Which place is cheaper, Cartagena or Ocho Rios?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Ocho Rios or Cartagena?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ocho Rios or Cartagena, 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 Cartagena?
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.
Cartagena
The capital of the Bolivar Department of Colombia, Cartagena is one of the most visited cities in the country. It sits on Colombia's northern coast by the Caribbean Sea. It's a port city with a population of almost 900,000, making it the fifth largest city in Colombia. The city has a rich history and was the first Spanish colony on the American continent. It was also one of the first sanctuaries for freed African slaves in the Americas.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayOcho Rios $77Cartagena $48
The average daily cost (per person) in Ocho Rios is $77, while the average daily cost in Cartagena is $48. 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 Cartagena in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personOcho Rios $52Cartagena $27
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomOcho Rios $104Cartagena $54
Compare Hotels in Ocho Rios and Cartagena
Looking for a hotel in Ocho Rios or Cartagena? 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 Cartagena Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ocho Rios $7.60Cartagena $7.64
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ocho Rios
Also for Ocho Rios, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer to Ocho Rios Hotels (Round-Trip): $110
- Private Airport Transfer to Bahia Principe Grand Hotel : $100
- Runaway Bay Hotels Private Transfer: $80
- 11. Ocho Rios Hotels&Resorts Airport Private Fun-Transfer to/from Sangster Intl : $60
- AirBnB Roundtrip Shuttle / One Way MBJ Airport Transfers: $25
- Airport Transfer Roundtrip Jamaica MBJ: $29
- Airport Transfers to Runaway Bay Hotels (MBJ): $56
- Airport transfers to Hotel, Guest houses or Villas in St.Ann, Ochi Rios Jamaica: $110
- Bahia Principe Grand Jamaica Private Airport transfer : $61
- Convenient Airport Transfer To Riu Hotel Ocho Rios : $80
- Couples Resorts Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Roundtrip): $300
- From Scenic Guided Horseback Ride with Transfer: $195
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cartagena
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cartagena:
- 15. Transfer to SANTA MARTA from Cartagena Private or vice versa.: $290
- Cartagena to Santa Marta Private Transfer Service: $268
- Cartagena to Santa Marta (or vice versa) Private Transfer : $265
- San Diego to Long Beach Airport (LGB) - Departure Private Transfer: $156
- Cartagena to or from Tayrona Park Private Transfer: $153
- 20. Transfer Rafael N. Airport-HOTEL LAS ISLAS-CALABLANCA: $142
- Arrival Private Transfer Cartagena Airport CTG to Cartagena City by Minibus: $129
- 8. Transfer to BARRANQUILLA from Cartagena Private or vice versa: $128
- Cartagena Rafael Nunez Airport (CTG): Transfer to Cartagena: $108
- Arrival Transfer Cartagena Airport CTG to Cartagena by MiniSuv: $106
- Full-Day Beach at the Bora Bora Club with Transfer (Adults only): $105
- Arrival Private Transfer Cartagena Airport CTG to Cartagena City by Minivan: $93
Is it cheaper to fly into Ocho Rios or Cartagena?
Prices for flights to both Cartagena 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 dayOcho Rios $17Cartagena $10
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
- Private Hillside Cooking Class Jamaican Style with Pickup : $104
- 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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cartagena
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cartagena.
- Featured in NYTimes > Arepas and Dancing: Danceable Cooking Class in Cartagena: $32
- Cooking class of typical food at the beach and sunset view: $39
- Taste Cartagena Food tour: $40
- Street Food Tour in Cartagena: $42
- Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $43
- Local Flavors Food Tour with Native Chef: $50
- Cooking Class: Street food & Mojito making: $50
- Cruise by the Bay with Dinner and Wine: $55
- Private Dinner at a Local Chef's House in Cartagena: $58
- Cartagena Gourmet: Cooking Class with a View, Elegance & Flavor: $59
- Cooking class: Street Food & Mojito making: $60
- Street food tour: $61
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ocho Rios $15Cartagena $22
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.
