Which place is cheaper, Lancaster or Ocho Rios?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ocho Rios or Lancaster?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ocho Rios or Lancaster, 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 Lancaster?
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.
Lancaster
The largest city in Pennsylvania's Dutch Country, Lancaster is surrounded by scenic landscape and a unique culture. The area is predominately agricultural in nature and you will find lush farms growing crops and produce most seasons. The Amish communities are spread throughout the area and although they remain relatively isolated, they are acknowledged by fellow community members and their customs are respected. The Amish community prides themselves on minimalist living. They do not use electricity and travel around in horse and buggy, a sight which you will grow accustomed to while you're in the area. They are excellent farmers and craftsmen and you can find shops that proudly sell Amish made goods. Their close are old fashion in nature. Women generally wear long dresses and bonnets while men wear black suits and hats. The Amish community has their own churches and their own schools. There are a handful of places where you can learn more about the Amish community in the area. The Amish Experience F/X Theater offers shows and the People's Place Quilt Museum shows some handicrafts. It is possible to take an Amish Country tour or visit the Mennonite Information Center for more information.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayOcho Rios $77Lancaster $183
The average daily cost (per person) in Ocho Rios is $77, while the average daily cost in Lancaster is $183. 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 Lancaster in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personOcho Rios $52Lancaster $91
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomOcho Rios $104Lancaster $182
Compare Hotels in Ocho Rios and Lancaster
Looking for a hotel in Ocho Rios or Lancaster? 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 Lancaster Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ocho Rios $7.60Lancaster $69
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 Lancaster?
Prices for flights to both Lancaster 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 $17Lancaster $53
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 Lancaster
For Lancaster, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- International Food Tour Lancaster, Pennsylvania: $62
- Red Rose Walking Food Tour in Lancaster: $65
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ocho Rios $15Lancaster $19
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$5.47
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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.
- 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 Lancaster
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lancaster.
- 45-Minute Private Guided Historic Walking Tour in Lititz: $12
- Amish Experience SuperSaver Package: $47
- Authentic Tour & Meal with the Amish!: $89
- From Philadelphia: Lancaster County Amish Community Tour: $179
- Guided Ghost Tour of Lititz: $12
- Guided Tour of the 1792 Johannes Mueller House: $12
- Historic Columbia, PA: Guided Tour of the Bank Museum: $14
- Historic Lancaster Photo Shoot Tour: $100
- Lancaster County: Tour and Meal with an Amish Family: $79
- Lancaster Electric Bicycle Tour: $130
- Lancaster History and Breakfast Walking Tour: $57
- Lancaster Puzzling Adventure: $35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayOcho Rios $7.71Lancaster $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Lancaster
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lancaster:
- Guided Brewery Walking Tour in Lancaster City: $79
- Lancaster City: The Ultimate Walking Craft Brewery Tour: $79
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ocho Rios and Lancaster, we can see that Lancaster 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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lancaster 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 Lancaster Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ocho Rios or Lancaster?
Lancaster has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Ocho Rios and Lancaster, 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 Lancaster?
Lancaster 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 Lancaster in the Summer?
Both Lancaster 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 family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lancaster this time of year.
Ocho Rios is a little warmer than Lancaster in the summer. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Lancaster fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).
It's quite sunny in Lancaster. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. Ocho Rios usually receives less sunshine than Lancaster during summer. Ocho Rios gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 310 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than Lancaster. Ocho Rios gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyOcho Rios 29°C (83°F)Lancaster 77°F (25°C)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Lancaster in the Autumn?
Both Lancaster 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 Lancaster for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Ocho Rios is much warmer than Lancaster. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ocho Rios in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Lancaster averages at about 56°F (13°C).
It's quite sunny in Ocho Rios. In the autumn, Ocho Rios often gets more sunshine than Lancaster. Ocho Rios gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 194 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. Ocho Rios usually gets more rain in October than Lancaster. Ocho Rios gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberOcho Rios 28°C (82°F)Lancaster 56°F (13°C)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Lancaster in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocho Rios and Lancaster. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round. Also, many visitors come to Lancaster in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Lancaster can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Ocho Rios is generally much warmer than Lancaster. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 26°C (79°F), and Lancaster fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).
In Ocho Rios, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ocho Rios usually receives more sunshine than Lancaster during winter. Ocho Rios gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than Lancaster. Ocho Rios gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryOcho Rios 26°C (79°F)Lancaster 30°F (-1°C)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Lancaster in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Ocho Rios as well as Lancaster. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Lancaster for the natural beauty during these months.
Ocho Rios is much warmer than Lancaster in the spring. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Lancaster fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lancaster. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ocho Rios this time of the year. In the spring, Ocho Rios often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lancaster. Ocho Rios gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 237 hours of full sun.
Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in April than Lancaster. Ocho Rios gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilOcho Rios 26°C (80°F)Lancaster 53°F (12°C)
Typical Weather for Lancaster and Ocho Rios
| Ocho Rios | Lancaster | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 33°F (0°C) | 2.9 inches (75 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 42°F (6°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 53°F (12°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 4.3 inches (108 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
| Sep | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 2.9 inches (75 mm) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 46°F (8°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 35°F (2°C) | 3.2 inches (82 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.