A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Alesund vs. Ocho Rios for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Alesund or Ocho Rios?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Alesund or Ocho Rios? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Alesund or Ocho Rios?

Alesund

Alesund is a port town on the west coast of Norway, at the entrance to the Geirangerfjord. It could be the backdrop for a Nordic fairytale – with a modern plot twist. It's known for the art nouveau architectural style in which most of the town was rebuilt after a fire in 1904, as documented at the Jugendstilsenteret museum. And it's no coincidence that Alesund and the surrounding areas are among the most visited sites for tourists in Norway. Many use The Art Nouveau town as a starting point to explore the renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Geirangerfjord, the bird sanctuary island of Runde, or the spectacular snow-capped summits of the Hjorundfjord and the Sunnmorsalpene. There are panoramic views of Alesund's architecture, the surrounding archipelago and fjords from the Mount Aksla lookout. The town of Alesund has a beautiful setting across several islands stretching out into the Atlantic Ocean and you find unspoilt and beautiful nature the whole year round.

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 Tours for Seniors to Norway, and The Best Contiki Tours to Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Ocho Rios or Alesund?

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 Alesund is $133, 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 Alesund and Ocho Rios in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Alesund $58
    Ocho Rios $51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Alesund $116
    Ocho Rios $102
Compare Hotels in Alesund and Ocho Rios

Looking for a hotel in Alesund 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.

Hotels in Alesund


Hotels in Ocho Rios


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: Ocho Rios Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Alesund $28
    Ocho Rios $7.32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alesund

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alesund:

  • Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Andalsnes Port: $215
  • Aalesund Private Transfer from Aalesund (AES) Airport to City centre: $163
  • Private Transfer from Molde Port to Alesund Vigra Airport (AES): $150
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Molde Port: $150
  • Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Molde Cruise Port: $125
  • Private Transfer from Molde Cruise Port to Alesund City Hotels: $125
  • Private Transfer To OR From Airport in Ålesund: $119
  • Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Alesund hotels-Round Trip Transfer: $105
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Alesund Port: $52
  • Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Alesund Cruise Port: $52
  • Alesund to Alesund Vigra Airport (AES)-Departure Private Transfer: $52
  • Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Alesund - Arrival Private Transfer: $52

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ocho Rios

Also for Ocho Rios, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Ian Fleming Airport Transfer to Ocho Rios and Runaway Bay: $15
  • Montego Bay Airport (MBJ) Transfer One-Way or Round-Trip to Hotel: $16
  • Private Transfer from Ian Fleming Airport to Ocho Rios: $20
  • Private Transfer to Mystic Mountain from Ocho Rios: $20
  • Private Transfer To And From Ian Fleming Ocho Rios. : $20
  • Private Round Trip Transfer to YAAMAN Adventure Park Ocho Rios: $27
  • Private Transfer to Konoko Falls Botanical Gardens: $27
  • ATV Tour Ocho Rios - Private Transfer Only (Activity Fee Excluded): $27
  • Private Transfer to ATV dirt road Adventures.: $32
  • Private Round Trip Transfer for Jamaican Jerk at Scotchie's Ocho Rios: $36
  • Private Airport Transfer from Ocho Rios: $40
  • Private Transfer to Beach Horse Back Ride and Swim: $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Alesund or Ocho Rios?

Prices for flights to both Ocho Rios and Alesund 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
    Alesund $57
    Ocho Rios $28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ocho Rios

For Ocho Rios, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Flavors of Jamaica Food Tour from Ocho Rios: $128
  • Taste of Jamaica Food Tour from Ocho Rios: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Alesund $18
    Ocho Rios $15

Tours and Activities in Alesund

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Alesund are as follows:

  • Ålesund Sightseeing and Viking Saga Islands: $113
  • Ålesund Two Hour Walking City Tour: $46
  • 3 Hour Guided Food Walk Tour in Alesund, Norway: $133
  • Alesund Shore Excursion: The Ultimate Sightseeing Tour: $137
  • Alesund Walking Tour Art Nouveau and Postcard Views: $71
  • All About the Fjords in One Tour by Boat and Bus from Ålesund: $164
  • All About the Fjords in One Tour by Bus and Boat from Ålesund: $164
  • E-bike And Hiking Tour In Ålesund: $186
  • Fjord paddle in Hellesylt - Half Day Kayaking Tour: $144
  • Fjordcruise Ålesund Geirangerfjord T/R: $215
  • Guided Adventure on Fjord Kayaking in Hellesylt, Norway: $124
  • Hellesylt Sightseeing Boat Geirangerfjord: $61

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
  • Original Blue Hole St. Ann Ocho Rios Jamaica Admission Fee Ticket: $25
  • Private Dunn's River Falls, Ocho Rios Sightseeing and shopping : $30
  • Luminous Lagoon Boat Tour from Ocho Rios: $40
  • Ocho Rios City Bus Tour (Beach, Sightseeing & Shopping): $40
  • Blue Hole and Dunn's River Tour (Entrance Fees Not Included): $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
  • Ocho Rios City Tour and Sightseeing: $49
  • Shopping and Sightseeing Tour in Ocho Rios: $50
  • Dunn's River Falls and Ocho Rios Sightseeing with Shopping: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Alesund $13
    Ocho 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: $113


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Alesund and Ocho Rios, we can see that Alesund is more expensive. And not only is Ocho Rios much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Alesund 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 Alesund would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Alesund 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 Alesund Expensive? and Is Ocho Rios Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Alesund or Ocho Rios?

Alesund has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Alesund 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 Alesund or Ocho Rios?

Alesund 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 Alesund or Ocho Rios in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Alesund as well as Ocho Rios. Many travelers come to Alesund for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ocho Rios throughout the year.

In July, Alesund is generally much colder than Ocho Rios. Daily temperatures in Alesund average around 12°C (54°F), and Ocho Rios fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

Alesund usually gets more rain in July than Ocho Rios. Alesund gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Alesund 12°C (54°F) 
    Ocho Rios 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Alesund or Ocho Rios in the Autumn?

Both Ocho Rios and Alesund are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Alesund in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Plenty of visitors come to Ocho Rios because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Alesund is much colder than Ocho Rios in the autumn. The daily temperature in Alesund averages around 9°C (48°F) in October, and Ocho Rios fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. It's quite rainy in Alesund. In October, Alesund usually receives more rain than Ocho Rios. Alesund gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Alesund 9°C (48°F) 
    Ocho Rios 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Alesund or Ocho Rios in the Winter?

Both Ocho Rios and Alesund during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Alesund for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round.

Alesund can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Alesund is much colder than Ocho Rios. Typically, the winter temperatures in Alesund in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Ocho Rios averages at about 26°C (79°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Alesund. Alesund usually gets more rain in January than Ocho Rios. Alesund gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Alesund 3°C (37°F) 
    Ocho Rios 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Alesund or Ocho Rios in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Alesund and Ocho Rios. The spring months attract visitors to Alesund because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

The weather in Alesund can be very cold. In April, Alesund is generally much colder than Ocho Rios. Daily temperatures in Alesund average around 5°C (40°F), and Ocho Rios fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In April, Alesund usually receives more rain than Ocho Rios. Alesund gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Alesund 5°C (40°F) 
    Ocho Rios 26°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Ocho Rios and Alesund

Alesund Ocho Rios
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 3°C (38°F) 108 mm (4.2 in) 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Apr 5°C (40°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
May 8°C (46°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 11°C (51°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 12°C (54°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Oct 9°C (48°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 187 mm (7.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 4°C (38°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)