Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas 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 Saint Thomas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ocho Rios or Saint Thomas, 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 Saint Thomas?
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.
Saint Thomas
Saint Thomas is a beautiful island in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Together with St. John, St. Croix, and Water Island, it forms the unincorporated territory of the United States. The island is also home to the territorial capital and port of Charlotte Amalie. The island's population is just over 50,000, which is slightly less than half of the territory's total population.
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Ocho Rios Prices
Jamaica PricesSaint Thomas Prices
USVI Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayOcho Rios $87Saint Thomas $258
The average daily cost (per person) in Ocho Rios is $87, while the average daily cost in Saint Thomas is $258. 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 Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personOcho Rios $51Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomOcho Rios $102Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Ocho Rios and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Ocho Rios or Saint Thomas? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ocho Rios $7.44Saint Thomas $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ocho Rios
Also for Ocho Rios, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Luxury Transfer to Sandals Dunn’s River from MBJ Airport: $300
- Grand Bahia Jamaica Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Rountrip): $300
- Kingston Airport (KIN) to Runaway Bay Round-Trip Private Transfer: $250
- Roundtrip Airport Transfer from Montego Bay to Ocho Rios and Runaway Bay Hotels: $240
- Ocho Rios Hotels Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer from Kingston Airport (KIN): $240
- Bob Marley & Nine Mile Heritage Tour with Bus Transfer/Ocho Rios: $225
- Kingston Airport Transfer to Ocho Rios Hotels: $215
- Kingston Airport Transfer to Runaway Bay Hotels: $200
- Luxury Ocho Rios Transfer: $180
- Private Transfer from Jamaica (MBJ) Airport to Ocho Ríos: $170
- Jewels Resorts Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Roundtrip): $170
- Montego Bay Private Airport Transfer To and from ochi rios: $170
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Thomas
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Saint Thomas are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$65
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Taxi Ride$5.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Thomas
Also for Saint Thomas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- St.Thomas Airport (STT) to St.Thomas - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $264
- ST.Thomas Private Airport One-Way Transfers: $200
- Cyril E. King Airport STT to Charlotte Amalie RoundTrip Transfer: $198
- Luxury Transfer from St. Thomas Airport to Ritz Carlton: $189
- Private Airport Transfer in Luxury Vehicle- St. Thomas, USVI: $189
- Vi Top Taxi - St. Thomas Airport Transfer to Wyndham Margaritaville: $180
- St. Thomas USVI Airport Transfer to the Redhook Ferry: $180
- St.Thomas Airport Transfer to Redhook Ferry: $180
- Vi Top Taxi &Tours - Airport Transfer to the Ritz Carlton: $180
- Private Arrival Transfer from Cyril E King Airport to Redhook Bay: $175
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St. Thomas Airport Transfer to Wyndham Margaritaville: $174
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St. Thomas - Airport Transfer to Red Hook Ferry: $174
Is it cheaper to fly into Ocho Rios or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas 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 $28Saint Thomas $94
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 Saint Thomas
For Saint Thomas, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- St. James Snorkel & Pizza Pi Lunch: $90
- St. John Sail with Bar and Hors d'Oeuvres to Lovango Dinner: $109
- Sunset & Harbor Lights Dinner Sail from the Marriott's Frenchman's Cove: $119
- Afternoon Snorkel, Pizza & Sunset Tour departing from St. Thomas & St. John: $120
- Local Experience, St. John U.S. Virgin Islands Food Tour: $125
- St. Thomas Dinner Sail to Lovango w/ Open Bar and Hors D'oeuvres: $139
- Flavors of St Thomas Walking Food Tour: $145
- St. John PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail with Beach Stop, Lunch & Open Bar - Westin: $149
- Pizza Pi Party- Snorkel & Sunset Cruise: $180
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ocho Rios $15Saint Thomas $60
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.
- ATV Adventure Ride in Ocho Rios Jamaica with Jerk Chicken Lunch: $166
- ATV Adventure and Shopping from Falmouth (Minimum 4 persons): $165
- ATV, Bamboo Rafting & Horseback Ride Tour From Montego Bay: $411
- ATV, Bamboo Rafting and Horseback Riding Experience in Ocho Rios: $219
- ATV, Bamboo Rafting, Horseback Ride n Swim Guided Tour With Lunch: $120
- ATV, Bamboo Rafting, and Horseback Ride Tour From Montego Bay: $110
- ATV, Horseback Riding and Bluehole Adventure Tour: $189
- Aqua Fun Tours Dunns Falls, River Tubing and Horse Back: $170
- Bali Style High Ropes Swing and Dunn's River Fall Adventure: $230
- Bamboo Rafting & Horseback Ride n Swim Guided Tour In Ocho Rios: $95
- Bamboo Rafting & River Tubing Tour Ocho Rios(Entry Fee Included): $195
- Bamboo Rafting, Margaritaville & Sightseeing Tour In Ocho Rios: $65
Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.
- 1 Hour Jet Ski Tour in the Virgin Islands from Westin St. John: $169
- 1-Hour Guided Jet Ski Tour in St. Thomas from Frenchman's Reef: $159
- 3 Hour Kayak and Snorkel Tour: $139
- Aerial Sightseeing Adventure!: $250
- Best of Mangrove Lagoon Kayak, Hike and Snorkel Adventure with Picnic Lunch: $127
- Book Your Private Two and a Half Hour Island Tour today!: $150
- Cas Cay - Kayak Hike and Snorkel Adventure: $79
- Children's Treasure Hunt Walking Tour: $25
- Cocktail Sunset Cruise from Sapphire Beach Resort: $130
- Coral Reef and Turtle Discovery Kayak and Snorkel Tour: $169
- Coral Reef and Turtle Discovery Tour: $159
- Coral World Ocean Park General Admission Ticket: $29
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayOcho Rios $7.55Saint Thomas $27
Sample the Local Flavors in Ocho Rios
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Ocho Rios:
- Bar Hopping, Pub Crawl, Shopping and Sightseeing Tour Ocho Rios: $90
Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Thomas
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Saint Thomas:
- Da Conch Crawl- Walking Tour and Bar Crawl Downtown St. Thomas: $148
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ocho Rios and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas 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 Saint Thomas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Thomas 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 Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ocho Rios or Saint Thomas?
Saint Thomas has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Ocho Rios and Saint Thomas, 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 Saint Thomas?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
Both Saint Thomas and Ocho Rios are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ocho Rios throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than Saint Thomas. Ocho Rios gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. Ocho Rios usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during summer. Ocho Rios gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
In the summer, Ocho Rios is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ocho Rios in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 29°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyOcho Rios 29°C (83°F)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
Both Saint Thomas and Ocho Rios during the autumn 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 Saint Thomas year-round.
Saint Thomas gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. Ocho Rios usually gets more rain in October than Saint Thomas. Ocho Rios gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ocho Rios. In the autumn, Ocho Rios often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas. Ocho Rios gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun.
In October, Ocho Rios is generally around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 28°C (82°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberOcho Rios 28°C (82°F)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocho Rios and Saint Thomas. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than Saint Thomas. Ocho Rios gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas 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 Saint Thomas during winter. Ocho Rios gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
Ocho Rios is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas in the winter. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryOcho Rios 26°C (79°F)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Ocho Rios as well as Saint Thomas. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in April than Saint Thomas. Ocho Rios gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ocho Rios this time of the year. In the spring, Ocho Rios often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Ocho Rios gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun.
In the spring, Ocho Rios is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ocho Rios in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 27°C (80°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilOcho Rios 26°C (80°F)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Ocho Rios
| Ocho Rios | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 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.