Which place is cheaper, Tulum or Negril?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Negril or Tulum?
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 Tulum. 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 Tulum?
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!
Tulum
When you think of ancient ruins you probably picture dusty archaeological digs surrounded by sand and professors in khaki shorts. What if I told you there is a way to see ancient ruins and visit a tropical beach? That's exactly what you find in Tulum, Mexico.
Built near the end of Mayan era, the ruins of Tulum served as a port before the arrival of the Spanish. It may have been called Zama, meaning City of Dawn, given that these ruins face the sunrise. Because of Tulum's access to both land and sea routes, this spot was an important hub for the trade industry. It may have had another claim to fame, too. According to some murals and other works around the site, it seems this spot was an important site for the worship of the Diving or Descending God. Today, the area is the third most visited archaeological site in all of Mexico with daily tour buses dropping off visitors.
This area is usually packed with people looking to get a glimpse of the seaside ruins. To avoid crowds and capture the best view of the day, try to arrive as early as possible.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, and The Best Historical Tours in Mexico.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNegril $139Tulum $122
The average daily cost (per person) in Negril is $139, while the average daily cost in Tulum is $122. 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 Tulum in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNegril $106Tulum $60
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNegril $212Tulum $120
Compare Hotels in Negril and Tulum
Looking for a hotel in Negril or Tulum? 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 Tulum Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Negril $8.71Tulum $28
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:
- Comfortable Montego Bay Airport to Grand Palladium Transfer: $23
- Comfortable Montego Bay Airport to Negril Resorts Transfer: $33
- Private Transfer from MBJ Airport to Grand Palladium Hotel: $36
- Grand Palladium Airport Transfer: $37
- Round-Trip or Direct Private Airport Transfer to Lucea Resorts: $37
- Private Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Grand Palladium: $40
- Grand Palladium Private Transfers from MBJ Airport: $40
- Montego Bay Airport Transfer To Negril Hotels Private: $47
- Private Airport Transfer Grand Palladium/ Lady Hamilton Jamaica: $47
- Grand Palladium Private Airport Transfer: $48
- Private Airport Transfers to Negril Hotels: $48
- Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Negril Hotel: $50
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Tulum
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Tulum are as follows:
-
Scooter Rental$18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tulum
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tulum:
- Round-trip Private Transfer Cancun Airport to TULUM - up to 9 pax: $299
- Roundtrip Transfer from Cancun Airport to Tulum: $269
- Roundtrip Private Transfer from Cancun Airport to Tulum: $254
- Transfer from Tulum airport to Bacalar: $233
- Private Luxury Transfer Tulum to Cancun Airport: $220
- Private Transfer Tulum-Bacalar with optional 2h in Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve: $210
- Private Transfer From Cancun Airport - Tulum: $208
- Cancun Airport Departure transfer from Akumal, Tulum: $191
- Tulum to Chetumal - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $182
- Private Transfer Tulum Zone - Cancun International Airport: $160
- One Way Private Tulum Transfers to or from Cancun Airport: $160
- Tulum to Mahahual - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $160
Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Tulum?
Prices for flights to both Tulum 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 dayNegril $23Tulum $34
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
Typical Food Prices in Tulum
Some typical examples of dining costs in Tulum are as follows:
-
Lunch$3.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tulum
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Tulum.
- Tulum Local Walking Food Tour: $86
- Vegan Walking Food Tour with Tasting: $87
- Mexican Cooking from Scratch and Mezcal Tasting in a Local Home in Tulum: $87
- Mayan Night Guided Tour, Cenote Swim and Mayan Dinner: $209
- Private transfer for 5 hours (go dinner,cenotes, shopping and more) : $299
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Negril $27Tulum $32
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.
