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

Should you visit Negril or Maui?

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 Maui. 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 Maui?

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!

Maui

Who hasn't spent at least one Monday morning fantasizing about holding a mai tai on a Hawaiian beach? A trip to Maui may be just what we all have in mind, but it's so much more than a drink on a sandy towel.

At over 700 square miles, the island of Maui is the second largest of the Hawaiian islands with a small population of just over 140,000 people. The island enjoys approximately two seasons a year with a mild climate just about everywhere. Rough living, right?

Voted "Best Island in the World" by many in the travel industry, Maui is the center for whale watching, relaxing on the beach, snorkeling, and the home of a large and lush rainforest.

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


Which place is cheaper, Maui or Negril?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Negril is $150, while the average daily cost in Maui is $343. 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 Maui in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Negril $102
    Maui $141
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Negril $204
    Maui $282
Compare Hotels in Negril and Maui

Looking for a hotel in Negril or Maui? 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 Maui


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 Maui Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Negril $8.39
    Maui $62
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:

  • Airport Transfer To Negril: $60
  • Azul Sensatori Jamaica Airport Transfers: $90
  • Club Kingston VIP Lounge & Fast Track with Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer: $112
  • Comfortable Montego Bay Airport to Grand Palladium Transfer 1 Way: $23
  • Convenient Airport Transfer To Hotels in Negril : $75
  • Exclusive Tours and Airport Transfers from (MBJ) To Negril : $50
  • Grand Palladium Airport Transfer: $37
  • Grand Palladium Airport Transfer : $45
  • Grand Palladium Airport Transfer : $40
  • Grand Palladium Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Rountrip): $200
  • Grand Palladium Jamaica & Lady Hamilton MBj Airport Transfer: $60
  • Grand Palladium Jamaica - Lady Hamilton Airport Transfer MBJ ***: $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Maui

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Maui:

  • VIP Private Maui OGG Arrival Transfer in Black Cadillac Escalade: $259
  • Private Transfer from Lahaina Cruise Port to Kahului Airport(OGG): $173
  • Private Transfer from Lahaina Cruise Port to Maui city hotels: $173
  • Private Transfer Kahului Airport OGG to Maui Kihei Lahaina Wailea: $42
  • Maui Kahului Airport (OGG) to Maui hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $41
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Maui Kahului Airport OGG: $39
  • Maui Kahului Airport (OGG) to Maui hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $20
  • Shared Arrival Transfer: Maui Airport to Hotel: $16

Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Maui?

Prices for flights to both Maui 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
    Maui $162

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 Maui

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Maui.

  • From Ma'alaea Harbor: Sunset Dinner Cruise Aboard the Quicksilver: $140
  • Ma'alaea Sunset Prime Rib or Fresh Island Fish Dinner Cruise : $150
  • Premium Sunset Dinner Cruise from Ka’anapali Beach: $154
  • Maui Sunset Dinner Cruise - A Hawaiian Hula Experience: $158
  • South Gilligans' Island Luau with Dinner and Drinks: $166
  • Authentic Hawaiian Dinner Pa'ina with Natives in Hana: $185
  • Wailele Luau Including Fire and Knife Performance Plus Dinner: $219
  • Haleakala Maui Sunset Twilight Tour with Dinner: $255

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Negril $26
    Maui $38
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.

  • 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 Maui

Here are a few actual costs in Maui for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2 Hour Maui Dolphin Watch Sightsee Raft Tour (Semi-Private): $97
  • 2-Hour Ma'alaea Humpback Whale Watching Cruise for up to 6 Guests: $269
  • 2.5 Hour Whale Escape Tour: $177
  • 4 Dual-Zipline Mountain Adventure in Maui: $200
  • 4-Hour Makena Whale Watch Tour: $135
  • 9am Haleakala Guided Downhill Tour : $149
  • Best of Maui Tour: Sips, Sites and Bites with Lunch: $259
  • Classic Haleakala Sunrise Tour: $244
  • Clear Bottom Kayak and Snorkel Tour at Turtle Town, Makena : $125
  • Deluxe Road to Hana Rainforest and Waterfall Experience from Maui: $226
  • Discover Lahaina: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • E-Scooter Tour At Turtle Town With Optional Photo and Video: $139

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Negril $9.74
    Maui $41

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 Maui

Also in Maui, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Brewery and Beach Cruise in a Vintage VW Bus : $229


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



When is the best time to visit Negril or Maui?

Maui 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 Maui in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Negril as well as Maui. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Maui for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Negril is around the same temperature as Maui in the summer. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Maui fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Maui. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Negril this time of the year. In the summer, Negril often gets less sunshine than Maui. Negril gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maui receives 290 hours of full sun.

Negril receives a lot of rain in the summer. Negril usually gets more rain in July than Maui. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Maui receives 0.4 inches (10 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Maui 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Negril or Maui in the Autumn?

Both Maui and Negril are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Negril throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Maui in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Negril is around the same temperature as Maui. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Negril in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Maui averages at about 78°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Maui. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Maui during autumn. Negril gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Maui receives 245 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Negril. In October, Negril usually receives more rain than Maui. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Maui receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Maui 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Negril or Maui in the Winter?

Both Maui and Negril during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Negril because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Maui for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Negril is generally a little warmer than Maui. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 25°C (77°F), and Maui fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

In Maui, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Negril. In the winter, Negril often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Maui. Negril gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maui receives 217 hours of full sun.

Maui gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Negril usually gets less rain in January than Maui. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Maui receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Negril 25°C (77°F) 
    Maui 72°F (22°C)

Should I visit Negril or Maui in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and Maui. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Maui because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Negril is a little warmer than Maui in the spring. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Maui fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Maui 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 Maui during spring. Negril gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Maui receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

Negril gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Negril usually receives more rain than Maui. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Maui receives 1.8 inches (47 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Negril 26°C (79°F) 
    Maui 74°F (24°C)

Typical Weather for Maui and Negril

Negril Maui
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 72°F (22°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 72°F (22°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 73°F (23°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 74°F (24°C) 1.8 inches (47 mm)
May 27°C (81°F) 205 mm (8.1 in) 76°F (24°C) 0.8 inches (20 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 78°F (25°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 79°F (26°C) 0.4 inches (10 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 80°F (26°C) 0.5 inches (13 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 181 mm (7.1 in) 79°F (26°C) 0.4 inches (9 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 222 mm (8.7 in) 78°F (26°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 73°F (23°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)