Which place is cheaper, Hilo 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 Hilo?
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 Hilo. 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 Hilo?
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!
Hilo
Hilo is a town on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is also the county seat and largest city in Hawaii County, so many people use it as the starting point to explore the eastern half of the island. The town has a population of just over 40,000 people. It looks out over Hilo Bay and most of the town's development is between Hilo Bay and Waiakea-Uka near the active volcano of Mauna Loa. Hilo is where you will find the University of Hawaii at Hilo, Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii, the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corportation and Hilo International Airport.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.
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Negril Prices
Jamaica PricesHilo Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNegril $150Hilo $222
The average daily cost (per person) in Negril is $150, while the average daily cost in Hilo is $222. 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 Hilo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNegril $102Hilo $71
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNegril $204Hilo $142
Compare Hotels in Negril and Hilo
Looking for a hotel in Negril or Hilo? 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 Hilo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Negril $8.39Hilo $25
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:
- Kingston to North Coast Tour with Private Transfer: $228
- Private Airport Transfer Montego Bay and Negril: $200
- Grand Palladium Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Rountrip): $200
- Private Airport Transfer Royalton Negril: $200
- Private Transfers-Negril and Runaway Bay hotels(Round Trip): $180
- Private Transfer from Jamaica (MBJ) Airport to Negril: $174
- Luxury Grand Palladium Transfer: $144
- Montego Bay Airport (MBJ) to Negril hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $139
- Montego Bay Airport Transfers to Negril Hotels: $134
- Private Airport transfer to/from all hotels in Negril round trip: $130
- Private Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Negril/Westmoreland Hotel: $123
- Club Kingston VIP Lounge & Fast Track with Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer: $112
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hilo
Also for Hilo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Arrival Transfer: Kona International Airport to Big Island Hotels: $204
- Private Departure Transfer: Big Island Hotels to Kona International Airport: $204
- Private Transfer from Kona City Hotels to Hilo Cruise Port : $201
- Private Transfer from Kailua Kona Port to Kailua Kona city hotels: $97
- Private Transfer from Kona Airport (KOA) to Kailua Kona Port: $97
- Private Transfer From Kona International Airport to Hotels in Waikoloa & Waimea : $95
- Private Transfer From Hotels in Waikoloa & Waimea to Kona International Airport: $85
- Private Transfer From Kona International Airport to Hotels in Kailua-Kona: $75
- Private Departure Transfer - to Keahole Kona Airport (KOA) : $72
- Private Arrival Transfer from Keahole Kona Airport KOA: $72
- Private Transfer From Hotels in Kailua-Kona to Kona International Airport: $70
- Waikoloa beach hotels to Kona Intl. Airport (KOA) - Departure Private Transfer: $49
Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Hilo?
Prices for flights to both Hilo 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 $38Hilo $121
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
- Local food tour and local fields : $164
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hilo
For Hilo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hands-On Hawaiian Imu Cooking and Cultural Dining Experience: $150
- Farm to Table Cooking Class at Kulaniapia Falls: $169
- Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay: $189
- Farm-to-Table Chef's Dinner at Kulaniapia Falls: $249
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Negril $26Hilo $32
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.
- Rick's Cafe Sunset Cruise : $60
- 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
- Appleton and Y.S Falls Tour from Negril Hotels: $261
- 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
- Boat tour: $117
Tours and Activities in Hilo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hilo.
- Akaka Falls Tour - Volcanoes National Park and Hilo Discovery: $179
- 2-Hour Hilo Ghost Walks Tour: $59
- 9-Line Waterfall Zipline Experience on the Big Island: $253
- Abalone Farm Tour: $35
- Baumkuchen Farm Tour: $5.00
- Big Island - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Driving Tour: $23
- Big Island ATV Tour at Ohana Ranch: $159
- Big Island Family Off Road Farm Adventure: $129
- Big Island Full Circle with Volcanoes and Akaka Falls Tour: $210
- Big Island Hawaii Self-Guided Driving Tour: $17
- Big Island Hawaii Volcano Day tour from Oahu and Hotel PU: $545
- Big Island Hawaii: Craft Chocolate Tasting and Farm Tour: $131
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNegril $9.74Hilo $10
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 Hilo, we can see that Hilo 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 Hilo 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 Hilo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hilo 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 Hilo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Negril or Hilo?
Hilo has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Negril. When comparing the sizes of Negril and Hilo, 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 Hilo?
Hilo 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 Hilo in the Summer?
Both Hilo and Negril are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Negril throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Hilo for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Negril is a little warmer than Hilo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Negril in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during summer. Negril gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. It's quite rainy in Negril. In July, Negril usually receives less rain than Hilo. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNegril 27°C (81°F)Hilo 76°F (24°C)
Should I visit Negril or Hilo in the Autumn?
Both Hilo and Negril during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Negril because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hilo in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Negril is generally a little warmer than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 27°C (81°F), and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).
It's quite sunny in Negril. In the autumn, Negril often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Negril gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 138 hours of full sun.
Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually gets less rain in October than Hilo. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNegril 27°C (81°F)Hilo 76°F (24°C)
Should I visit Negril or Hilo in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and Hilo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hilo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Negril is a little warmer than Hilo in the winter. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).
In Negril, it's very sunny this time of the year. Negril usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during winter. Negril gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.
Hilo receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Negril usually receives less rain than Hilo. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNegril 25°C (77°F)Hilo 72°F (22°C)
Should I visit Negril or Hilo in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Negril as well as Hilo. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Hilo because of the beaches and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Negril is a little warmer than Hilo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Negril in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Hilo averages at about 73°F (23°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Negril this time of the year. In the spring, Negril often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Negril gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 134 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Hilo. Negril receives a lot of rain in the spring. Negril usually gets less rain in April than Hilo. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNegril 26°C (79°F)Hilo 73°F (23°C)
Typical Weather for Hilo and Negril
| Negril | Hilo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 8.7 inches (221 mm) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 10.8 inches (274 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 13.6 inches (345 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 15.6 inches (395 mm) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 205 mm (8.1 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 10.7 inches (272 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 8.5 inches (215 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 222 mm (8.7 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 9.8 inches (248 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 14.8 inches (375 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 12.6 inches (321 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.