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

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Should you visit Ocho Rios or San Jose?

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

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

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.

San Jose

San Jose is the capital city of Costa Rica and is likely to be your first and last stop in a visit to the country. The city is situated in the Central Valley and is surrounded by beautiful mountains and valleys, making for a beautiful flight in. The city has an elevation of 1200 meters and sits on a plateau with a beautiful backdrop of lush green forest. Half of the people in Costa Rica reside in the country's capital city. You are likely to stay only a day or two, but there are a handful of things to do and see including museums and markets. You will also find many embassies, as well as the University of Costa Rica in San Jose.

Which place is cheaper, San Jose 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 San Jose is $89. 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 San Jose in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ocho Rios $53
    San Jose $47
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ocho Rios $106
    San Jose $94
Compare Hotels in Ocho Rios and San Jose

Looking for a hotel in Ocho Rios or San Jose? 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 San Jose


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 San Jose Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ocho Rios $7.61
    San Jose $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ocho Rios

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

  • Sandals Ocho Rios Resort Airport Transfer: $67
  • Runaway Bay Hotels Private Transfer: $68
  • Runaway Bay Hotels Private Round Trip Transfers from MBJ: $125
  • Runaway Bay Airport Transfer: $48
  • Round-Trip or Direct Private Airport Transfers to Runaway Bay: $50
  • Riu Ocho Rios Private Airport Transfer: $80
  • Riu Ocho Rios Jamaica Private Airport Transfer: $60
  • Riu Ocho Rios Hotel Airport Transfer: $60
  • Privite Airport Transfer From MBJ Airport To Ocho Rios Hotels: $250
  • Private Transfer to horseback,Bluehole,River rafting in OchoRios.: $70
  • Private Transfer to Yaaman Adventure Park from Ocho Rios: $60
  • Private Transfer to White River Tubing Ocho Rios: $40

Typical Local Transportation prices in San Jose

Some typical examples of transportation costs in San Jose are as follows:


  • Taxi from SJO
    $24
  • Local Bus
    $2.61

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Jose

Also for San Jose, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Luxury Private Tour with Transfer and Accommodation from Costa Rica : $900
  • Round Trip Transfer From San Jose Airport To Dreams Las Mareas Guanacaste : $779
  • Private roundtrip transfers from San Jose Intl Airport to Guanacaste Hotels: $700
  • Transfers Airport or San Jose hotels to Puerto Viejo 5 paxs to 10: $450
  • Private Transfer - Juan Santa María International Airport to Uvita 1-4people: $430
  • Private Transfer From La Fortuna To Monteverde From 11 to 15 passengers: $402
  • Round trip transfer from San Jose Airport to La Fortuna/Arenal: $373
  • Transfer from SJO hotels or Airport to Montezuma up to 5 passengers (One way): $372
  • One Way Private transfer from San Jose Intl Airport to Guanacaste Hotels: $350
  • Private transfer from San Jose Airport welcome service to Corcovado Beach: $340
  • One way Transfer from San José or SJO Airport to Liberia up to 5 passengers : $340
  • Private transfer from San Jose Airport welcome service to Bahia Brake: $340

Is it cheaper to fly into Ocho Rios or San Jose?

Prices for flights to both San Jose 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
    San Jose $16

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
  • Flavors of Jamaica Food Tour from Ocho Rios: $128
  • The Jamaica School of Cooking and Ocho Rios Highlights Tour: $128
  • Taste of Jamaica Food Tour from Ocho Rios: $130
  • Flavors of Jamaica Food Tour from Runaway Bay: $138
  • Ocho Rios Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Dinner: $218

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Jose

For San Jose, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Bites and Sights: Walking Food Tour in San Jose : $33
  • Tropical Cooking Classes: $52
  • San Jose Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour and visit Gold Museum : $60
  • San Jose By Night Tour: Farm to Table Dinner & Cocktails Classes: $63
  • Half-Day San Jose Evening Bus Tour with Dinner and Pickup: $72
  • Explore San Jose By Night: Food and Culture Tour with Local Dinner: $79
  • Dinner + Typical Show in the best viewpoint of the City: $99
  • City Tour + Dinner at the best viewpoint of San José: $149
  • Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner: $169
  • Arenal Volcano & Baldi Hot Springs + lunch & dinner From San José: $176

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ocho Rios $15
    San Jose $20
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
    $5.48
  • 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.

