Which place is cheaper, Playa del Carmen or Ocho Rios?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ocho Rios or Playa del Carmen?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ocho Rios or Playa del Carmen, 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 Playa del Carmen?
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.
Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is in Quintana Roo on the Yucatan Peninsula. It's a popular resort town and is about seventy kilometers south of Cancun. It has a European atmosphere with many small hotels and a nice relaxed feel. It was originally a small fishing town but tourism began with the introduction of a passenger ferry to Cozumel. The area developed rapidly and there are many luxury hotels, condos, and resorts. There are also American chains and a variety of shopping opportunities nearby.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayOcho Rios $77Playa del Carmen $81
The average daily cost (per person) in Ocho Rios is $77, while the average daily cost in Playa del Carmen is $81. 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 Playa del Carmen in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personOcho Rios $52Playa del Carmen $40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomOcho Rios $104Playa del Carmen $80
Compare Hotels in Ocho Rios and Playa del Carmen
Looking for a hotel in Ocho Rios or Playa del Carmen? 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 Playa del Carmen Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ocho Rios $7.60Playa del Carmen $24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ocho Rios
Also for Ocho Rios, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer to Ocho Rios Hotels (Round-Trip): $110
- Airport Transfer to Runaway Bay Hotels (Round-Trip): $99
- Private Airport Transfer to Bahia Principe Grand Hotel : $100
- Runaway Bay Hotels Private Transfer: $80
- 11. Ocho Rios Hotels&Resorts Airport Private Fun-Transfer to/from Sangster Intl : $60
- AirBnB Roundtrip Shuttle / One Way MBJ Airport Transfers: $25
- Airport Transfer Roundtrip Jamaica MBJ: $29
- Airport transfers to Hotel, Guest houses or Villas in St.Ann, Ochi Rios Jamaica: $110
- Bahia Principe Grand Jamaica Private Airport transfer : $61
- Convenient Airport Transfer To Riu Hotel Ocho Rios : $80
- Couples Resorts Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Roundtrip): $300
- From Scenic Guided Horseback Ride with Transfer: $195
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Playa del Carmen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Playa del Carmen:
- One Way Private Transfer from Playa del Carmen to Coba: $276
- Airport Transfers to Playa del Carmen - Private van (ROUND TRIP) FLAT RATE: $227
- Private Transfer to Cenote at Tulum: $213
- Transfers in Lincoln StretchLimo from Puerto Aventuras-Cun Airport.: $194
- Cancun Airport Round Trip transfer to Puerto Aventuras: $190
- 2x1 Tour: Isla Contoy, Isla Mujeres, Open Bar, Lunch and Transfers: $190
- Wedding Transfers Services in Round Trip Playa del Carmen: $180
- Roundtrip Private Transfer Playa del Carmen from CUN: $173
- Private Transfer From Cancún Airport - Puerto Aventuras: $163
- Contoy and Mujeres Islands Tour with Transfer Options: $159
- Tour Bacalar Ponton with Transfer from Cancun & Playa del Carmen : $147
- Access to Xel-Há Park with Transfer: $145
Is it cheaper to fly into Ocho Rios or Playa del Carmen?
Prices for flights to both Playa del Carmen 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 $17Playa del Carmen $24
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 Playa del Carmen
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Playa del Carmen.
- Cenotes by Bike and Mayan Cooking Class Half-Day Guided Tour: $60
- Walking Food Tour: $65
- Playa Del Carmen Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $75
- Playa del Carmen Walking Food Tour: $77
- Mexican Cooking Class: $100
- Seafood Tour in Playa del Carmen: $101
- PDC Traditional Mexican Cooking Experience: $104
- Authentic Mexican Cooking Class in Playa del Carmen: $120
- Isa’s Authentic Mexican Cooking Class: $120
- Cultural Coba Sunset Adventure with Dinner and show from Cancun: $130
- Sunset Adventure in Coba and Dinner with Show from Riviera Maya: $155
- Riviera Maya: Sunset Cruise with Beach Dinner and Open Bar: $157
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ocho Rios $15Playa del Carmen $17
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.
- 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
Tours and Activities in Playa del Carmen
Here are a few actual costs in Playa del Carmen for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Romantic tour in Akumal: $115
- Tulum Ruins, Turtle Sightseeing & Underground Cenote from Tulum: $140
- VIP Cenote Scuba Tour, Certified Divers Only: $230
- 3 in 1 Private Tour Tulum Cenote and Snorkeling in the reef: $210
- 3D Museum of Wonders Admission Ticket: $42
- 5X1: Tulum and Coba Ruins, Cenote & Mayan Village Full Day Tour : $114
- ATV Adventure with Ziplines Cenote from Playa del Carmen: $75
- ATV Extreme and Snorkel Adventure from the Riviera Maya: $139
- ATV Ride and Secret Caves Tour from Playa del Carmen: $80
- ATV Shared & Ziplines Adventure in Tulum Jungle from Riviera Maya: $133
- ATV Shared, Cavern & Ziplines -Jungle Adventure from Riviera Maya: $158
- ATV Xtreme & Snorkel Experience: $138
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayOcho Rios $7.71Playa del Carmen $21
When comparing the travel costs between Ocho Rios and Playa del Carmen, we can see that Playa del Carmen is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Ocho Rios is in Caribbean Islands and Playa del Carmen is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
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 Playa del Carmen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ocho Rios or Playa del Carmen?
Playa del Carmen has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Ocho Rios and Playa del Carmen, 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 Playa del Carmen?
Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Ocho Rios as well as Playa del Carmen. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Ocho Rios is around the same temperature as Playa del Carmen in the summer. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ocho Rios this time of the year. In the summer, Ocho Rios often gets more sunshine than Playa del Carmen. Ocho Rios gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa del Carmen receives 223 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in July than Playa del Carmen. Ocho Rios gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyOcho Rios 29°C (83°F)Playa del Carmen 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Playa del Carmen in the Autumn?
Both Playa del Carmen and Ocho Rios are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ocho Rios throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Ocho Rios is around the same temperature as Playa del Carmen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ocho Rios in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Playa del Carmen averages at about 26°C (79°F).
It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. Ocho Rios usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Playa del Carmen during autumn. Ocho Rios gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Playa del Carmen receives 233 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. It's quite rainy in Ocho Rios. In October, Ocho Rios usually receives more rain than Playa del Carmen. Ocho Rios gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn. June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberOcho Rios 28°C (82°F)Playa del Carmen 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Playa del Carmen in the Winter?
Both Playa del Carmen and Ocho Rios during the winter 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, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year.
In January, Ocho Rios is generally a little warmer than Playa del Carmen. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 26°C (79°F), and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ocho Rios. In the winter, Ocho Rios often gets more sunshine than Playa del Carmen. Ocho Rios gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa del Carmen receives 224 hours of full sun.
Ocho Rios usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Playa del Carmen. Ocho Rios gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryOcho Rios 26°C (79°F)Playa del Carmen 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Playa del Carmen in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocho Rios and Playa del Carmen. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round. Also, many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches and the natural beauty.
Ocho Rios is around the same temperature as Playa del Carmen in the spring. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen during spring. Ocho Rios gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Playa del Carmen receives 259 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Ocho Rios usually receives more rain than Playa del Carmen. Ocho Rios gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilOcho Rios 26°C (80°F)Playa del Carmen 27°C (81°F)
Typical Weather for Playa del Carmen and Ocho Rios
| Ocho Rios | Playa del Carmen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 21 mm (0.8 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.