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

Should you visit Negril or Islamorada?

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 Islamorada. 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 Islamorada?

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!

Islamorada

From its thriving coral reefs to its miraculous botanical gardens, you will find adventure on both land and sea at Islamorada, Florida. Islamorada, or "Village of Islands," is located in Monroe County and holds a population of no more than 6,119. As Islamorada's village is occupied within a cluster of nearby islands, Islamorada is located on Tea Table Key, Lower Matecumbe Key, Upper Matecumbe Key, Windley Key and Plantation Key in the Florida Keys. The village is relatively small, expanding to about 7.2 square miles total. Approximately an hour and a half-drive from Miami and a two hour-drive from Key West, Islamorada works swimmingly for those who seek to acquaint themselves with the tropical pleasures of the Keys.

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


Which place is cheaper, Islamorada 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
    Islamorada Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Negril $150
    Islamorada $179

The average daily cost (per person) in Negril is $150, while the average daily cost in Islamorada is $179. 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 Islamorada in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Negril $102
    Islamorada $79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Negril $204
    Islamorada $158
Compare Hotels in Negril and Islamorada

Looking for a hotel in Negril or Islamorada? 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 Islamorada


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 Islamorada Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Negril $8.39
    Islamorada $28
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:

  • Grand Palladium Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Rountrip): $200
  • Private Airport Transfer Montego Bay and Negril: $200
  • Private Airport Transfer Royalton Negril: $200
  • Private Transfer from Negril to Jamaica (MBJ) Airport: $176
  • Luxury Grand Palladium Transfer: $144
  • Private Customizable Transfer from Sangster Intl Airport - Negril: $140
  • 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
  • Private Montego Bay Airport/ Port Transfer To Hotels in Negril: $110

Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Islamorada?

Prices for flights to both Islamorada 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
    Islamorada $81

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Negril $26
    Islamorada $19
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 Islamorada

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Islamorada.

  • 2 Hour Private Eco-Tour: $950
  • From Miami: Key Largo & Islamorada Private Open-Top Bus Tour: $1,515
  • Private Boat Tour with Snorkeling and Sandbar: $950
  • Private Snorkel & Sandbar Adventure: $599

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Negril $9.74
    Islamorada $15

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


Which is Bigger, Negril or Islamorada?

Islamorada has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Negril. When comparing the sizes of Negril and Islamorada, 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 Islamorada?

Islamorada 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 Islamorada in the Summer?

Both Islamorada 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, most visitors come to Islamorada for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Negril is generally around the same temperature as Islamorada. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 27°C (81°F), and Islamorada fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

It's quite sunny in Islamorada. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually receives less sunshine than Islamorada during summer. Negril gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Islamorada receives 328 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Negril. In July, Negril usually receives more rain than Islamorada. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Islamorada receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Islamorada 84°F (29°C)

Should I visit Negril or Islamorada in the Autumn?

Both Islamorada 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, the autumn months attract visitors to Islamorada because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Negril is around the same temperature as Islamorada in the autumn. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Islamorada fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).

In Islamorada, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Negril. In the autumn, Negril often gets less sunshine than Islamorada. Negril gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamorada receives 258 hours of full sun.

Islamorada gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually gets more rain in October than Islamorada. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Islamorada receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Islamorada.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Islamorada 80°F (27°C)

Should I visit Negril or Islamorada in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and Islamorada. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Islamorada this time of year.

In the winter, Negril is a little warmer than Islamorada. Typically, the winter temperatures in Negril in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Islamorada averages at about 70°F (21°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamorada this time of the year. In Negril, it's very sunny this time of the year. Negril usually receives less sunshine than Islamorada during winter. Negril gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Islamorada receives 252 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Negril usually receives more rain than Islamorada. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Islamorada receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Negril 25°C (77°F) 
    Islamorada 70°F (21°C)

Should I visit Negril or Islamorada in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Negril as well as Islamorada. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Islamorada for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Negril is generally around the same temperature as Islamorada. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 26°C (79°F), and Islamorada fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamorada. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Negril this time of the year. In the spring, Negril often gets less sunshine than Islamorada. Negril gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamorada receives 326 hours of full sun.

Negril receives a lot of rain in the spring. Negril usually gets more rain in April than Islamorada. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Islamorada receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Islamorada is the hurricane season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Negril 26°C (79°F) 
    Islamorada 77°F (25°C)

Typical Weather for Islamorada and Negril

Negril Islamorada
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 70°F (21°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 71°F (21°C) 1.4 inches (36 mm)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 74°F (23°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 77°F (25°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
May 27°C (81°F) 205 mm (8.1 in) 81°F (27°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 83°F (28°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 84°F (29°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 84°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 181 mm (7.1 in) 83°F (29°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 222 mm (8.7 in) 80°F (27°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 76°F (24°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 72°F (22°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm)