Which place is cheaper, Punta Cana 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 Punta Cana?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ocho Rios or Punta Cana, 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 Punta Cana?
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.
Punta Cana
Punta Cana, located on the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic, is renowned for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant culture. This Caribbean paradise offers a diverse range of experiences that cater to all types of travelers, whether you're on a tight budget, seeking thrilling activities, exploring local cuisine, or figuring out the best ways to get around.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Dominican Republic, and The Best Adventure Tours to Dominican Republic.
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Ocho Rios Prices
Jamaica PricesPunta Cana Prices
Dominican Republic Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayOcho Rios $87Punta Cana $180
The average daily cost (per person) in Ocho Rios is $87, while the average daily cost in Punta Cana is $180. 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 Punta Cana in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personOcho Rios $51Punta Cana $100
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomOcho Rios $102Punta Cana $200
Compare Hotels in Ocho Rios and Punta Cana
Looking for a hotel in Ocho Rios or Punta Cana? 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 Punta Cana Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ocho Rios $7.45Punta Cana $6.75
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ocho Rios
Also for Ocho Rios, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer To Kingston, Ocho Rios, Montego Bay & Negril: $140
- Airport Transfer To Riu Hotel Ocho Rios: $100
- Bahia Principe Grand Jamaica Private Airport transfer: $61
- Blue Hole Waterfall & Bamboo Rafting Tour Ocho Rios-Transfer Only: $109
- Dunn's River Falls And Shopping Tour From Ocho Rios-Transfer Only: $65
- Grand Bahia Jamaica Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Rountrip): $300
- Inter City Transfers- from Runaway Bay- private: $156
- Jewel Paradise Cove Resort Airport Transfer: $53
- Jewels Resorts Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Roundtrip): $170
- Kingston Airport (KIN) to Runaway Bay Round-Trip Private Transfer: $253
- Kingston Airport Transfer to Ocho Rios: $147
- Kingston Airport Transfer to Ocho Rios Hotels: $215
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta Cana
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Punta Cana:
- Round Trip Transfer from Santo Domingo SDQ to Punta Cana: $295
- Private Round Trip Airport Transfer Uvero Alto Hotels 7-12 Pax: $295
- Punta Cana Airport in Transfer Romana Hotels Van: $275
- Private Transfer from Punta Cana to Santo Domingo: $270
- Best Deal Private Transfer Punta Cana to Santo Domingo Round Trip: $267
- private transfer standard and premium punta cana airport to puerto plata: $265
- Transfers From Punta Cana Airport (PUJ)To All place at Juan Dolio: $255
- Private car transfer from Punta Cana Airport to Santo Domingo: $250
- Private Round Trip Punta Cana Airport to Uvero Alto Villa/Hotel Transfer: $250
- 1 Hour Beach Photoshoot in Punta Cana with Round Trip Transfer: $240
- Punta Cana Airport (PUJ) to Santo Domingo hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $236
- Private VIP SUV Transfer – PUJ Airport to/from Miches Hotels: $235
Is it cheaper to fly into Ocho Rios or Punta Cana?
Prices for flights to both Punta Cana 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 $28Punta Cana $68
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: $99
- Flavors of Jamaica Food Tour from Runaway Bay: $138
- Taste of Jamaica Food Tour from Ocho Rios: $150
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Punta Cana
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Punta Cana.
- Sunset Buggies Adventure with Dinner from Punta Cana: $145
- Dinner in the Sky Experience in Punta Cana: $149
- Punta Cana Buggy Ride and Taino Party with Dinner: $230
- Punta Cana Buggy Ride, Dinner and Taino Party: $294
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ocho Rios $15Punta Cana $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$5.36
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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: $20
- Blue Hole Admission Fee Ticket: $26
- Bamboo River Rafting and Blue Hole Waterfall Adventure Ocho Rios: $30
- Bob Marley Nine Mile Tour: $35
- Ocho Rios City Bus Tour (Beach, Sightseeing & Shopping): $40
- Blue Hole and Dunn's River Tour (Entrance Fees Not Included): $40
- Dunn's River Falls and Blue Hole Private Tour Ocho Rios Jamaica: $43
- Blue Hole Private Tour from Ocho Rios with Pickup: $45
- Luminous lagoon Private & Group tour from Runaway Bay: $45
- Blue Hole Tour from Ocho Rios: $49
- Ocho Rios City Tour, Sightseeing and Shopping: $50
- Dunn's River Falls and Blue Hole Private Tour from Ocho Rios: $50
Typical Entertainment Prices in Punta Cana
Here are a few typical costs in Punta Cana for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Dune Buggy Adventure$54
Tours and Activities in Punta Cana
Here are a few actual costs in Punta Cana for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- “Saona Island Tour by Catamaran & Speedboat – Punta Cana”: $99
- 2-Hour Horseback Riding Tour at Sunset from Punta Cana: $68
- 3 Hour Punta Cana Outdoor Adventure: $65
- 3 Hours Half Day Tour Buggy Macao Beach cenote Hotel Pickup: $34
- 3 Hours Panoramic Tour in Punta Cana with Artisan Market: $35
- 3 Hours Shared Buggy Tour in Punta Cana: $55
- 3 hrs Glass Boat Tour in Punta Cana: $65
- 3-Day Ultimate Dominican Adventure: Nature, Culture & History: $190
- 3-Hour Extreme Buggy Tour of Punta Cana: $45
- 4 Hour Buggys Adventure Tour in Punta Cana: $50
- 4 Hour Speed Experience in Punta Cana: $80
- 4 Wheel Adventure Beach and River Ride with Lunch: $135
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayOcho Rios $7.56Punta Cana $11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ocho Rios and Punta Cana, we can see that Punta Cana 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 Punta Cana would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Punta Cana 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 Punta Cana Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ocho Rios or Punta Cana?
Punta Cana has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Ocho Rios and Punta Cana, 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.
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.