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

Should you visit Negril or Hilton Head Island?

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 Hilton Head Island. 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 Hilton Head Island?

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!

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head, also called Hilton Head Island, is primarily a resort and beach town off the coast of South Carolina. Located on a barrier island, the place is best known for its beaches and golf courses overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Hilton Head Island 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
    Hilton Head Island Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Negril $150
    Hilton Head Island $287

The average daily cost (per person) in Negril is $150, while the average daily cost in Hilton Head Island is $287. 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 Hilton Head Island in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Negril $102
    Hilton Head Island $129
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Negril $204
    Hilton Head Island $258
Compare Hotels in Negril and Hilton Head Island

Looking for a hotel in Negril or Hilton Head Island? 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 Hilton Head Island


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 Hilton Head Island Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Negril $8.39
    Hilton Head Island $34
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

Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Hilton Head Island?

Prices for flights to both Hilton Head Island 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
    Hilton Head Island $105

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 Hilton Head Island

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

  • Hilton Head Sunset Dinner Cruise: $106
  • Sunset Dinner Cruise: $106
  • Hibachi Dinner Cruise: $117
  • Lowcountry Boil Dinner Cruise: $118
  • Sunset Hibachi Dinner Cruise : $128
  • Lowcountry Boil Dinner Cruise on Hilton Head: $148

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Negril $26
    Hilton Head Island $23
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

Tours and Activities in Hilton Head Island

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

  • #1 Historical Horse Drawn Carriage Tour: $38
  • 1 Hour Private Dolphin and Nature Tour: $300
  • 2 Hour Kayak Hilton Head Dolphin and Nature Tour: $49
  • 2-Hour Hilton Head Guided Kayak Nature Tour: $47
  • 2-Hour Private Hilton Head Dolphin Watching Cruise: $269
  • 90 Minute Hilton Head Dolphin Tour: $48
  • 90 Minute Hilton Head Dolphin and Nature Cruise: $47
  • 90 minute Hilton Head Sunset Dolphin Cruise: $55
  • 90-Minute Dolphin and Nature Tour of Hilton Head: $47
  • 90-Minute Private Dolphin Tour in Hilton Head Island : $269
  • Beaufort City Minibus Tour: $37
  • Beaufort Gullah Heritage Tour: $52

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Negril $9.74
    Hilton Head Island $26

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 Hilton Head Island

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Hilton Head Island:

  • Hilton Head's ONLY Distillery Experience: $55


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


Which is Bigger, Negril or Hilton Head Island?

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

Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Negril is around the same temperature as Hilton Head Island. Typically, the summer temperatures in Negril in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Hilton Head Island averages at about 82°F (28°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island during summer. Negril gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Hilton Head Island receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.

Hilton Head Island receives a lot of rain in the summer. Negril gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Negril usually receives less rain than Hilton Head Island. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Hilton Head Island 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Negril or Hilton Head Island in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Negril as well as Hilton Head Island. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Hilton Head Island for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Negril is generally a little warmer than Hilton Head Island. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 27°C (81°F), and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hilton Head Island. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Negril this time of the year. In the autumn, Negril often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hilton Head Island. Negril gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilton Head Island receives 223 hours of full sun.

Negril receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Negril usually gets more rain in October than Hilton Head Island. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Hilton Head Island 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Negril or Hilton Head Island in the Winter?

Both Hilton Head Island 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, the winter months attract visitors to Hilton Head Island because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Negril is much warmer than Hilton Head Island in the winter. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually receives more sunshine than Hilton Head Island during winter. Negril gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Hilton Head Island receives 176 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Negril usually receives less rain than Hilton Head Island. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Negril 25°C (77°F) 
    Hilton Head Island 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Negril or Hilton Head Island in the Spring?

Both Hilton Head Island 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 beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Hilton Head Island this time of year.

In the spring, Negril is a little warmer than Hilton Head Island. Typically, the spring temperatures in Negril in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Hilton Head Island averages at about 67°F (19°C).

In Hilton Head Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Negril. In the spring, Negril often gets less sunshine than Hilton Head Island. Negril gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilton Head Island receives 275 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually gets more rain in April than Hilton Head Island. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Negril 26°C (79°F) 
    Hilton Head Island 67°F (19°C)

Typical Weather for Hilton Head Island and Negril

Negril Hilton Head Island
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 48°F (9°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 52°F (11°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 67°F (19°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
May 27°C (81°F) 205 mm (8.1 in) 73°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 80°F (26°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 82°F (28°C) 7.9 inches (200 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (164 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 181 mm (7.1 in) 77°F (25°C) 5.6 inches (141 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 222 mm (8.7 in) 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 59°F (15°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 52°F (11°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)