Which place is cheaper, Carmel-by-the-Sea or Negril?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Negril or Carmel-by-the-Sea?
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 Carmel-by-the-Sea. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?
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!
Carmel-by-the-Sea
A small, beach town on the Monterey Peninsula, Carmel-by-the-Sea is known for its idyllic natural scenery and artistic history. Carmel's village, just one square mile in size, is unlike any other in California with its picturesque views, European style and unusual laws.
Clint Eastwood served as mayor of Carmel from 1986-88. Without a single fast food or chain restaurants, visitors can easily feel that Carmel still preserves its slow and easy lifestyle, with all private-owned restaurants, coffee shops and pubs. This town is undoubtedly charming, even with its anti-high heel laws (though they aren't strictly enforced and permits are free at the City Hall), lack of street addresses and has been named the top destination for dog-friendly towns in the country. Grab your furry friends, leave your heels at home and get ready to explore this quaint and lovely town by the sea.
If you want to avoid the heat, Carmel is the perfect place to go, with year-round mild temperatures. Even during the summer seasons, you may not feel the heat through the fog and cool coastal weather. Peak seasons for travel are during summer months in August and September, (especially popular for weddings) and even then, the highs are still in the low 70s. Winter season lows dip only down to low 50s, with the Pacific Oceans maintaining moderate temperatures.
If you're driving to the city, keep in mind that the businesses do not have numbers in their addresses. To get directions or arrange a meeting, be sure to remember the name of the business and grab a map from the Carmel Chamber of Commerce.
Some famous artists who have resided in Carmel are Upton Sinclair, Jack London and Mary Austin. Carmel is known to be particularly dog-friendly, as almost all hotels allow guests to bring their dogs.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.
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Negril Prices
Jamaica PricesCarmel-by-the-Sea Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNegril $150Carmel-by-the-Sea $0.00
The average daily cost (per person) in Negril is $150, while the average daily cost in Carmel-by-the-Sea is $0.00. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNegril $102Carmel-by-the-Sea -
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNegril $204Carmel-by-the-Sea $0.00
Compare Hotels in Negril and Carmel-by-the-Sea
Looking for a hotel in Negril or Carmel-by-the-Sea? 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Negril $8.39Carmel-by-the-Sea $125
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$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
Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Carmel-by-the-Sea?
Prices for flights to both Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 $38Carmel-by-the-Sea $264
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
- Old Monterey Walking Food Tour: $164
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Negril $26Carmel-by-the-Sea -
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$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 Carmel-by-the-Sea
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Carmel-by-the-Sea are as follows:
- 17-Mile Drive Electric Bike Guided Tour: $75
- 17-Mile Drive Self-Guided Audio Tour from Monterey & Carmel: $15
- 2-Hour Monterey and Pacific Grove GoCar Tour: $169
- 3-Hour Whale Watching Tour from Monterey: $75
- 4 Hour Whale Watching Tour From Monterey: $85
- Carmel Point: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
- Carmel Small Group Walking Food & Cultural Tour: $149
- Carmel Tour in The Heavenly 17 Mile Drive: $30
- Carmel Walk Guided Tour Carmel by the Sea: $40
- Carmel on Foot Audio Tour: Courtyards, Artists & Ocean Views: $9.99
- Carmel-By-The-Sea Electric Bike Guided Tour: $75
- Carmel-by-the-Sea 2.5-3 Hour Electric Bike Tour: $79
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNegril $9.74Carmel-by-the-Sea -
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 Carmel-by-the-Sea
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Carmel-by-the-Sea:
- Wine Tasting Tours in a Vintage VW Bus: $139
- Carmel Valley Village: Wine Tasting Tours in a 1970 VW bus.: $139
- Wine Tasting and Walking Tour of Carmel-by-the-Sea: $159
- Wine Tasting and Walking Tour of Carmel-by-the-Sea: $159
- Carmel Valley Wine Tour's Premium Package: $245
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Negril and Carmel-by-the-Sea, we can see that Negril is more expensive. And not only is Carmel-by-the-Sea much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Negril is in Caribbean Islands and Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Negril Expensive? and Is Carmel-by-the-Sea Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Negril or Carmel-by-the-Sea?
Carmel-by-the-Sea has a larger population, and is about 35% larger than the population of Negril. When comparing the sizes of Negril and Carmel-by-the-Sea, 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?
Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Summer?
Both Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Negril is much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Typically, the summer temperatures in Negril in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Carmel-by-the-Sea averages at about 63°F (17°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually gets more rain in July than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNegril 27°C (81°F)Carmel-by-the-Sea 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Negril or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round. Furthermore, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Carmel-by-the-Sea this time of year.
In October, Negril is generally much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 27°C (81°F), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).
Negril gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Negril usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNegril 27°C (81°F)Carmel-by-the-Sea 62°F (17°C)
Should I visit Negril or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Negril as well as Carmel-by-the-Sea. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Negril is much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea in the winter. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).
Negril usually gets less rain in January than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNegril 25°C (77°F)Carmel-by-the-Sea 51°F (11°C)
Should I visit Negril or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Spring?
Both Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Negril is much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Typically, the spring temperatures in Negril in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Carmel-by-the-Sea averages at about 56°F (13°C).
It's quite rainy in Negril. In April, Negril usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNegril 26°C (79°F)Carmel-by-the-Sea 56°F (13°C)
Typical Weather for Carmel-by-the-Sea and Negril
| Negril | Carmel-by-the-Sea | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 53°F (12°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.1 inches (55 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 205 mm (8.1 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (4 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 62°F (16°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 222 mm (8.7 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.6 inches (14 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 51°F (10°C) | 2 inches (51 mm) |
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.