Which place is cheaper, Columbia River Gorge or Ocho Rios?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ocho Rios or Columbia River Gorge?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ocho Rios or Columbia River Gorge, 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 Columbia River Gorge?
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.
Columbia River Gorge
Columbia River Gorge is a popular destination in the Cascade Mountains in the Pacific Northwest. The region's close proximity to Portland, which is just 30 minutes away, makes it a popular weekend destination.
The gorge is formed by the Columbia River, with an 80 mile stretch designated as a National Scenic Area. The area has many beautiful cliffs with a number of tall waterfalls and its protected status means that most new development must occur within one of the already established towns.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayOcho Rios $77Columbia River Gorge $179
The average daily cost (per person) in Ocho Rios is $77, while the average daily cost in Columbia River Gorge is $179. 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 Columbia River Gorge in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personOcho Rios $52Columbia River Gorge $89
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomOcho Rios $104Columbia River Gorge $178
Compare Hotels in Ocho Rios and Columbia River Gorge
Looking for a hotel in Ocho Rios or Columbia River Gorge? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ocho Rios $7.60Columbia River Gorge $78
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 Columbia River Gorge?
Prices for flights to both Columbia River Gorge 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 $17Columbia River Gorge $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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ocho Rios $15Columbia River Gorge $20
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayOcho Rios $7.71Columbia River Gorge $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ocho Rios and Columbia River Gorge, we can see that Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ocho Rios or Columbia River Gorge?
Columbia River Gorge has a larger population, and is about 22% larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Ocho Rios and Columbia River Gorge, 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 Columbia River Gorge?
Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge in the Summer?
Both Columbia River Gorge 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, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Columbia River Gorge this time of year.
In the summer, Ocho Rios is a little warmer than Columbia River Gorge. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ocho Rios in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Columbia River Gorge averages at about 68°F (20°C).
In Columbia River Gorge, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ocho Rios. In the summer, Ocho Rios often gets less sunshine than Columbia River Gorge. Ocho Rios gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia River Gorge receives 338 hours of full sun.
Ocho Rios usually gets more rain in July than Columbia River Gorge. Ocho Rios gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyOcho Rios 29°C (83°F)Columbia River Gorge 68°F (20°C)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Columbia River Gorge in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocho Rios and Columbia River Gorge. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round. Also, many travelers come to Columbia River Gorge for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Ocho Rios is generally much warmer than Columbia River Gorge. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 28°C (82°F), and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).
In Ocho Rios, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ocho Rios usually receives more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge during autumn. Ocho Rios gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia River Gorge receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Ocho Rios gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Ocho Rios usually receives more rain than Columbia River Gorge. Ocho Rios gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberOcho Rios 28°C (82°F)Columbia River Gorge 55°F (13°C)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Columbia River Gorge in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Ocho Rios as well as Columbia River Gorge. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Columbia River Gorge in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Columbia River Gorge can get quite cold in the winter. Ocho Rios is much warmer than Columbia River Gorge in the winter. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ocho Rios this time of the year. In the winter, Ocho Rios often gets more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge. Ocho Rios gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia River Gorge receives 86 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Columbia River Gorge. Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in January than Columbia River Gorge. Ocho Rios gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryOcho Rios 26°C (79°F)Columbia River Gorge 40°F (4°C)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Columbia River Gorge in the Spring?
Both Columbia River Gorge 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, most visitors come to Columbia River Gorge for the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Ocho Rios is much warmer than Columbia River Gorge. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ocho Rios in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Columbia River Gorge averages at about 51°F (11°C).
It's quite sunny in Columbia River Gorge. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. Ocho Rios usually receives more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge during spring. Ocho Rios gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia River Gorge receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than Columbia River Gorge. Ocho Rios gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilOcho Rios 26°C (80°F)Columbia River Gorge 51°F (11°C)
Typical Weather for Columbia River Gorge and Ocho Rios
| Ocho Rios | Columbia River Gorge | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 40°F (4°C) | 5.2 inches (132 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 44°F (7°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 47°F (9°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 2 inches (51 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 1.5 inches (39 mm) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 69°F (20°C) | 1 inches (25 mm) |
| Sep | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 1.7 inches (44 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 46°F (8°C) | 5.4 inches (136 mm) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 40°F (5°C) | 6.1 inches (156 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.