spring months attract visitors to Tampa because of the beaches and the activities around the city.
In the spring, Negril is a little warmer than Tampa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Negril in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Tampa averages at about 71°F (22°C).
In Tampa, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Negril. In the spring, Negril often gets less sunshine than Tampa. Negril gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tampa receives 299 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually gets more rain in April than Tampa. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Tampa receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNegril 26°C (79°F)Tampa 71°F (22°C)
Typical Weather for Tampa and Negril
| Negril | Tampa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 60°F (15°C) | 2.3 inches (59 mm) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 61°F (16°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 67°F (19°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 205 mm (8.1 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 81°F (27°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) | 75°F (24°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 68°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.