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

Should you visit Ocho Rios or Asheville?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ocho Rios or Asheville, 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: Ocho Rios or Asheville?

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.

Asheville

Asheville is a beautiful mountain town between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains. It's a popular tourist destination in western North Carolina that attracts hikers, shoppers, and adventurers alike. It's the largest city in the area and is famous for it's liberal mindset and large art community. Local crafts are frequently available for sale in the downtown shops.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Asheville or Ocho Rios?

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

  • Ocho Rios Prices
    Jamaica Prices
    Asheville Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Ocho Rios $87
    Asheville $159

The average daily cost (per person) in Ocho Rios is $87, while the average daily cost in Asheville is $159. 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 Ocho Rios and Asheville in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ocho Rios $51
    Asheville $89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ocho Rios $102
    Asheville $178
Compare Hotels in Ocho Rios and Asheville

Looking for a hotel in Ocho Rios or Asheville? 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 Ocho Rios


Hotels in Asheville


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: Ocho Rios Hotel Prices and Asheville Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ocho Rios $7.43
    Asheville $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ocho Rios

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

  • ***PRIVATE Airport Transfer to HOTELS in around RUNAWAY BAY***: $130
  • Airport Transfer - From MBJ to Ocho Rios Hotels: $80
  • Airport Transfer Ocho Rios hotels: $80
  • Airport Transfer To Kingston, Ocho Rios, Montego Bay & Negril: $140
  • Airport Transfer To Riu Hotel Ocho Rios: $100
  • Arrive Like Royalty VIP Airport Transfer from Montego Bay: $9.99
  • Bahia Principe Grand Jamaica Private Airport transfer: $61
  • Blue Hole Waterfall & Bamboo Rafting Tour Ocho Rios-Transfer Only: $109
  • Bob Marley & Nine Mile Heritage Tour with Bus Transfer/Ocho Rios: $225
  • Dunn's River Falls And Shopping Tour From Ocho Rios-Transfer Only: $65
  • Jamaica Private Hotel and Airport Transfer: $5.00
  • Jewels Resorts Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Roundtrip): $170

Is it cheaper to fly into Ocho Rios or Asheville?

Prices for flights to both Asheville and Ocho Rios 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
    Ocho Rios $28
    Asheville $58

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Asheville

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Asheville.

  • West Jefferson Walking Food Tour A Taste of the High Country: $65

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ocho Rios $15
    Asheville $20
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
    $5.35
  • 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.

  • Original Blue Hole St. Ann Ocho Rios Jamaica Admission Fee Ticket: $25
  • VIP Dunn River Falls and Blue Hole Experience: $25
  • Bamboo River Rafting and Blue Hole Waterfall Adventure Ocho Rios: $30
  • Bob Marley Nine Mile Tour: $35
  • Ocho Rios City Bus Tour (Beach, Sightseeing & Shopping): $40
  • Blue Hole and Dunn's River Tour (Entrance Fees Not Included): $40
  • Ocho Rios Scenic, Shopping and Lunch Tour: $45
  • Luminous lagoon Private & Group tour from Runaway Bay: $45
  • Blue Hole Tour from Ocho Rios: $49
  • Ocho Rios City Tour, Sightseeing and Shopping: $50
  • Private Magical Firewater Pond and Secluded Bamboo Beach Tour: $50
  • Dunn's River Falls and Blue Hole Private Tour from Ocho Rios: $50

Typical Entertainment Prices in Asheville

Here are a few typical costs in Asheville for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Biltmore Estate Entrance Fee
    $60
  • Massage
    $40

