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

Should you visit Dubrovnik or Ocho Rios?

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

Should I visit Dubrovnik 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: Dubrovnik or Ocho Rios?

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic", is a beautiful walled city in southern Croatia that sits on the edge of the Adriatic Sea. It's a small city, with only about 40,000 residents, but it's become one of the most significant tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city was historically built on maritime trade, which is not surprising given its location near major Italian and Greek ports such as Venice, Bari, Corfu, and Trieste. It was a center of language and literature and was the home of many important poets, playwrights, painters, and scientists during the 15th and 16th centuries. Today its economy is dependent on tourism and it is one of the most popular destinations in the region. People visit the city for its impressive history, beautiful setting, great weather, and interesting architecture.

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 2-Week Tours from Split, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Ocho Rios or Dubrovnik?

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 Dubrovnik is €158, while the average daily cost in Ocho Rios is €77. 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 Dubrovnik and Ocho Rios in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dubrovnik €65
    Ocho Rios €46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dubrovnik €130
    Ocho Rios €92
Compare Hotels in Dubrovnik and Ocho Rios

Looking for a hotel in Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik


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: Dubrovnik Hotel Prices and Ocho Rios Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dubrovnik €22
    Ocho Rios €6.61
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubrovnik

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubrovnik:


  • Bus Around Town
    €1.43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubrovnik

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

  • Zagreb to VIP Transfer with Your Choice of Tours: $846
  • Split: TO Dubrovnik Private Transfer with Stop in Ston: $467
  • Budva to Dubrovnik one way transfer: $460
  • Private Transfer from Mostar to Dubrovnik: $362
  • Private transfer from Tivat to Dubrovnik city: $303
  • Private transfer from Kotor to Dubrovnik city: $303
  • From Split: Private Transfer to Dubrovnik with Sightseeing: $298
  • Private one way transfer from Dubrovnik to Orebić: $296
  • Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Sibenik with 2h of Sightseeing, local driver: $292
  • Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Split with 2 hours Sightseeing: $292
  • Private Transfer from Split to Dubrovnik: $292
  • Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Trogir with 2h of Sightseeing, local driver: $286

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ocho Rios

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

  • Private Luxury Transfer to Sandals Dunn’s River from MBJ Airport: $300
  • Roundtrip Airport Transfer from Montego Bay to Ocho Rios and Runaway Bay Hotels: $228
  • Jewels Resorts Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Roundtrip): $200
  • Private Airport Transfers Montego Bay (MBJ) Airport to Ocho Rios: $180
  • Montego Bay Private Airport Transfer To and from ochi rios: $170
  • Private Transfer from Jamaica (MBJ) Airport to Ocho Ríos: $167
  • Dunn’s River Falls: River Tubing with Lunch and Transfers: $166
  • Private Airport Transfer from Ocho Rios: $150
  • Kingston Airport Transfer to Ocho Rios: $147
  • Private Airport Transfer Kingston to Ocho Rios Hotels: $145
  • Private Transfers To/From Ocho Rios & OCJ Airport Across Jamaica: $143
  • Airport Transfer To Kingston, Ocho Rios, Montego Bay & Negril: $140

Is it cheaper to fly into Dubrovnik or Ocho Rios?

Prices for flights to both Ocho Rios and Dubrovnik 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
    Dubrovnik €75
    Ocho Rios €25
Typical Food Prices in Dubrovnik

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubrovnik:


  • Seafood Dinner (for 2)
    €29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubrovnik

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

  • Gastro Dinner and Cruise around Dubrovnik Old Town: $89
  • Old Town Dubrovnik Food Tour With 8 Authentic Croatian Tastings: $109
  • Dubrovnik Food Tour: Local Dishes & City Stories: $113
  • Sunset Dubrovnik & Dinner At St Jacob Beach: $115
  • Taste A Full Meal Walking Food Tour by Do Eat Better: $125
  • Richet Cooking Class Discover Dubrovnik Culinary Treasures: $137
  • Croatian Traditional Cuisine: Peka Cooking Lesson: $155
  • Dubrovnik Sunset Cruise with dinner on board: $157
  • Dinner in the Sky Dubrovnik - Dine 50m Above Ground: $160
  • Dubrovnik Old Town Food Tour: Small-Group Experience: $160
  • Ston & Peljesac: All-Inclusive 5-Course Dinner with Premium Wine: $166
  • Cooking Classes Traditional Meals of Konavle region: $198

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dubrovnik €15
    Ocho Rios €13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubrovnik

For Dubrovnik, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Boat to Lokrum Island (for 2)
    €13
  • Dubrovnik City Wall Tour (for 2)
    €53
  • Dubrovnik Cable Car (for 2)
    €45

