Which place is cheaper, Negril or Punta del Este?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Punta del Este or Negril?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Punta del Este or Negril, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Punta del Este or Negril?
Punta del Este
Punta del Este with its many beaches, elegant seaside homes, yacht harbor, high-rise apartment buildings, pricey hotels, ardent night scene and glitzy restaurants is a chic beach resort town in Uruguay. Many tourists come from Brazil and Argentina, on the other side of the Rio de la Plata, to get some nice sun and lay on the beach for a weekend getaway. Punta del Este is more expensive than other areas in Uruguay and has been called the Monaco of South America. Tourist season varies wildly from totally deserted in the winter to very crowded in the summer.
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!
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, and The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPunta del Este $98Negril $139
The average daily cost (per person) in Punta del Este is $98, while the average daily cost in Negril is $139. 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 Punta del Este and Negril in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPunta del Este $55Negril $106
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPunta del Este $110Negril $212
Compare Hotels in Punta del Este and Negril
Looking for a hotel in Punta del Este or Negril? 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: Punta del Este Hotel Prices and Negril Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Punta del Este $22Negril $8.71
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta del Este
Also for Punta del Este, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Montevideo to Punta Del Este Cruise Port: $85
- Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Cruise Port to Montevideo: $85
- Private Transfer - Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $85
- Private Transfer from Montevideo hotels to Punta Del Este Port: $72
- Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Port to Montevideo hotels: $72
- Private Transfer to Punta del Este Airport: $60
- Punta del Este Airport Private Transfer: $60
- Private Transfer from Montevideo City to Montevideo Cruise Port: $55
- Montevideo hotels to Carrasco International Airport (MVD) - Departure Transfer: $49
- Montevideo Hotels to Carrasco Airport MVD Departure Transfer: $49
- Private Transfer from Montevideo city to Montevideo Cruise Port: $30
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:
- Royalton Negril Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Rountrip): $280
- Montego Bay: Private Transfer from Airport to Negril: $250
- Fun Holiday Beach Resort Montego Bay Airport Transfer: $205
- Private Airport transfer to/from all hotels in Negril round trip: $170
- 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
- From Montego Bay Airport (MBJ): Private Transfer to Negril: $105
- Airport Round Trip Transfer from Montego Bay to Grand Palladium: $105
- Airport Round-Trip Transfers To Negril From Sangster’s International Airport : $90
- Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer to Grand Palladium Resort in Jamaica: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Punta del Este or Negril?
Prices for flights to both Negril and Punta del Este 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 dayPunta del Este $31Negril $23
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Punta del Este $11Negril $27
Tours and Activities in Punta del Este
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta del Este.
- Bike Tour Peninsula - Punta del Este: $65
- Colonia Wine Experience for Food & Wine Lovers: $180
- Discovering Half-Day City Tour: $47
- East Coast of Uruguay – Private Multi Day Tour: $2,600
- From Cabo Polonio - Full Day Private Tour: $1,000
- Full Day Private Shore Tour Montevideo from Punta Del Este Port: $292
- Full Experience Tasting Menu Viña Edén: $157
- Gourmet Food & Wine Experience from Punta del Este: $205
- Guided Tour of Vineyards: $33
- Guided Tour of the Winery Viña Edén: $18
- Half Day Tour in Punta del Este and Jose Ignacio: $170
- La Vista 360 ticket de admisión: $11
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPunta del Este $7.70Negril $10
Sample the Local Flavors in Punta del Este
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Punta del Este:
- Wine Tasting: $42
- Half Day Private Canelones Wine Tour from Montevideo : $158
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Punta del Este and Negril, we can see that Negril is more expensive. And not only is Punta del Este much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Punta del Este is in South America and Negril is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Punta del Este would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Punta del Este 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 Negril would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Negril than you might in Punta del Este.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Punta del Este Expensive? and Is Negril Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Punta del Este or Negril?
Punta del Este has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Negril. When comparing the sizes of Punta del Este and Negril, 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 Punta del Este or Negril?
Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este or Negril in the Summer?
Both Negril and Punta del Este are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Negril because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Punta del Este is generally cooler than Negrilin July. Daily temperatures in Punta del Este average around 23°C (73°F), and Negril fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It's quite sunny in Negril. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Punta del Este. Punta del Este usually receives more sunshine than Negril during summer. Punta del Este gets 296 hours of sunny skies, while Negril receives 257 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Negril. In January, Punta del Este usually receives less rain than Negrilin July. Punta del Este gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Negril receives 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyPunta del Este 23°C (73°F)Negril 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Negril in the Autumn?
Both Negril and Punta del Este during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round.
Punta del Este is much colder than Negril in the autumn. The daily temperature in Punta del Este averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Negril fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in October.
In Negril, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Punta del Este often gets less sunshine than Negrilin October. Punta del Este gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Negril receives 233 hours of full sun.
Negril gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Punta del Este usually gets less rain in April than Negrilin October. Punta del Este gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Negril receives 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberPunta del Este 17°C (63°F)Negril 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Negril in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Punta del Este and Negril. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the winter, Punta del Este is much colder than Negril. Typically, the winter temperatures in Punta del Este in July average around 10°C (50°F), and Negril averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Negril this time of the year. Punta del Este usually receives less sunshine than Negril during winter. Punta del Este gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Negril receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Punta del Este usually receives more rain than Negrilin January. Punta del Este gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Negril receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryPunta del Este 10°C (50°F)Negril 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Negril in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Punta del Este as well as Negril. The warm climate attracts visitors to Negril throughout the year.
In October, Punta del Este is generally much colder than Negrilin April. Daily temperatures in Punta del Este average around 16°C (61°F), and Negril fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Negril. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Punta del Este this time of the year. In the spring, Punta del Este often gets more sunshine than Negrilin April. Punta del Este gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Negril receives 225 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Negril. Punta del Este usually gets less rain in October than Negrilin April. Punta del Este gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Negril receives 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilPunta del Este 16°C (61°F)Negril 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Negril and Punta del Este
| Punta del Este | Negril | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 205 mm (8.1 in) |
| Jun | 11°C (52°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) |
| Jul | 10°C (50°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (52°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) |
| Sep | 13°C (55°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 222 mm (8.7 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 61 mm (2.4 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.