Which place is cheaper, Ocho Rios or Mombasa?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Mombasa or Ocho Rios?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Mombasa and Ocho Rios. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Mombasa or Ocho Rios?
Mombasa
Mombasa is a beautiful, large city on the eastern coast of Kenya, bordering the Indian Ocean. The city is famous for its stunning beaches, friendly locals, and diverse marine life. Mombasa experiences a tropical climate year round, meaning temperatures rarely drop below 70° Fahrenheit. The rainiest months of the year are April and May and the driest months are January and February. Temperatures tend to be more mild from May through October, usually in the 70's and 80's. Temperatures get much warmer from November through April, with daily averages reaching the high 90's.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Kenya, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Kenya.
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Mombasa Prices
Kenya PricesOcho Rios Prices
Jamaica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMombasa $81Ocho Rios $86
The average daily cost (per person) in Mombasa is $81, while the average daily cost in Ocho Rios is $86. 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 Mombasa and Ocho Rios in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMombasa $26Ocho Rios $51
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMombasa $52Ocho Rios $102
Compare Hotels in Mombasa and Ocho Rios
Looking for a hotel in Mombasa 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.
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: Mombasa Hotel Prices and Ocho Rios Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mombasa $18Ocho Rios $7.41
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mombasa
Also for Mombasa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfer To Watamu Hotels: $109
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfers To Vipingo & Kilifi Hotels: $91
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfer To South Coast Diani Hotels: $78
- From Mombasa Airport Diani Transfer in a Minivan 5 Pax: $75
- Airport Transfers to Watamu and Malindi: $75
- Diani Taxi and Airport Transfers: $70
- Private Transfer from Mombasa Port to Mombasa Moi Airport (MBA): $56
- Private Transfer from Mombasa Moi Airport (MBA) to Mombasa Port: $56
- Private Transfer from Mombasa Cruise Port to Mombasa City Hotels: $56
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfer To Nyali/bamburi/shanzu: $35
- Transfer From Mombasa (Moi Airport/SGR) To Diani: $35
- Private Transfer from Moi Airport Mombasa (MBA) to Mombasa City: $34
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ocho Rios
Also for Ocho Rios, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Ocho Rios Port to Montego Bay Sangster Airport(MBJ): $78
- Runaway Bay Hotels Transfers between Montego Bay Airport: $60
- Runaway Bay Hotels Private Round Trip Transfers from MBJ: $160
- Runaway Bay Hotels Private Airport Transfer: $53
- Runaway Bay Airport Transfer: $56
- Roundtrip Airport Transfer from Montego Bay to Ocho Rios and Runaway Bay Hotels: $240
- Riu Ocho Rios Jamaica Private Airport Transfer: $80
- Private Transfers To/From Ocho Rios & OCJ Airport Across Jamaica: $143
- Private Transfer to Yaaman Adventure Park from Ocho Rios: $65
- Private Transfer to Mystic Mountain from Ocho Rios: $40
- Private Transfer to Konoko Falls Botanical Gardens: $30
- Private Transfer to Hotels in Ocho Rios from Montego Bay Airport: $50
Is it cheaper to fly into Mombasa or Ocho Rios?
Prices for flights to both Ocho Rios and Mombasa 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
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Food Meals for one dayMombasa $41Ocho Rios $28
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mombasa
For Mombasa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Special African Dinner: $46
- Mombasa Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $49
- Sultan's Spoon Mombasa Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $49
- Swahili Street Food Tour: $55
- Diani Beach Sunset Dhow Cruise with Dinner: $68
- Tamarind Dhow Dinner Cruise & Nightlife: $132
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:
- Exclusive Sunset Dinner At Reggae Hill: $99
- Flavors of Jamaica Food Tour from Runaway Bay: $138
- Taste of Jamaica Food Tour from Ocho Rios: $150
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mombasa $18Ocho Rios $15
Tours and Activities in Mombasa
For Mombasa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1 Day Group tour to Tsavo East National Park with Buffet Lunch: $160
- 1 Day Malindi day Tour (minimum 2 Pax): $194
- 1 Day Wasini Dolphin Tour From Diani Beach: $118
- 1 Day Wasini Snorkelling Tour: $195
- 4 Hours Guided Mombasa City Tour: $45
- Canoeing Sundowner Tour on Kongo River: $30
- Chale Island Kenya Tour in 4WD Vehicle: $295
- City Tour with Ghalib: $74
- Day Tour Experience to Tsavo East National Park: $190
- Day Wasini Private Boat Tour with Snorkeling And Seafood: $244
- Elky Diani Glass Bottom Tour to Robinson Island: $35
- Fort Jesus & Mombasa Old Town Walking CityTour: $38
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ocho Rios
For Ocho Rios, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Tour of Brimmer Hall Estate$11
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Admission to Coyaba Gardens$5.34
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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.
