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

Should you visit Helsinki or Ocho Rios?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Helsinki and Ocho Rios can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Helsinki or Ocho Rios?

Helsinki

Helsinki is the capital of Finland and dates back to 1550. Helsinki is an international metropolis with a diverse population, but also a small town vibe. The city itself has a population of just over 600,000 but the metropolitan area, including Espoo and Vantaa, has a population of more than 1.3 million. There are many outdoor bars and cafes that take advantage of the warmer summer months. During this time there are long days, and the population floods into the street after a long and cold winter, so visiting during the summer is a fun and lively experience.

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 10-Day Tours in Finland, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Finland.


Which place is cheaper, Ocho Rios or Helsinki?

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 Helsinki is €164, while the average daily cost in Ocho Rios is €73. 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 Helsinki and Ocho Rios in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Helsinki 73
    Ocho Rios 43
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Helsinki 146
    Ocho Rios 86
Compare Hotels in Helsinki and Ocho Rios

Looking for a hotel in Helsinki 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 Helsinki


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: Helsinki Hotel Prices and Ocho Rios Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Helsinki 22
    Ocho Rios 6.23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Helsinki

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

  • Helsinki Private Departure Airport Transfer: $213
  • Helsinki Private Arrival Airport Transfer: $213
  • VIP Transfer Helsinki : $210
  • VIP Transfer HELSINKI: $198
  • PRIVATE Helsinki VIP Transfer: $198
  • Private Transfer from Helsinki City Hotels to Kotka Cruise Port: $170
  • VIP Airport Transfer by new cars in Helsinki: $159
  • Private Transfer from Airport in Helsinki and Vice versa: $150
  • Departure Transfer: Helsinki to Airport HEL by Luxury Van: $114
  • Arrival Transfer: Helsinki Airport HEL to Helsinki by MB Van: $109
  • Airport Transfer: Helsinki Airport HEL to Helsinki by Luxury Van: $109
  • Airport Transfer Helsinki Center: $108

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 Helsinki or Ocho Rios?

Prices for flights to both Ocho Rios and Helsinki 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
    Helsinki 59
    Ocho Rios 23

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Helsinki

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

  • FOOD Tour with Roof Top Bar in Helsinki: $119
  • Helsinki Food Tour: A Culinary Experience with a Local: $275

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.
    Helsinki 27
    Ocho Rios 13

Tours and Activities in Helsinki

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

  • Helsinki Highlights Tour: the Top Sightseeing Spots: $156
  • Helsinki Premium Transportation Experience: $170
  • Helsinki and Porvoo Tour by Private Car with Personal Guide: $102
  • 3 Hours Helsinki Stopover Tour from Airport: $108
  • 4 Hour Helsinki Tour from Cruise Port: $96
  • A Finntastic Walking Tour in Helsinki: $24
  • Adventure Day: $48
  • Baltic Bites Tour of Nature and Food on a Helsinki Summer Island: $119
  • CITY Tour with Food Tasting in Helsinki: $191
  • Capital of Contrasts: A Self Guided Audio Tour in Helsinki: $15
  • City Sightseeing Helsinki Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $42
  • Day to Porvoo from Medieval Old Town Guided Tour: $95

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
    8.97
  • Admission to Coyaba Gardens
    4.49
  • Tour of Prospect Plantation
    15

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
    Helsinki 16
    Ocho Rios 6.32

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


Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Ocho Rios?

Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki 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 Helsinki or Ocho Rios?

Helsinki 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 Helsinki or Ocho Rios in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Ocho Rios. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the summer, Helsinki is much colder than Ocho Rios. Typically, the summer temperatures in Helsinki in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Ocho Rios averages at about 29°C (83°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ocho Rios this time of the year. In Helsinki, it's very sunny this time of the year. Helsinki usually receives more sunshine than Ocho Rios during summer. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Ocho Rios receives 254 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Helsinki usually receives more rain than Ocho Rios. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Helsinki 17°C (62°F) 
    Ocho Rios 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Ocho Rios in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Ocho Rios. The autumn months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ocho Rios throughout the year.

In October, Helsinki is generally much colder than Ocho Rios. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 6°C (42°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, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Ocho Rios. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ocho Rios receives 229 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ocho Rios. Helsinki usually gets less rain in October than Ocho Rios. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Helsinki 6°C (42°F) 
    Ocho Rios 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Ocho Rios in the Winter?

Both Ocho Rios and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Ocho Rios because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It's quite cold in Helsinki in the winter. Helsinki is much colder than Ocho Rios in the winter. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around -6°C (21°F) in January, and Ocho Rios fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

It's quite sunny in Ocho Rios. Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Ocho Rios during winter. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Ocho Rios receives 257 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Helsinki usually receives more rain than Ocho Rios. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Helsinki -6°C (21°F) 
    Ocho Rios 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Ocho Rios in the Spring?

Both Ocho Rios and Helsinki during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the natural beauty. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Helsinki. In the spring, Helsinki is much colder than Ocho Rios. Typically, the spring temperatures in Helsinki in April average around 3°C (37°F), and Ocho Rios averages at about 26°C (80°F).

In Ocho Rios, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Ocho Rios. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ocho Rios receives 251 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets more rain in April than Ocho Rios. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Helsinki 3°C (37°F) 
    Ocho Rios 26°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Ocho Rios and Helsinki

Helsinki Ocho Rios
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -6°C (21°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Mar -3°C (27°F) 34 mm (1.4 in) 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Apr 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
May 9°C (49°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 11°C (51°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Nov 1°C (33°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Dec -4°C (26°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)