Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Ocho Rios?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ocho Rios or San Juan?
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 Juan, 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 Juan?
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 Juan
If you've ever set foot on a Caribbean cruise, you've probably spent a bit of time in San Juan, Puerto Rico. However, maybe you should consider spending more than just a port day in this beautiful and historically rich city.
As the capital and largest city in all of Puerto Rico, San Juan is home to approximately 400,000 people. Established in 1521, it is also the second oldest European-founded settlement in the Americas.
As this city fuses a historic paradise with modern day energy, it has absolutely everything to offer. Intellectual wanderers, beach bums, rainforest adventurers and radical surfers will all find plenty to do in San Juan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayOcho Rios $77San Juan $192
The average daily cost (per person) in Ocho Rios is $77, while the average daily cost in San Juan is $192. 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 Juan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personOcho Rios $52San Juan $124
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomOcho Rios $104San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Ocho Rios and San Juan
Looking for a hotel in Ocho Rios or San Juan? 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 San Juan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ocho Rios $7.60San Juan $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ocho Rios
Also for Ocho Rios, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Couples Resorts Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Roundtrip): $300
- From Scenic Guided Horseback Ride with Transfer: $195
- Jewels Resorts Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Roundtrip): $170
- Private Transfer from MBJ Airport to Resorts in Ocho Rios : $160
- Kingston Airport Transfer to Ocho Rios: $140
- Private Jamaica Airport Transfers: $130
- Private Airport Transfer from Montego Bay Airport to Ocho Rios: $130
- MBJ Airport Round trip Private transfer for Runaway Bay Hotels: $120
- Montego Bay Airport Transfers to Hotels to Ocho Rios: $115
- Airport Transfer to Ocho Rios Hotels (Round-Trip): $110
- Airport transfers to Hotel, Guest houses or Villas in St.Ann, Ochi Rios Jamaica: $110
- Private Airport Transfer to Bahia Principe Grand Hotel : $100
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan
Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- San Juan Airport (SJU): Private Transfer to San Juan Port: $270
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port: Transfer to San Juan hotel: $270
- Carabali Rain Forest Round Trip Private Taxi Transfer: $210
- Private Airport Transfers to Ceiba Ferry Terminal and Airport: $155
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, 16Pax Mercedes Van, Select Zone: $130
- Oneway Transfer from San Juan (SJU, hotel, airbnb, port) to Ponce: $125
- Private Transfer from SJU Airport to San Juan / Rio Grande: $105
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, 11Pax Lux Sprinter Van: $103
- Old San Juan Sunset Cruise with Drinks & Transfer: $99
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Mercedes ECO Van, Select Zone: $87
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Ford Premium SUV, Select Zone: $87
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Lexus Luxury Sedan, Select Zone: $81
Is it cheaper to fly into Ocho Rios or San Juan?
Prices for flights to both San Juan 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 $17San Juan $36
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 San Juan
For San Juan, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Old San Juan Sunset Food Tour with Drinks: $156
- Savor the Sunset: Old San Juan Walk and Food Tour: $159
- City Lights Sky High Dinner Experience: $165
- Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $170
- Private Local Food Tour in San Juan: $275
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ocho Rios $15San Juan $49
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.
- Authentic Jamaican Bamboo Rafting Tour from Runaway Bay: $194
- Bob Marley Nine Mile Tour from Ocho Rios: $77
- Full-Day Tour to Blue Hole Falls with Horseback Ride from Montego Bay: $220
- Private Sightseeing Tour in Ocho Rios : $30
- Shopping Tour From Runaway Bay Hotels : $65
- ATV AdVENTURE FROM OCHO RIOS : $190
- ATV Adventure and Shopping from Falmouth (Minimum 4 persons): $165
- ATV, Bamboo Rafting and Horseback Riding Experience in Ocho Rios: $275
- ATV, Bamboo Rafting, Horseback Ride Guided Tour from Montego Bay: $135
- All day Tour of Ocho Rios : $200
- Appleton Estate Rum Tour and Tasting from Runaway Bay: $206
- Bamboo Rafting in Ocho Rios Private Experience: $207
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Juan
For San Juan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Horseback Riding Tour$40
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Full Day Snorkeling Trip$100
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1 Hr Windsurfing Lesson$75
Tours and Activities in San Juan
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Juan.
- Rum Craft Cocktail Tour in San Juan: $65
- 1 or 2 Hour Puerto Rico Horseback Ride Experience!: $210
- Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Adventure from San Juan: $110
- Carolina: ATV Adventure at Campo Rico Ranch with Guide: $136
- Cave Day Tour From San Juan: $109
- Cruise Ship Travelers: Hike to a Hidden Puerto Rican Waterfall: $85
- Culebra Beach Day Tour with Snorkeling from San Juan by Ferry: $200
- Culebra Snorkeling Tour by Catamaran from Fajardo: $175
- Discover El Yunque: Half-Day Rainforest Tour: $115
- Discover Old In-App Audio Tour of History: $11
- El Yunque National RainForest: Tour with Nature walk: $75
- El Yunque Rainforest Guided Day Tour from San Juan: $85
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayOcho Rios $7.71San Juan $12
Sample the Local Flavors in San Juan
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Juan:
- Pinones Pub crawl in Puerto Rico: $50
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ocho Rios and San Juan, we can see that San Juan 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 San Juan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Juan 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 San Juan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ocho Rios or San Juan?
San Juan has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Ocho Rios and San Juan, 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 San Juan?
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 Juan in the Summer?
Both San Juan 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 San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than San Juan. Ocho Rios gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in San Juan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. Ocho Rios usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during summer. Ocho Rios gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
In the summer, Ocho Rios is around the same temperature as San Juan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ocho Rios in July average around 29°C (83°F), and San Juan averages at about 28°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyOcho Rios 29°C (83°F)San Juan 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or San Juan in the Autumn?
Both San Juan 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 San Juan year-round.
San Juan 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 San Juan. Ocho Rios gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In San Juan, 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 San Juan. Ocho Rios gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 235 hours of full sun.
In October, Ocho Rios is generally around the same temperature as San Juan. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 28°C (82°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberOcho Rios 28°C (82°F)San Juan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or San Juan in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocho Rios and San Juan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than San Juan. Ocho Rios gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan 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 San Juan during winter. Ocho Rios gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
Ocho Rios is around the same temperature as San Juan in the winter. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and San Juan fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryOcho Rios 26°C (79°F)San Juan 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or San Juan in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Ocho Rios as well as San Juan. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.
Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in April than San Juan. Ocho Rios gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. 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 San Juan. Ocho Rios gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun.
In the spring, Ocho Rios is around the same temperature as San Juan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ocho Rios in April average around 26°C (80°F), and San Juan averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilOcho Rios 26°C (80°F)San Juan 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for San Juan and Ocho Rios
| Ocho Rios | San Juan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 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.