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

Should you visit Ocho Rios or Palm Springs?

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

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

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.

Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a desert resort town located about two hours east of Los Angeles, most famously known as Hollywood's playground, where stars and starlets could escape for rest and relaxation but still be close enough to return for impromptu work.

It's no wonder that Palm Springs is increasingly popular as a weekend getaway for special occasions, and even for bachelor and bachelorette parties. Closer than the typical Las Vegas weekend for Southern California residents, Palm Springs provides a desert getaway with endless possibilities of activities, whether visitors want to gamble, shop, hike, or wander through an art gallery.

Climate in the high-desert is generally warm with highs in the 100s during the hot and dry summers, and lows in the mid 40s in the winter months, with sparse rainfall. However, if you're visiting during winter, be sure to pack versatile attire and layers as the days may be warm, but the nights in the low desert can get chilly enough to convince you to change into long pants.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.


Which place is cheaper, Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs is $206. 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 Palm Springs in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ocho Rios $52
    Palm Springs $120
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ocho Rios $104
    Palm Springs $240
Compare Hotels in Ocho Rios and Palm Springs

Looking for a hotel in Ocho Rios or Palm Springs? 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 Palm Springs


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 Palm Springs Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ocho Rios $7.60
    Palm Springs $52

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ocho Rios

Also for Ocho Rios, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Ian Fleming Ocho Rios Airport Private Transfer to Ocho Rios Hotel: $15
  • 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 MBJ to Ocho Rios: $30
  • Private Airport transfer from Montego Bay To Ocho Rios .: $30
  • Private Transfer to ATV dirt road Adventures.: $32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Palm Springs

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Palm Springs:

  • Palm Springs Airport to Snow Summit - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $262
  • Private Airport Transfer in Palm Springs: $195
  • Palm Springs Airport to Desert Hot Springs Round-Trip Transfer: $175
  • Palm Springs Airport (PSP) to LOS ANGELES - Arrival Private Transfer: $171
  • Palm Springs Airport (PSP) to INDIAN WELLS - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $162
  • Private Transfer from PSP to Palm Desert / Indian Wells: $135
  • Palm Springs Airport PSP to Snow Summit-Arrival Private Transfer: $131
  • Palm Springs Airport (PSP) to LA QUINTA/INDIO - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $129
  • Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) to SANTA ANA - Arrival Private Transfer: $128
  • Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) to ONTARIO - Arrival Private Transfer: $105
  • Desert Hot Springs to Palm Springs Airport Departure Transfer: $87
  • Palm Springs Airport (PSP) to Desert Hot Springs Private Transfer: $87

Is it cheaper to fly into Ocho Rios or Palm Springs?

Prices for flights to both Palm Springs 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
    Palm Springs $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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ocho Rios $15
    Palm Springs $29
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 Blue Hole and Shopping Tour from Ocho Rios: $30
  • Blue Hole Private Tour from Ocho Rios with Pickup: $40
  • Blue Hole And Konoko Falls Combo Tour From Ocho Rios & Runaway Bay!: $43
  • Luminous lagoon Private & Group tour from Runaway Bay: $45
  • Half-Day Blue Hole and Secret Falls Tour from Runaway Bay: $46
  • Blue Hole Tour from Ocho Rios: $49
  • 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
  • Blue hole waterfalls tour from Ocho Rios : $51
  • Private Ocho Rios highlights and beach day tour: $51
  • Shared Pub Dash Tour in Ocho Rios: $55

Tours and Activities in Palm Springs

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

  • 10+ Self-Guided Driving Tours from Las Vegas: $50
  • 100+ Self Guided Driving & Walking Tours by Action: $100
  • Best of Palm Springs Small Group Tour w/ Aerial Tram: $166
  • Covered Wagon Adventure & BBQ: $129
  • Death Valley National Park Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $17
  • Desert Healing Experience: $175
  • Earthquake Canyon Express Downhill Bicycle Adventure: $139
  • Food Adventure Game: $99
  • Indian Canyons Walking Tour by Jeep from Palm Springs: $200
  • Joshua Tree National Park Driving Tour : $235
  • Joshua Tree National Park Offroad Tour: $235
  • Joshua Tree National Park Scenic Tour: $149

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ocho Rios $7.71
    Palm Springs $13


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


Which is Bigger, Ocho Rios or Palm Springs?

Palm Springs has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Ocho Rios and Palm Springs, 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 Palm Springs?

Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs in the Summer?

Both Palm Springs 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. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Palm Springs because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Ocho Rios is a little warmer than Palm Springs. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ocho Rios in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Palm Springs averages at about 73°F (23°C).

Ocho Rios usually gets more rain in July than Palm Springs. Ocho Rios gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ocho Rios 29°C (83°F) 
    Palm Springs 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Palm Springs in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocho Rios and Palm Springs. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round. Furthermore, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Palm Springs this time of year.

In October, Ocho Rios is generally a little warmer than Palm Springs. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 28°C (82°F), and Palm Springs fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

Ocho Rios gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Ocho Rios usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Ocho Rios gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ocho Rios 28°C (82°F) 
    Palm Springs 69°F (20°C)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Palm Springs in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Ocho Rios as well as Palm Springs. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Palm Springs for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Ocho Rios is much warmer than Palm Springs in the winter. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Palm Springs fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in January than Palm Springs. Ocho Rios gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 2 inches (52 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ocho Rios 26°C (79°F) 
    Palm Springs 57°F (14°C)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Palm Springs in the Spring?

Both Palm Springs 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.

In the spring, Ocho Rios is much warmer than Palm Springs. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ocho Rios in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Palm Springs averages at about 62°F (17°C).

In April, Ocho Rios usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Ocho Rios gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.9 inches (24 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ocho Rios 26°C (80°F) 
    Palm Springs 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Palm Springs and Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios Palm Springs
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 57°F (14°C) 2 inches (52 mm)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 58°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 59°F (15°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 62°F (17°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 65°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 69°F (20°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 73°F (23°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 74°F (24°C) 0.2 inches (4 mm)
Sep 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 73°F (23°C) 0.4 inches (9 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 69°F (20°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 62°F (17°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 57°F (14°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)