Which place is cheaper, Ocho Rios or Akureyri?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Akureyri or Ocho Rios?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Akureyri or Ocho Rios, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Akureyri or Ocho Rios?
Akureyri
Akureyri is the largest town in the northern region of Iceland, and is often considered the unofficial capital of the north. The town is a popular fishing port and is often used as a basecamp for visiting the more rural surrounding area. Akureyri is known for their great art scene, beautiful architecture, and stunning natural scenery.
Ocho Rios
Ocho Rios, or "Ochi" is a town located on the northeastern shore of Jamaica and is a popular hub for cruise ships. It is a great destination for tourists as it has many resorts and beautiful beaches.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland.
-
Akureyri Prices
Iceland PricesOcho Rios Prices
Jamaica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAkureyri $191Ocho Rios $85
The average daily cost (per person) in Akureyri is $191, while the average daily cost in Ocho Rios is $85. 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 Akureyri and Ocho Rios in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAkureyri $103Ocho Rios $51
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAkureyri $206Ocho Rios $102
Compare Hotels in Akureyri and Ocho Rios
Looking for a hotel in Akureyri or Ocho Rios? 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: Akureyri Hotel Prices and Ocho Rios Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Akureyri $23Ocho Rios $7.32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:
- Whale Watching Tour with Transfer from Port: $141
- From Godafoss Waterfall Guided Trip with Transfers: $126
- Akureyri Airport (AEY): Transfer to/from Akureyri City: $29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ocho Rios
Also for Ocho Rios, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Ocho Rios Private Airport Transfer [VIP LUXURY Vehicles]: $158
- Private Airport Transfer to Bahia Principe Grand Hotel : $100
- A "Private" Airport Transfer to any Resort in Ocho Rios: $90
- Airport Transfer - From MBJ to Ocho Rios Hotels: $80
- Airport Transfer To Kingston, Ocho Rios, Montego Bay & Negril: $140
- Bahia Principe Grand Jamaica Private Airport transfer : $61
- Bahia Principe Grand and Luxury Airport Transfer: $80
- Blue Hole Waterfall & Bamboo Rafting Tour Ocho Rios-Transfer Only: $100
- Bob Marley & Nine Mile Heritage Tour with Bus Transfer/Ocho Rios: $117
- Dunn's River Falls And Shopping Tour From Ocho Rios-Transfer Only: $60
- Grand Bahia Jamaica Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Rountrip): $300
- Grand Bahia Principe Hotel Airport Transfer: $53
Is it cheaper to fly into Akureyri or Ocho Rios?
Prices for flights to both Ocho Rios and Akureyri 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 dayAkureyri $71Ocho Rios $28
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Akureyri $18Ocho Rios $15
Tours and Activities in Akureyri
Here are a few actual costs in Akureyri for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Akureyri Cruise Port: Mývatn Lakes, Waterfalls & Nature Trip: $282
- Akureyri Guided E-Bike Tour: $167
- Akureyri Port: Dettifoss, Goðafoss and Lake Mývatn Tour: $229
- Akureyri Port: Goðafoss and Akureyri Botanical Garden Tour: $170
- Akureyri Port: Goðafoss and the Forest Lagoon Tour: $203
- Akureyri Port: Godafoss Waterfall Classic Tour & Viewpoint: $82
- Akureyri Port: Lake Mývatn & Goðafoss Guided Tour with Lunch: $329
- Akureyri Port: Myvatn Nature Baths & Godafoss Waterfall Tour: $247
- Akureyri Private Walking Tour: $143
- Akureyri Private Walking Tour: $135
- 3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour by Ship: $108
- E-Bike Tour with Forest Lagoon Entry: $217
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ocho Rios
For Ocho Rios, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Tour of Brimmer Hall Estate$11
-
Admission to Coyaba Gardens$5.27
-
Tour of Prospect Plantation$17
Tours and Activities in Ocho Rios
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ocho Rios.
