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

Should you visit Aqaba or Ocho Rios?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba 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: Aqaba or Ocho Rios?

Aqaba

Aqaba is a port city in Jordan, in fact, it is the only port city in the country. This city is located on the Gulf of Aqaba on the Red Sea, which is in the southern part of Jordan. The city is still being developed; many of its facilities and infrastructures are being improved. The population of Aqaba is about 190,000 and the city has been key in developing Jordan's economy via trade and tourism.

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 Luxury Tours to Jordan, and The Best Budget Tours to Jordan.


Which place is cheaper, Ocho Rios or Aqaba?

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 Aqaba is $157, while the average daily cost in Ocho Rios is $87. 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 Aqaba and Ocho Rios in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aqaba $59
    Ocho Rios $52
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aqaba $118
    Ocho Rios $104
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Ocho Rios

Looking for a hotel in Aqaba 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 Aqaba


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: Aqaba Hotel Prices and Ocho Rios Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aqaba $24
    Ocho Rios $7.46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:

  • Amman/Death Sea: 1-Way Transfer to/from Wadi Rum in Private: $266
  • Sheikh Hussein Crossing Private Transfer to or from Aqaba: $250
  • Private Transfers To Petra: $200
  • Petra by Night Tour with Private Transfer: $198
  • Private Transfer: Aqaba Airport to Sheikh Hussein Border or vice versa: $193
  • Private Transfer to Petra with Wi-Fi and Water: $191
  • Private Petra Day Trip from Aqaba Port with Return Transfer: $190
  • Aqaba or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Dead Sea: $185
  • Private Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Allenby King Hussein Bridge: $173
  • Private Car Transfer with Wadi Rum Jeep Safari: $169
  • Private Transfer from Araba Border to Amman Queen Alia Airport: $153
  • Transfers , Meet & Assistance at Wadi Araba Crossing Border: $153

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ocho Rios

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

  • ***PRIVATE Airport Transfer to HOTELS in around RUNAWAY BAY***: $130
  • ATV Tour Ocho Rios - Private Transfer Only (Activity Fee Excluded): $27
  • Airport Transfer - From MBJ to Ocho Rios Hotels: $80
  • Airport Transfer Ocho Rios hotels: $80
  • Airport Transfer To Kingston, Ocho Rios, Montego Bay & Negril: $140
  • Airport Transfers to Runaway Bay Hotels (MBJ): $56
  • Arrive Like Royalty VIP Airport Transfer from Montego Bay: $9.99
  • Bahia Principe Grand Jamaica Private Airport transfer: $61
  • Blue Hole Waterfall & Bamboo Rafting Tour Ocho Rios-Transfer Only: $109
  • Bob Marley & Nine Mile Heritage Tour with Bus Transfer/Ocho Rios: $225
  • Dunn's River Falls And Shopping Tour From Ocho Rios-Transfer Only: $65
  • Inter City Transfers- from Runaway Bay- private: $156

Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Ocho Rios?

Prices for flights to both Ocho Rios and Aqaba 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
    Aqaba $73
    Ocho Rios $28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aqaba

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Aqaba.

  • Sunset Cruise with BBQ Dinner and Drinks: $54
  • Overnight in Bedouin Camp. Dinner and breakfast included.: $56
  • "Wadi Rum Jeep Tour + Bedouin Camp & Dinner Under the Stars: $80
  • Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight in Bedouin Camp & Dinner: $100
  • Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight & Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $110
  • From Wadi Rum Full-Day Private Jeep Tour with Dinner: $169
  • Wadi Rum Private Tour with Jeep Safari and Dinner: $220
  • Half Day Sunset Tour + Dinner & overnight stay in luxury tents: $286
  • Petra & Wadi Rum Private Tour with Dinner one day: $425

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:

