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

Should you visit Florianopolis or Ocho Rios?

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

Should I visit Florianopolis 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: Florianopolis or Ocho Rios?

Florianopolis

With a population of almost 500,000, Florianopolis is the capital city of the state of Santa Catarina in southern Brazil. The city is split between mainland Brazil and Santa Catarina Island.

Florianopolis has grown in popularity with tourists recently because of its wonderful scenery, beautiful beaches, and fascinating culture. Many Brazilians have also moved here, leaving behind the big cities of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

Florianopolis has a warm humid subtropical climate. There are summer, winter, spring and fall seasons. Frosts are rare but do occur occasionally. Highs during the warmest months are usually in the high 70s Fahrenheit. Rain is evenly distributed throughout the year and there is no distinct dry season.

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 G Adventures Tours to Brazil, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro.


Which place is cheaper, Ocho Rios or Florianopolis?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Florianopolis is $62, 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 Florianopolis and Ocho Rios in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Florianopolis $26
    Ocho Rios $52
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Florianopolis $52
    Ocho Rios $104
Compare Hotels in Florianopolis and Ocho Rios

Looking for a hotel in Florianopolis 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 Florianopolis


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: Florianopolis Hotel Prices and Ocho Rios Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Florianopolis $13
    Ocho Rios $7.60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florianopolis

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

  • Roundtrip transfer from Florianópolis Airport to Bombinhas: $168
  • Private Transfer from Florianópolis Airport to Bombinhas: $97
  • Private Transfer Florianopolis Airport to Bal. Camboriu: $96
  • Private Transfer from FLN Airport to the City Balneario Camboriú : $84
  • Transfer Florianópolis Airport / Costão do Santinho: $78
  • One Way Transfer : Florianopolis Airport to or from Florianopolis: $64
  • Florianópolis Airport Transfer anywhere on the island by Floripa Nativa: $40
  • Shared transfer from Florianópolis airport to Balneário Camboriú: $35
  • Private Transfer Florianópolis Airport to City Center: $32
  • Hercilio Luz Airport - North Island Transfer: $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ocho Rios

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

  • Shuttle Transfer From Montego Bay Airport - Runaway Bay: $24
  • Runaway Bay Hotels Private Round Trip Transfers from MBJ: $125
  • Roundtrip Airport Transfer from Montego Bay to Ocho Rios and Runaway Bay Hotels: $228
  • Round-Trip or Direct Private Airport Transfers to Runaway Bay: $50
  • Riu Ocho Rios Private Airport Transfer: $80
  • Relaxing Montego Bay To Ducanon and Juwel Runaway Bay Transfer: $27
  • Private Transfer to Yaaman Adventure Park from Ocho Rios: $60
  • Private Transfer to White River Tubing Ocho Rios: $40
  • Private Transfer to Mystic Mountain from Ocho Rios: $20
  • Private Transfer to Konoko Falls Botanical Gardens: $27
  • Private Transfer to Beach Horse Back Ride and Swim: $40
  • Private Transfer from Ocho Rios to Sangster Airport MBJ: $60

Is it cheaper to fly into Florianopolis or Ocho Rios?

Prices for flights to both Ocho Rios and Florianopolis 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
    Florianopolis $22
    Ocho Rios $17
Typical Food Prices in Florianopolis

For Florianopolis, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • A Quick Snack
    $0.44

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:

  • From Flavors of Jamaica Guided Food Tour: $89
  • Taste of Jamaica Farm & Food Tour: $98
  • Private Hillside Cooking Class Jamaican Style with Pickup : $104
  • Ocho Ros: Hillside Cooking Class, Jamaican Style: $130
  • Taste of Jamaica Food Tour: $140
  • The Jamaica School of Cooking and Ocho Rios Highlights Tour: $141
  • Ocho Rios Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Dinner: $218

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Florianopolis $26
    Ocho Rios $15
Typical Entertainment Prices in Florianopolis

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Florianopolis's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Internet
    $0.59

Tours and Activities in Florianopolis

For Florianopolis, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Balneário Camboriú City Tour from Florianópolis: $35
  • Bike Tour in Florianopolis - Sunset, Photography and History: $70
  • Blumenau City Tour - departing from Florianópolis: $37
  • Blumenau City Tour from Florianópolis: $38
  • Bombinhas Beach and 4 Islands Tour: $22
  • Florianópolis Full Day City Tour: $25
  • Floripa City Tour by Bus - Whole Island - The Most Complete City Tour: $32
  • Historic Center Walking Tour in Florianopolis with Local Bar Hop: $14
  • Lagoinha do Leste Hiking and Photography Adventure : $42
  • Mountain biking experiences in Florianópolis: $58
  • Private Day Tour: Florianópolis Island with Professional Pictures: $154
  • Private South Island Beaches and Lagoons Tour: $44

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
    $5.47
  • 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.

