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

Should you visit Ocho Rios or Nassau?

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

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

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.

Nassau

There are few vacation destinations more famous than the Bahamian city of Nassau. This capital city is full of laid back locals, relaxed tourists and the iconic pastel pink government houses.

As the largest city in the Bahamas, Nassau can hold plenty of people. Not only are there hundreds of tourists on any given day, the city is also home to 260,000 people – that is 80 percent of the Bahamas' total population.

Founded around 1650, Nassau's location made it a great spot on the trade route. So great, in fact, that it also became a popular destination for pirates – including the infamous Blackbeard.

Pack light because it's going to be pretty steamy in Nassau. The climate is essentially identical to southern Florida. It is warm and humid all year with the occasional cold snap in the winter.

Which place is cheaper, Nassau 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 Nassau is $189. 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 Nassau in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ocho Rios $52
    Nassau $109
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ocho Rios $104
    Nassau $218
Compare Hotels in Ocho Rios and Nassau

Looking for a hotel in Ocho Rios or Nassau? 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 Nassau


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 Nassau Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ocho Rios $7.60
    Nassau $32

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 Nassau

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


  • Water Taxi
    $8.02
  • Taxi to Cable Beach
    $25
  • Taxi from Airport
    $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nassau

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nassau:

  • Nassau Roundtrip Transfer by Limousine to Paradise Island: $360
  • Round-Trip Airport Transfer by Limousine: $360
  • Round-Trip Private Transfer: $300
  • Lynden Pindling Airport (NAS): Round-Trip Nassau Transfer: $252
  • Private Roundtrip Minibus Transfer to Paradise Island: $251
  • Private Roundtrip Luxury SUV Transfer to Paradise Island: $247
  • Private Roundtrip Luxury SUV Transfer to Downtown Nassau: $243
  • Private Roundtrip Minibus Transfer to Cable Beach: $243
  • Private Roundtrip Minibus Transfer to Palm Cay: $243
  • Private Roundtrip Minibus Transfer to Downtown Nassau: $243
  • Private Roundtrip Luxury SUV Transfer to Cable Beach: $243
  • Private Roundtrip Luxury SUV Transfer: $240

Is it cheaper to fly into Ocho Rios or Nassau?

Prices for flights to both Nassau 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
    Nassau $53

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 Nassau

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

  • Nassau Food Tour and Beach Break: $65
  • Conch Salad Cooking Lesson and Tasting in Nassau: $80
  • Savor Old Nassau Dining Stroll by Tru Bahamian Food Tours: $116
  • Sail Catamaran Sunset Dinner Cruise: $116
  • All Inclusive Sunset Dinner Cruise in Nassau Bahamas: $125
  • Dinner and Dancing: $130
  • Authentic Bahamian Cooking Class: $135
  • Bahamian Cooking Class Lunch Experience by Tru Bahamian Food Tour: $140
  • Island Food Tour: $140
  • Gourmet dinner & sunset cruise on luxury catamaran: $375

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ocho Rios $15
    Nassau $37
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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Nassau

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Nassau are as follows:


  • Jet Ski
    $50
  • 4 Hr Kayak Tour
    $70
  • 1/2 Day Snorkel Trip
    $75

Tours and Activities in Nassau

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

  • Bahamas Adventure: Pigs, Reef, Turtles, and Beach with Lunch: $299
  • 3 Hour Eco-Glide Adventure in Nassau: $99
  • 3 Hour Island Tour: Swimming with Pigs, Turtles, and Snorkeling: $250
  • ATV Half Day City Tour in Guided Tour With Free Samples: $259
  • ATV Island Tour with Beach Break, Lunch, and Pick-up/Drop-off: $199
  • ATV tours by RSR: $230
  • Archie's Weekend Tour with Seafood Snack and Spanish Friendly: $7.00
  • Atlantis Bridge Speed Boat Adventure: $100
  • Atlantis Speed Boat Tours: $69
  • Bahama Bonanza Cultural Tour: $80
  • Bahamas Cabbage Beach Parasailing Adventure: $100
  • Bahamas Culture Tour from Nassau Including Rum Cake: $80

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ocho Rios $7.71
    Nassau $19

Typical Alcohol Prices in Nassau

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Nassau are as follows:


  • Cocktail
    $6.52

Sample the Local Flavors in Nassau

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nassau:

  • Nassau Rum Distillery Tour: $25
  • Rum Runners Pub Crawl: $140


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


Which is Bigger, Ocho Rios or Nassau?

Nassau has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Ocho Rios and Nassau, 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 Nassau?

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 Nassau in the Summer?

Both Nassau 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 Nassau year-round.

Nassau gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in July than Nassau. Ocho Rios gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Nassau, 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 Nassau. Ocho Rios gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nassau receives 273 hours of full sun.

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


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

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Nassau in the Autumn?

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

Nassau 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 Nassau. Ocho Rios gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nassau 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 Nassau during autumn. Ocho Rios gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Nassau receives 223 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Ocho Rios is generally around the same temperature as Nassau. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 28°C (82°F), and Nassau fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ocho Rios 28°C (82°F) 
    Nassau 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Nassau in the Winter?

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

Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in January than Nassau. Ocho Rios gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nassau. 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 Nassau. Ocho Rios gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nassau receives 220 hours of full sun.

Ocho Rios is a little warmer than Nassau in the winter. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Nassau fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ocho Rios 26°C (79°F) 
    Nassau 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Nassau in the Spring?

Both Nassau 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 Nassau because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In April, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than Nassau. Ocho Rios gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

It's quite sunny in Nassau. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. Ocho Rios usually receives less sunshine than Nassau during spring. Ocho Rios gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Nassau receives 276 hours of full sun in the spring.

In the spring, Ocho Rios is a little warmer than Nassau. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ocho Rios in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Nassau averages at about 23°C (74°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ocho Rios 26°C (80°F) 
    Nassau 23°C (74°F)

Typical Weather for Nassau and Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios Nassau
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 21°C (70°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 23°C (74°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 27°C (80°F) 237 mm (9.3 in)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 211 mm (8.3 in)
Sep 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 22°C (71°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)