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

Should you visit Negril or Fairbanks?

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 Fairbanks. 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 Fairbanks?

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!

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is the only 'city' in the interior region of Alaska, and the largest settlement for hundreds of miles, but it has many characteristics of a small town where everyone seems to know everyone. Because the city sits at the nexus of some truly epic routes - north to the Arctic, east to Canada and south to Denali - you'll almost inevitably end up spending time here, and that time is rarely boring. The residential streets of compact downtown are pretty as a picture, and during winter, this is ground zero for viewing the aurora borealis.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.


Which place is cheaper, Fairbanks 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
    Fairbanks Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Negril $150
    Fairbanks $318

The average daily cost (per person) in Negril is $150, while the average daily cost in Fairbanks is $318. 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 Fairbanks in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Negril $102
    Fairbanks $154
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Negril $204
    Fairbanks $308
Compare Hotels in Negril and Fairbanks

Looking for a hotel in Negril or Fairbanks? 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 Fairbanks


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 Fairbanks Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Negril $8.39
    Fairbanks $66
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:

  • Sandals South Coast Private Transfer (White House): $83
  • Roundtrip Transfer To or From Jam West Adventure: $100
  • Roundtrip MBJ Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Hotel Riu Negril: $95
  • Round-trip Airport Transfer to Grand Palladium Resort & Spa: $75
  • Round-Trip or Direct Private Airport Transfer to Lucea Resorts: $37
  • Private Transfer from Sangster Intl Airport to Negril Jamaica: $60
  • Private Transfer from Negril to Jamaica (MBJ) Airport: $176
  • Private Transfer from Montego Bay Airport - Negril Hotels: $58
  • Private Transfer from MBJ Airport to Grand Palladium Hotel: $38
  • Private Transfer between Hedonism ll Resort and Airport : $53
  • Private Transfer From or To Airport to Rui Negril : $61
  • Private Negril Hotels Transfer from Montego Bay (MBJ)Airport: $54

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Fairbanks

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Fairbanks:


  • Full Tank of Gas
    $90

Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Fairbanks?

Prices for flights to both Fairbanks 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
    Fairbanks $109

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 Fairbanks

For Fairbanks, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for Two at Pike's Landing
    $63
  • Totem Inn Breakfast for Two
    $46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Fairbanks

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

  • Aurora Viewing and Dinner : $120
  • Late Night Yurt Dinner and Northern Lights: $210
  • "Aurora Ice" - Ice Fishing & Salmon Dinner Tour: $239
  • Best Northern Lights Aurora Adventure FREE Portraits & Hot Pizza : $270
  • Northern Lights Adventure with Photos & HOT PIZZA: $300
  • Moonlight Dog Sled, Dinner & Northern Lights: $320

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Negril $26
    Fairbanks $65
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.

  • Rick's Cafe Sunset Cruise : $60
  • YS Falls and Sightseeing Tour Day Adventure: $138
  • 7Mile Beach/Ricks Cafe Tour with Free Shopping from Montego Bay: $115
  • ATV's, Shopping, Seven Mile Beach,Catamaran Cruise to Ricks Cafe : $130
  • Appleton Estate Rum Tour: $113
  • Appleton Estate Rum Tour and Tasting from Negril: $232
  • Bamboo Rafting and Rick Cafe Negril Private Tour: $156
  • Bambuza ATV, Zipline and Horseback Adventure from Negril: $190
  • Benta River & Falls Private Tour From Montego Bay/Negril: $150
  • Black River Safari & YS Falls Guided Tour with Lunch & Admission from Negril: $145
  • Black River Safari and YS Falls Tour from Negril: $232
  • Blue Hole Secret Falls and Dunns River Falls Adventure: $134

Typical Entertainment Prices in Fairbanks

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Fairbanks's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • The Riverboat Discovery Trip
    $55
  • 1 Day Mountain Bike Rental
    $27
  • Canoe Rental with Pickup
    $56

Tours and Activities in Fairbanks

For Fairbanks, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 1 Day Shared Tour Arctic Circle and Aurora Viewing in Alaska: $150
  • 1 Hour Fall Sled Dog Experience in Two Rivers: $130
  • 1 Hour Snowmobile Adventure in Boreal Forest: $159
  • 1.5-Hour Beer and Puppies Guided Experience in Fairbanks: $58
  • 3 Hour Ice Fishing Experience: $145
  • 3-Hour Small Group 9-Hole Self-Guided Fairbanks Golf Experience: $114
  • Alaska: Private Northern Lights Viewing Tour: $495
  • Alaskan Heritage and Sightseeing Tour in Fairbanks: $165
  • Arctic Circle Adventure: Journey on the Dalton Highway: $275
  • Arctic Circle Day Tour Adventure: $299
  • Arctic Circle Full-Day Adventure from Fairbanks: $285
  • Aurora Chaser Tour: $161

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Negril $9.74
    Fairbanks $27

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 Fairbanks, we can see that Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Negril or Fairbanks?

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

Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and Fairbanks. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Fairbanks for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Negril is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the summer temperatures in Negril in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Fairbanks averages at about 64°F (18°C).

Negril gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Negril usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Fairbanks 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Negril or Fairbanks in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Negril as well as Fairbanks. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Fairbanks in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Fairbanks can get quite cold in the autumn. In October, Negril is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 27°C (81°F), and Fairbanks fluctuates around 27°F (-3°C).

Negril receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Negril usually gets more rain in October than Fairbanks. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Fairbanks 27°F (-3°C)

Should I visit Negril or Fairbanks in the Winter?

Both Fairbanks and Negril are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Negril throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Fairbanks for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Fairbanks can be very cold during winter. Negril is much warmer than Fairbanks in the winter. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Fairbanks fluctuates around -9°F (-23°C).

In January, Negril usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Negril 25°C (77°F) 
    Fairbanks -9°F (-23°C)

Should I visit Negril or Fairbanks in the Spring?

Both Fairbanks and Negril during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Negril because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Fairbanks because of the natural beauty.

The weather in Fairbanks can be very cold. In the spring, Negril is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the spring temperatures in Negril in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Fairbanks averages at about 32°F (0°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually gets more rain in April than Fairbanks. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Negril 26°C (79°F) 
    Fairbanks 32°F (0°C)

Typical Weather for Fairbanks and Negril

Negril Fairbanks
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) -9°F (-23°C) 0.5 inches (13 mm)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) -2°F (-19°C) 0.4 inches (11 mm)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 13°F (-11°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 32°F (0°C) 0.4 inches (9 mm)
May 27°C (81°F) 205 mm (8.1 in) 50°F (10°C) 0.6 inches (16 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 62°F (16°C) 1.4 inches (36 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 64°F (18°C) 2 inches (51 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 58°F (15°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 181 mm (7.1 in) 47°F (8°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 222 mm (8.7 in) 27°F (-3°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 4°F (-15°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) -5°F (-21°C) 0.9 inches (23 mm)