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

Should you visit Negril or Anchorage?

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 Anchorage. 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 Anchorage?

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!

Anchorage

Anchorage, Alaska's largest city, is in the south-central part of the state on the Cook Inlet. It's known for its cultural sites and also as a gateway to nearby wilderness areas and mountains. From the sparkling waters of Cook Inlet to the tallest peaks of the Chugach Mountains, Anchorage encompasses incredible adventures and metropolitan appeals that are larger than life. With 1,500 moose, incredible national parks nearby and 60 glaciers a short drive away, it's a dream destination in Alaska.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City.


Which place is cheaper, Anchorage 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
    Anchorage Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Negril $150
    Anchorage $228

The average daily cost (per person) in Negril is $150, while the average daily cost in Anchorage is $228. 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 Anchorage in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Negril $102
    Anchorage $117
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Negril $204
    Anchorage $234
Compare Hotels in Negril and Anchorage

Looking for a hotel in Negril or Anchorage? 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 Anchorage


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 Anchorage Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Negril $8.39
    Anchorage $27
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:

  • Grand Palladium Jamaica - Lady Hamilton Airport Transfer MBJ ***: $15
  • Comfortable Montego Bay Airport to Grand Palladium Transfer 1 Way: $23
  • Grand Palladium Private Airport Transfer: $25
  • MBJ Airport Private transfers to any Hotels in Negril: $29
  • Grand Palladium Jamaica Private Transfers : $29
  • Grand Palladium Private Transfers from MBJ Airport: $30
  • MBJ Airport Private Transfers to any Negril Hotels: $35
  • Grand Palladium Airport Transfer: $37
  • Round-Trip or Direct Private Airport Transfer to Lucea Resorts: $37
  • Private Transfer from MBJ Airport to Grand Palladium Hotel: $38
  • Grand Palladium Airport Transfer : $40
  • Private Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Grand Palladium: $40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Anchorage

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Anchorage:

  • Private Transfer, Anchorage to Seward Cruise Ship Terminal: $299
  • Private Transfer, Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal: $299
  • Private Transfer, Whittier Cruise ship to Anchorage: $299
  • Matanuska Glacier Hike with Transfers: $299
  • Seward to Anchorage- Post Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $227
  • Anchorage to Seward- Pre-Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $227
  • Private Transfer Alaska Anchorage Airport ANC to Anchorage City: $180
  • ANC Airport to City Centre Private Transfer: $79
  • Anchorage to Whittier Direct Transfer Tour: $75
  • Private Departure Transfer - to Anchorage Airport (ANC): $62
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Anchorage Airport (ANC): $62
  • One Way Private Transfer: $10

Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Anchorage?

Prices for flights to both Anchorage 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
    Anchorage $87

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Negril

For Negril, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Dinner in the Sky Jamaica Round Trip Taxi & Guide only: $42
  • The Jungle Nightclub Experience with Optional Dinner in Negril: $80
  • Zimbali Mountain Cooking Studio: $105
  • Cultural Food Tour & Seven Mile Beach At Negril’s Margaritaville: $150
  • Local food tour and local fields : $164

Typical Food Prices in Anchorage

Some typical examples of dining costs in Anchorage are as follows:


  • Bread
    $4.25
  • Breakfast for Two
    $17

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Anchorage

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Anchorage.

  • City of Anchorage SIGHTSEEING & FOOD Tour - Winter & Summer: $195

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Negril $26
    Anchorage $30
Typical Entertainment Prices in Negril

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


  • 2 Hr Horseback Ride
    $42

Tours and Activities in Negril

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

  • Rockland's Bird Sanctuary Tour from Montego Bay/ Falmouth: $56
  • Negril Beach Experience & Rick's Cafe from Negril: $59
  • Buddle's Taxi and Tours : $60
  • Rick's Cafe Sunset Cruise : $60
  • Private Negril Beach Experience and Rick's Cafe from Negril: $60
  • Negril Glass Bottom Boat Tour Snorkeling and Booby Cay: $65
  • Negril Country Side Tour & Rick's Cafe : $82
  • Off-road ATV Adventure with Wall Climbing: $85
  • PARTY Catamaran Cruise with Snorkeling Rick's Cafe ADULTS ONLY: $88
  • NEGRIL CRUISE Sunset Ricks Cafe Adults only ALL HOTELS : $89
  • Rick's Cafe Sunset Cruise and Snorkelling: $90
  • Family Catamaran Cruise from Jamwest Beach Negril Hotels: $90

