Which place is cheaper, Montego Bay or Ocho Rios?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayOcho Rios $77Montego Bay $203
The average daily cost (per person) in Ocho Rios is $77, while the average daily cost in Montego Bay is $203. 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 $52Montego Bay $104
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomOcho Rios $104Montego Bay $208
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 $7.60Montego 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
- Private Transfer to Mystic Mountain from Ocho Rios: $20
- Shuttle Transfer From Montego Bay Airport - Runaway Bay: $24
- Private Transfer from Ian Fleming Airport to Ocho Rios: $25
- Montego Bay Private Airport Transfers - Round Trip: $25
- 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
- Private Airport Transfer from MBJ to Ocho Rios: $30
- Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Ocho Rios and Runnaway Bay Hotels(Private) : $32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- MBJ Airport to Strawberry Hill Hotel & Spa Transfer: $243
- Private Transfer to Island Gully Falls: $240
- Black River and YS Falls Adventure with Transfer: $235
- Airport-Negril Hotels Transfers and Returns For 1- 4 persons: $230
- Private Transfer From Montego Bay Area or Airport MBJ to Kingston: $215
- Private Transfer to Kingston: $215
- Kingston Airport Transfer (Montego bay,Negril,Ocho rio): $214
- Iberostar Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Roundtrip): $200
- Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Kingston Hotels: $195
- Negril Hotel Private Transfer Service: $190
- Sangster Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Ocho Rios: $186
- Zoetry Montego Bay Airport Transfers MBJ (Private Roundtrip Exclusive): $180
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 $17Montego Bay $84
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
- Private Hillside Cooking Class Jamaican Style with Pickup : $104
- Flavors of Jamaica Food Tour from Ocho Rios: $128
- Taste of Jamaica Food Tour from Ocho Rios: $130
- 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 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: $40
- Private Transportation to DINNER or NIGHT CLUBS: $55
- Lunch or Dinner with Pickup from Montego Bay : $81
- Night cruise and swim the Falmouth Mystic Lagoon, Dinner and Rum Punch Inclusive: $85
- Private Beach Day and Street Food Tour from Montego Bay: $130
- Rick’s Cafe Cliff Diving, Sunset & Dinner Tour with Transportation : $130
- Flavors of Jamaica Food Tour from Montego Bay: $147
- Sunset Boat Ride in the Falmouth Luminous Lagoon swim and Dinner : $165
- Houseboat Restaurant and Grill for Dinner Private Transportation : $180
- Private Sea-Food Tour & Floyds Pelican Bar from Montego Bay or ..: $185
- [PRIVATE] Premium Jamaican Food Tour of Local Cuisine: $190
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ocho Rios $15Montego Bay $32
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.
- Private Sightseeing Tour in Ocho Rios : $30
- Private Guided Tour To Yaaman Adventures Safari jungle park: $40
- Blue Hole Private Tour from Ocho Rios with Pickup: $40
- Private Blue hole Tour from Ocho Rios : $40
- Ocho Rios Sightseeing and Taxi from Runaway Bay & Ocho Rios: $40
- Blue Hole And Konoko Falls Combo Tour From Ocho Rios & Runaway Bay!: $43
- Private Konoko Falls and Sightseeing Tour from Ocho Rios : $45
- Private Tour From Ocho Rios To Blue Hole Secret Falls and Shopping: $50
- Dunn's River Falls and Blue Hole Private Tour from Ocho Rios: $50
- Ocho Rios For A Day / Private Customizable Tours / Jamaica Dream Vacation: $50
- Private Tour From Ocho Rios To Blue Hole & Konoko Falls: $50
- Blue hole waterfalls tour from Ocho Rios : $51
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$2.74
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Snorkeling Trip$19
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One Tank Dive$38
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1.5 Hr Horseback Ride$44
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
- ATV, Bamboo Rafting, and Horseback Ride Tour From Montego Bay: $173
- Appleton Estate Rum Tour and Pelican Bar Customize Tour: $120
- Black River Day Adventure Tour: $92
- Blue Hole Adventure Tour : $120
- Catamaran Party Cruise and Snorkeling from Montego Bay: $220
- Dirt Adventure ATV from Montego Bay: $160
- Falmouth Mystic from Montego Bay Luminous Lagoon Night Tour: $90
- Floyds Pelican Bar Private Tour : $155
- Green Grotto Cave Private Tour: $115
- Horseback Riding and Tour from Montego Bay : $230
- Jetski Experience: $245
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayOcho Rios $7.71Montego 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
- Montego Bay Pub Crawl To Negril and Rick's Cafe: $103
- Montego Bay Jamaica Rum Distillery Tour Private Driver: $215
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 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.