Which place is cheaper, Montego Bay 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.
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Should you visit Ocho Rios or Montego Bay?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ocho Rios or Montego Bay, 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 Montego Bay?
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.
Montego Bay
As with most places around the tropical oasis of Jamaica, Montego Bay (or "MoBay") is an ideal place to visit for a Caribbean getaway. It is Jamaica's second largest city and the capital of St. James parish on the northern coast. Montego Bay is considered to be the tourist capital of the country and is where the largest airport is located, bringing in many international travelers.
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Ocho Rios Prices
Jamaica PricesMontego Bay Prices
Jamaica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayOcho Rios $87Montego Bay $258
The average daily cost (per person) in Ocho Rios is $87, while the average daily cost in Montego Bay is $258. 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 Montego Bay in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personOcho Rios $51Montego Bay $102
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomOcho Rios $102Montego Bay $204
Compare Hotels in Ocho Rios and Montego Bay
Looking for a hotel in Ocho Rios or Montego Bay? 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 Montego Bay Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ocho Rios $7.42Montego Bay $15
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
- Montego Bay Airport (MBJ) Transfer One-Way or Round-Trip to Hotel: $16
- Private Transfer to Mystic Mountain from Ocho Rios: $20
- Private Airport Transfer from Ian Fleming Airport to Ocho Rios : $20
- Montego Bay Private Airport Transfers - Round Trip: $25
- Private Transfer to Konoko Falls Botanical Gardens: $27
- From Montego Bay: One Way Shared Transfer to Ocho Rios: $29
- From One Way Shared Transfer to Montego Bay: $29
- Private Roundtrip Transfer from Montego Bay Airport to Hotel: $30
- Private Round Trip Transfer for Jamaican Jerk at Scotchie's Ocho Rios: $36
- Private Nightlife Transfer Around Ocho Rios : $40
- Private Transfer to White River Tubing Ocho Rios: $40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- Kingston: One Way Private Transfer to Montego Bay Airport: $319
- Chevy Suburban Montego Bay Airport Transfer: $300
- Mercedes Benz Sprinter Airport Transfer: $300
- Private Airport OneWay Transfer to Hotel in Montego Bay : $300
- Club Night Life Round-Trip Private Transfer in Montego Bay : $300
- Ocho Rios Hotels / Resort - Airport Transfers: $267
- Blue Hole and Horseback Riding from Montego Bay with Transfers: $265
- Airport - Ocho Rios Hotels Transfers and Returns: $260
- Explore Montego Bay Jamaica Luxury Round TTransfer in Montego Bay: $253
- Private Roundtrip Transfer to/from Ohio Rios and Sangster Airport: $241
- SUV Prado Transfer from Montego Bay Airport: $240
- Dolphin Cove Ocho Rios Day Trip with Transfers: $230
Is it cheaper to fly into Ocho Rios or Montego Bay?
Prices for flights to both Montego Bay 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 $28Montego Bay $141
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:
- Exclusive Sunset Dinner At Reggae Hill: $69
- From Flavors of Jamaica Guided Food Tour: $89
- Taste of Jamaica Farm & Food Tour: $98
- Exclusive Sunset Dinner At Reggae Hill: $99
- Taste of Jamaica Food Tour from Ocho Rios: $130
- Hillside Cooking Class Jamaican Style with Pickup : $130
- Taste of Jamaica Food Tour: $140
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montego Bay
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Montego Bay.
- Dinner or Lunch with Pickup from Montego Bay: $50
- Street Food Tour in Montego Bay: $59
- Jamaican Seafood Street Food Tour from Montego Bay, Falmouth: $130
- Bar Hopping and Local Food Tour in Jamaica : $130
- Cultural Food Tour & Seven Mile Beach at Negril’s Margaritaville: $135
- Private Jamaican Food Tour with City Highlights: $140
- Cooking Class in Montego Bay with Home Chef: $150
- Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios Dinner and Nightlife Experience: $150
- Restaurant Transportation for Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Montego Bay: $180
- PRIVATE Food Tour of Local Jamaican Cuisine Montego Bay & Negril: $190
- Private Seafood Tour and Floyds Pelican Bar or Black River Safari: $195
- Private Martha Brae Raft and Luminous Lagoon Tour with Dinner: $270
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ocho Rios $15Montego Bay $31
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$5.35
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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.
