Which place is cheaper, Durham or Ocho Rios?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Ocho Rios or Durham?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ocho Rios or Durham, 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 Durham?
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.
Durham
Durham is a city in central North Carolina with about 230,000 residents. Together with Raleigh and Chapel Hill, it forms the Research Triangle area. Durham is often referred to as the "City of Medicine" and is home to the famous Duke University.
Durham's history is rooted in tobacco. The Duke family established American Tobacco, which controlled 90% of all cigarette production in the US during the second half of the 19th century. The family donated money to Trinity College, which changed its name to Duke University in 1924.
Today much of Durham's economy is centered around the university and Research Triangle Park. The area has many technology and pharmaceutical jobs and the economy continues to grow.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.
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Ocho Rios Prices
Jamaica PricesDurham Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayOcho Rios $87Durham $195
The average daily cost (per person) in Ocho Rios is $87, while the average daily cost in Durham is $195. 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 Durham in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personOcho Rios $51Durham $92
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomOcho Rios $102Durham $184
Compare Hotels in Ocho Rios and Durham
Looking for a hotel in Ocho Rios or Durham? 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 Durham Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ocho Rios $7.43Durham $33
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ocho Rios
Also for Ocho Rios, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Jamaica Private Hotel and Airport Transfer: $5.00
- Arrive Like Royalty VIP Airport Transfer from Montego Bay: $9.99
- Private Ian Fleming Airport Transfer to Ocho Rios and Runaway Bay: $15
- Montego Bay Airport (MBJ) Transfer One-Way or Round-Trip to Hotel: $19
- Private Airport Transfer from Ian Fleming Airport to Ocho Rios: $20
- Private Transfer From the Ocho Rios Airport/ Ian Fleming: $20
- Private Round Trip Transfer to YAAMAN Adventure Park Ocho Rios: $27
- Private Transfer to Konoko Falls Botanical Gardens: $30
- Private Round Trip Transfer to Dunns River Climb and Zipline over the Falls!: $34
- Private Round Trip Transfer for Jamaican Jerk at Scotchie's Ocho Rios: $36
- Montego Bay Airport Transfer: $39
- Private Nightlife Transfer Around Ocho Rios: $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Ocho Rios or Durham?
Prices for flights to both Durham 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 $28Durham $77
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:
- Exclusive Sunset Dinner At Reggae Hill: $99
- Flavors of Jamaica Food Tour from Runaway Bay: $138
- Taste of Jamaica Food Tour from Ocho Rios: $150
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ocho Rios $15Durham $26
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$5.35
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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.
- Original Blue Hole St. Ann Ocho Rios Jamaica Admission Fee Ticket: $25
- VIP Dunn River Falls and Blue Hole Experience: $25
- Bamboo River Rafting and Blue Hole Waterfall Adventure Ocho Rios: $30
- Bob Marley Nine Mile Tour: $35
- Ocho Rios City Bus Tour (Beach, Sightseeing & Shopping): $40
- Blue Hole and Dunn's River Tour (Entrance Fees Not Included): $40
- Ocho Rios Scenic, Shopping and Lunch Tour: $45
- Luminous lagoon Private & Group tour from Runaway Bay: $45
- Blue Hole Tour from Ocho Rios: $49
- Ocho Rios City Tour, Sightseeing and Shopping: $50
- Private Magical Firewater Pond and Secluded Bamboo Beach Tour: $50
- Dunn's River Falls and Blue Hole Private Tour from Ocho Rios: $50
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayOcho Rios $7.54Durham $34
Sample the Local Flavors in Ocho Rios
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Ocho Rios:
- Bar Hopping, Pub Crawl, Shopping and Sightseeing Tour Ocho Rios: $90
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ocho Rios and Durham, we can see that Durham 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 Durham 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 Durham would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Durham 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 Durham Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ocho Rios or Durham?
Durham has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Ocho Rios and Durham, 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 Durham?
Durham 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 Durham in the Summer?
Both Durham 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 summer months attract visitors to Durham because of the family-friendly experiences.
Ocho Rios is around the same temperature as Durham in the summer. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Durham fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).
In Durham, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ocho Rios. In the summer, Ocho Rios often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Durham. Ocho Rios gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Durham receives 259 hours of full sun.
Durham gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in July than Durham. Ocho Rios gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Durham receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyOcho Rios 29°C (83°F)Durham 79°F (26°C)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Durham in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocho Rios and Durham. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Durham this time of year.
In the autumn, Ocho Rios is much warmer than Durham. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ocho Rios in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Durham averages at about 61°F (16°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Durham this time of the year. In Ocho Rios, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ocho Rios usually receives more sunshine than Durham during autumn. Ocho Rios gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Durham receives 211 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 Durham. Ocho Rios gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Durham receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberOcho Rios 28°C (82°F)Durham 61°F (16°C)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Durham in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Ocho Rios as well as Durham. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Durham for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Durham. In January, Ocho Rios is generally much warmer than Durham. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 26°C (79°F), and Durham fluctuates around 40°F (5°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 Durham. Ocho Rios gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Durham receives 162 hours of full sun.
Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in January than Durham. Ocho Rios gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Durham receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryOcho Rios 26°C (79°F)Durham 40°F (5°C)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Durham in the Spring?
Both Durham 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.
Ocho Rios is much warmer than Durham in the spring. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Durham fluctuates around 60°F (16°C).
It's quite sunny in Durham. 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 Durham during spring. Ocho Rios gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Durham receives 251 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than Durham. Ocho Rios gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Durham receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilOcho Rios 26°C (80°F)Durham 60°F (16°C)
Typical Weather for Durham and Ocho Rios
| Ocho Rios | Durham | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 40°F (5°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 43°F (6°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 52°F (11°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 60°F (16°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 79°F (26°C) | 5.1 inches (129 mm) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 4.9 inches (125 mm) |
| Sep | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 61°F (16°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 53°F (11°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 44°F (7°C) | 3.1 inches (78 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.