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

Should you visit Negril or Atlantic City?

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 Atlantic City. 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 Atlantic City?

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!

Atlantic City

Atlantic City, on the southeastern coast of New Jersey, is a popular destination for gambling, partying, and generally having fun. The beach is lined with casinos, many with famous names, and there's a boardwalk that offers a diverse experience. Most people don't head to Atlantic City for the beaches - it's the casinos and partying that draws a crowd. This is a popular spot for bachelor and bachelorette parties, or anybody looking for an affordable place to gamble.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Atlantic City 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
    Atlantic City Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Negril $150
    Atlantic City $190

The average daily cost (per person) in Negril is $150, while the average daily cost in Atlantic City is $190. 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 Atlantic City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Negril $102
    Atlantic City $73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Negril $204
    Atlantic City $146
Compare Hotels in Negril and Atlantic City

Looking for a hotel in Negril or Atlantic City? 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 Atlantic City


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 Atlantic City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Negril $8.39
    Atlantic City $40
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:

  • Airport Transfer To Negril: $60
  • Azul Sensatori Jamaica Airport Transfers: $90
  • Club Kingston VIP Lounge & Fast Track with Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer: $112
  • Comfortable Montego Bay Airport to Grand Palladium Transfer 1 Way: $23
  • Convenient Airport Transfer To Hotels in Negril : $75
  • Exclusive Tours and Airport Transfers from (MBJ) To Negril : $50
  • Grand Palladium Airport Transfer: $37
  • Grand Palladium Airport Transfer : $45
  • Grand Palladium Airport Transfer : $40
  • Grand Palladium Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Rountrip): $200
  • Grand Palladium Jamaica & Lady Hamilton MBj Airport Transfer: $60
  • Grand Palladium Jamaica - Lady Hamilton Airport Transfer MBJ ***: $15

Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Atlantic City?

Prices for flights to both Atlantic City 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
    Atlantic City $86

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Negril $26
    Atlantic City $44
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

Tours and Activities in Atlantic City

Here are a few actual costs in Atlantic City for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1 Hour Private Escape Room Experience in Ocean City: $36
  • 1-Hour Ocean Parasailing Adventure In Ocean City, MD: $95
  • 1-Hour Private Party Assateague Island Pony Cruise in Ocean City: $200
  • 1-Hour Private Party Happy Hour Booze Cruise in Ocean City, MD: $190
  • 1-Hour Sea Rocket Sunset & OC Harbor Cruise in Ocean City, MD: $38
  • 45-Minute Sea Rocket Speed Boat & Dolphin Cruise in Ocean City MD: $40
  • 75 Minute Private Party Back Bay Sunset Cruise in Ocean City, MD: $200
  • Aces to Ashes: Apparitions of Atlantic City Boardwalk Ghost Tour: $31
  • Assateague Horses, Herons and Happy Hour Cruise: $40
  • Atlantic City Adventure Scavenger Hunt: $29
  • Downtown/Boardwalk Foodie Tour: $110
  • EARLY BIRD SPECIAL: Speed Boat & Dolphin Cruise in Ocean City, MD: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Negril $9.74
    Atlantic City $39

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


Which is Bigger, Negril or Atlantic City?

Atlantic City has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Negril. When comparing the sizes of Negril and Atlantic City, 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 Atlantic City?

Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Negril as well as Atlantic City. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Atlantic City this time of year.

In July, Negril is generally a little warmer than Atlantic City. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 27°C (81°F), and Atlantic City fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlantic City. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Negril this time of the year. In the summer, Negril often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Atlantic City. Negril gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlantic City receives 273 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Atlantic City. Negril receives a lot of rain in the summer. Negril usually gets more rain in July than Atlantic City. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Atlantic City 75°F (24°C)

Should I visit Negril or Atlantic City in the Autumn?

Both Atlantic City and Negril are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Negril throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Atlantic City for the shopping scene.

Negril is much warmer than Atlantic City in the autumn. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Atlantic City fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually receives more sunshine than Atlantic City during autumn. Negril gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Atlantic City receives 197 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Negril. In October, Negril usually receives more rain than Atlantic City. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Atlantic City 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Negril or Atlantic City in the Winter?

Both Atlantic City and Negril during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Negril because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Atlantic City in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Atlantic City can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Negril is much warmer than Atlantic City. Typically, the winter temperatures in Negril in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Atlantic City averages at about 31°F (-0°C).

It's quite sunny in Negril. In the winter, Negril often gets more sunshine than Atlantic City. Negril gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlantic City receives 146 hours of full sun.

Negril usually gets less rain in January than Atlantic City. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Negril 25°C (77°F) 
    Atlantic City 31°F (-0°C)

Should I visit Negril or Atlantic City in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and Atlantic City. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round. Also, most visitors come to Atlantic City for the beaches during these months.

In April, Negril is generally much warmer than Atlantic City. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 26°C (79°F), and Atlantic City fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Atlantic City this time of the year. In Negril, it's very sunny this time of the year. Negril usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Atlantic City during spring. Negril gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Atlantic City receives 217 hours of full sun in the spring.

Negril gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Negril usually receives more rain than Atlantic City. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Negril 26°C (79°F) 
    Atlantic City 51°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Atlantic City and Negril

Negril Atlantic City
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 31°F (-0°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 33°F (1°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 42°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 51°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
May 27°C (81°F) 205 mm (8.1 in) 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 70°F (21°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 75°F (24°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 74°F (23°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 181 mm (7.1 in) 67°F (19°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 222 mm (8.7 in) 56°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 46°F (8°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 36°F (2°C) 3 inches (76 mm)