A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ho Chi Minh City vs. Ocho Rios for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Ho Chi Minh City or Ocho Rios?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Ho Chi Minh City and Ocho Rios can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Ho Chi Minh City or Ocho Rios?

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam. It previously served as the capital of the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam). The metropolitan area, including Ho Chi Minh City, Thu Dau Mot, Di An, Bien Hoa, and other surrounding towns, has a population of more than 9 million people and continues to grow.

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 Historical Tours in Vietnam, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Vietnam.


Which place is cheaper, Ocho Rios or Ho Chi Minh City?

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

  • Ho Chi Minh City Prices
    Vietnam Prices
    Ocho Rios Prices
    Jamaica Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Ho Chi Minh City $87
    Ocho Rios $87

The average daily cost (per person) in Ho Chi Minh City is $87, while the average daily cost in Ocho Rios is $87. 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 Ho Chi Minh City and Ocho Rios in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ho Chi Minh City $48
    Ocho Rios $51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ho Chi Minh City $96
    Ocho Rios $102
Compare Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City and Ocho Rios

Looking for a hotel in Ho Chi Minh City 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 Ho Chi Minh City


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: Ho Chi Minh City Hotel Prices and Ocho Rios Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ho Chi Minh City $15
    Ocho Rios $7.44
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ho Chi Minh City

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Ho Chi Minh City:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $1.33
  • Taxi From Airport
    $7.60
  • Cyclo Ride (One Hour)
    $1.52

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ho Chi Minh City

Also for Ho Chi Minh City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Taxi transfer from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City: $358
  • Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang - Private Transfer: $259
  • Private Transfer from Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport to Phang Rang Thap Cham: $252
  • Private Transfer from Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport to Ca Mau: $245
  • Private Transfer from Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport to Ha Tien Pier: $245
  • Private Transfer from Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport to Vinh Tan: $239
  • Ho Chi Minh Airport (SGN) to Mui Ne - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $232
  • Private Transfer from Vinh Tan to Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport: $225
  • Golden Bridge, Marble mount, guide, lunch, transfer from Cruises: $199
  • Private Transfer from Ho Chi Minh City to Mui Ne & Vice versa: $193
  • Private Transfer from Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport to Chau Doc: $180
  • Private Transfer: Ho Chi Minh City Center to Can Tho City Center: $175

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
  • VIP***Private KINGSTON Airport Transfers to***OCHO RIOS**HOTELS**: $292
  • Roundtrip Airport Transfer from Montego Bay to Ocho Rios and Runaway Bay Hotels: $240
  • Bob Marley & Nine Mile Heritage Tour with Bus Transfer/Ocho Rios: $225
  • Kingston Airport Transfer to Runaway Bay Hotels: $200
  • Montego Bay Jamaica Airport Transfer to Riu / Ocho Rios Hotels: $174
  • Private Transfer from Ocho Ríos to Jamaica (MBJ) Airport: $171
  • Montego Bay Private Airport Transfer To and from ochi rios: $170
  • Jewels Resorts Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Roundtrip): $170
  • Inter City Transfers- from Runaway Bay- private: $156
  • Private Luxury & Grand Bahia Principe Roundtrip Airport Transfer: $150
  • Airport Transfer Roundtrip Service from Montego Bay to Ocho Rios: $150

Is it cheaper to fly into Ho Chi Minh City or Ocho Rios?

