Which place is cheaper, Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica?
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 Santa Monica. 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 Santa Monica?
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!
Santa Monica
When it comes to visiting Los Angeles, Santa Monica is high on the must-see-and-do list. Chances are you'll recognize the iconic ferris wheel from Pacific Park in films and TV shows, and nothing beats the relaxed yet bustling vibe of this laid-back city.
Santa Monica is a popular and diverse beach town, cultural hub, fitness venue, shopping district, and neighborhood full of unique and trendy restaurants, all rolled into one. Visited by more than 6 million people a year, it's no wonder you'll always find a crowd there.
So whether you're up for a high-end shopping spree, bicycling down the waterfront, an eclectic food crawl or simply a stroll down the promenade, Santa Monica is sure to have something in store for you.
The weather in Santa Monica is moderate, with average summer highs in the low to mid 70s and winter climate that rests comfortably around the low 50s. Though flip flops and sandals are considered year-round footwear in Los Angeles, bring comfortable walking shoes for browsing galleries, malls, and boutiques. Santa Monica is the perfect place to break out your California-casual wardrobe.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.
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Negril Prices
Jamaica PricesSanta Monica Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNegril $150Santa Monica $248
The average daily cost (per person) in Negril is $150, while the average daily cost in Santa Monica is $248. 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 Santa Monica in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNegril $102Santa Monica $123
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNegril $204Santa Monica $246
Compare Hotels in Negril and Santa Monica
Looking for a hotel in Negril or Santa Monica? 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 Santa Monica Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Negril $8.39Santa Monica $50
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 Santa Monica
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santa Monica:
- Santa Monica to Los Angeles Airport Departure Private Transfer: $191
- Santa Monica to Los Angeles Airport (LAX) - Departure Private Transfer: $63
Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Santa Monica?
Prices for flights to both Santa Monica 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 $38Santa Monica $91
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 Santa Monica
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Santa Monica.
- City Cruises Los Angeles Dinner Cruise from Marina del Rey: $132
- Romantic-Surprise Dinner-Wine & Cheese or Sushi Boat Cruise: $149
- Gourmet Santa Monica Walking Food Tour with Delicious Dish: $159
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Negril $26Santa Monica $38
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 Santa Monica
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santa Monica are as follows:
- 1934 Classic MotorSailer Experience Timeless Elegance and History: $240
- 3 ½-Hour Sea to the Stars Hollywood Hopper Tour: $55
- 3 Hour Private Jeep Tour of Santa Monica: $200
- 4-Hour Los Angeles Tour With Guide And Hotel Pickup: $131
- City Cruises Los Angeles Brunch Cruise from Marina del Rey: $129
- City Tour of Los Angeles from Torrance and El Segundo: $122
- E-Boat Ride in Marina Del Rey Boat Tour Experience: $85
- Exotic Tijuana Massage Tour in LA: $250
- Full Day Iconic Sites Tour of LA from Santa Monica with Six Stops: $99
- Half Day Best of Los Angeles Tour from Santa Monica : $79
- Hidden Los Angeles Private Photo Tour - Best for social media: $164
- Highway 1 Pacific Coast Highway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $30
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNegril $9.74Santa Monica $21
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 Santa Monica
Also in Santa Monica, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Santa Monica Bar Crawl: $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Negril and Santa Monica, we can see that Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Negril or Santa Monica?
Santa Monica has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Negril. When comparing the sizes of Negril and Santa Monica, 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 Santa Monica?
Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica in the Summer?
Both Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.
Negril is a little warmer than Santa Monica in the summer. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually gets more rain in July than Santa Monica. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNegril 27°C (81°F)Santa Monica 70°F (21°C)
Should I visit Negril or Santa Monica in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and Santa Monica. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round. Also, many visitors come to Santa Monica in the autumn for the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Negril is a little warmer than Santa Monica. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Negril in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Santa Monica averages at about 67°F (20°C).
Negril gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Negril usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNegril 27°C (81°F)Santa Monica 67°F (20°C)
Should I visit Negril or Santa Monica in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Negril as well as Santa Monica. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Santa Monica for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In January, Negril is generally much warmer than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 25°C (77°F), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).
Negril usually gets more rain in January than Santa Monica. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNegril 25°C (77°F)Santa Monica 57°F (14°C)
Should I visit Negril or Santa Monica in the Spring?
Both Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica because of the beaches.
Negril is much warmer than Santa Monica in the spring. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).
It's quite rainy in Negril. In April, Negril usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNegril 26°C (79°F)Santa Monica 61°F (16°C)
Typical Weather for Santa Monica and Negril
| Negril | Santa Monica | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 0.7 inches (17 mm) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 58°F (15°C) | 0.9 inches (24 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 58°F (15°C) | 0.4 inches (10 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 61°F (16°C) | 0.2 inches (4 mm) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 205 mm (8.1 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 0 inches (0 mm) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 70°F (21°C) | 0 inches (0 mm) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 0 inches (0 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) | 70°F (21°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 222 mm (8.7 in) | 67°F (20°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 58°F (14°C) | 0.6 inches (15 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.