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 Wildlife Tours to Brazil, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, Ocho Rios or Florianopolis?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Florianopolis Prices
    Brazil Prices
    Ocho Rios Prices
    Jamaica Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Florianopolis $74
    Ocho Rios $85

The average daily cost (per person) in Florianopolis is $74, 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 Florianopolis and Ocho Rios in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Florianopolis $25
    Ocho Rios $51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Florianopolis $50
    Ocho Rios $102
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 $7.32

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: $228
  • Private Transfer from Florianópolis Airport to Bombinhas: $115
  • Private Transfer from FLN Airport to the City Balneario Camboriú : $81
  • Transfer Hotels in Florianópolis/Airport - private: $67
  • Shared transfer from Florianópolis airport to Balneário Camboriú: $56
  • Private Transfer Florianópolis Airport to City Center: $31
  • Hercilio Luz Airport - North Island Transfer: $13
  • Shared Transfer: $13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ocho Rios

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

  • VIP***Private KINGSTON Airport Transfers to***OCHO RIOS**HOTELS**: $292
  • Sandals Ocho Rios Resort Airport Transfer: $67
  • Runaway Bay Hotels Transfers between Montego Bay Airport: $60
  • Runaway Bay Hotels Private Round Trip Transfers from MBJ: $160
  • Runaway Bay Airport Transfer: $48
  • Roundtrip Airport Transfer from Montego Bay to Ocho Rios and Runaway Bay Hotels: $240
  • Round-Trip or Direct Private Airport Transfers to Runaway Bay: $50
  • Private Transfers from Montego Bay Airport to Runaway Bay Hotels: $54
  • Private Transfers To/From Ocho Rios & OCJ Airport Across Jamaica: $143
  • Private Transfer to horseback,Bluehole,River rafting in OchoRios.: $70
  • Private Transfer to Mystic Mountain from Ocho Rios: $20
  • Private Transfer to Konoko Falls Botanical Gardens: $27

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 $36
    Ocho Rios $28
Typical Food Prices in Florianopolis

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


  • A Quick Snack
    $0.42

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.
    Florianopolis $25
    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
    $0.56

Tours and Activities in Florianopolis

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

  • Balneário Camboriú tour and cable car ride from Florianópolis: $39
  • Blumenau City Tour - departing from Florianópolis: $40
  • Blumenau City Tour from Florianópolis: $40
  • Bombinhas Beach and 4 Islands Tour: $21
  • Cinematic Kayak Tour: The Best of Florianópolis: $59
  • Discover Florianópolis: Full Day City Tour and Local Highlights: $27
  • Florianópolis city tour (full day): $21
  • Florianopolis Bike Tour: Photography, History & Street Food: $86
  • Florianopolis Walking Tour - History, Art and Gastronomy: $17
  • Floripa City Tour by Bus - Whole Island - The Most Complete City Tour: $35
  • Floripa by Night: The Local Party Tour: $299
  • Lagoinha do Leste Hiking and Photography Adventure : $58

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.

  • Black River Safari & YS Falls Tour from Runaway Bay: $285
  • Blue Hole Tour From Ocho Rios: $60
  • Blue Hole Waterfalls + Bamboo River Rafting Tour from Ocho Rios: $109
  • Dunn's River Falls Party Cruise, Blue Hole with Snorkeling, free beverages: $165
  • Dunn's River Falls and Ocho Rios Sightseeing with Shopping: $50
  • Dunn's River Falls and Tubing Combo Tour from Ocho Rios: $140
  • Private Dunn's River and Blue hole tour from Ocho Rios : $110
  • Private Sightseeing Tour from Ocho Rios : $60
  • Shopping Tour From Runaway Bay Hotels : $75
  • 1 Hour Private Rafting Experience in Jamaica: $65
  • ATV Adventure and Shopping from Falmouth (Minimum 4 persons): $165
  • ATV Guided Tour To Blue Hole & Spanish Bridge In Ocho Rios: $270

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Florianopolis $8.34
    Ocho Rios $7.43
Typical Alcohol Prices in Florianopolis

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


  • Beer
    $0.56

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 comparing the travel costs between Florianopolis and Ocho Rios, we can see that Ocho Rios is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Florianopolis is in South America and Ocho Rios is in Caribbean Islands, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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. Many travelers come to Florianopolis for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. 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. Many visitors come to Florianopolis in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. 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. Most visitors come to Florianopolis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. 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. The spring months attract visitors to Florianopolis because of the beaches. 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)