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

Should you visit Ocho Rios or Hilton Head Island?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ocho Rios or Hilton Head Island, 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 Hilton Head Island?

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.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head, also called Hilton Head Island, is primarily a resort and beach town off the coast of South Carolina. Located on a barrier island, the place is best known for its beaches and golf courses overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.


Which place is cheaper, Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island is $212. 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 Hilton Head Island in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ocho Rios $52
    Hilton Head Island $129
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ocho Rios $104
    Hilton Head Island $258
Compare Hotels in Ocho Rios and Hilton Head Island

Looking for a hotel in Ocho Rios or Hilton Head Island? 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 Hilton Head Island


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 Hilton Head Island Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ocho Rios $7.60
    Hilton Head Island $34

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 Hilton Head Island?

Prices for flights to both Hilton Head Island 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
    Hilton Head Island $60

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hilton Head Island

For Hilton Head Island, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Dolphin Watching 3-Course Dinner Cruise: $70
  • Sunset Hibachi Dinner Cruise : $102
  • Hilton Head Sunset Dinner Cruise: $106
  • Sunset Dinner Cruise: $106

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ocho Rios $15
    Hilton Head Island $23
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 Hilton Head Island

For Hilton Head Island, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • #1 Historical Horse Drawn Carriage Tour: $35
  • 1 Hour Private Dolphin Tour Hilton Head Island: $250
  • 2-Hour Hilton Head Guided Kayak Nature Tour: $45
  • 90 Minute Hilton Head Dolphin Tour: $48
  • 90 Minute Hilton Head Dolphin and Nature Cruise: $45
  • 90 minute Hilton Head Sunset Dolphin Cruise: $55
  • Beaufort City Minibus Tour: $35
  • Beaufort Ghost Walking Tours : $22
  • Beaufort Gullah Heritage Tour: $49
  • Beaufort’s #1 Horse & Carriage History Tour: $35
  • Complete History and Movie Walking Tour of Beaufort: $30
  • Daufuskie Island Daily Round Trip Ferry Tickets: $54

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ocho Rios $7.71
    Hilton Head Island $26

Sample the Local Flavors in Hilton Head Island

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Hilton Head Island:

  • Hilton Head's ONLY Distillery Experience: $55


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


Which is Bigger, Ocho Rios or Hilton Head Island?

Hilton Head Island has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Ocho Rios and Hilton Head Island, 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 Hilton Head Island?

Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocho Rios and Hilton Head Island. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Hilton Head Island because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Ocho Rios is around the same temperature as Hilton Head Island in the summer. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hilton Head Island this time of the year. In Ocho Rios, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ocho Rios usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hilton Head Island during summer. Ocho Rios gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Hilton Head Island receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.

Hilton Head Island receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than Hilton Head Island. Ocho Rios gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ocho Rios 29°C (83°F) 
    Hilton Head Island 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Hilton Head Island in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ocho Rios as well as Hilton Head Island. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hilton Head Island this time of year.

In the autumn, Ocho Rios is a little warmer than Hilton Head Island. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ocho Rios in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Hilton Head Island averages at about 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hilton Head Island. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ocho Rios this time of the year. In the autumn, Ocho Rios often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hilton Head Island. Ocho Rios gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilton Head Island receives 223 hours of full sun.

Ocho Rios receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ocho Rios usually gets more rain in October than Hilton Head Island. Ocho Rios gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ocho Rios 28°C (82°F) 
    Hilton Head Island 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Hilton Head Island in the Winter?

Both Hilton Head Island 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. Also, many travelers come to Hilton Head Island for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Ocho Rios is generally much warmer than Hilton Head Island. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 26°C (79°F), and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. Ocho Rios usually receives more sunshine than Hilton Head Island during winter. Ocho Rios gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Hilton Head Island receives 176 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than Hilton Head Island. Ocho Rios gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ocho Rios 26°C (79°F) 
    Hilton Head Island 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Hilton Head Island in the Spring?

Both Hilton Head Island 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hilton Head Island in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Ocho Rios is a little warmer than Hilton Head Island in the spring. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

In Hilton Head Island, 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 Hilton Head Island. Ocho Rios gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilton Head Island receives 275 hours of full sun.

Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in April than Hilton Head Island. Ocho Rios gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ocho Rios 26°C (80°F) 
    Hilton Head Island 67°F (19°C)

Typical Weather for Hilton Head Island and Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios Hilton Head Island
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 48°F (9°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 52°F (11°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 67°F (19°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 73°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 80°F (26°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 82°F (28°C) 7.9 inches (200 mm)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (164 mm)
Sep 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 77°F (25°C) 5.6 inches (141 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 59°F (15°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 52°F (11°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)