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

Should you visit Ocho Rios or Duck Key?

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

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

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.

Duck Key

If you are thirsty for the taste of tropical splendor, Duck Key, Florida will surely quench your desires. Located in Monroe County, Florida, right beside its neighbor Conch Key, Duck Key stands. The community is chock full of everyone's favorite seaside activities, including fishing, jetskiing, scuba diving, canoeing, and kayaking. Though a quaint town, Duck Key attracts tourists from all over due to its quiet beaches and friendly locals. Whether you are looking to meet and greet with the dolphins or simply lie upon the sandy white beaches as the fire orange sun sets before you, Duck Key is truly a sweet and small subtropical diversion.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Duck Key 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 Duck Key is $143. 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 Duck Key in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ocho Rios $52
    Duck Key $56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ocho Rios $104
    Duck Key $112
Compare Hotels in Ocho Rios and Duck Key

Looking for a hotel in Ocho Rios or Duck Key? 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 Duck Key


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ocho Rios $7.60
    Duck Key $69

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 Duck Key?

Prices for flights to both Duck Key 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
    Duck Key $45

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
    Duck Key $30
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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ocho Rios $7.71
    Duck Key $7.99


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


Which is Bigger, Ocho Rios or Duck Key?

Ocho Rios has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Duck Key. When comparing the sizes of Ocho Rios and Duck Key, 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 Duck Key?

Duck Key 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 Duck Key in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocho Rios and Duck Key. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round.

In July, Ocho Rios is generally around the same temperature as Duck Key. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 29°C (83°F), and Duck Key fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Duck Key this time of the year. In Ocho Rios, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ocho Rios usually receives less sunshine than Duck Key during summer. Ocho Rios gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Duck Key receives 328 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than Duck Key. Ocho Rios gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Duck Key receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ocho Rios 29°C (83°F) 
    Duck Key 84°F (29°C)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Duck Key in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ocho Rios as well as Duck Key. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Ocho Rios is around the same temperature as Duck Key in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Duck Key fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Duck Key. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ocho Rios this time of the year. In the autumn, Ocho Rios often gets less sunshine than Duck Key. Ocho Rios gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Duck Key receives 258 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Duck Key. Ocho Rios receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ocho Rios usually gets more rain in October than Duck Key. Ocho Rios gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Duck Key receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ocho Rios 28°C (82°F) 
    Duck Key 80°F (27°C)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Duck Key in the Winter?

Both Duck Key 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.

In the winter, Ocho Rios is a little warmer than Duck Key. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ocho Rios in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Duck Key averages at about 70°F (21°C).

It's quite sunny in Duck Key. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. Ocho Rios usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Duck Key during winter. Ocho Rios gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Duck Key receives 252 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than Duck Key. Ocho Rios gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Duck Key receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ocho Rios 26°C (79°F) 
    Duck Key 70°F (21°C)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Duck Key in the Spring?

Both Duck Key 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.

In April, Ocho Rios is generally around the same temperature as Duck Key. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 26°C (80°F), and Duck Key fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

In Duck Key, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ocho Rios. In the spring, Ocho Rios often gets less sunshine than Duck Key. Ocho Rios gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Duck Key receives 326 hours of full sun.

Ocho Rios usually gets more rain in April than Duck Key. Ocho Rios gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Duck Key receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ocho Rios 26°C (80°F) 
    Duck Key 77°F (25°C)

Typical Weather for Duck Key and Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios Duck Key
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 70°F (21°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 71°F (21°C) 1.4 inches (36 mm)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 74°F (23°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 77°F (25°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 81°F (27°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 83°F (28°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 84°F (29°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 84°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Sep 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 83°F (29°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 80°F (27°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 76°F (24°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 72°F (22°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm)