Which place is cheaper, Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo?
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 Tamarindo. 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 Tamarindo?
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!
Tamarindo
Tamarindo is a small beach town in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica on the Pacific Coast. This town is usually sought out by surfers, fishers, couples, and families. There are delicious restaurants, beautiful beaches, and friendly Tico's and Tica's (local Costa Rican nicknames) everywhere.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica.
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Negril Prices
Jamaica PricesTamarindo Prices
Costa Rica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNegril $150Tamarindo $144
The average daily cost (per person) in Negril is $150, while the average daily cost in Tamarindo is $144. 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 Tamarindo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNegril $102Tamarindo $50
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNegril $204Tamarindo $100
Compare Hotels in Negril and Tamarindo
Looking for a hotel in Negril or Tamarindo? 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 Tamarindo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Negril $8.39Tamarindo $69
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tamarindo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tamarindo:
- Private Round Trip Transfer: From Liberia Airport To Secrets Papagayo: $280
- Round Trip Shuttle Transfer From Liberia Airport To Four Seasons Papagayo: $265
- Round Trip Transfer From Liberia Airport To Secrets Papagayo: $250
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Casa Chameleon At Las Catalinas: $235
- Private Transfer Service From Liberia Airport To Casa Chameleon At Las Catalinas: $235
- Transfer From Liberia Airport To Casa Chameleon At Las Catalinas: $225
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To JW Marriott Guanacaste: $205
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To JW Marriott Guanacaste: $205
- Round Trip Transfer Liberia Airport (LIR) to Andaz Papagayo Resort: $201
- Transfer Service From Liberia Airport To Westin Resort Costa Rica: $185
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Margaritaville Costa Rica: $185
- Transfer Service From Liberia Airport To Tamarindo, Guanacaste: $185
Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Tamarindo?
Prices for flights to both Tamarindo 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 $38Tamarindo $56
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 Tamarindo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Tamarindo.
- Online Class on Zoom: Cooking Costa Rica Homemade Food: $35
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Negril $26Tamarindo $17
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 Tamarindo
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tamarindo are as follows:
- ATV Tour Top Adventure Through beaches & Towns: $96
- ATV adventure from Riu, Secrets and papagayo: $90
- Buggy - Side by Side Family Tour : $275
- Wildlife Tour at Palo Verde National Park: $199
- 1 Full Private Tour to Arenal Volcano + Baldi Hot Springs: $183
- 1 Hour Private Horseback Riding Tour in Playa Conchal: $30
- 2 Hours ATV Off Road Tour in Guanacaste Costa Rica: $100
- 2 Hours Private Jet Ski Tour in Brasilito Flamingo or Conchal: $270
- 2 Hours Pura Vida ATV Adventure from Tamarindo to Playa Conchal: $180
- 2-Hour Guided Tour by ATV near Playa Conchal: $130
- 2h ATV Beach & Dirt Trails Adventure Tour: $130
- 3 Hour ATV Secluded Beach Tour from Tamarindo, Flamingo, Conchal & Grande: $125
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNegril $9.74Tamarindo $14
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 comparing the travel costs between Negril and Tamarindo, we can see that Negril is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Negril is in Caribbean Islands and Tamarindo is in Central America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Negril Expensive? and Is Tamarindo Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Negril or Tamarindo?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Negril or Tamarindo in the Summer?
Both Tamarindo 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tamarindo year-round.
Tamarindo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Tamarindo. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Negril. In the summer, Negril often gets more sunshine than Tamarindo. Negril gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tamarindo receives 164 hours of full sun.
Negril is around the same temperature as Tamarindo in the summer. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Tamarindo fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNegril 27°C (81°F)Tamarindo 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Negril or Tamarindo in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and Tamarindo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round. Tamarindo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
December to May in Tamarindo is the dry season. June to November in Tamarindo is the hurricane season. Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In Negril, it's very sunny this time of the year. Negril usually receives more sunshine than Tamarindo during autumn. Negril gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Tamarindo receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In the autumn, Negril is around the same temperature as Tamarindo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Negril in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Tamarindo averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNegril 27°C (81°F)Tamarindo 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Negril or Tamarindo in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Negril as well as Tamarindo. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tamarindo throughout the year.
Negril usually gets more rain in January than Tamarindo. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tamarindo. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Negril this time of the year. In the winter, Negril often gets less sunshine than Tamarindo. Negril gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tamarindo receives 264 hours of full sun.
In January, Negril is generally around the same temperature as Tamarindo. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 25°C (77°F), and Tamarindo fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNegril 25°C (77°F)Tamarindo 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Negril or Tamarindo in the Spring?
Both Tamarindo and Negril are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Negril throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Tamarindo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Tamarindo is December to May. The hurricane season in Tamarindo is June to November. It's quite rainy in Negril. In April, Negril usually receives more rain than Tamarindo. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in Tamarindo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually receives less sunshine than Tamarindo during spring. Negril gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Tamarindo receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.
Negril is cooler than Tamarindo in the spring. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Tamarindo fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNegril 26°C (79°F)Tamarindo 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Tamarindo and Negril
| Negril | Tamarindo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 205 mm (8.1 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 222 mm (8.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
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.