- Blue Hole Admission Fee Ticket: $25
- Private Sightseeing Tour in Ocho Rios : $30
- Private Blue Hole and Shopping Tour from Ocho Rios: $30
- Private Blue hole Tour from Ocho Rios : $40
- Ocho Rios Sightseeing and Taxi from Runaway Bay & Ocho Rios: $40
- Blue Hole Private Tour from Ocho Rios with Pickup: $40
- Private Guided Tour To Yaaman Adventures Safari jungle park: $40
- Blue Hole And Konoko Falls Combo Tour From Ocho Rios & Runaway Bay!: $43
- Private Konoko Falls and Sightseeing Tour from Ocho Rios : $45
- Half-Day Blue Hole and Secret Falls Tour from Runaway Bay: $46
- Blue Hole Tour from Ocho Rios: $49
- Dunn's River Falls and Blue Hole Private Tour from Ocho Rios: $50
Tours and Activities in Cartagena
Here are a few actual costs in Cartagena for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Beach Buggy ATV Adventure Tour CARTAGENA: $135
- Eco cultural Historical Tour beyond Old City! + Pool: $98
- Exciting Beach Buggy ATV Tour in Cartagena : $165
- Playa Morena Beach Club Whith Lunch And Walking tour of fort San Fernando: $39
- Private Beach Tour in Barú and Optional Bird Aviary: $120
- Private Tour & the best coffee of the world in Cartagena (Also for cruisers): $250
- Private city tour: $197
- "Essential Cartagena" Private Tour. : $70
- "Luxury Day in Tierra Bomba Exclusive Tour to the best Beach Club": $154
- 16. Punta Arena Tour (Tierra Bomba Island): $25
- 17. Transportation for private CITY TOURS CARTAGENA: $105
- 2 Hour Panoramic tour for cruise ship passengers: $61
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayOcho Rios $7.71Cartagena $9.39
Sample the Local Flavors in Cartagena
Also in Cartagena, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl with Dancing Lessons and Free Shots: $18
- Cartagena's Best Pub Crawl all included!: $23
- Cartagena Pub Crawl: Let's Party & Matching in Getsemaní: $24
- Nightlife Pub crawl in Cartagena: $71
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ocho Rios and Cartagena, we can see that Ocho Rios is more expensive. And not only is Cartagena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ocho Rios is in Caribbean Islands and Cartagena is in South 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 Cartagena would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cartagena 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 Ocho Rios would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ocho Rios than you might in Cartagena.
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 Cartagena Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ocho Rios or Cartagena?
Cartagena has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Ocho Rios and Cartagena, 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 Cartagena?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Cartagena in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Ocho Rios as well as Cartagena. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year.
Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in July than Cartagena. Ocho Rios gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cartagena. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ocho Rios this time of the year. In the summer, Ocho Rios often gets more sunshine than Cartagena. Ocho Rios gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 207 hours of full sun.
In July, Ocho Rios is generally around the same temperature as Cartagena. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 29°C (83°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyOcho Rios 29°C (83°F)Cartagena 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Cartagena in the Autumn?
Both Cartagena 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. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Cartagena. It's quite rainy in Ocho Rios. In October, Ocho Rios usually receives more rain than Cartagena. Ocho Rios gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. Ocho Rios usually receives more sunshine than Cartagena during autumn. Ocho Rios gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 175 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Ocho Rios is around the same temperature as Cartagena in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberOcho Rios 28°C (82°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Cartagena in the Winter?
Both Cartagena 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round.
Ocho Rios usually gets more rain in January than Cartagena. Ocho Rios gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Cartagena, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ocho Rios. In the winter, Ocho Rios often gets less sunshine than Cartagena. Ocho Rios gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 278 hours of full sun.
In the winter, Ocho Rios is around the same temperature as Cartagena. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ocho Rios in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Cartagena averages at about 27°C (81°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryOcho Rios 26°C (79°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Cartagena in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocho Rios and Cartagena. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Ocho Rios usually receives more rain than Cartagena. Ocho Rios gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cartagena this time of the year. In Ocho Rios, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ocho Rios usually receives more sunshine than Cartagena during spring. Ocho Rios gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Ocho Rios is generally around the same temperature as Cartagena. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 26°C (80°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilOcho Rios 26°C (80°F)Cartagena 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Cartagena and Ocho Rios
| Ocho Rios | Cartagena | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 30 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.