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

Should you visit Ocho Rios or Jacksonville?

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

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

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.

Jacksonville

As the sky above you darkens, the city around you glows with a vividness of a thousand colors as you hear the soft swell of waves upon the shore. Such an urban paradise is none other than Jacksonville, Florida. Located on the northeastern side of the sunshine state, Jacksonville stands where the St. John's River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Estimated to be the 12th most populous city in the United States, Jacksonville works as the cultural, commercial and financial hive of north Florida. The large city is known for its exquisite beaches, interactive museums, and golf course areas. Surf, shop, and socialize in one of Florida's most popular metropolitan areas.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville is $220. 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 Jacksonville in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ocho Rios $52
    Jacksonville $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ocho Rios $104
    Jacksonville $184
Compare Hotels in Ocho Rios and Jacksonville

Looking for a hotel in Ocho Rios or Jacksonville? 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 Jacksonville


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 Jacksonville Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ocho Rios $7.60
    Jacksonville $53

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jacksonville

Also for Jacksonville, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Carnival Cruise Port Transfer to Jacksonville: $336
  • JAX Airport Transfer to Amelia Island: $195
  • JAX Airport Transfer to Hyatt Place/ St. Johns Town Center: $164
  • Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $123
  • Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Arrival Private Transfer: $61
  • Carnival Cruise Port to Jacksonville Airport (JAX) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
  • Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville Cruise Port -Arrival Private Transfer: $55

Is it cheaper to fly into Ocho Rios or Jacksonville?

Prices for flights to both Jacksonville 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
    Jacksonville $96

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 Jacksonville

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

  • 1 Hour of Chocolate Pizza Making Class in Jacksonville: $18

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ocho Rios $15
    Jacksonville $20
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 Jacksonville

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

  • Jacksonville Ghosts and Ghouls Tour By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • 2-Flights Indoor Skydiving Experience in Jacksonville: $91
  • 20 Minutes Chocolate & Candy Factory Tour in Jacksonville: $6.00
  • 90 Minute Self-Guided Arcimoto FUV Adventure: $125
  • Amelia Island Area Kayak Rental on Lofton Creek with Adventures Up The Creek: $36
  • Amelia Island Guided Kayak Tour of Lofton Creek : $60
  • Big Talbot Island Self Guided Tour with Smart Helmets: $115
  • CraigCat Boat Tour from Fernandina Beach: $145
  • Downtown Fernandina Historical Walking Tour: $30
  • Eight Flags Road Tour: $50
  • Electric Bike Art and Architecture Guided Tour in Jacksonville : $60
  • Electric Bike Tour with Free Application for Navigation: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ocho Rios $7.71
    Jacksonville $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Jacksonville

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Jacksonville:

  • Jax Brewery Tour (Drinks Included): $135


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


Which is Bigger, Ocho Rios or Jacksonville?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Ocho Rios and Jacksonville, 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 Jacksonville?

Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocho Rios and Jacksonville. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Jacksonville in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jacksonville this time of the year. In Ocho Rios, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ocho Rios usually receives less sunshine than Jacksonville during summer. Ocho Rios gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Jacksonville receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.

Jacksonville receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than Jacksonville. Ocho Rios gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Jacksonville receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Jacksonville in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ocho Rios as well as Jacksonville. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Jacksonville for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Ocho Rios is a little warmer than Jacksonville. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ocho Rios in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Jacksonville averages at about 70°F (21°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jacksonville. 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 Jacksonville. Ocho Rios gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jacksonville receives 214 hours of full sun.

Ocho Rios receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ocho Rios usually gets more rain in October than Jacksonville. Ocho Rios gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Jacksonville receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Jacksonville is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ocho Rios 28°C (82°F) 
    Jacksonville 70°F (21°C)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Jacksonville in the Winter?

Both Jacksonville 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, the winter months attract visitors to Jacksonville because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Ocho Rios is generally much warmer than Jacksonville. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 26°C (79°F), and Jacksonville fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. Ocho Rios usually receives more sunshine than Jacksonville during winter. Ocho Rios gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Jacksonville receives 191 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than Jacksonville. Ocho Rios gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Jacksonville receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ocho Rios 26°C (79°F) 
    Jacksonville 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Jacksonville in the Spring?

Both Jacksonville 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. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Jacksonville this time of year.

Ocho Rios is a little warmer than Jacksonville in the spring. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Jacksonville fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In Jacksonville, 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 Jacksonville. Ocho Rios gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jacksonville receives 285 hours of full sun.

Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in April than Jacksonville. Ocho Rios gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Jacksonville receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Jacksonville.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ocho Rios 26°C (80°F) 
    Jacksonville 68°F (20°C)

Typical Weather for Jacksonville and Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios Jacksonville
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm)
Sep 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)