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

Should you visit Negril or Virginia Beach?

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 Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia Beach?

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!

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach sits on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay. It's a popular beach destination and has many of the characteristics of most southeastern beach towns. There are many activities that you can enjoy and there's a concrete boardwalk that runs parallel to the water for about three miles. The boardwalk is a fun place to walk or bicycle. The beach itself is wide and sandy and is a great place to soak up some sun. During the summer months and school holidays it can get quite crowded and you might struggle to find a place for your towel and beach chairs. There are also many beach side resorts that line the water front. Most have pools and hot tubs where you can relax and some hotels have indoor pools as well, which can be nice during the cool winter months.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Virginia Beach or Negril?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Negril Prices
    Jamaica Prices
    Virginia Beach Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Negril $152
    Virginia Beach $148

The average daily cost (per person) in Negril is $152, while the average daily cost in Virginia Beach is $148. 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 Virginia Beach in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Negril $103
    Virginia Beach $71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Negril $206
    Virginia Beach $142
Compare Hotels in Negril and Virginia Beach

Looking for a hotel in Negril or Virginia Beach? 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 Virginia Beach


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 Virginia Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Negril $8.48
    Virginia Beach $39
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Negril

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


  • Taxi From Airport
    $13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Negril

Also for Negril, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Fun Holiday Beach Resort Montego Bay Airport Transfer: $205
  • Grand Palladium Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Rountrip): $200
  • Private Transfer to Mystic Mountain Jamaica From Negril Hotels: $200
  • Private, Round-Trip Negril Airport Transfer: $200
  • Chukka and Rafting Ocho Rios with Private Transfer Negril Hotels: $200
  • Private Transfers-Negril and Runaway Bay hotels(Round Trip): $180
  • Private Transfer from Negril to Jamaica (MBJ) Airport: $173
  • Private Transfer from Jamaica (MBJ) Airport to Negril: $173
  • Luxury Grand Palladium Transfer: $144
  • Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer Negril Hotels: $141
  • Private Customizable Transfer from Sangster Intl Airport - Negril: $140
  • Montego Bay Airport (MBJ) to Negril hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $138

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Virginia Beach

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


  • Beach Parking
    $10

Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Virginia Beach?

Prices for flights to both Virginia Beach 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 $38
    Virginia Beach $52

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: $80
  • Cultural Food Tour & Seven Mile Beach At Negril’s Margaritaville: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Negril $26
    Virginia Beach $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Negril

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


  • 2 Hr Horseback Ride
    $43

Tours and Activities in Negril

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

  • 7Mile Beach/Ricks Cafe Tour with Free Shopping from Montego Bay: $115
  • ATV's, Shopping, Seven Mile Beach,Catamaran Cruise to Ricks Cafe: $130
  • Appleton Estate Rum Tour [Transportation services]: $125
  • Appleton Estate Rum and Black River Safari Private Tour: $185
  • Appleton and Y.S Falls Tour from Negril Hotels: $261
  • Bamboo Rafting and Rick Cafe Negril Private Tour: $161
  • Bambuza ATV, Zipline and Horseback Adventure from Negril: $190
  • Blue Hole Mineral Springs, Rick's Café, and Shopping Combo Tour: $75
  • Boat tour: $123
  • Bob Marley 9 miles with French tour guide: $260
  • Bob Marley Museum Tour From Negril Hotel: $215
  • Bob Marley's Nine Mile Day-Trip w/Admission & Guided Tour from Grand Palladium: $145

Tours and Activities in Virginia Beach

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

  • Buried Beneath the Boardwalk: Neptune Ghouls and Ghost Tours: $26
  • Buried Beneath the Boardwalk: Neptune Ghouls and Ghost Tours: $24
  • Candle Making Experience at Sugared Mango: $55
  • Dolphin Kayak Tour in Virginia Beach Must know how to swim: $95
  • Kayak Dolphin Experience in Virginia Beach Must know how to swim: $95
  • Owl Creek Landing Forest Adventure Experience Ticket: $23
  • Small Group Dolphin Kayak Eco-Tour: $68
  • Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tours: $68
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Virginia Beach by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Virginia Beach Boardwalk Historian-Guided Tour: $19
  • Virginia Beach Boardwalk History Tour: $20
  • Virginia Beach True Crime Tour: $19

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Negril $9.85
    Virginia Beach $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Negril

Also in Negril, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Negril One Love Bus Bar Crawl: $26


When comparing the travel costs between Negril and Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Negril or Virginia Beach?

Virginia Beach has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Negril. When comparing the sizes of Negril and Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach?

Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach in the Summer?

Both Virginia Beach 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, most visitors come to Virginia Beach for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Negril is around the same temperature as Virginia Beach in the summer. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Virginia Beach. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually receives less sunshine than Virginia Beach during summer. Negril gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Virginia Beach. It's quite rainy in Negril. In July, Negril usually receives more rain than Virginia Beach. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Virginia Beach 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Negril or Virginia Beach in the Autumn?

Both Virginia Beach 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, the autumn months attract visitors to Virginia Beach because of the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Negril is much warmer than Virginia Beach. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Negril in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Virginia Beach averages at about 62°F (16°C).

In Virginia Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Negril. In the autumn, Negril often gets more sunshine than Virginia Beach. Negril gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 211 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually gets more rain in October than Virginia Beach. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Virginia Beach 62°F (16°C)

Should I visit Negril or Virginia Beach in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and Virginia Beach. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round. Also, the cuisine are the main draw to Virginia Beach this time of year.

It's quite cold in Virginia Beach in the winter. In January, Negril is generally much warmer than Virginia Beach. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 25°C (77°F), and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 39°F (4°C).

In Negril, it's very sunny this time of the year. Negril usually receives more sunshine than Virginia Beach during winter. Negril gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 168 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Negril usually receives less rain than Virginia Beach. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Negril 25°C (77°F) 
    Virginia Beach 39°F (4°C)

Should I visit Negril or Virginia Beach in the Spring?

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

Negril is much warmer than Virginia Beach in the spring. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Virginia Beach. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Negril this time of the year. In the spring, Negril often gets less sunshine than Virginia Beach. Negril gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 253 hours of full sun.

Negril receives a lot of rain in the spring. Negril usually gets more rain in April than Virginia Beach. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Negril 26°C (79°F) 
    Virginia Beach 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Virginia Beach and Negril

Negril Virginia Beach
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 39°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 49°F (10°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 58°F (14°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
May 27°C (81°F) 205 mm (8.1 in) 67°F (19°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 79°F (26°C) 5.7 inches (145 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 78°F (25°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 181 mm (7.1 in) 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 222 mm (8.7 in) 62°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 53°F (12°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)