Which place is cheaper, Merida or Ocho Rios?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ocho Rios or Merida?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ocho Rios or Merida, 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 Merida?
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.
Merida
Merida is the largest city on the Yucatan Peninsula, which separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Caribbean Sea. It is also the capital of the state of Yucatan as a whole. There is a population of 750,000 and is very rich in diversity and culture.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayOcho Rios $77Merida $88
The average daily cost (per person) in Ocho Rios is $77, while the average daily cost in Merida is $88. 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 Merida in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personOcho Rios $52Merida $44
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomOcho Rios $104Merida $88
Compare Hotels in Ocho Rios and Merida
Looking for a hotel in Ocho Rios or Merida? 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 Merida Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ocho Rios $7.60Merida $18
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
- Round-Trip or Direct Private Airport Transfers to Runaway Bay: $50
- Riu Ocho Rios Private Airport Transfer: $80
- Riu Ocho Rios Jamaica Private Airport Transfer: $60
- Relaxing Montego Bay To Ducanon and Juwel Runaway Bay Transfer: $27
- Private Transfer to Yaaman Adventure Park from Ocho Rios: $60
- Private Transfer to White River Tubing Ocho Rios: $40
- Private Transfer to Mystic Mountain from Ocho Rios: $20
- Private Transfer to Konoko Falls Botanical Gardens: $27
- Private Transfer to Beach Horse Back Ride and Swim: $40
- 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 Merida
Also for Merida, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- One-way Airport Transfers to Merida Hotels: $120
- Private Transfer From Uxmal to Merida, English Speaking Driver: $73
- Private Transfer from Airport to Hotel in Merida One Way: $47
- Mexico Private Transfer from Merida airport to central Merida: $41
- Mexico Private Transfer from Merida hotels to Merida airport: $41
- Merida hotels to Mérida International Airport (MID) - Private Departure Transfer: $33
Is it cheaper to fly into Ocho Rios or Merida?
Prices for flights to both Merida 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 $17Merida $29
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 Merida
For Merida, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Merida Walking Food Tour. Authentic & Local Cuisine: $62
- Taste of the Yucatan: Merida Cooking Class and Market Visit: $89
- Private Yucatecan Cooking Lesson in a Local Merida Home: $90
- Private Market Tour and Authentic Mexican Cooking Class in Merida with Transfers: $126
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ocho Rios $15Merida $16
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
- Bob Marley Nine Mile Tour from Ocho Rios: $77
- Full-Day Tour to Blue Hole Falls with Horseback Ride from Montego Bay: $220
- Private Sightseeing Tour in Ocho Rios : $30
- Shopping Tour From Runaway Bay Hotels : $65
- ATV AdVENTURE FROM OCHO RIOS : $190
- ATV Adventure and Shopping from Falmouth (Minimum 4 persons): $165
- ATV, Bamboo Rafting and Horseback Riding Experience in Ocho Rios: $275
- ATV, Bamboo Rafting, Horseback Ride Guided Tour from Montego Bay: $135
- All day Tour of Ocho Rios : $200
- Appleton Estate Rum Tour and Tasting from Runaway Bay: $206
- Bamboo Rafting in Ocho Rios Private Experience: $207
Typical Entertainment Prices in Merida
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Merida's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Train at the Zoo$0.12
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Uxmal Entrance (for 2)$20
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Mayan Village Entrance (for 2)$6.01
Tours and Activities in Merida
For Merida, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- From Mérida Tour Plus: Chichen Itza Ruins and Cenote Ik-kil: $195
- Romantic tour in Izamal: $159
- 2-hour Temazcal experience in the Mayan world: $179
- 3 Hour Tour in The Sotuta de Peón Live Museum: $60
- 3 Hours Private Tour in Merida, you choose!: $125
- 4 Cenotes Full Day Tour from Merida: $110
- 4x1 Tour Chichen Itza Magic Towns Valladolid & Izamal from Merida: $95
- Ancestral Mayan Private Culinary Experience in Merida: $138
- Beach Tour in Yucalpetén from Mérida: $95
- Celestun Biosphere Reserve Tour from Merida: $208
- Cenotes Santa Barbara, Eknakan Church & Acanceh Ruins Tour: $110
- Chichen Itza Adventure! Cenote and Izamal from Merida: $104
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayOcho Rios $7.71Merida $16
When comparing the travel costs between Ocho Rios and Merida, we can see that Merida is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Ocho Rios is in Caribbean Islands and Merida is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
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 Merida Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ocho Rios or Merida?
Merida has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Ocho Rios and Merida, 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 Merida?
Merida 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 Merida in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocho Rios and Merida. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Merida this time of year.
Ocho Rios is a little warmer than Merida in the summer. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Merida fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Merida 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 Merida during summer. Ocho Rios gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Merida receives 254 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than Merida. Ocho Rios gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Merida receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyOcho Rios 29°C (83°F)Merida 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Merida in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Ocho Rios as well as Merida. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Merida for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Ocho Rios is a little warmer than Merida. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ocho Rios in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Merida averages at about 21°C (70°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. 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 Merida. Ocho Rios gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Merida receives 233 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Merida. Ocho Rios receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in October than Merida. Ocho Rios gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Merida receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberOcho Rios 28°C (82°F)Merida 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Merida in the Winter?
Both Merida 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 visitors come to Merida in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Ocho Rios is generally a little warmer than Merida. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 26°C (79°F), and Merida fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
It's quite sunny in Merida. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. Ocho Rios usually receives more sunshine than Merida during winter. Ocho Rios gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Merida receives 209 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than Merida. Ocho Rios gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Merida receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryOcho Rios 26°C (79°F)Merida 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Merida in the Spring?
Both Merida 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, most visitors come to Merida for the activities around the city during these months.
Ocho Rios is a little warmer than Merida in the spring. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Merida fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ocho Rios. In the spring, Ocho Rios often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Merida. Ocho Rios gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Merida receives 260 hours of full sun.
Merida gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in April than Merida. Ocho Rios gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Merida receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilOcho Rios 26°C (80°F)Merida 21°C (70°F)
Typical Weather for Merida and Ocho Rios
| Ocho Rios | Merida | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
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.