  • Authentic Jamaican Bamboo Rafting Tour from Runaway Bay: $194
  • Black River Safari & YS Falls Tour from Runaway Bay: $285
  • Bob Marley Nine Mile Tour from Ocho Rios: $77
  • Full-Day Tour to Blue Hole Falls with Horseback Ride from Montego Bay: $220
  • Private Sightseeing Tour in Ocho Rios : $30
  • Shopping Tour From Runaway Bay Hotels : $65
  • ATV AdVENTURE FROM OCHO RIOS : $190
  • ATV, Bamboo Rafting and Horseback Riding Experience in Ocho Rios: $275
  • ATV, Bamboo Rafting, Horseback Ride Guided Tour from Montego Bay: $135
  • All day Tour of Ocho Rios : $200
  • Bamboo Rafting in Ocho Rios Private Experience: $207
  • Bamboo Rafting on the Lethe great/river(:),tour: $120

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Florianopolis $8.68
    Ocho Rios $7.71
Typical Alcohol Prices in Florianopolis

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Florianopolis from other travelers:


  • Beer
    $0.59


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Florianopolis and Ocho Rios, we can see that Ocho Rios is more expensive. And not only is Florianopolis much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Florianopolis is in South America 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 Florianopolis would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Florianopolis 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 Ocho Rios would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ocho Rios than you might in Florianopolis.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Florianopolis Expensive? and Is Ocho Rios Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Florianopolis or Ocho Rios?

Florianopolis has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Florianopolis 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 Florianopolis or Ocho Rios?

Florianopolis 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 Florianopolis or Ocho Rios in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Florianopolis and Ocho Rios. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the summer, Florianopolis is cooler than Ocho Rios. Typically, the summer temperatures in Florianopolis in January average around 25°C (76°F), and Ocho Rios averages at about 29°C (83°F)in July.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ocho Rios this time of the year. Florianopolis usually receives less sunshine than Ocho Rios during summer. Florianopolis gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Ocho Rios receives 254 hours of full sun in the summer.

Florianopolis gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Florianopolis usually receives more rain than Ocho Riosin July. Florianopolis gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Florianopolis 25°C (76°F) 
    Ocho Rios 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Florianopolis or Ocho Rios in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Florianopolis as well as Ocho Rios. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ocho Rios throughout the year.

In April, Florianopolis is generally cooler than Ocho Riosin October. Daily temperatures in Florianopolis average around 22°C (71°F), and Ocho Rios fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. In the autumn, Florianopolis often gets less sunshine than Ocho Riosin October. Florianopolis gets 179 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ocho Rios receives 229 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ocho Rios. Florianopolis usually gets less rain in April than Ocho Riosin October. Florianopolis gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Florianopolis 22°C (71°F) 
    Ocho Rios 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Florianopolis or Ocho Rios in the Winter?

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

Florianopolis is much colder than Ocho Rios in the winter. The daily temperature in Florianopolis averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Ocho Rios fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Ocho Rios. Florianopolis usually receives less sunshine than Ocho Rios during winter. Florianopolis gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Ocho Rios receives 257 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Florianopolis usually receives more rain than Ocho Riosin January. Florianopolis gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Florianopolis 17°C (62°F) 
    Ocho Rios 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Florianopolis or Ocho Rios in the Spring?

Both Ocho Rios and Florianopolis during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round.

In the spring, Florianopolis is cooler than Ocho Rios. Typically, the spring temperatures in Florianopolis in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Ocho Rios averages at about 26°C (80°F)in April.

In Ocho Rios, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Florianopolis often gets less sunshine than Ocho Riosin April. Florianopolis gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ocho Rios receives 251 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Florianopolis. Florianopolis usually gets more rain in October than Ocho Riosin April. Florianopolis gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Florianopolis 20°C (68°F) 
    Ocho Rios 26°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Ocho Rios and Florianopolis

Florianopolis Ocho Rios
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (76°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 197 mm (7.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 24°C (75°F) 173 mm (6.8 in) 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Apr 22°C (71°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 95 mm (3.8 in) 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Nov 22°C (71°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 24°C (74°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)