Which place is cheaper, Bar Harbor or Ocho Rios?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ocho Rios or Bar Harbor?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ocho Rios or Bar Harbor, 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 Bar Harbor?
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.
Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor is a seafront town located on Mount Desert Island just off the coast of Maine. The Wabanaki Indians who seasonally fished, hunted and gathered berries, clams, and other shellfish in the area, called it the ‘clam-gathering' or ‘clambake' place. Eventually the area was settled by Europeans who established industries in fishing, lumbering, shipbuilding, and agriculture. Its maritime scenery even attracted artists of the Hudson River School like Thomas Cole, and the area soon became a seasonal resort for the affluent, comparable to that of Newport, Rhode Island.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayOcho Rios $77Bar Harbor $202
The average daily cost (per person) in Ocho Rios is $77, while the average daily cost in Bar Harbor is $202. 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 Bar Harbor in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personOcho Rios $52Bar Harbor $117
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomOcho Rios $104Bar Harbor $234
Compare Hotels in Ocho Rios and Bar Harbor
Looking for a hotel in Ocho Rios or Bar Harbor? 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: Ocho Rios Hotel Prices and Bar Harbor Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ocho Rios $7.60Bar Harbor $35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ocho Rios
Also for Ocho Rios, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Ian Fleming Ocho Rios Airport Private Transfer to Ocho Rios Hotel: $15
- Ocho Rios or Runaway Bay 2-Hour Shopping Transfer: $15
- Private Transfer from Ian Fleming Airport to Ocho Rios: $20
- Private Transfer to Mystic Mountain from Ocho Rios: $20
- Shuttle Transfer From Montego Bay Airport - Runaway Bay: $24
- AirBnB Roundtrip Shuttle / One Way MBJ Airport Transfers: $25
- Private Transfer to Konoko Falls Botanical Gardens: $27
- Relaxing Montego Bay To Ducanon and Juwel Runaway Bay Transfer: $27
- Airport Transfer Roundtrip Jamaica MBJ: $29
- Private Airport Transfer from MBJ to Ocho Rios: $30
- Private Airport transfer from Montego Bay To Ocho Rios .: $30
- Private Transfer to ATV dirt road Adventures.: $32
Is it cheaper to fly into Ocho Rios or Bar Harbor?
Prices for flights to both Bar Harbor 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
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Food Meals for one dayOcho Rios $17Bar Harbor $57
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:
- From Flavors of Jamaica Guided Food Tour: $89
- Taste of Jamaica Farm & Food Tour: $98
- Ocho Ros: Hillside Cooking Class, Jamaican Style: $130
- Taste of Jamaica Food Tour: $140
- The Jamaica School of Cooking and Ocho Rios Highlights Tour: $141
- Ocho Rios Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Dinner: $218
Typical Food Prices in Bar Harbor
Some typical examples of dining costs in Bar Harbor are as follows:
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West Street Cafe (for 4)$70
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ocho Rios $15Bar Harbor $39
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$5.47
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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.
- Blue Hole Admission Fee Ticket: $25
- Private Blue Hole and Shopping Tour from Ocho Rios: $30
- Blue Hole Private Tour from Ocho Rios with Pickup: $40
- Blue Hole And Konoko Falls Combo Tour From Ocho Rios & Runaway Bay!: $43
- Luminous lagoon Private & Group tour from Runaway Bay: $45
- Half-Day Blue Hole and Secret Falls Tour from Runaway Bay: $46
- Blue Hole Tour from Ocho Rios: $49
- Private Tour From Ocho Rios To Blue Hole Secret Falls and Shopping: $50
- Dunn's River Falls and Blue Hole Private Tour from Ocho Rios: $50
- Blue hole waterfalls tour from Ocho Rios : $51
- Private Ocho Rios highlights and beach day tour: $51
- Shared Pub Dash Tour in Ocho Rios: $55
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bar Harbor
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bar Harbor are as follows:
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Acadia National Park Entrance Fee$25
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Sunset Cruise (for 4)$96
Tours and Activities in Bar Harbor
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bar Harbor are as follows:
- 3 Hour Private Tour: Insiders tour of Acadia National Park: $675
- 4 Hour Private Tour: Acadia, Fjord, Gardens & Mansions: $775
- 6 Hour Private Tour: Ultimate Acadia Tour with Lobster Lunch: $1,000
- 90-minute Ghost Walking Tour in Bar Harbor: $30
- Acadia Full Day Small Group Tour: $299
- Acadia Half Day Private Bike Tour: $548
- Acadia Mount Desert Island Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
- Acadia NP & Bar Harbor Self-Guided Driving and Walking Tour: $21
- Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour: $25
- Acadia National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
- Acadia National Park Small Group Guided Tour: $279
- Acadia's Ocean Path Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $15
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayOcho Rios $7.71Bar Harbor $30
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ocho Rios and Bar Harbor, we can see that Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ocho Rios or Bar Harbor?
Ocho Rios has a larger population, and is about 55% larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the sizes of Ocho Rios and Bar Harbor, 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 Bar Harbor?
Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor in the Summer?
Both Bar Harbor and Ocho Rios during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ocho Rios because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Bar Harbor for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Ocho Rios is a little warmer than Bar Harbor. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ocho Rios in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Bar Harbor averages at about 69°F (21°C).
Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in July than Bar Harbor. Ocho Rios gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyOcho Rios 29°C (83°F)Bar Harbor 69°F (21°C)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Bar Harbor in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocho Rios and Bar Harbor. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round. Also, many visitors come to Bar Harbor in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Ocho Rios is generally much warmer than Bar Harbor. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 28°C (82°F), and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).
Ocho Rios gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Ocho Rios usually receives more rain than Bar Harbor. Ocho Rios gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberOcho Rios 28°C (82°F)Bar Harbor 48°F (9°C)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Bar Harbor in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Ocho Rios as well as Bar Harbor. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Bar Harbor for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.
Bar Harbor can be very cold during winter. Ocho Rios is much warmer than Bar Harbor in the winter. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).
Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in January than Bar Harbor. Ocho Rios gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryOcho Rios 26°C (79°F)Bar Harbor 18°F (-8°C)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Bar Harbor in the Spring?
Both Bar Harbor and Ocho Rios are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ocho Rios throughout the year. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bar Harbor because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Ocho Rios is much warmer than Bar Harbor. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ocho Rios in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Bar Harbor averages at about 43°F (6°C).
In April, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than Bar Harbor. Ocho Rios gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilOcho Rios 26°C (80°F)Bar Harbor 43°F (6°C)
Typical Weather for Bar Harbor and Ocho Rios
| Ocho Rios | Bar Harbor | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 18°F (-8°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 20°F (-6°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 31°F (-1°C) | 3.1 inches (80 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 43°F (6°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 3.4 inches (85 mm) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 69°F (21°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 67°F (20°C) | 3.4 inches (85 mm) |
| Sep | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 48°F (9°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 37°F (3°C) | 4.6 inches (116 mm) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 24°F (-5°C) | 4 inches (100 mm) |
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.