- 2.5-Hours Nine Miles & Bob Marley's Mausoleum Private Tour: $155
- ATV Adventure Ocho Rios: $150
- ATV Adventure Ride in Ocho Rios Jamaica with Jerk Chicken Lunch: $175
- ATV Adventure and Shopping from Falmouth (Minimum 4 persons): $165
- ATV and Blue Hole Adventure: $190
- ATV, Bamboo Rafting & Horseback Ride Tour From Montego Bay: $411
- ATV, Horseback Riding and Bluehole Adventure Tour: $210
- Appleton Rum Tour and YS Falls: $280
- Aqua Fun Tours Dunns Falls, River Tubing and Horse Back: $170
- 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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMombasa $8.79Ocho Rios $7.52
When comparing the travel costs between Mombasa 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 Mombasa is in Africa 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 Mombasa Expensive? and Is Ocho Rios Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mombasa or Ocho Rios?
Mombasa has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Mombasa 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 Mombasa or Ocho Rios?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Mombasa or Ocho Rios in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Mombasa and Ocho Rios. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mombasa year-round. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Mombasa usually receives more rain than Ocho Rios. Mombasa gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ocho Rios this time of the year. In Mombasa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mombasa usually receives less sunshine than Ocho Rios during summer. Mombasa gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Ocho Rios receives 254 hours of full sun in the summer.
In the summer, Mombasa is cooler than Ocho Rios. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mombasa in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Ocho Rios averages at about 29°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMombasa 24°C (75°F)Ocho Rios 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Ocho Rios in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Mombasa as well as Ocho Rios. Mombasa attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ocho Rios throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Ocho Rios. Mombasa receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Mombasa usually gets less rain in October than Ocho Rios. Mombasa gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mombasa this time of the year. In the autumn, Mombasa often gets more sunshine than Ocho Rios. Mombasa gets 291 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ocho Rios receives 229 hours of full sun.
In October, Mombasa is generally around the same temperature as Ocho Rios. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 26°C (79°F), and Ocho Rios fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMombasa 26°C (79°F)Ocho Rios 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Ocho Rios in the Winter?
Both Ocho Rios and Mombasa are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mombasa throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Ocho Rios because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Mombasa usually receives more rain than Ocho Rios. Mombasa gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
It's quite sunny in Ocho Rios. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually receives more sunshine than Ocho Rios during winter. Mombasa gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Ocho Rios receives 257 hours of full sun in the winter.
Mombasa is around the same temperature as Ocho Rios in the winter. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Ocho Rios fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMombasa 27°C (81°F)Ocho Rios 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Ocho Rios in the Spring?
Both Ocho Rios and Mombasa during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Mombasa because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually gets more rain in April than Ocho Rios. Mombasa gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Ocho Rios, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mombasa. In the spring, Mombasa often gets less sunshine than Ocho Rios. Mombasa gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ocho Rios receives 251 hours of full sun.
In the spring, Mombasa is around the same temperature as Ocho Rios. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mombasa in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Ocho Rios averages at about 26°C (80°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMombasa 27°C (81°F)Ocho Rios 26°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Ocho Rios and Mombasa
| Mombasa | Ocho Rios | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.