Tours and Activities in Asheville

Here are a few actual costs in Asheville for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2.5-3 HR Guided Scenic UTV Adventure: $175
  • 4 Hour Nantahala Guided Scenic Mountain Tour: $75
  • Asheville Ghost Tour: A Walk Through Riverside Cemetery & Montford Neighborhood: $25
  • Asheville Historic Downtown Guided Electric Bike Tour with Scenic Views: $79
  • Asheville Insider Guided Walking Tour: $35
  • Asheville Night-Time Walking Ghost Tour: $27
  • Asheville Rooftop Sunset Tour with Cocktails & Mountain Views: $95
  • Asheville Spa Escape Salt Sauna, Steam and Copper Soak Experience: $130
  • Asheville True Crime Tour: $20
  • Asheville Tubing Adventure: $30
  • Asheville's Historic Streets: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $15
  • Beer City Tubing Adventure on the French Broad River: $32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ocho Rios $7.54
    Asheville $16

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Asheville

Also in Asheville, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • An Epic Bar Crawl in Asheville: $15
  • Asheville Terrors Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl: $29
  • Cryptids & Creatures Pub Crawl in Asheville: $30
  • Downtown Asheville Guided Brewery Walking Tour: $69
  • Premier Walking Guided Brewery Tour Through Downtown Asheville: $69
  • Bachelorette Royal Bar Crawl through South Slope District: $80
  • Floating Bar Crawl Tour: $85
  • Asheville Brewery Tour: $94
  • Asheville Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105
  • Private Wine Tour with Dine in Black Mountain from Asheville: $230
  • Three Vineyards Half Day Private Wine Tour From Asheville: $260


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ocho Rios and Asheville, we can see that Asheville is more expensive. And not only is Ocho Rios much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ocho Rios is in Caribbean Islands and Asheville is in North America, 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 Asheville would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Asheville 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 Ocho Rios Expensive? and Is Asheville Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ocho Rios or Asheville?

Asheville has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Ocho Rios and Asheville, 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 Ocho Rios or Asheville?

Asheville 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 Ocho Rios or Asheville in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ocho Rios as well as Asheville. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Asheville in the summer for the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Ocho Rios is generally around the same temperature as Asheville. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 29°C (83°F), and Asheville fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Asheville. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ocho Rios this time of the year. In the summer, Ocho Rios often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Asheville. Ocho Rios gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Asheville receives 268 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Asheville. Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in July than Asheville. Ocho Rios gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Asheville receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ocho Rios 29°C (83°F) 
    Asheville 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Asheville in the Autumn?

Both Asheville and Ocho Rios are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ocho Rios throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Asheville for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Ocho Rios is much warmer than Asheville in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Asheville fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

It's quite sunny in Asheville. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. Ocho Rios usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Asheville during autumn. Ocho Rios gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Asheville receives 229 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Ocho Rios. In October, Ocho Rios usually receives more rain than Asheville. Ocho Rios gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Asheville receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ocho Rios 28°C (82°F) 
    Asheville 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Asheville in the Winter?

Both Asheville and Ocho Rios during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ocho Rios because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Asheville because of the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Ocho Rios is much warmer than Asheville. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ocho Rios in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Asheville averages at about 44°F (7°C).

It's quite sunny in Ocho Rios. In the winter, Ocho Rios often gets more sunshine than Asheville. Ocho Rios gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Asheville receives 176 hours of full sun.

Asheville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in January than Asheville. Ocho Rios gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Asheville receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ocho Rios 26°C (79°F) 
    Asheville 44°F (7°C)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Asheville in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocho Rios and Asheville. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Asheville this time of year.

In April, Ocho Rios is generally a little warmer than Asheville. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 26°C (80°F), and Asheville fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Asheville this time of the year. In Ocho Rios, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ocho Rios usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Asheville during spring. Ocho Rios gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Asheville receives 266 hours of full sun in the spring.

Asheville receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than Asheville. Ocho Rios gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Asheville receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ocho Rios 26°C (80°F) 
    Asheville 64°F (18°C)

Typical Weather for Asheville and Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios Asheville
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 44°F (7°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 47°F (8°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 55°F (13°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 64°F (18°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 71°F (22°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 79°F (26°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 81°F (27°C) 4.6 inches (118 mm)
Sep 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 75°F (24°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 55°F (13°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 47°F (8°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)