- Ocho Rios Shopping Tour : $21
- Blue Hole Admission Fee Ticket: $25
- Original Blue Hole St. Ann Ocho Rios Jamaica Admission Fee Ticket: $25
- Ocho Rios City Bus Tour (Beach, Sightseeing & Shopping): $40
- Skip-The-Line: Dunn's River Falls Adventure Tour from Ocho Rios: $40
- Transportation to Horse Back Ride & Swim Adventure from Ocho Rios: $45
- Luminous lagoon Private & Group tour from Runaway Bay: $45
- Dunn's River Falls and Blue Hole Private Tour from Ocho Rios: $50
- Shopping and Sightseeing Tour in Ocho Rios: $50
- Jamaican Escapade Experience Dunn's River's Natural Majesty: $50
- Blue hole waterfalls tour from Ocho Rios : $51
- Private Ocho Rios highlights and beach day tour: $51
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayAkureyri $15Ocho Rios $7.43
Sample the Local Flavors in Ocho Rios
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Ocho Rios:
- Bar Hopping, Pub Crawl, Shopping and Sightseeing Tour Ocho Rios: $100
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Akureyri and Ocho Rios, we can see that Akureyri is more expensive. And not only is Ocho Rios much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Akureyri is in Europe and Ocho Rios is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Ocho Rios would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ocho Rios 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 Akureyri would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Akureyri than you might in Ocho Rios.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Akureyri Expensive? and Is Ocho Rios Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Akureyri or Ocho Rios?
Akureyri has a larger population, and is about 75% larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Akureyri and Ocho Rios, 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 Akureyri or Ocho Rios?
Akureyri has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Ocho Rios experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Akureyri or Ocho Rios in the Summer?
Both Ocho Rios and Akureyri during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round.
In July, Akureyri is generally much colder than Ocho Rios. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 11°C (52°F), and Ocho Rios fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
In Ocho Rios, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Ocho Rios. Akureyri gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ocho Rios receives 254 hours of full sun.
Akureyri usually gets less rain in July than Ocho Rios. Akureyri gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyAkureyri 11°C (52°F)Ocho Rios 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Ocho Rios in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Akureyri and Ocho Rios. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
It's quite cold in Akureyri in the autumn. Akureyri is much colder than Ocho Rios in the autumn. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around 3°C (38°F) in October, and Ocho Rios fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ocho Rios this time of the year. Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Ocho Rios during autumn. Akureyri gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Ocho Rios receives 229 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Ocho Rios receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Ocho Rios. Akureyri gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAkureyri 3°C (38°F)Ocho Rios 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Ocho Rios in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Akureyri as well as Ocho Rios. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ocho Rios throughout the year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Akureyri. In the winter, Akureyri is much colder than Ocho Rios. Typically, the winter temperatures in Akureyri in January average around -2°C (28°F), and Ocho Rios averages at about 26°C (79°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. In the winter, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Ocho Rios. Akureyri gets 7 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ocho Rios receives 257 hours of full sun.
Akureyri usually gets more rain in January than Ocho Rios. Akureyri gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAkureyri -2°C (28°F)Ocho Rios 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Ocho Rios in the Spring?
Both Ocho Rios and Akureyri are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Ocho Rios because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Akureyri can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Akureyri is generally much colder than Ocho Rios. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 2°C (36°F), and Ocho Rios fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).
It's quite sunny in Ocho Rios. Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Ocho Rios during spring. Akureyri gets 130 hours of sunny skies, while Ocho Rios receives 251 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Akureyri usually receives more rain than Ocho Rios. Akureyri gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilAkureyri 2°C (36°F)Ocho Rios 26°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Ocho Rios and Akureyri
| Akureyri | Ocho Rios | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -2°C (28°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | -1°C (30°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | -1°C (31°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 2°C (36°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 6°C (43°F) | 19 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jun | 10°C (50°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (51°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Sep | 7°C (44°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| Oct | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Nov | -0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (29°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 31 mm (1.2 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.