- Ocho Rios Shopping Tour : $21
- Duty-Free and Local Shopping Tour: $21
- Blue Hole Admission Fee Ticket: $25
- Private Dunn's River Falls, Ocho Rios Sightseeing and shopping : $30
- Shopping and Sightseeing Tour in Ocho Rios with Pickup: $35
- Luminous Lagoon Boat Tour from Ocho Rios: $40
- Blue Hole and Dunn's River Tour (Entrance Fees Not Included): $40
- Blue Hole Private Tour from Ocho Rios with Pickup: $40
- Luminous lagoon Private & Group tour from Runaway Bay: $45
- Ocho Rios City Bus Tour (Beach, Sightseeing & Shopping): $45
- Transportation to Horse Back Ride & Swim Adventure from Ocho Rios: $45
- Private Magical Firewater Pond and Secluded Bamboo Beach Tour: $50
Typical Entertainment Prices in Montego Bay
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Montego Bay are as follows:
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Admission to Doctor's Cave Beach$2.67
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Snorkeling Trip$19
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One Tank Dive$37
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1.5 Hr Horseback Ride$43
Tours and Activities in Montego Bay
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Montego Bay are as follows:
- ATV Adventure to Seven Mile Beach and Ricks Cafe: $220
- Appleton Estate Rum Tour and Pelican Bar Customize Tour: $120
- Bioluminescence Lagoon Tour from Montego Bay with Pick Up: $105
- Bird Sanctuary and animal farm Day Tour : $100
- Black River Day Adventure Tour: $92
- Bob Marley Nine Mile and Dunn's River Falls Tour From Montego Bay : $300
- Falmouth Mystic from Montego Bay Luminous Lagoon Night Tour: $90
- Floyds Pelican Bar Private Tour : $155
- Green Grotto Cave Private Tour: $115
- Half- Day Private Bob Marley 9 Mile and Dunns River Falls Tour: $180
- Horse Ride and Swim adventure in Montego Bay: $161
- Horseback Riding and Tour from Montego Bay : $230
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayOcho Rios $7.54Montego Bay $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Montego Bay
Also in Montego Bay, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Appleton Estate Admission Ticket & Distillery Tour with Tastings: $39
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ocho Rios and Montego Bay, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is Ocho Rios much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Montego Bay would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Montego Bay 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 Montego Bay Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ocho Rios or Montego Bay?
Montego Bay has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Ocho Rios and Montego Bay, 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 Montego Bay?
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 Montego Bay in the Summer?
Both Montego Bay 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 Montego Bay year-round.
Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in July than Montego Bay. Ocho Rios gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ocho Rios. In the summer, Ocho Rios often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Montego Bay. Ocho Rios gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montego Bay receives 257 hours of full sun.
In July, Ocho Rios is generally around the same temperature as Montego Bay. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 29°C (83°F), and Montego Bay fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyOcho Rios 29°C (83°F)Montego Bay 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Montego Bay in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocho Rios and Montego Bay. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Montego Bay 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 more rain than Montego Bay. Ocho Rios gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montego Bay 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 Montego Bay during autumn. Ocho Rios gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Montego Bay receives 233 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Ocho Rios is around the same temperature as Montego Bay in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Montego Bay fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberOcho Rios 28°C (82°F)Montego Bay 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Montego Bay in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Ocho Rios as well as Montego Bay. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montego Bay throughout the year.
Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in January than Montego Bay. Ocho Rios gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ocho Rios this time of the year. In the winter, Ocho Rios often gets more sunshine than Montego Bay. Ocho Rios gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montego Bay receives 226 hours of full sun.
In the winter, Ocho Rios is around the same temperature as Montego Bay. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ocho Rios in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Montego Bay averages at about 24°C (75°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryOcho Rios 26°C (79°F)Montego Bay 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Montego Bay in the Spring?
Both Montego Bay 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 Montego Bay because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than Montego Bay. Ocho Rios gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. Ocho Rios usually receives more sunshine than Montego Bay during spring. Ocho Rios gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Montego Bay receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Ocho Rios is generally around the same temperature as Montego Bay. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 26°C (80°F), and Montego Bay fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilOcho Rios 26°C (80°F)Montego Bay 25°C (77°F)
Typical Weather for Montego Bay and Ocho Rios
| Ocho Rios | Montego Bay | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 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.