Which place is cheaper, Merida or Ocho Rios?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
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.
-
Ocho Rios Prices
Jamaica PricesMerida Prices
Mexico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayOcho Rios $87Merida $104
The average daily cost (per person) in Ocho Rios is $87, while the average daily cost in Merida is $104. 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
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personOcho Rios $51Merida $42
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomOcho Rios $102Merida $84
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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ocho Rios $7.43Merida $17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ocho Rios
Also for Ocho Rios, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- VIP***Private KINGSTON Airport Transfers to***OCHO RIOS**HOTELS**: $292
- Runaway Bay Hotels Transfers between Montego Bay Airport: $60
- Runaway Bay Hotels Private Round Trip Transfers from MBJ: $160
- Runaway Bay Hotels Private Airport Transfer: $53
- Roundtrip Airport Transfer from Montego Bay to Ocho Rios and Runaway Bay Hotels: $240
- Riu Ocho Rios Jamaica Private Airport Transfer: $80
- Private Transfers To/From Ocho Rios & OCJ Airport Across Jamaica: $143
- Private Transfer to horseback,Bluehole,River rafting in OchoRios.: $70
- Private Transfer to Yaaman Adventure Park from Ocho Rios: $65
- Private Transfer to White River Tubing Ocho Rios: $45
- Private Transfer to Mystic Mountain from Ocho Rios: $40
- Private Transfer to Konoko Falls Botanical Gardens: $30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Merida
Also for Merida, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Mérida to Cancun with Flexible Sightseeing: $258
- Private Transfer Merida to Playa del Carmen with Flexible Stops: $245
- Merida Rejon Airport(MID)to Tulum hotels-Arrival Private Transfer: $211
- Private Transfer Mérida to Tulum with Flexible Stops: $198
- Private Transfer From Uxmal to Merida, English Speaking Driver: $152
- Private Transfer From Merida to Uxmal, English Speaking Driver: $152
- transfer from/to airport progress sisal telchac celestun: $147
- Private Transfer from Merida Rejon Airport (MID) to Progreso Port: $131
- Private Transfer from Merida city hotels to Progreso Cruise Port: $131
- Mexico Private Transfer from Merida airport to central Merida: $122
- From Merida Private transfer to Chichen-Izamal-Cenote: $74
- Mérida International Airport (MID) to Merida hotels - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $49
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
-
Food Meals for one dayOcho Rios $28Merida $48
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:
- Flavors of Jamaica Food Tour from Runaway Bay: $138
- Taste of Jamaica Food Tour from Ocho Rios: $150
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Merida
For Merida, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Merida Food Tour: Local Markets, Street Food & Yucatecan Cuisine: $65
- Merida Walking Food Tour. Authentic & Local Cuisine: $70
- Hands On night Mexican Cooking with Masa: $82
- Merida : Between Markets and Flavors Food Tour: $86
- Uxmal, two Amazing Cenotes & Local Food Tour from Mérida: $87
- Mérida Food Tour: Markets and Street Flavors: $95
- Taste of the Yucatan: Merida Cooking Class and Market Visit: $95
- Private Mérida Cooking Class in a Local Yucatecan Home: $109
- Vanilla Cooking Class and Tasting Experience: $112
- 7-Course Yucatecan Dinner Experience: $161
- Wonders of the Mayab: Chichen Itza, Yokdzonot Cenote & Cooking Class: $237
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ocho Rios $15Merida $15
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$5.35
-
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.
- ATV Adventure and Shopping from Falmouth (Minimum 4 persons): $165
- ATV and Dunns River Falls Adventure: $205
- ATV, Bamboo Rafting & Horseback Ride Tour From Montego Bay: $411
- ATV, Bamboo Rafting and Horseback Riding Experience in Ocho Rios: $243
- ATV, Dunn’s River Falls & Blue Hole Guided Tour In Jamaica: $270
- ATV, Horseback Riding and Bluehole Adventure Tour: $210
- All In One Full Day Tour in Saint Ann Garden Parish Jamaica: $147
- Aqua Fun Tours Dunns Falls, River Tubing and Horse Back: $162
- Bali Style High Ropes Swing and Dunn's River Fall Adventure: $230
- Bamboo Rafting & Horseback Ride n Swim Guided Tour In Ocho Rios: $95
- Bamboo Rafting & River Tubing Tour Ocho Rios(Entry Fee Included): $195
- Bamboo Rafting and ATV Jungle Adventure in Jamaica: $200
Typical Entertainment Prices in Merida
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Merida's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
Train at the Zoo$0.11
-
Uxmal Entrance (for 2)$19
-
Mayan Village Entrance (for 2)$5.72
Tours and Activities in Merida
For Merida, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 3 Hour Tour in The Sotuta de Peón Live Museum: $59
- 3x1 Tour Chichen Itza Magic Town & Cenote & Izamal from Merida: $108
- 4 Cenotes Tour in Homún all inclusive from Merida: $84
- Adventure 4 cenotes: $115
- Adventure to Hacienda Mucuyche & Oxkintok, 2 cenotes from Mérida: $118
- Bar hopping tour in Merida: $69
- Bird Watching Tour North of Mérida-Half Day: $300
- Boat tour through the mangroves of Celestún and Playa from Merida: $104
- Celestun and Sisal Tour from Mérida: $88
- Chichen Itza Full Day Tour: $72
- Chichen Itza Ruins Adventure! Cenote Ikkil and Izamal from Merida: $105
- Chichen Itza Ruins-One Full-Day Tour from Merida: $280
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayOcho Rios $7.54Merida $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Ocho Rios
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Ocho Rios:
- Bar Hopping, Pub Crawl, Shopping and Sightseeing Tour Ocho Rios: $90
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ocho Rios and Merida, we can see that Merida 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 Merida 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 Merida would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Merida 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 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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.