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

Should you visit Ocho Rios or Islamorada?

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

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

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.

Islamorada

From its thriving coral reefs to its miraculous botanical gardens, you will find adventure on both land and sea at Islamorada, Florida. Islamorada, or "Village of Islands," is located in Monroe County and holds a population of no more than 6,119. As Islamorada's village is occupied within a cluster of nearby islands, Islamorada is located on Tea Table Key, Lower Matecumbe Key, Upper Matecumbe Key, Windley Key and Plantation Key in the Florida Keys. The village is relatively small, expanding to about 7.2 square miles total. Approximately an hour and a half-drive from Miami and a two hour-drive from Key West, Islamorada works swimmingly for those who seek to acquaint themselves with the tropical pleasures of the Keys.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Islamorada 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 Islamorada is $145. 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 Islamorada in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ocho Rios $52
    Islamorada $79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ocho Rios $104
    Islamorada $158
Compare Hotels in Ocho Rios and Islamorada

Looking for a hotel in Ocho Rios or Islamorada? 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 Islamorada


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 Islamorada Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ocho Rios $7.60
    Islamorada $28

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Ocho Rios or Islamorada?

Prices for flights to both Islamorada 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
    Islamorada $47

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
    Islamorada $19
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 Islamorada

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

  • 1.5 Hour (20 miles) Waverunner Tour. See Mangrove Tunnels, 20 Islands & SandBar: $225
  • Day Tour Glass Bottom Boat In Islamorada: $80
  • From Miami: Key Largo & Islamorada Private Open-Top Bus Tour: $1,515
  • Islamorada Florida Keys Sunset Sightseeing Cruise Music : $86
  • 2-Hour Snorkeling Adventure on Pontoon : $80
  • Guided Tour with Local Highlights: $95
  • Snorkel Adventure & Sandbar Trip: $130
  • Snorkel Adventure & Sandbar Trip from Cheeca Spa: $140
  • Snorkel adventure & Sandbar Trip : $150
  • Snorkel adventure & Sandbar Trip : $160
  • Snorkeling Experience : $80
  • Snorkeling and Beach Adventure: $90

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ocho Rios $7.71
    Islamorada $15


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


Which is Bigger, Ocho Rios or Islamorada?

Ocho Rios has a larger population, and is about 33% larger than the population of Islamorada. When comparing the sizes of Ocho Rios and Islamorada, 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 Islamorada?

Islamorada 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 Islamorada in the Summer?

Both Islamorada 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 beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Islamorada this time of year.

In the summer, Ocho Rios is around the same temperature as Islamorada. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ocho Rios in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Islamorada averages at about 84°F (29°C).

It's quite sunny in Islamorada. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. Ocho Rios usually receives less sunshine than Islamorada during summer. Ocho Rios gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Islamorada receives 328 hours of full sun in the summer.

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


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

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Islamorada in the Autumn?

Both Islamorada 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. Also, many travelers come to Islamorada for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Ocho Rios is generally around the same temperature as Islamorada. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 28°C (82°F), and Islamorada fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).

In Islamorada, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ocho Rios. In the autumn, Ocho Rios often gets less sunshine than Islamorada. Ocho Rios gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamorada receives 258 hours of full sun.

Islamorada gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. Ocho Rios usually gets more rain in October than Islamorada. Ocho Rios gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Islamorada receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Islamorada is the hurricane season.


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

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Islamorada in the Winter?

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

Ocho Rios is a little warmer than Islamorada in the winter. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Islamorada fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamorada 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 Islamorada during winter. Ocho Rios gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Islamorada receives 252 hours of full sun in the winter.

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


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

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Islamorada in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ocho Rios as well as Islamorada. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Islamorada for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Ocho Rios is around the same temperature as Islamorada. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ocho Rios in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Islamorada averages at about 77°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamorada. 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 Islamorada. Ocho Rios gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamorada receives 326 hours of full sun.

Ocho Rios usually gets more rain in April than Islamorada. Ocho Rios gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Islamorada receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Islamorada is June to November.


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

Typical Weather for Islamorada and Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios Islamorada
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)