Which place is cheaper, Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ocho Rios or Santa Barbara, 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 Santa Barbara?
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.
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is located in California, less than 100 miles from Los Angeles. It sits between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, giving it a stunning backdrop. The town has a population of just 90,000 but it still offers visitors many cultural, culinary, and shopping experiences that surpass many large cities. There are wide beaches along a beautiful coastline, impressive wineries, and many top rated restaurants. Many people see Santa Barbara as a hangout for the rich and famous, but with a university and diverse population, the city is much more relatable than you might expect, although travel prices here are still somewhat high.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.
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Ocho Rios Prices
Jamaica PricesSanta Barbara Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayOcho Rios $87Santa Barbara $196
The average daily cost (per person) in Ocho Rios is $87, while the average daily cost in Santa Barbara is $196. 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 Santa Barbara in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personOcho Rios $51Santa Barbara $88
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomOcho Rios $102Santa Barbara $176
Compare Hotels in Ocho Rios and Santa Barbara
Looking for a hotel in Ocho Rios or Santa Barbara? 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 Santa Barbara Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ocho Rios $7.43Santa Barbara $42
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ocho Rios
Also for Ocho Rios, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Jamaica Private Hotel and Airport Transfer: $5.00
- Arrive Like Royalty VIP Airport Transfer from Montego Bay: $9.99
- Private Ian Fleming Airport Transfer to Ocho Rios and Runaway Bay: $15
- Montego Bay Airport (MBJ) Transfer One-Way or Round-Trip to Hotel: $19
- Private Airport Transfer from Ian Fleming Airport to Ocho Rios: $20
- Private Transfer From the Ocho Rios Airport/ Ian Fleming: $20
- Private Round Trip Transfer to YAAMAN Adventure Park Ocho Rios: $27
- Private Transfer to Konoko Falls Botanical Gardens: $30
- Private Round Trip Transfer to Dunns River Climb and Zipline over the Falls!: $34
- Private Round Trip Transfer for Jamaican Jerk at Scotchie's Ocho Rios: $36
- Montego Bay Airport Transfer: $39
- Private Nightlife Transfer Around Ocho Rios: $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Ocho Rios or Santa Barbara?
Prices for flights to both Santa Barbara 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 $28Santa Barbara $80
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 Santa Barbara
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Santa Barbara.
- Santa Barbara Authentic Walking Food Tour with 5 Dishes: $138
- Taco Tour Santa Barbara | Food Tour: $159
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ocho Rios $15Santa Barbara $27
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$5.35
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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.
- Original Blue Hole St. Ann Ocho Rios Jamaica Admission Fee Ticket: $25
- VIP Dunn River Falls and Blue Hole Experience: $25
- 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
- Ocho Rios Scenic, Shopping and Lunch Tour: $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
- Private Magical Firewater Pond and Secluded Bamboo Beach Tour: $50
- Dunn's River Falls and Blue Hole Private Tour from Ocho Rios: $50
Tours and Activities in Santa Barbara
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santa Barbara are as follows:
- 2- Hour Pottery Workshop and Studio Tour in Ojai: $65
- 3-Winery Santa Ynez Tour with Picnic Lunch & Tasting Fees: $149
- 3-Winery Santa Ynez Tour with Picnic Lunch & Tastings from City: $179
- Amazing Adventure Hunt: Santa Barbara Beauty: $12
- Beginner or Intermediate Mountain Bike Tour of Santa Barbara: $125
- Best of Santa Barbara Walking Tour with Ice Cream: $90
- Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara: $38
- Discover Santa Barbara Yacht Experience: $45
- Epic Zipline Tour near Santa Barbara: $155
- Gaviota Coast Kayak Tour Near Santa Barbara (3.5 Hours): $122
- Guided Biking Experience in Ojai: $115
- Guided Rock Climbing Adventure for All Levels: $200
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayOcho Rios $7.54Santa Barbara $12
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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Santa Barbara
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Santa Barbara:
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Camping$20
Sample the Local Flavors in Santa Barbara
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Santa Barbara:
- Santa Barbara Craft Brewery and History Crawl: $140
- Wine Tours ( private ) 6 full hours .: $149
- Santa Ynez Valley Biking and Wine Tasting Tour: $175
- Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour of Santa Barbara Wine Country: $235
- Small-Group (8 max) All-Inclusive Santa Barbara Wine Tour: $235
- Small-Group Wine Tour in Santa Barbara to Exclusive Vineyards: $235
- Santa Ynez Wine Tour (All-Inclusive): $239
- Solvang Santa Ynez Valley Small Group All-Inclusive Wine Tour: $240
- Cycling and Guided Wine Tasting in Solvang CA: $250
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ocho Rios and Santa Barbara, we can see that Santa Barbara is more expensive. And not only is Ocho Rios much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ocho Rios is in Caribbean Islands and Santa Barbara is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Santa Barbara would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ocho Rios or Santa Barbara?
Santa Barbara has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Ocho Rios and Santa Barbara, 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 Santa Barbara?
Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara in the Summer?
Both Santa Barbara and Ocho Rios during the summer 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, most visitors come to Santa Barbara for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Ocho Rios is much warmer than Santa Barbara in the summer. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 65°F (19°C).
Ocho Rios usually gets more rain in July than Santa Barbara. Ocho Rios gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyOcho Rios 29°C (83°F)Santa Barbara 65°F (19°C)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Santa Barbara in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocho Rios and Santa Barbara. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Santa Barbara because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Ocho Rios is much warmer than Santa Barbara. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ocho Rios in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Santa Barbara averages at about 62°F (17°C).
Ocho Rios gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Ocho Rios usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Ocho Rios gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberOcho Rios 28°C (82°F)Santa Barbara 62°F (17°C)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Santa Barbara in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Ocho Rios as well as Santa Barbara. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Santa Barbara this time of year.
In January, Ocho Rios is generally much warmer than Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 26°C (79°F), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).
Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in January than Santa Barbara. Ocho Rios gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryOcho Rios 26°C (79°F)Santa Barbara 52°F (11°C)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Santa Barbara in the Spring?
Both Santa Barbara and Ocho Rios are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ocho Rios throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Santa Barbara for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
Ocho Rios is much warmer than Santa Barbara in the spring. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).
In April, Ocho Rios usually receives around the same amount of rain as Santa Barbara. Ocho Rios gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilOcho Rios 26°C (80°F)Santa Barbara 57°F (14°C)
Typical Weather for Santa Barbara and Ocho Rios
| Ocho Rios | Santa Barbara | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 52°F (11°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (4 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 65°F (19°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 67°F (19°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Sep | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 0.5 inches (12 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.5 inches (13 mm) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 52°F (11°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) |
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.