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

Should you visit Ocho Rios or Liberia?

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

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

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.

Liberia

Liberia is a town in northwestern Costa Rica. It is the capital of the Guanacaste province, which is about 140 miles away from Costa Rica's capital, San Jose. The town has a population of about 56,000 and is one of the tourism centers of the country.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Eco Tours in Costa Rica.


Which place is cheaper, Liberia 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 Liberia is $112. 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 Liberia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ocho Rios $52
    Liberia $60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ocho Rios $104
    Liberia $120
Compare Hotels in Ocho Rios and Liberia

Looking for a hotel in Ocho Rios or Liberia? 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 Liberia


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 Liberia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ocho Rios $7.60
    Liberia $43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ocho Rios

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

  • Ocho Rios or Runaway Bay 2-Hour Shopping Transfer: $15
  • Private Transfer from Ian Fleming Airport to Ocho Rios: $20
  • Private Transfer to Mystic Mountain from Ocho Rios: $20
  • Shuttle Transfer From Montego Bay Airport - Runaway Bay: $24
  • AirBnB Roundtrip Shuttle / One Way MBJ Airport Transfers: $25
  • Private Transfer to Konoko Falls Botanical Gardens: $27
  • Relaxing Montego Bay To Ducanon and Juwel Runaway Bay Transfer: $27
  • Airport Transfer Roundtrip Jamaica MBJ: $29
  • Private Airport transfer from Montego Bay To Ocho Rios .: $30
  • Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Ocho Rios and Runnaway Bay Hotels(Private) : $32
  • Private Montego Bay Airport Transfer To Ocho Rios : $33
  • Private Round Trip Transfer to Dunns River Climb and Zipline over the Falls! : $34

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Liberia

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Liberia are as follows:


  • Bike Rental
    $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Liberia

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Liberia:

  • Transfer Dreams Las Mareas from Airports ROUND TRIP: $300
  • Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Santa Teresa: $300
  • Round Trip Transfer Liberia Airport (LIR) to Dreams Las Mareas Hotel: $295
  • Punta Islita Hotel to/from Liberia Airport - Shuttle & Transfers Service: $279
  • Liberia Airport To Rio Perdido & Thermal River - PRIVATE TRANSFER: $275
  • Liberia Airport (LIR)to Malpais / Montezuma - Raund-Trip Transfer: $272
  • Liberia Airport To Nandel Beach Resort, Private Transfer: $265
  • Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Nosara: $250
  • Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Dreams Las Mareas: $245
  • One-Way Private Transfer from Liberia Guanacaste Airport to La Fortuna (Arenal): $241
  • Transfer Service From Liberia Airport To Dreams Las Mareas, Costa Rica: $240
  • Private Transfer from Liberia Airport (LIR) to Arenal / La Fortuna : $232

Is it cheaper to fly into Ocho Rios or Liberia?

Prices for flights to both Liberia 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
    Liberia $21

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

Typical Food Prices in Liberia

Some typical examples of dining costs in Liberia are as follows:


  • Snacks
    $1.97
  • Lunch at The Shack (for 1)
    $4.95
  • Lunch
    $11
  • Coffee & Tres Leches (for 2)
    $14
  • Ginger Ale
    $1.28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Liberia

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Liberia.

  • 2-Hour Cooking Class in Nosara : $65
  • Private Local Cooking Class in Nosara: $85
  • Private Sunset Dinner at the Beach with Chef : $190

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ocho Rios $15
    Liberia $25
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.

  • Blue Hole Admission Fee Ticket: $25
  • Private Sightseeing Tour in Ocho Rios : $30
  • Private Blue Hole and Shopping Tour from Ocho Rios: $30
  • Private Guided Tour To Yaaman Adventures Safari jungle park: $40
  • Ocho Rios Sightseeing and Taxi from Runaway Bay & Ocho Rios: $40
  • Blue Hole Private Tour from Ocho Rios with Pickup: $40
  • Blue Hole And Konoko Falls Combo Tour From Ocho Rios & Runaway Bay!: $43
  • Private Konoko Falls and Sightseeing Tour from Ocho Rios : $45
  • Half-Day Blue Hole and Secret Falls Tour from Runaway Bay: $46
  • Blue Hole Tour from Ocho Rios: $49
  • Dunn's River Falls and Blue Hole Private Tour from Ocho Rios: $50
  • Private Tour From Ocho Rios To Konoko Falls And Garden and Shopping: $50

Tours and Activities in Liberia

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Liberia are as follows:

  • ATV Tour Guanacaste the Beach Excursion & Trail: $110
  • Llanos de Cortez Safari and Waterfall Tour: $190
  • Nicaragua one day tour from Costa Rica, Discover it: $250
  • 2 Hour ATV Experience From Guanacaste: $180
  • 2 Hour ATV Private Tour in Costa Rica: $81
  • 2-Hour ATV Tour: $110
  • 2-Hours UTV Tour: $110
  • 3 Hour ATV Adventure Tour in El Jobo: $120
  • 4 Tours in 1 Action Package - Playa del Coco area: $170
  • 5 in 1 sloth, Rainforest, waterfalls, hanging bridges, volcanic activity tour.: $285
  • 6 Hours Guanacaste Cultural and Local Farm Experience: $77
  • 7 Hour Private Tour in Palo Verde National Park with Pickup: $120

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ocho Rios $7.71
    Liberia $13


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


Which is Bigger, Ocho Rios or Liberia?

Liberia has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Ocho Rios and Liberia, 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 Liberia?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Liberia in the Summer?

Both Liberia 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Liberia year-round.

Liberia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in July than Liberia. Ocho Rios gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Liberia receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Ocho Rios. In the summer, Ocho Rios often gets more sunshine than Liberia. Ocho Rios gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Liberia receives 164 hours of full sun.

In the summer, Ocho Rios is around the same temperature as Liberia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ocho Rios in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Liberia averages at about 28°C (82°F).


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

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Liberia in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocho Rios and Liberia. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round. Liberia attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

December to April in Liberia is the dry season. Also, April to December is the rainy season in Liberia. Liberia receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ocho Rios gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than Liberia. Ocho Rios gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Liberia receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In Ocho Rios, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ocho Rios usually receives more sunshine than Liberia during autumn. Ocho Rios gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Liberia receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Ocho Rios is generally around the same temperature as Liberia. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 28°C (82°F), and Liberia fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ocho Rios 28°C (82°F) 
    Liberia 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Liberia in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Ocho Rios as well as Liberia. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Liberia throughout the year.

Ocho Rios usually gets more rain in January than Liberia. Ocho Rios gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Liberia receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Liberia. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ocho Rios this time of the year. In the winter, Ocho Rios often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Liberia. Ocho Rios gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Liberia receives 264 hours of full sun.

Ocho Rios is around the same temperature as Liberia in the winter. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Liberia fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ocho Rios 26°C (79°F) 
    Liberia 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Liberia in the Spring?

Both Liberia 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. Plenty of visitors come to Liberia because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Liberia is December to April. The rainy season in Liberia is April to December. In April, Ocho Rios usually receives around the same amount of rain as Liberia. Ocho Rios gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Liberia receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

It's quite sunny in Liberia. 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 Liberia during spring. Ocho Rios gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Liberia receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.

In the spring, Ocho Rios is cooler than Liberia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ocho Rios in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Liberia averages at about 29°C (85°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ocho Rios 26°C (80°F) 
    Liberia 29°C (85°F)

Typical Weather for Liberia and Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios Liberia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 28°C (83°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 29°C (84°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 29°C (85°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 29°C (83°F) 226 mm (8.9 in)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 226 mm (8.9 in)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 289 mm (11.4 in)
Sep 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 328 mm (12.9 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 254 mm (10 in)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)