Which place is cheaper, Key West 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 Key West?
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 Key West. 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 Key West?
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!
Key West
Key West is both a city and an island as well as the southern most Florida Key. It is also the southern most city in the continental United States. The island is only about four miles long and one mile wide. The total land mass covers just 4.2 square miles. The most famous street in town is Duval Street, which runs just 1.1 miles from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. There are 14 blocks. The size of the island doubled during the 1950s when many of the salt ponds along the eastern side of the island were filled in.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.
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Negril Prices
Jamaica PricesKey West Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNegril $150Key West $832
The average daily cost (per person) in Negril is $150, while the average daily cost in Key West is $832. 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 Key West in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNegril $102Key West $132
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNegril $204Key West $264
Compare Hotels in Negril and Key West
Looking for a hotel in Negril or Key West? 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 Key West Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Negril $8.39Key West $51
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
- Comfortable Montego Bay Airport to Negril Resorts Transfer 1 way: $33
- MBJ Airport Private Transfers to any Negril Hotels: $34
- 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
- Private Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Grand Palladium: $40
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Key West
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Key West:
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Rental Car for One Day$38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Key West
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Key West:
- Key West to Key West Airport (EYW) - Departure Private Transfer: $164
- Key West Int Airport (EYW) to Key West - Arrival Private Transfer: $163
- Key West Int Airport EYW to Key West Hotels Arrival Transfer: $155
- Key West hotels to Key West Int Airport (EYW) Departure Transfer: $155
- Private Arrival Transfer from Key West Airport EYW: $144
- Private Transfer from Key West hotels to Key West Cruise Port: $114
- Private Transfer from Key West Port to Key West Airport (EYW): $112
- Private Transfer from Key West Airport (EYW) to Key West Port: $112
- One Way Airport Transfer Service: $54
Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Key West?
Prices for flights to both Key West 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 $38Key West $667
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 Key West
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Key West.
- Sunset Dinner Cruise with Open Bar & Live Music: $74
- Exploring and Walking Food Tour of Cayo Hueso: $80
- Key West Cooking Show Chef Demonstration with Meal: $81
- Cooking Show Chef Demonstration with Meal: $81
- Key West Sunset Cruise: Dinner, Live Music & Drinks Included: $84
- Southernmost Food & Cultural Walking Tour by Key West Food Tours: $90
- Key West Sunset Buffet Dinner Cruise with Open Bar and Live Music: $100
- Secret Walking Food Tour: $115
- Sunset Sail Full Bar, Live Music & Dinner & Early Morning Snorkeling: $160
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Negril $26Key West $33
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
- Private Seven Mile Beach and Rick’s Café Tour From Negril Hotels: $59
- Negril Beach Experience & Rick's Cafe from Negril: $59
- Private Negril Beach Experience and Rick's Cafe from Negril: $60
- Buddle's Taxi and Tours : $60
- Rick's Cafe Sunset Cruise : $60
- Negril Glass Bottom Boat Tour Snorkeling and Booby Cay: $65
- Private Negril Highlights Tour: $75
- Zimbali's Rasta Tour Lunch: $75
- Private Guided 2-Hour Tour in Montego Bay: $77
- Rose Hall Great House and Glistening Waters Luminous Lagoon Tour : $80
- Negril Country Side Tour & Rick's Cafe : $82
Tours and Activities in Key West
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Key West are as follows:
- 1 Hour Key West Jet Ski Freestyle Adventure: $155
- 2 Hour Key West Mini Catamaran Eco Tour: $285
- 2-Hour Live Music Guided Tour in Key West: $35
- A Self Guided Key West Cemetery Tour: $30
- Day Sailing Adventure in the Florida Marine Sanctuary: $99
- Day in Key West - Private SUV Tour From Miami: $1,300
- Dinghy Drinking Tour through Key West Waters: $85
- Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Adventure in Key West: $89
- Florida Key West Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
- Florida Keys: Aquarium Encounters Day Tour with Lunch: $182
- Florida Keys: Dolphin Research Center Day Tour with Lunch: $182
- Florida Keys: Up The Keys Nature Tour: $128
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNegril $9.74Key West $16
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 Key West
Also in Key West, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Key West Bar Crawl: $15
- Key West Haunted Pub Crawl and Ghost Tour with Free T-Shirt: $32
- Bone Island Haunted Pub Crawl: $32
- Key West Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35
- Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35
- 2.5-Hour Duval Street Pub Crawl: $43
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Negril and Key West, we can see that Key West 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 Key West 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 Key West would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Key West 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 Key West Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Negril or Key West?
Key West has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Negril. When comparing the sizes of Negril and Key West, 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 Key West?
Key West 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 Key West in the Summer?
Both Key West 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 travelers come to Key West for the beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
Negril is around the same temperature as Key West in the summer. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Key West fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).
In Key West, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Negril. In the summer, Negril often gets less sunshine than Key West. Negril gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Key West receives 328 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually gets more rain in July than Key West. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Key West receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNegril 27°C (81°F)Key West 84°F (29°C)
Should I visit Negril or Key West in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and Key West. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round. Also, many visitors come to Key West in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Negril is around the same temperature as Key West. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Negril in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Key West averages at about 80°F (27°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key West this time of the year. In Negril, it's very sunny this time of the year. Negril usually receives less sunshine than Key West during autumn. Negril gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Key West receives 258 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Key West receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Negril gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Negril usually receives more rain than Key West. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Key West receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Key West is the hurricane season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNegril 27°C (81°F)Key West 80°F (27°C)
Should I visit Negril or Key West in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Negril as well as Key West. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Key West for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.
In January, Negril is generally a little warmer than Key West. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 25°C (77°F), and Key West fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key West. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Negril this time of the year. In the winter, Negril often gets less sunshine than Key West. Negril gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Key West receives 252 hours of full sun.
Negril usually gets more rain in January than Key West. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Key West receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNegril 25°C (77°F)Key West 70°F (21°C)
Should I visit Negril or Key West in the Spring?
Both Key West 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 spring months attract visitors to Key West because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.
Negril is around the same temperature as Key West in the spring. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Key West fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).
It's quite sunny in Key West. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually receives less sunshine than Key West during spring. Negril gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Key West receives 326 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Negril. In April, Negril usually receives more rain than Key West. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Key West receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Key West is June to November.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNegril 26°C (79°F)Key West 77°F (25°C)
Typical Weather for Key West and Negril
| Negril | Key West | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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) |
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.