Which place is cheaper, Hot Springs 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 Hot Springs?
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 Hot Springs. 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 Hot Springs?
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!
Hot Springs
Hot Springs is a popular resort city in central Arkansas. It's location in the Ouachita Mountains make it a convenient base for exploring the area's natural hot springs, from which the city gets its name. The city is also home to Hot Springs National Park, which have long been believed to have healing properties. Today many spas have popped up around the hot springs.
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 PricesHot Springs Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNegril $150Hot Springs $220
The average daily cost (per person) in Negril is $150, while the average daily cost in Hot Springs is $220. 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 Hot Springs in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNegril $102Hot Springs $100
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNegril $204Hot Springs $200
Compare Hotels in Negril and Hot Springs
Looking for a hotel in Negril or Hot Springs? 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 Hot Springs Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Negril $8.39Hot Springs $47
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hot Springs
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hot Springs:
- Hot Springs to Little Rock Airport LIT Departure Private Transfer: $125
Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Hot Springs?
Prices for flights to both Hot Springs 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 $38Hot Springs $90
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Negril $26Hot Springs $30
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 Hot Springs
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Hot Springs are as follows:
- Hot Springs NP Self Guided Driving and Walking Audio Tour: $15
- Small-Group Zipline Tour in Hot Springs: $67
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNegril $9.74Hot Springs $22
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 Hot Springs, we can see that Hot Springs 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 Hot Springs 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 Hot Springs would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hot Springs 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 Hot Springs Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Negril or Hot Springs?
Hot Springs has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Negril. When comparing the sizes of Negril and Hot Springs, 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 Hot Springs?
Hot Springs 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 Hot Springs in the Summer?
Both Hot Springs 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.
In July, Negril is generally around the same temperature as Hot Springs. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 27°C (81°F), and Hot Springs fluctuates around 83°F (28°C).
In Hot Springs, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Negril. In the summer, Negril often gets less sunshine than Hot Springs. Negril gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hot Springs receives 364 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually gets more rain in July than Hot Springs. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Hot Springs receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNegril 27°C (81°F)Hot Springs 83°F (28°C)
Should I visit Negril or Hot Springs in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and Hot Springs. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round.
Negril is much warmer than Hot Springs in the autumn. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Hot Springs fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hot Springs this time of the year. In Negril, it's very sunny this time of the year. Negril usually receives less sunshine than Hot Springs during autumn. Negril gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Hot Springs receives 254 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Negril gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Negril usually receives more rain than Hot Springs. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Hot Springs receives 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNegril 27°C (81°F)Hot Springs 64°F (18°C)
Should I visit Negril or Hot Springs in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Negril as well as Hot Springs. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Hot Springs can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Negril is much warmer than Hot Springs. Typically, the winter temperatures in Negril in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Hot Springs averages at about 40°F (4°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hot Springs. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Negril this time of the year. In the winter, Negril often gets more sunshine than Hot Springs. Negril gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hot Springs receives 205 hours of full sun.
Negril usually gets less rain in January than Hot Springs. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Hot Springs receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNegril 25°C (77°F)Hot Springs 40°F (4°C)
Should I visit Negril or Hot Springs in the Spring?
Both Hot Springs and Negril are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Negril throughout the year.
In April, Negril is generally a little warmer than Hot Springs. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 26°C (79°F), and Hot Springs fluctuates around 65°F (18°C).
It's quite sunny in Hot Springs. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually receives less sunshine than Hot Springs during spring. Negril gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Hot Springs receives 304 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hot Springs. It's quite rainy in Negril. In April, Negril usually receives less rain than Hot Springs. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Hot Springs receives 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNegril 26°C (79°F)Hot Springs 65°F (18°C)
Typical Weather for Hot Springs and Negril
| Negril | Hot Springs | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 40°F (4°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 45°F (7°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 4.8 inches (121 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 65°F (18°C) | 5.2 inches (133 mm) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 205 mm (8.1 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 5.2 inches (133 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 79°F (26°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 83°F (28°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 222 mm (8.7 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 53°F (12°C) | 5.1 inches (130 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 44°F (6°C) | 4.6 inches (118 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.