Typical Entertainment Prices in Anchorage

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Anchorage are as follows:


  • 1 Day Bike Rental
    $33
  • 1/2 Day Rafting Trip
    $105

Tours and Activities in Anchorage

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Anchorage are as follows:

  • Spenard Neighborhood FOOD & TRUE CRIME Walking Tour: $150
  • 26 Glacier Tour, Self-Drive from Anchorage, AK: $239
  • 3 Hour Ladies Only Kayak Tour in Knik River: $130
  • A Quest for Northern Lights Sightseeing Tour: $175
  • Advanced Snowshoeing Adventure: $238
  • Alaska 9 Day Ocean Wildlife to Interior Wilderness Adventure: $7,599
  • Alaska Native Heritage Center Admission Ticket: $30
  • Alaska Wildlife Center and Turnagain Arm Tour w/Alyeska Tram: $109
  • Alaska Wildlife Day Tour with Free Hotel Pickup: $122
  • Alaska Wildlife Tour: $119
  • Alaska: Kenai Fjords & Denali National Park 5 Day Adventure: $2,599
  • Alaska: Ladies Only Snowshoe Adventure: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Negril $9.74
    Anchorage $20

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Anchorage

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Anchorage:

  • Chocolate and Wine Tasting Tour: $110
  • Half-Day Anchorage Craft Brewery Tour and Tastings: $179
  • Hike Matanuska Glacier w/Alaska Honey, Wine Tasting: $310


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Negril and Anchorage, we can see that Anchorage 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 Anchorage 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 Anchorage would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Anchorage 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 Anchorage Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Negril or Anchorage?

Anchorage has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Negril. When comparing the sizes of Negril and Anchorage, 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 Anchorage?

Anchorage 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 Anchorage in the Summer?

Both Anchorage 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 Anchorage because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Negril is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 27°C (81°F), and Anchorage fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

In Anchorage, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Negril. In the summer, Negril often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Anchorage. Negril gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 240 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually gets more rain in July than Anchorage. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Anchorage 59°F (15°C)

Should I visit Negril or Anchorage in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and Anchorage. 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 Anchorage this time of year.

It's quite cold in Anchorage in the autumn. Negril is much warmer than Anchorage in the autumn. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Anchorage fluctuates around 35°F (2°C).

In Negril, it's very sunny this time of the year. Negril usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during autumn. Negril gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 118 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Negril gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Negril usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Anchorage 35°F (2°C)

Should I visit Negril or Anchorage in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Negril as well as Anchorage. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Anchorage for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Anchorage. In the winter, Negril is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the winter temperatures in Negril in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Anchorage averages at about 15°F (-9°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Negril this time of the year. In the winter, Negril often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Negril gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 80 hours of full sun.

Negril usually gets more rain in January than Anchorage. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Negril 25°C (77°F) 
    Anchorage 15°F (-9°C)

Should I visit Negril or Anchorage in the Spring?

Both Anchorage 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 Anchorage in the spring for the natural beauty.

Anchorage can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Negril is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 26°C (79°F), and Anchorage fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

It's quite sunny in Anchorage. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Anchorage during spring. Negril gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 233 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Negril. In April, Negril usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Negril 26°C (79°F) 
    Anchorage 36°F (2°C)

Typical Weather for Anchorage and Negril

Negril Anchorage
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 15°F (-9°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 19°F (-7°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 26°F (-3°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 36°F (2°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
May 27°C (81°F) 205 mm (8.1 in) 47°F (8°C) 0.8 inches (20 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 55°F (13°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 59°F (15°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 57°F (14°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 181 mm (7.1 in) 49°F (9°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 222 mm (8.7 in) 35°F (2°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 22°F (-6°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 17°F (-8°C) 1.1 inches (28 mm)