- Cruise Ship Excursion in Montego Bay : $41
- From Negril/Palladium: Negril Beach and Ricks Cafe Tour: $49
- Private Glass Bottom Boat Sight Seeing Tour Jamaica: $58
- Buddle's Taxi and Tours : $60
- Blue Hole Mineral Springs, Rick's Café, and Shopping Combo Tour: $75
- Negril Beach and Catamaran Cruise: $79
- Negril guided day tour:7 mile beach and sunset at Ricks Cafe: $80
- Ricks Cafe Sunset Catamaran Cruise Negril Palladium Montego Bay: $85
- Jamwest JamCulture Tour from Negril: $89
- Bob Marley Birth Place Nine Mile Day Tour: $94
- Negril Catamaran Adults Only Cruise, Snorkeling and Rick's Cafe from Negril: $110
- Must Do-Accompong Town Maroon Village Tour & Celebration from Negril: $112
Tours and Activities in Tulum
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tulum are as follows:
- Private Tour - The best Cenotes in Yucatan - Suytun & Oxman: $195
- Romantic tour in Tulum: $169
- 4-Hour Cenotes Tour with Hotel Pickup in Riviera Maya: $109
- 5 Hours Mayan Snorkeling Experience in Tulum: $90
- 5x1 Deluxe Tour Tulum, Coba, Cenote Transportation from Tulum: $88
- 5x1: Tulum, Coba, Cenote and Mayan Village Full Day Tour: $99
- ATV Cenote and Zipline Adventure from Tulum: $119
- ATV Extreme Adventure Single with Ziplines and Cenote Swim: $137
- ATV Jungle Adventure with Ziplines, Cenote & Tulum Pickup: $75
- ATV Tour with Ziplines and Cenote Swim Experience in Quintana Roo: $59
- Adventure Tulum: $105
- Adventure in the Mayan Jungle with ATV and Zip Line in Tulum: $90
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayNegril $10Tulum $25
Sample the Local Flavors in Tulum
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Tulum:
- 30 Minutes Brewery Tour in Tulum: $39
- Wine Tasting at Pan y Vino Tulum: $58
- Beer Tasting and Brewery Tour: $69
When comparing the travel costs between Negril and Tulum, we can see that Negril is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Negril is in Caribbean Islands and Tulum is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Negril Expensive? and Is Tulum Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Negril or Tulum?
Tulum has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Negril. When comparing the sizes of Negril and Tulum, 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 Tulum?
Tulum 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 Tulum in the Summer?
Both Tulum 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, the summer months attract visitors to Tulum because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Negril is generally around the same temperature as Tulum. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 27°C (81°F), and Tulum fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Negril. In the summer, Negril often gets more sunshine than Tulum. Negril gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tulum receives 232 hours of full sun.
Tulum 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 July than Tulum. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyNegril 27°C (81°F)Tulum 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Negril or Tulum in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and Tulum. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Tulum this time of year.
Negril is around the same temperature as Tulum in the autumn. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Tulum fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In Negril, it's very sunny this time of the year. Negril usually receives more sunshine than Tulum during autumn. Negril gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Tulum receives 216 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Tulum receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Negril gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Negril usually receives more rain than Tulum. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn. November to April in Tulum is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. The hurricane season in Tulum is June to October.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNegril 27°C (81°F)Tulum 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Negril or Tulum in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Negril as well as Tulum. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Tulum for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Negril is around the same temperature as Tulum. Typically, the winter temperatures in Negril in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Tulum averages at about 23°C (74°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Negril this time of the year. In the winter, Negril often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tulum. Negril gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tulum receives 213 hours of full sun.
Negril usually gets less rain in January than Tulum. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNegril 25°C (77°F)Tulum 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Negril or Tulum in the Spring?
Both Tulum 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, many visitors come to Tulum in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In April, Negril is generally around the same temperature as Tulum. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 26°C (79°F), and Tulum fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It's quite sunny in Tulum. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually receives less sunshine than Tulum during spring. Negril gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Tulum receives 273 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Negril. In April, Negril usually receives more rain than Tulum. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Tulum is November to April. The rainy season in Tulum is June to October. June to October is the hurricane season in Tulum.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilNegril 26°C (79°F)Tulum 27°C (81°F)
Typical Weather for Tulum and Negril
| Negril | Tulum | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 205 mm (8.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 192 mm (7.6 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 222 mm (8.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 72 mm (2.8 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.