Which place is cheaper, Whistler or Negril?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Negril or Whistler?
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 Whistler. 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 Whistler?
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!
Whistler
Located in the province of British Columbia in Canada, Whistler is most famous as the largest ski area in North America. It is also only a short distance from the city of Vancouver, and offers countless opportunities for snow boarding and other winter sports. The town has a permanent population of almost 10,000 and there is a larger seasonal population of workers that come from all over the world. Whistler is a major travel destination with more than two million people visiting the town yearly. As such, there are countless amenities available to visitors. Hotels can vary dramatically in price and quality. There are some budget options, including a couple of hostels in the area, but most people do not visit Whistler as a budget travel destination. It's usually an expensive vacation, but few would argue that it isn't worth the cost.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNegril $139Whistler $125
The average daily cost (per person) in Negril is $139, while the average daily cost in Whistler is $125. 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 Whistler in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNegril $106Whistler $65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNegril $212Whistler $130
Compare Hotels in Negril and Whistler
Looking for a hotel in Negril or Whistler? 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 Whistler Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Negril $8.71Whistler $20
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:
- Comfortable Montego Bay Airport to Negril Resorts Transfer 1 way: $33
- Private Transfer from MBJ Airport to Grand Palladium Hotel: $36
- Round-Trip or Direct Private Airport Transfer to Lucea Resorts: $37
- Grand Palladium Airport Transfer: $37
- Grand Palladium Private Transfers from MBJ Airport: $40
- Private Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Grand Palladium: $40
- Montego Bay Airport Transfer To Negril Hotels Private: $46
- Private Airport Transfer Grand Palladium/ Lady Hamilton Jamaica: $47
- Grand Palladium Private Airport Transfer: $48
- Private Airport Transfers to Negril Hotels: $48
- Private Transfer from Negril to Sangster Airport (MBJ): $50
- One-Way & Round-Trip Private Transfer from Montego Bay to Negril *42O VIP Option: $50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Whistler
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Whistler:
- Private Transfer from Whistler to Richmond BC: $633
- Private Transfer from Whistler to Downtown Vancouver: $570
- Vancouver: Seaplane Transfer between Vancouver & Whistler: $161
Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Whistler?
Prices for flights to both Whistler 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 $23Whistler $30
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
Typical Food Prices in Whistler
Some typical examples of dining costs in Whistler are as follows:
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Coffee at Starbucks$12
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Tim Hortons Breakfast$12
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Coffee at Timmy's$3.63
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Whistler
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Whistler.
- Finer Things: 4-Course Dinner Tour in Whistler: $131
- Finer Things Dinner Tour in Whistler: $144
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Negril $27Whistler $78
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.
- 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
- Jamwest JamCulture Tour from Negril: $89
- Bob Marley Birth Place Nine Mile Day Tour: $94
- Private Dunn River Falls Tour From Negril: $100
- South Coast Jamaica YS Falls Tour: $100
- Floyd's Pelican Bar (Complimentary Rum Punch, Private Tour): $100
- Must Do-Accompong Town Maroon Village Tour & Celebration from Negril: $112
Typical Entertainment Prices in Whistler
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Whistler are as follows:
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Driving Range$15
Tours and Activities in Whistler
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Whistler are as follows:
- 2 Hour Late Afternoon Winter Zipline Adventure: $111
- Audain Art Museum Admission Ticket: $16
- Call of the Wild ATV Tour: $155
- Callaghan Cruiser Snowmobile Tour : $218
- Fishing Adventure in Whistler: $140
- Full Day Fly Fishing Tour: $249
- Full Day Spin Fishing Tour: $249
- Glacier Sightseeing Experience by Seaplane from Whistler: $183
- Guided Lunch Tour in Whistler: $88
- Half Day Fly Fishing Tour: $196
- Half Day Spin Fishing Tour: $194
- Ice Fishing Adventure in Whistler: $140
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNegril $10Whistler $8.72
Sample the Local Flavors in Whistler
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Whistler:
- Whistler Distillery Tour & Tasting Experience: $66
When comparing the travel costs between Negril and Whistler, 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 Whistler 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 Whistler Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Negril or Whistler?
Whistler has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Negril. When comparing the sizes of Negril and Whistler, 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 Whistler?
Whistler 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 Whistler in the Summer?
Both Whistler 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.
In July, Negril is generally much warmer than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 27°C (81°F), and Whistler fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
In Whistler, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Negril. In the summer, Negril often gets less sunshine than Whistler. Negril gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 296 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually gets more rain in July than Whistler. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Whistler receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNegril 27°C (81°F)Whistler 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Negril or Whistler in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and Whistler. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round.
Negril is much warmer than Whistler in the autumn. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Whistler fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In Negril, it's very sunny this time of the year. Negril usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during autumn. Negril gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 124 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Whistler 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 Whistler. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Whistler receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNegril 27°C (81°F)Whistler 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Negril or Whistler in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Negril as well as Whistler. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
It's quite cold in Whistler in the winter. In the winter, Negril is much warmer than Whistler. Typically, the winter temperatures in Negril in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Whistler averages at about 4°C (40°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Negril this time of the year. In the winter, Negril often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Negril gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 55 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Whistler. Negril usually gets less rain in January than Whistler. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Whistler receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNegril 25°C (77°F)Whistler 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Negril or Whistler in the Spring?
Both Whistler and Negril are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Negril throughout the year.
In April, Negril is generally much warmer than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 26°C (79°F), and Whistler fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during spring. Negril gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Whistler. It's quite rainy in Negril. In April, Negril usually receives around the same amount of rain as Whistler. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Whistler receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNegril 26°C (79°F)Whistler 9°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Whistler and Negril
| Negril | Whistler | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 179 mm (7.1 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 205 mm (8.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 222 mm (8.7 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 198 mm (7.8 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.