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

Should you visit Gothenburg or Ocho Rios?

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

Should I visit Gothenburg 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: Gothenburg or Ocho Rios?

Gothenburg

Gothenburg is the second largest city in Sweden with a population of about 500,000. It is located on the western coast at the edge of the Gota River. It's a very friendly and welcoming city with a great vibe. Part of its energy comes from the Gothenburg University, which, with over 60,000 students, is the largest university in the country. Historically, Gothenburg has working class roots which are still apparent today, particularly in the city's harbour area. Recently there has been a growing number of expensive restaurants and cafes, showing that the demographic continues to evolve.

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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Sweden, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Sweden.


Which place is cheaper, Ocho Rios or Gothenburg?

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 Gothenburg is $145, 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 Gothenburg and Ocho Rios in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gothenburg $46
    Ocho Rios $51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gothenburg $92
    Ocho Rios $102
Compare Hotels in Gothenburg and Ocho Rios

Looking for a hotel in Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg


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: Gothenburg Hotel Prices and Ocho Rios Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gothenburg $21
    Ocho Rios $7.32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gothenburg

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

  • Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $216
  • Private Transfer Gothenburg Airport GOT to Gothenburg by Sedan: $162
  • Airport Transfer: Gothenburg to Airport GOT by Business Car: $132
  • City Highlights Bike Tour with Transfer: $128
  • Ostersund Private Transfer from Ostersund (OSD) airport to central Ostersund: $115
  • Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Arrival Private Transfer: $108
  • Goteborg City to Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) - Departure Private Transfer: $108
  • Private Transfer From Gothenburg Landvetter Airport to Gothenburg Hotels: $95
  • Gothenburg Private Transfer from Central Gothenburg to Gothenburg Airport: $80
  • Gothenburg Airport: Transfer to City center of Gothenburg: $74
  • Umea Private Transfer from Umea city centre to Umea airport: $71
  • Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Departure: $17

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 Gothenburg or Ocho Rios?

Prices for flights to both Ocho Rios and Gothenburg 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
    Gothenburg $76
    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.
    Gothenburg $18
    Ocho Rios $15

Tours and Activities in Gothenburg

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

  • Archipelago Tour with guide Gothenburg: $48
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $108
  • Bike Tour Gothenburg, Guided Bicycle Tours: $66
  • City Kayak Tour: $53
  • City Sightseeing Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $37
  • Eila's Time Travels: A Lycksele Family Walking Tour Game: $8.59
  • Entry Ticket To Gothenburg Museum of art with pickup: $48
  • Entry Ticket To Gothenburg Museum of art with pickup: $70
  • Fatbike Experience in Sorsele: $131
  • Gothenburg - Private guided tour: $586
  • Gothenburg 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket: $36
  • Gothenburg : Must-See Attractions Walking Tour: $123

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
    Gothenburg $24
    Ocho Rios $7.43

Sample the Local Flavors in Gothenburg

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

  • Guided Brewery Tour on Bicycle: $66

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 Gothenburg and Ocho Rios, we can see that Gothenburg is more expensive. And not only is Ocho Rios much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg Expensive? and Is Ocho Rios Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Gothenburg or Ocho Rios?

Gothenburg has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg or Ocho Rios?

Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg or Ocho Rios in the Summer?

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

Gothenburg is much colder than Ocho Rios in the summer. The daily temperature in Gothenburg averages around 16°C (61°F) in July, and Ocho Rios fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ocho Rios this time of the year. In Gothenburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gothenburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ocho Rios during summer. Gothenburg gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Ocho Rios receives 254 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Gothenburg usually receives more rain than Ocho Rios. Gothenburg gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gothenburg 16°C (61°F) 
    Ocho Rios 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Ocho Rios in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Gothenburg is much colder than Ocho Rios. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Gothenburg in October average around 9°C (47°F), and Ocho Rios averages at about 28°C (82°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. In the autumn, Gothenburg often gets less sunshine than Ocho Rios. Gothenburg gets 94 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ocho Rios receives 229 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ocho Rios. Gothenburg usually gets less rain in October than Ocho Rios. Gothenburg gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gothenburg 9°C (47°F) 
    Ocho Rios 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Ocho Rios in the Winter?

Both Ocho Rios and Gothenburg 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.

Gothenburg can be very cold during winter. In January, Gothenburg is generally much colder than Ocho Rios. Daily temperatures in Gothenburg average around -2°C (29°F), and Ocho Rios fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

It's quite sunny in Ocho Rios. Gothenburg usually receives less sunshine than Ocho Rios during winter. Gothenburg gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Ocho Rios receives 257 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Gothenburg usually receives more rain than Ocho Rios. Gothenburg gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gothenburg -2°C (29°F) 
    Ocho Rios 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Ocho Rios in the Spring?

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

Gothenburg is much colder than Ocho Rios in the spring. The daily temperature in Gothenburg averages around 5°C (41°F) in April, and Ocho Rios fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In Ocho Rios, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Gothenburg often gets less sunshine than Ocho Rios. Gothenburg gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ocho Rios receives 251 hours of full sun.

Gothenburg usually gets more rain in April than Ocho Rios. Gothenburg gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gothenburg 5°C (41°F) 
    Ocho Rios 26°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Ocho Rios and Gothenburg

Gothenburg Ocho Rios
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (29°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
Feb -2°C (29°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 1°C (34°F) 50 mm (2 in) 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Apr 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
May 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in) 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 16°C (61°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 77 mm (3 in) 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Oct 9°C (47°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Nov 4°C (38°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 0°C (32°F) 75 mm (3 in) 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)