Is Negril expensive to visit?
In Negril, budget travelers spend $60 (J$9,679) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $150 (J$24,125) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $367 (J$58,861) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Negril.
Negril is a smaller destination that attracts a broad range of travelers, encompassing various travel styles, spending practices, and budget options. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
Negril can definitely get expensive if you let it, but you have options to reduce costs, including looking for discounts and coupons.
Within the Caribbean Islands, which is known to be an expensive region, Negril is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in the Caribbean Islands for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Port-au-Prince, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Eagle Beach.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Negril Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Negril?
The average Negril trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Negril travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Negril cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. Many people think they can visit Negril on a tight budget, but most travelers aren't comfortable with a low "shoestring" budget. Think about what you enjoy during your vacations and how you typically travel. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you want to visit museums, sights, and participate in activities? Is dining out a priority? These factors will shape both your budget and your itinerary.
What is a budget traveler, anyway?
While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $60 per day that backpackers often spend.
Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.
Fortunately, Negril features plenty of hostels, including Bak A Yaad Hostel and Cottages. At hostels like these, you can find cheap dorm beds and a vibrant social atmosphere, though amenities are often scarce.
Are You Considered an Average Traveler?
Couples and families enjoying a vacation will probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular dining spots, and explore the key museums and attractions that have entry fees. A trip to Negril wouldn't be complete without visiting its major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Keep in mind that most activities cost money. Thus, it's reasonable to expect your daily budget to be around $150 per person, per day.
There's a wide selection of hotels and vacation rentals in Negril. If you're traveling with others, sharing a hotel room with a partner, friend, or kids will help split costs and save money. When traveling as a family, look for hotels and restaurants that welcome children. Sandy Haven Resort is a great choice for kids, and Negril Treehouse Resort is another wonderful option. For more family and couple-friendly places to stay, check out our Negril hotel costs guide.
Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?
If you're looking for a higher-end vacation filled with high-end amenities and exceptional service, plan for a daily expense of approximately $367. Staying at nicer hotels, savoring meals at top-rated restaurants, splurging on lavish outings, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the destination means you'll need a more luxurious budget. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Negril Private Airport Transfer - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Negril
In Negril, the price of hotels can really surprise you. Some are much more expensive, offering higher luxury and amenities. Peak season rates soar, with off-season averages around $167 and peak season rising to an average of $312. Prices typically range from $79 to $912, but hostels remain cheaper, especially in dorms. To save money, book during the low season or take advantage of special promotions and advance deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Negril for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $204 (J$32,680). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $102 (J$16,340) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Negril? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Negril include:
- Sandy Haven Resort starting at $185
- Da Fabio starting at $62
- Rooms Negril starting at $93
- Idle Awhile Beach starting at $271
- Charela Inn starting at $170
If you avoid and go during the low or shoulder season, you'll find better hotel deals and fewer tourists.
Transportation Budget in Negril
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $8.39 (J$1,347) per person, per day, on local transportation in Negril. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Negril is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$8.39
J$1,347
If you want to visit Negril, it is best to fly into Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay. From there it is about an hour shuttle ride into town. There are several companies that offer shuttle services like, Amstardmc, Travel Around Jamaica Tours, PPJTours, and Jamaica Airport Transfers.
Once you are in Negril, the most affordable way to get around is by route taxi. The red plated taxis are official taxis and you can usually bargain with the drivers but make sure you establish a price before entering the taxi. It should be around 100 Jamaican Dollars to get you from the beach into the town of Negril. Prices go up at night. Taxis without a red plate are non-official. These taxis are much more expensive and will try to tell you that route taxis are not safe, which is their way of getting your money. The route taxis with red plates are official and are generally safe.
If you want to walk, it is great to walk from one end of the beach into the town and only takes about an hour. You will run into a few markets with some fresh coconut water and sugar cane for sale.
If you're driving, check that your hotel has parking available.
Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:
- Private Airport transfer to/from all hotels in Negril round trip for $130 details
- Private Transfer from Montego Bay Airport - Negril Hotels for $58 details
- Private Airport Transfer Montego Bay To Negril for $55 details
How much does it cost to go to Negril? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Negril will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Some typical prices for transportation in Negril are shown below. These are actual costs from previous travelers, and are representative of the amount you'll likely spend on transportation in Negril. Don't forget that your individual costs will vary based on how you get around, because hired cars such as taxis are often much more expensive than local public transportation.
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Taxi From Airport
J$2,115
Food Budget in Negril
Food is a major attraction for travelers, so make sure you don't miss out on the local culinary delights.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Negril can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Negril is $38 (J$6,071) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$38
J$6,071
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Negril is around $38 (J$6071) per person, with previous travelers spending from $16 to $82. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Negril are as follows:
- Breakfast: $4 to $11
- Lunch: $6 to $15
- Dinner: $11 to $26
- Coffee: $3
- Fast Food or Street Food: $6
Negril is known for sugar cane, coconut jelly, and of course, jerk chicken. It is easy to find these things while staying in Negril, so make sure you try them! For local Jamaican food have a meal at Guinep Corner. They offer fish, chicken, curry, and the traditional Ackee & Saltfish Jamaican dish. Guinep Corner is truly a Jamaican experience. LTU Restaurant is near Ricks Cafe where you can be entertained by the brave cliff jumpers while you eat. There are vegetarian and fresh fish options.
You will see a lot of people drinking coconut water; literally just cutting open a coconut straight from the tree and drinking it. It is a healthy drink and definitely worth trying while in Negril, especially after a long night out!
Numerous hotels offer breakfast as part of the room rate, but some might charge extra for it. The cost and quality can differ from one hotel to another. Being aware of this beforehand can help you determine if you need to allocate additional funds. It could be worth it for a fantastic buffet at the hotel, or you might want to opt for a nearby bakery or cafe that's more budget-friendly.
Opt for a reusable water bottle to avoid buying drinks everywhere. It's beneficial for the earth as well.
If you're thinking about taking a tour, it's wise to check in advance which meals are covered. You may need to cover some of your own food costs, which could increase your overall budget.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Negril. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Local food tour and local fields for $164 details
- Zimbali Mountain Cooking Studio for $105 details
- Dinner in the Sky Jamaica Round Trip Taxi & Guide only for $42 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Negril
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Negril typically cost an average of $26 (J$4,161) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$26
J$4,161
Be entertained by the professional cliff jumpers at Rick's Cafe. The pros put on regular shows as they plummet themselves off platforms on the edge of these cliffs into the Caribbean Sea below. Unfortunately, the original building was destroyed during Hurricane Ivan and has since been rebuilt. If you have experience with cliff diving, you can even give it a go!
Jamaicans love their rum, and you will definitely want to visit the Appleton Rum Estate. You can tour the factory and witness how the rum is made. Of course, you can have a taste test at the end of the tour, which is usually the best part.
The Martha Brae River is a lovely place for a walk or relaxing raft ride near Negril. You will be surrounded by exquisite landscapes and wildlife. This experience is very serene and perfect for a sightseeing adventure with your family, partner, or even on your own.
Snorkeling is a great activity in Negril! There are glass bottom boats that can take you out to snorkeling spots where you can see various tropical fish, coral, and maybe some other creatures that happen to be passing by.
Go explore the Mayfield Falls! There are two main waterfalls, several natural pools and many types of plants and wildlife all around. The falls are about an hour outside of Negril.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Negril. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Explore Montego Bay Jamaica to Blue Hole/Secret Falls River Tour for $150 details
- Boat tour for $123 details
- Rick's Cafe Sunset Cruise for $60 details
Outlined below are some typical prices for entry fees and activities in Negril. They have been reported from the expenses of previous travelers. These costs provide an idea of what you might need to spend, though your individual expenses will depend on the activities you participate in, the places you visit, and how often you choose budget-friendly or free activities.
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2 Hr Horseback Ride
J$6,769
Negril, Jamaica
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.