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

Should you visit Ocho Rios or Charlotte?

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

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

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.

Charlotte

With a population of almost 800,000, Charlotte is the largest city in the state of North Carolina. The city has grown rapidly in recent years and the thriving economy has led to major revitalization efforts in the city's central district. The city is a center for finance, industry, technology, and entertainment within the state. It is the location of the corporate headquarters of Bank of America as well as the east coast operations of Wells Fargo, making it the second largest banking center in the United States. Although Charlotte has never been considered a significant tourist destination, recent efforts to enhance the urban core and develop entertainment venues have begun to appeal to outside visitors.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Charlotte 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 Charlotte is $191. 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 Charlotte in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ocho Rios $52
    Charlotte $118
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ocho Rios $104
    Charlotte $236
Compare Hotels in Ocho Rios and Charlotte

Looking for a hotel in Ocho Rios or Charlotte? 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 Charlotte


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 Charlotte Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ocho Rios $7.60
    Charlotte $33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ocho Rios

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

  • Private Luxury Transfer from Sandals Dunns River : $300
  • Couples Resorts Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Roundtrip): $300
  • From Scenic Guided Horseback Ride with Transfer: $195
  • Private Transfer from MBJ Airport to Resorts in Ocho Rios : $160
  • Ocho Rios Private Airport Transfer [VIP LUXURY Vehicles]: $158
  • Kingston Airport Transfer to Ocho Rios: $140
  • Private Jamaica Airport Transfers: $130
  • Private Airport Transfer from Montego Bay Airport to Ocho Rios: $130
  • Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer to Ocho Rios Hotels in Jamaica: $130
  • Runaway Bay Hotels Private Round Trip Transfers from MBJ: $125
  • MBJ Airport Round trip Private transfer for Runaway Bay Hotels: $120
  • Private Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Riu Ocho Rios, Low Cost.: $115

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Charlotte

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

  • Charlotte Round Trip Chauffeur Driven Airport Transfer by Sedan: $150
  • Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) to Charlotte City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $136
  • Arrival Transfer: Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT to Charlotte in Business Car: $133
  • Departure Transfer: Charlotte to Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT in Business Car: $133
  • Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT): 1-Way Transfer to Charlotte: $99
  • Private Departure Transfer to Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT): $54

Is it cheaper to fly into Ocho Rios or Charlotte?

Prices for flights to both Charlotte 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
    Charlotte $46

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 Charlotte

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Charlotte:


  • Pizza at Airport
    $4.03
  • Cracker Barrel Lunch (family of 4)
    $29

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ocho Rios $15
    Charlotte $43
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 Charlotte

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Charlotte.

  • 2.5 Hour Black History Van Tour-Perseverance, Power, and Progress: $59
  • 90 Minute Historic Uptown Neighborhood Segway Tour of Charlotte: $75
  • Beer & BBQ Walking Tour - Craft Beer Experience : $115
  • Big Bite Brew Tour in Charlotte's LoSo District: $150
  • Carolina History and Haunts Charlotte Historical Ghost Walking Tour : $27
  • Charlotte Comedy City Tour: $40
  • Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour - Smartphone guided audio/gps Tour at your own pace: $6.75
  • Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour: Smartphone Audio & GPS Tour: $6.50
  • Charlotte Haunted Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour: $35
  • Charlotte Historic : Queen Bee City Tour: $39
  • Charlotte Historical City Tour: $45
  • Charlotte Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $90

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ocho Rios $7.71
    Charlotte $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Charlotte

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Charlotte:

  • 3-Hour Brewery Crawl on 7 passenger Cart: $48
  • Charlotte Brewery Crawl Tour: $48
  • Bar Crawl on a Rollin Disco Ball Golf Cart in Charlotte: $240


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


Which is Bigger, Ocho Rios or Charlotte?

Charlotte has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Ocho Rios and Charlotte, 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 Charlotte?

Charlotte 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 Charlotte in the Summer?

Both Charlotte and Ocho Rios are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ocho Rios throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Charlotte because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Ocho Rios is around the same temperature as Charlotte in the summer. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Charlotte fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

It's quite sunny in Charlotte. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. Ocho Rios usually receives less sunshine than Charlotte during summer. Ocho Rios gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Charlotte receives 289 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Charlotte. In July, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than Charlotte. Ocho Rios gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Charlotte receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Charlotte in the Autumn?

Both Charlotte and Ocho Rios during the autumn 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 city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Charlotte this time of year.

In the autumn, Ocho Rios is much warmer than Charlotte. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ocho Rios in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Charlotte averages at about 63°F (17°C).

In Charlotte, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ocho Rios. In the autumn, Ocho Rios often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Charlotte. Ocho Rios gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charlotte receives 223 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. Ocho Rios usually gets more rain in October than Charlotte. Ocho Rios gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Charlotte receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Charlotte in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocho Rios and Charlotte. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Charlotte for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Ocho Rios is generally much warmer than Charlotte. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 26°C (79°F), and Charlotte fluctuates around 42°F (6°C).

In Ocho Rios, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ocho Rios usually receives more sunshine than Charlotte during winter. Ocho Rios gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Charlotte receives 173 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than Charlotte. Ocho Rios gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Charlotte receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ocho Rios 26°C (79°F) 
    Charlotte 42°F (6°C)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Charlotte in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ocho Rios as well as Charlotte. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Charlotte in the spring for the activities around the city.

Ocho Rios is much warmer than Charlotte in the spring. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Charlotte fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charlotte. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ocho Rios this time of the year. In the spring, Ocho Rios often gets less sunshine than Charlotte. Ocho Rios gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charlotte receives 273 hours of full sun.

Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in April than Charlotte. Ocho Rios gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Charlotte receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ocho Rios 26°C (80°F) 
    Charlotte 63°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Charlotte and Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios Charlotte
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 42°F (6°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 54°F (12°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 63°F (17°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 81°F (27°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 80°F (27°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Sep 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 74°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 63°F (17°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 54°F (12°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 46°F (8°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)