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aqaba $54
    Ocho Rios $15

Tours and Activities in Aqaba

Here are a few actual costs in Aqaba for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • "Jordan: 3-Day Tour of Ancient Sites, Nature,&Local Culture": $317
  • 03 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $61
  • 04 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $73
  • 05 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $68
  • 1 Day & 1 Night | Stay & Jeep + Camel Tour in Wadi Rum | Magic Bedouin Star: $99
  • 2 Days & 1 Night | Jeep & Hike Tour in Wadi Rum Desert | Magic Bedouin Star: $258
  • 2 Days 1 Night in Wadi Rum Jeep Tour: $204
  • 2 Days Tour | Petra, Wadi Rum, and Dead Sea From Amman.: $190
  • 2 Hour Jeep Tour - Wadi Rum Desert & Canyon: $35
  • 2 Hours Morning or Sunset Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
  • 2 To 5 Hours Glass Bottom Boat Private Tour At Read Sea: $90
  • 2-day Hiking Adventure and Jeep Tour from Wadi Rum: $200

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
    $5.37
  • Tour of Prospect Plantation
    $18

Tours and Activities in Ocho Rios

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ocho Rios.

  • Ocho Rios Shopping Tour: $20
  • VIP Dunn River Falls and Blue Hole Experience: $25
  • Bob Marley Nine Mile Tour: $35
  • Ocho Rios City Bus Tour (Beach, Sightseeing & Shopping): $40
  • Ocho Rios Scenic, Shopping and Lunch Tour: $45
  • Blue Hole Private Tour from Ocho Rios with Pickup: $45
  • Luminous lagoon Private & Group tour from Runaway Bay: $45
  • Blue Hole Tour from Ocho Rios: $49
  • Dunn's River Falls and Ocho Rios Sightseeing with Shopping: $50
  • Blue Hole And Konoko Falls Combo Tour From Ocho Rios & Runaway Bay!: $50
  • Dunn's River Falls and Blue Hole Private Tour from Ocho Rios: $50
  • Jamaican Escapade Experience Dunn's River's Natural Majesty: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aqaba $9.07
    Ocho Rios $7.57

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: $90


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


Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Ocho Rios?

Aqaba has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba 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 Aqaba or Ocho Rios?

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 Aqaba or Ocho Rios in the Summer?

Both Ocho Rios and Aqaba during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Aqaba because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round.

Aqaba usually gets less rain in July than Ocho Rios. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Ocho Rios, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Aqaba. In the summer, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Ocho Rios. Aqaba gets 384 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ocho Rios receives 254 hours of full sun.

The heat can be very extreme in Aqaba. In the summer, Aqaba is a little warmer than Ocho Rios. Typically, the summer temperatures in Aqaba in July average around 33°C (91°F), and Ocho Rios averages at about 29°C (83°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Aqaba 33°C (91°F) 
    Ocho Rios 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Ocho Rios in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Ocho Rios. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Ocho Rios receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Ocho Rios. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ocho Rios this time of the year. In Aqaba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Ocho Rios during autumn. Aqaba gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Ocho Rios receives 229 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Aqaba is generally around the same temperature as Ocho Rios. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 26°C (79°F), and Ocho Rios fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aqaba 26°C (79°F) 
    Ocho Rios 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Ocho Rios in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Ocho Rios. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ocho Rios throughout the year.

Aqaba usually gets less rain in January than Ocho Rios. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aqaba this time of the year. In the winter, Aqaba often gets less sunshine than Ocho Rios. Aqaba gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ocho Rios receives 257 hours of full sun.

Aqaba is much colder than Ocho Rios in the winter. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Ocho Rios fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aqaba 14°C (57°F) 
    Ocho Rios 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Ocho Rios in the Spring?

Both Ocho Rios and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Ocho Rios because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In April, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Ocho Rios. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

It's quite sunny in Ocho Rios. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Ocho Rios during spring. Aqaba gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Ocho Rios receives 251 hours of full sun in the spring.

In the spring, Aqaba is around the same temperature as Ocho Rios. Typically, the spring temperatures in Aqaba in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Ocho Rios averages at about 26°C (80°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Aqaba 24°C (75°F) 
    Ocho Rios 26°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Ocho Rios and Aqaba

Aqaba Ocho Rios
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 1 mm (0 in) 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 1 mm (0 in) 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 1 mm (0 in) 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 0 mm (0 in) 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 1 mm (0 in) 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)