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

Should you visit Hofn or Ocho Rios?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Hofn or Ocho Rios, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Hofn or Ocho Rios?

Hofn

Hofn is a very small fishing town on the southeast of Iceland, measuring just over half a mile across. It is best known for being located in the beautiful Vatnajokull Region, where the largest glacier in Europe is located. Hofn, and the surrounding area, is full of breathtaking natural scenery including lagoons, icefalls, and mountains.

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 Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, and The Best Luxury Tours to Iceland.


Which place is cheaper, Ocho Rios or Hofn?

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 Hofn is $207, 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 Hofn and Ocho Rios in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hofn $113
    Ocho Rios $51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hofn $226
    Ocho Rios $102
Compare Hotels in Hofn and Ocho Rios

Looking for a hotel in Hofn 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 Hofn


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: Hofn Hotel Prices and Ocho Rios Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hofn $31
    Ocho Rios $7.32

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
  • Grand Bahia Jamaica Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Rountrip): $300
  • VIP***Private KINGSTON Airport Transfers to***OCHO RIOS**HOTELS**: $292
  • Kingston Airport (KIN) to Runaway Bay Round-Trip Private Transfer: $255
  • Roundtrip Airport Transfer from Montego Bay to Ocho Rios and Runaway Bay Hotels: $240
  • Ocho Rios Hotels Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer from Kingston Airport (KIN): $240
  • Kingston Airport Transfer to Runaway Bay Hotels: $200
  • Luxury Ocho Rios Transfer: $180
  • Private Transfer from Jamaica (MBJ) Airport to Ocho Ríos: $176
  • Jewels Resorts Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Roundtrip): $170
  • Montego Bay Private Airport Transfer To and from ochi rios : $170
  • Runaway Bay Hotels Private Round Trip Transfers from MBJ: $160

Is it cheaper to fly into Hofn or Ocho Rios?

Prices for flights to both Ocho Rios and Hofn 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
    Hofn $73
    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.
    Hofn $20
    Ocho Rios $15

Tours and Activities in Hofn

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hofn.

  • 3 Hours Blue Ice Experience in Vatnajokull : $214
  • Crystal Ice Cave Adventure : $203
  • Crystal Ice Cave Tour from Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon: $182
  • Frozen Wonders : Small Group Ice Cave Tour: $200
  • Ice Cave Tour in the National Park of Vatnajökull: $157
  • Sapphire Ice Cave Tour from Jökulsárlón - Extra Small Group: $170
  • Sindri’s Ice Cave Photography Tour: A Local’s Perspective: $215
  • The Orignal Ice Cave Tour in Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: $164

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
    Hofn $13
    Ocho Rios $7.43

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


Which is Bigger, Hofn or Ocho Rios?

Ocho Rios has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Hofn. When comparing the sizes of Hofn 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 Hofn or Ocho Rios?

Hofn 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 Hofn or Ocho Rios in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Hofn is much colder than Ocho Rios. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hofn in July average around 9°C (48°F), and Ocho Rios averages at about 29°C (83°F).

In July, Hofn usually receives more rain than Ocho Rios. Hofn gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hofn 9°C (48°F) 
    Ocho Rios 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Hofn or Ocho Rios in the Autumn?

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

It's quite cold in Hofn in the autumn. In October, Hofn is generally much colder than Ocho Rios. Daily temperatures in Hofn average around 4°C (40°F), and Ocho Rios fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Ocho Rios gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hofn. Hofn usually gets less rain in October than Ocho Rios. Hofn gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hofn 4°C (40°F) 
    Ocho Rios 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Hofn or Ocho Rios in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Hofn. Hofn is much colder than Ocho Rios in the winter. The daily temperature in Hofn averages around -0°C (31°F) in January, and Ocho Rios fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Hofn gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Hofn usually receives more rain than Ocho Rios. Hofn gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hofn -0°C (31°F) 
    Ocho Rios 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Hofn or Ocho Rios in the Spring?

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

Hofn can get quite cold in the spring. In the spring, Hofn is much colder than Ocho Rios. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hofn in April average around 2°C (36°F), and Ocho Rios averages at about 26°C (80°F).

Hofn usually gets more rain in April than Ocho Rios. Hofn gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hofn 2°C (36°F) 
    Ocho Rios 26°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Ocho Rios and Hofn

Hofn Ocho Rios
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (31°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 0°C (32°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 0°C (32°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Apr 2°C (36°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
May 5°C (40°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 8°C (46°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 9°C (48°F) 77 mm (3 in) 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 9°C (48°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Oct 4°C (40°F) 153 mm (6 in) 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Nov 1°C (34°F) 101 mm (4 in) 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Dec -0°C (32°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)