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

Should you visit Ocho Rios or Blue Ridge?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ocho Rios or Blue Ridge, 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 Blue Ridge?

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.

Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge is a resort town, located in the northern part of Georgia in the vicinity of the Blue Ridge Mountain region of the Appalachian Mountain chain. It is a popular destination for outdoor adventures like hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, and even whitewater rafting. Whether you wish to stay in a cozy cabin or luxury resort, the environment is one enveloped by the natural beauty of mountain scenery.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.


Which place is cheaper, Blue Ridge or Ocho Rios?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Ocho Rios is $77, while the average daily cost in Blue Ridge is $124. 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 Blue Ridge in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ocho Rios $52
    Blue Ridge $67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ocho Rios $104
    Blue Ridge $134
Compare Hotels in Ocho Rios and Blue Ridge

Looking for a hotel in Ocho Rios or Blue Ridge? 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 Blue Ridge


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 Blue Ridge Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ocho Rios $7.60
    Blue Ridge $34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ocho Rios

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

  • Shuttle Transfer From Montego Bay Airport - Runaway Bay: $24
  • Runaway Bay Hotels Private Round Trip Transfers from MBJ: $125
  • Round-Trip or Direct Private Airport Transfers to Runaway Bay: $50
  • Riu Ocho Rios Private Airport Transfer: $80
  • Relaxing Montego Bay To Ducanon and Juwel Runaway Bay Transfer: $27
  • Private Transfer to Mystic Mountain from Ocho Rios: $20
  • Private Transfer to Konoko Falls Botanical Gardens: $27
  • Private Transfer to Hotels in Ocho Rios from Montego Bay Airport: $63
  • Private Transfer to Beach Horse Back Ride and Swim: $40
  • Private Transfer to ATV dirt road Adventures.: $32
  • Private Transfer from Ocho Rios to Sangster Airport MBJ: $60
  • Private Transfer from MBJ Airport to Resorts in Ocho Rios : $160

Is it cheaper to fly into Ocho Rios or Blue Ridge?

Prices for flights to both Blue Ridge 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 $17
    Blue Ridge $35

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ocho Rios $15
    Blue Ridge $18
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
    $5.47
  • 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.

  • Authentic Jamaican Bamboo Rafting Tour from Runaway Bay: $194
  • Black River Safari & YS Falls Tour from Runaway Bay: $285
  • Blue hole waterfalls + Bamboo river rafting tour from Ocho rios: $109
  • Bob Marley Nine Mile Tour from Ocho Rios: $77
  • Combo Blue Hole and Horseback Riding Tour From Ocho Rios : $160
  • Full-Day Tour to Blue Hole Falls with Horseback Ride from Montego Bay: $220
  • Shopping Tour From Runaway Bay Hotels : $65
  • ATV, Bamboo Rafting, Horseback Ride Guided Tour from Montego Bay: $135
  • All day Tour of Ocho Rios : $200
  • Bamboo Rafting & River Tubing Tour Ocho Rios(Entry Fee Included): $220
  • Bamboo Rafting in Ocho Rios Private Experience: $207
  • Bamboo Rafting on the Lethe great/river(:),tour: $120

Tours and Activities in Blue Ridge

For Blue Ridge, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2 Hour Culture Tour in Helen: $25
  • 2-Hour Helen Haunts and History Walk Tour: $29

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ocho Rios $7.71
    Blue Ridge $20


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ocho Rios and Blue Ridge, we can see that Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ocho Rios or Blue Ridge?

Ocho Rios has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Ocho Rios and Blue Ridge, 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 Blue Ridge?

Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocho Rios and Blue Ridge. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round. Also, many visitors come to Blue Ridge in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Ocho Rios is around the same temperature as Blue Ridge. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ocho Rios in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Blue Ridge averages at about 81°F (27°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge during summer. Ocho Rios gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Blue Ridge receives 265 hours of full sun in the summer.

Blue Ridge receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than Blue Ridge. Ocho Rios gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Blue Ridge receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ocho Rios 29°C (83°F) 
    Blue Ridge 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Blue Ridge in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ocho Rios as well as Blue Ridge. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Blue Ridge for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Ocho Rios is generally much warmer than Blue Ridge. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 28°C (82°F), and Blue Ridge fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ocho Rios this time of the year. In the autumn, Ocho Rios often gets more sunshine than Blue Ridge. Ocho Rios gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Blue Ridge receives 211 hours of full sun.

Ocho Rios receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ocho Rios usually gets more rain in October than Blue Ridge. Ocho Rios gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Blue Ridge receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ocho Rios 28°C (82°F) 
    Blue Ridge 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Blue Ridge in the Winter?

Both Blue Ridge and Ocho Rios are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ocho Rios throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Blue Ridge because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Blue Ridge can be very cold. Ocho Rios is much warmer than Blue Ridge in the winter. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Blue Ridge fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. Ocho Rios usually receives more sunshine than Blue Ridge during winter. Ocho Rios gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Blue Ridge receives 145 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. In January, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than Blue Ridge. Ocho Rios gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Blue Ridge receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ocho Rios 26°C (79°F) 
    Blue Ridge 40°F (5°C)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Blue Ridge in the Spring?

Both Blue Ridge and Ocho Rios during the spring 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 small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Blue Ridge this time of year.

In the spring, Ocho Rios is much warmer than Blue Ridge. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ocho Rios in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Blue Ridge averages at about 62°F (17°C).

In Blue Ridge, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ocho Rios. In the spring, Ocho Rios often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Blue Ridge. Ocho Rios gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Blue Ridge receives 243 hours of full sun.

Blue Ridge gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in April than Blue Ridge. Ocho Rios gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Blue Ridge receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ocho Rios 26°C (80°F) 
    Blue Ridge 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Blue Ridge and Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios Blue Ridge
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 40°F (5°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 53°F (12°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 62°F (17°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 70°F (21°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 81°F (27°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Sep 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 63°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm)