Which place is cheaper, Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan?
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 Ketchikan. 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 Ketchikan?
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!
Ketchikan
Ketchikan, Alaska is located at the southern end of the well-known Alaskan inside passage. It is often called the beginning of the last frontier, because of it's location near the southern entrance of Alaska. It is a beautiful and quaint town, that leaves you feeling like you may have gone back in time with its storefront lined streets and natural beauty. Ketchikan has been called some of the most beautifully stunning wilderness area in the world. It is known as the Salmon Capital of the World due to the superior century old fishing industry in the area. The Native Culture in Ketchikan is extremely rich and it is home to the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian tribes. The nearby Tongass rainforest provides red cedar trees for the popular totem poles, which are abundant in the area.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.
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Negril Prices
Jamaica PricesKetchikan Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNegril $150Ketchikan $259
The average daily cost (per person) in Negril is $150, while the average daily cost in Ketchikan is $259. 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 Ketchikan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNegril $102Ketchikan $136
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNegril $204Ketchikan $272
Compare Hotels in Negril and Ketchikan
Looking for a hotel in Negril or Ketchikan? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Negril $8.39Ketchikan $39
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ketchikan
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Ketchikan are as follows:
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Bus Ride$1.00
Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Ketchikan?
Prices for flights to both Ketchikan 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 $38Ketchikan $92
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 Ketchikan
Some typical examples of dining costs in Ketchikan are as follows:
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Slice of Pie & Drink$5.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ketchikan
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ketchikan.
- Alaskan Salmon Cooking Class & Dining Experience: $179
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Negril $26Ketchikan $46
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ketchikan
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Ketchikan are as follows:
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Ticket to Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show$35
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Duck Tour (one person)$38
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Bear Viewing Tour$83
Tours and Activities in Ketchikan
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ketchikan are as follows:
- “OVER THE TOP TOURS” city highlights, wildlife and more!: $100
- 2 Hour Alaska Rainforest Walk and Totem Park Small Group Tour: $95
- 2 Hour Custom Wildlife and Historical Tour: $100
- 2 Hour Private Tour with locals ( Price up to 5): $300
- 2 hr Private Custom Tour of Ketchikan (14 people) Wildlife + More: $250
- 2.5 Hour Tour in Ketchikan on the Tongass Trolley: $85
- 3 Hour Rainforest Walk & Totem Park Wild Wolf Tours: $125
- Adventure Kart Expedition- Ketchikan, AK: $282
- Alaska Bigfoot Adventures: $149
- Alaska Historical Tour with Cruise Hike and Cultural Immersion: $260
- Alaska Wildlife Safari and Sightseeing Tour: $137
- Alaska Wildlife Waterfall Tours: $100
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNegril $9.74Ketchikan $23
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 Ketchikan
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Ketchikan:
- Distillery Tour and Signature Bottle Infusion Experience: $149
- Distillery Tour with Infusion Class: $161
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Negril and Ketchikan, we can see that Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Negril or Ketchikan?
Ketchikan has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Negril. When comparing the sizes of Negril and Ketchikan, 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 Ketchikan?
Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan in the Summer?
Both Ketchikan 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. Also, many visitors come to Ketchikan in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Negril is generally much warmer than Ketchikan. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 27°C (81°F), and Ketchikan fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).
Ketchikan 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 July than Ketchikan. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 7.6 inches (193 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNegril 27°C (81°F)Ketchikan 58°F (15°C)
Should I visit Negril or Ketchikan in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and Ketchikan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round. Also, most visitors come to Ketchikan for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Negril is much warmer than Ketchikan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Ketchikan fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).
Ketchikan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Negril gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Negril usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 22.9 inches (581 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNegril 27°C (81°F)Ketchikan 46°F (8°C)
Should I visit Negril or Ketchikan in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Negril as well as Ketchikan. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Ketchikan because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Ketchikan can be very cold. In the winter, Negril is much warmer than Ketchikan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Negril in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Ketchikan averages at about 34°F (1°C).
It's quite rainy in Ketchikan. Negril usually gets less rain in January than Ketchikan. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 14.9 inches (379 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNegril 25°C (77°F)Ketchikan 34°F (1°C)
Should I visit Negril or Ketchikan in the Spring?
Both Ketchikan and Negril are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Negril throughout the year. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Ketchikan this time of year.
In April, Negril is generally much warmer than Ketchikan. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 26°C (79°F), and Ketchikan fluctuates around 44°F (6°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Ketchikan. It's quite rainy in Negril. In April, Negril usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 11.3 inches (286 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNegril 26°C (79°F)Ketchikan 44°F (6°C)
Typical Weather for Ketchikan and Negril
| Negril | Ketchikan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 34°F (1°C) | 14.9 inches (379 mm) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 38°F (3°C) | 13.2 inches (335 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 39°F (4°C) | 10.6 inches (270 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 44°F (6°C) | 11.3 inches (286 mm) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 205 mm (8.1 in) | 49°F (9°C) | 9.3 inches (237 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 8.2 inches (209 mm) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 58°F (15°C) | 7.6 inches (193 mm) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 11.1 inches (281 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 13.2 inches (335 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 222 mm (8.7 in) | 46°F (8°C) | 22.9 inches (581 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 40°F (4°C) | 17.3 inches (441 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 36°F (2°C) | 15.7 inches (398 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.