  • Authentic Jamaican Bamboo Rafting Tour from Runaway Bay: $194
  • Black River Safari & YS Falls Tour from Runaway Bay: $285
  • Blue hole waterfalls + Bamboo river rafting tour from Ocho rios: $103
  • Bob Marley nine mile tour from Ocho rios: $77
  • Dunn's River Falls & Blue Hole Combo Tour from Ocho Rios: $115
  • Dunn's River Falls and Tubing Combo Tour from Ocho Rios: $140
  • Full-Day Tour to Blue Hole Falls with Horseback Ride from Montego Bay: $220
  • Kingston Day Tour Transportation Only : $410
  • Shopping Tour From Runaway Bay Hotels : $65
  • 2.5-Hours Nine Miles & Bob Marley's Mausoleum Private Tour: $155
  • 5Tour combo in Ocho Rios with Horse Ridin and swim Bamboo Rafting: $280
  • ATV AdVENTURE FROM OCHO RIOS : $190

Tours and Activities in San Jose

For San Jose, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Explore San Jose on Foot: Food Delights and Sights Tour: $46
  • 1 Night in Tortuguero + Tour to the Tortuguero National Park : $335
  • 10-Day Natural Beauty Tour in Costa Rica: $2,490
  • 11-Day Tour from Monteverde Cloud Forest and Tortuguero, Arenal Volcano and Manuel Antonio National Parks: $2,049
  • 11-Days Private Tico Paradise Luxury Tour: $4,500
  • 13 Days - Fly & Drive - Touring Costa Rica : $2,770
  • 2 Days Adventure to Blue Waterfalls with Volcano Tour: $1,050
  • 2 Days Pacuare River Rafting and Hiking Tour: $375
  • 2-Hour Downtown San Jose Walking Tour: $33
  • 2-Hour Orosi Nocturnal Tour: $33
  • 3 Days - 2 Nights: Arenal Volcano & Monteverde Adventure from San Jose: $720
  • 3 day / 2 night tour in Tortuguero: $399

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ocho Rios $7.72
    San Jose $16

Sample the Local Flavors in San Jose

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Jose:

  • Bar Crawl in Downtown San Jose: $37
  • Wine Tour and Tasting: $85

How are these travel costs calculated?

When comparing the travel costs between Ocho Rios and San Jose, we can see that San Jose 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 San Jose is in Central 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.

Which is Bigger, Ocho Rios or San Jose?

San Jose is bigger, and its population is about 35.5 times larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the population of Ocho Rios vs. San Jose, 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 and the activities that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Ocho Rios or San Jose?

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 San Jose in the Summer?

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

San Jose receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than San Jose. Ocho Rios gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

In Ocho Rios, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ocho Rios usually receives more sunshine than San Jose during summer. Ocho Rios gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.

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


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

Should I visit Ocho Rios or San Jose in the Autumn?

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

It's quite rainy in San Jose. Ocho Rios receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in October than San Jose. Ocho Rios gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ocho Rios this time of the year. In the autumn, Ocho Rios often gets more sunshine than San Jose. Ocho Rios gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 169 hours of full sun.

In October, Ocho Rios is generally around the same temperature as San Jose. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 28°C (82°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ocho Rios 28°C (82°F) 
    San Jose 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or San Jose in the Winter?

Both San Jose and Ocho Rios are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ocho Rios throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to San Jose because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In January, Ocho Rios usually receives more rain than San Jose. Ocho Rios gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

It's quite sunny in San Jose. 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 San Jose during winter. Ocho Rios gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.

Ocho Rios is around the same temperature as San Jose in the winter. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ocho Rios 26°C (79°F) 
    San Jose 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or San Jose in the Spring?

Both San Jose and Ocho Rios during the spring 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 San Jose year-round.

Ocho Rios usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as San Jose. Ocho Rios gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

In San Jose, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ocho Rios. In the spring, Ocho Rios often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Jose. Ocho Rios gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 255 hours of full sun.

In the spring, Ocho Rios is cooler than San Jose. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ocho Rios in April average around 26°C (80°F), and San Jose averages at about 29°C (85°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ocho Rios 26°C (80°F) 
    San Jose 29°C (85°F)

Typical Weather for San Jose and Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios San Jose
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 28°C (83°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 29°C (84°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 29°C (85°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 29°C (83°F) 226 mm (8.9 in)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 226 mm (8.9 in)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 289 mm (11.4 in)
Sep 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 328 mm (12.9 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 254 mm (10 in)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 33 mm (1.3 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.
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Ocho Rios vs. San Jose Travel Comparison

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