Tours and Activities in Dubrovnik

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

  • 'Game of Thrones' Walking Tour in Dubrovnik: $81
  • 2 Hours Private Dubrovnik City Walls Walking Tour: $158
  • 3-Hour Dubrovnik Countryside ATV/Quad Safari Adventure Tour: $126
  • 3-Hour Private Fort Lovrijenac and City Walls Tour with a Local Guide: $86
  • Adults Only Sunset Cruise in Dubrovnik on a 16th-Century Karaka: $58
  • Adventure Dalmatia - Sunset Sea Kayaking & Snorkelling Dubrovnik: $52
  • Ancient Old City– Finest tour of Dubrovnik: $29
  • Ancient Ston Walls & Exquisite Oysters: A Half-Day Adventure: $204
  • Best Dubrovnik Tour for Cruise Passengers: $74
  • Best of Dubrovnik Panorama Private Tour: Mount Srdj & Bridge: $69
  • Best of Montenegro PRIVATE Tour by CRUISER TAXI DUBROVNIK: $263
  • Blue & Green Cave Tour with Elaphite Island Stop from Dubrovnik: $46

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
    €9.51
  • Admission to Coyaba Gardens
    €4.76
  • Tour of Prospect Plantation
    €16

Tours and Activities in Ocho Rios

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

  • 2.5-Hours Nine Miles & Bob Marley's Mausoleum Private Tour: $155
  • ATV Adventure and Shopping from Falmouth (Minimum 4 persons): $165
  • ATV and Blue Hole Adventure: $190
  • ATV and Dunns River Falls Adventure: $205
  • ATV, Bamboo Rafting & Horseback Ride Tour From Montego Bay: $411
  • ATV, Horseback Riding and Bluehole Adventure Tour: $210
  • All In One Full Day Tour in Saint Ann Garden Parish Jamaica: $147
  • Aqua Fun Tours Dunns Falls, River Tubing and Horse Back: $170
  • Bali Style High Ropes Swing and Dunn's River Fall Adventure: $230
  • Bamboo Rafting & Horseback Ride n Swim Guided Tour In Ocho Rios: $95
  • Bamboo Rafting & River Tubing Tour Ocho Rios(Entry Fee Included): $195
  • Bamboo Rafting and ATV Adventure in ocho rios: $200

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dubrovnik €16
    Ocho Rios €6.70

Sample the Local Flavors in Dubrovnik

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dubrovnik:

  • Dubrovnik Sunset Tour with Wine Tasting: $40
  • Columbo Pub Crawl Dubrovnik: $69
  • Private Scenic Sunset Tour & Premium Wine Tasting Above Dubrovnik: $74
  • Ston and Korcula Island Day Trip from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $79
  • Day Tour of Korcula Island from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $79
  • Day trip to Korčula and Pelješac with Wine Tasting: $91
  • Konavle Valley Wine Tour from Dubrovnik -Train Ride &Wine Tasting: $91
  • Day trip to Korčula and Pelješac with Wine Tasting from Koločep: $101
  • Konavle Valley Tour, Train Ride and Wine Tasting from Kolocep: $102
  • Sunset wine tasting in vineyard: $103
  • Peljesac Peninsula Day Trip from Wine Tasting and Ston Village Tour: $132
  • Peljesac peninsula private wine tour from Dubrovnik: $137


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


Which is Bigger, Dubrovnik or Ocho Rios?

Dubrovnik has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik or Ocho Rios?

Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik or Ocho Rios in the Summer?

Both Ocho Rios and Dubrovnik are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Dubrovnik for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Ocho Rios because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Dubrovnik is cooler than Ocho Rios in the summer. The daily temperature in Dubrovnik averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Ocho Rios fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

In July, Dubrovnik usually receives less rain than Ocho Rios. Dubrovnik gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dubrovnik 25°C (77°F) 
    Ocho Rios 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Dubrovnik or Ocho Rios in the Autumn?

Both Ocho Rios and Dubrovnik during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Dubrovnik in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round.

In the autumn, Dubrovnik is much colder than Ocho Rios. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dubrovnik in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Ocho Rios averages at about 28°C (82°F).

Ocho Rios gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Ocho Rios. Dubrovnik gets 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dubrovnik 18°C (64°F) 
    Ocho Rios 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Dubrovnik or Ocho Rios in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubrovnik and Ocho Rios. Most visitors come to Dubrovnik for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Dubrovnik is generally much colder than Ocho Rios. Daily temperatures in Dubrovnik average around 9°C (48°F), and Ocho Rios fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Dubrovnik gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Dubrovnik usually receives more rain than Ocho Rios. Dubrovnik gets 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dubrovnik 9°C (48°F) 
    Ocho Rios 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Dubrovnik or Ocho Rios in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dubrovnik as well as Ocho Rios. The spring months attract visitors to Dubrovnik because of the beaches and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ocho Rios throughout the year.

Dubrovnik is much colder than Ocho Rios in the spring. The daily temperature in Dubrovnik averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Ocho Rios fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

Dubrovnik receives a lot of rain in the spring. Dubrovnik usually gets more rain in April than Ocho Rios. Dubrovnik gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dubrovnik 14°C (57°F) 
    Ocho Rios 26°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Ocho Rios and Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik Ocho Rios
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 139 mm (5.5 in) 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 11°C (52°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Apr 14°C (57°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 75 mm (3 in) 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 26 mm (1 in) 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 101 mm (4 in) 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 162 mm (6.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Nov 14°C (57°F) 198 mm (7.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 178 mm (7 in) 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)