Prices for flights to both Ocho Rios and Ho Chi Minh City 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
    Ho Chi Minh City $23
    Ocho Rios $28
Typical Food Prices in Ho Chi Minh City

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ho Chi Minh City:


  • Street Food Dinner (for Two)
    $4.07
  • Pizza
    $4.94
  • Sweet Rice
    $1.14
  • Pork Sandwich
    $0.57
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $6.45
  • Western Lunch (for Two)
    $11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ho Chi Minh City

For Ho Chi Minh City, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Water Puppet Show And Dinner Cruise On Saigon River Private Tour: $1.87
  • Ho Chi Minh City Street Food Tour with Local LGBT Student Guide: $1.87
  • Mekong With Cai Be Less Tourist - Cooking Class: $14
  • Saigon Food Tour & Culture Explore Ho Chi Minh City Walking Tour: $15
  • 1 hour Egg Coffee Cooking Class with Snack and Local Instructor: $15
  • HCM:Mekong Delta Boat,Khotcake cooking Coconut Village,SmallGroup: $16
  • Cu Chi Tunnels & Countryside Cooking Class with Organic Farm: $20
  • Ho Chi Minh city Walking Chinatown / HCM city walking food tour: $25
  • Pu Luong Cooking Class at Traditional Stilt House: $25
  • Saigon Walking Food Tour & Hidden Alleys with Locals: $26
  • Watch The Sunset or Enjoy Dinner On Luxury Cruise in Saigon: $28
  • Mouth-Watering Street Food Tour By Motorbike: $29

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 Runaway Bay: $138
  • Taste of Jamaica Food Tour from Ocho Rios: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ho Chi Minh City $19
    Ocho Rios $15
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ho Chi Minh City

For Ho Chi Minh City, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Massage
    $5.32

Tours and Activities in Ho Chi Minh City

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ho Chi Minh City.

  • 'Cost-Saving' Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta 1-Day Tour: $59
  • 1 Day Mekong Delta to Cai Be from Ho Chi Minh City Tour: $45
  • 1 Day Private Cai Rang Floating Market and My Tho Boat Tour: $150
  • 1 Day Small Group Tour in Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta: $67
  • 1 Hour Saigon River Tour in Ho Chi Minh: $10
  • 1-Day City Tour: Saigon Chinatown, Must-See Icons & Cyclo Ride: $128
  • 1-Day Mekong Delta Tour: Less-Touristy Cai Be & Vinh Long(Max 10): $35
  • 1-Day Tour in Vung Tau Beach: $59
  • 1-day My Tho boat trip in Mekong Delta group tour from Ho Chi Minh: $34
  • 12 Tasting Street Food & Sightseeing By Scooter with Student: $30
  • 2 Day Mekong Delta Adventure and Floating Market Tour: $199
  • 2 Day Private Mekong Delta, Riverside and Ecolodge Nature Tour: $225

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
    $5.36
  • 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.

  • ATV Adventure Ride in Ocho Rios Jamaica with Jerk Chicken Lunch: $175
  • ATV Adventure and Shopping from Falmouth (Minimum 4 persons): $165
  • ATV and Dunns River Falls Adventure: $205
  • ATV, Bamboo Rafting & Horseback Ride Tour From Montego Bay: $411
  • ATV, Bamboo Rafting and Horseback Riding Experience in Ocho Rios: $243
  • ATV, Horseback Riding and Bluehole Adventure Tour: $210
  • Appleton Rum Tour and YS Falls: $280
  • 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, Margaritaville & Sightseeing Tour In Ocho Rios: $59
  • Bamboo River Rafting and Horseback Riding Adventure in Ocho Rios: $135

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ho Chi Minh City $7.60
    Ocho Rios $7.56
Typical Alcohol Prices in Ho Chi Minh City

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Ho Chi Minh City:


  • Beer
    $0.38

Sample the Local Flavors in Ho Chi Minh City

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Ho Chi Minh City:

  • Make Your Own Gin Experience and Saigon Baigur Distillery Tour: $29
  • Bike And Craft Beer Brewery Mekong Delta Cycling Tour: $152

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: $90


When comparing the travel costs between Ho Chi Minh City and Ocho Rios, we can see that Ho Chi Minh City 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 Ho Chi Minh City is in Asia 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 Ho Chi Minh City Expensive? and Is Ocho Rios Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ho Chi Minh City or Ocho Rios?

Ho Chi Minh City has a larger population, and is about 370 times larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Ho Chi Minh City 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.