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

Should you visit Ocho Rios or Virginia Beach?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ocho Rios or Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach?

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.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach sits on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay. It's a popular beach destination and has many of the characteristics of most southeastern beach towns. There are many activities that you can enjoy and there's a concrete boardwalk that runs parallel to the water for about three miles. The boardwalk is a fun place to walk or bicycle. The beach itself is wide and sandy and is a great place to soak up some sun. During the summer months and school holidays it can get quite crowded and you might struggle to find a place for your towel and beach chairs. There are also many beach side resorts that line the water front. Most have pools and hot tubs where you can relax and some hotels have indoor pools as well, which can be nice during the cool winter months.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach is $126. 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 Virginia Beach in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ocho Rios $52
    Virginia Beach $71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ocho Rios $104
    Virginia Beach $142
Compare Hotels in Ocho Rios and Virginia Beach

Looking for a hotel in Ocho Rios or Virginia Beach? 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 Virginia Beach


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 Virginia Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ocho Rios $7.60
    Virginia Beach $39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ocho Rios

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

  • Private Luxury Transfer from Sandals Dunns River : $300
  • Couples Resorts Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Roundtrip): $300
  • From Scenic Guided Horseback Ride with Transfer: $195
  • Private Transfer from MBJ Airport to Resorts in Ocho Rios : $160
  • Ocho Rios Private Airport Transfer [VIP LUXURY Vehicles]: $158
  • Kingston Airport Transfer to Ocho Rios: $140
  • Private Jamaica Airport Transfers: $130
  • Private Airport Transfer from Montego Bay Airport to Ocho Rios: $130
  • Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer to Ocho Rios Hotels in Jamaica: $130
  • Runaway Bay Hotels Private Round Trip Transfers from MBJ: $125
  • MBJ Airport Round trip Private transfer for Runaway Bay Hotels: $120
  • Private Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Riu Ocho Rios, Low Cost.: $115

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Virginia Beach

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Virginia Beach:


  • Beach Parking
    $10

Is it cheaper to fly into Ocho Rios or Virginia Beach?

Prices for flights to both Virginia Beach 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
    Virginia Beach $30

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ocho Rios $15
    Virginia Beach $21
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
    $5.47
  • 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: $109
  • Bob Marley Nine Mile Tour from Ocho Rios: $77
  • Combo Blue Hole and Horseback Riding Tour From Ocho Rios : $160
  • Full-Day Tour to Blue Hole Falls with Horseback Ride from Montego Bay: $220
  • Shopping Tour From Runaway Bay Hotels : $65
  • ATV, Bamboo Rafting, Horseback Ride Guided Tour from Montego Bay: $135
  • All day Tour of Ocho Rios : $200
  • Bamboo Rafting & River Tubing Tour Ocho Rios(Entry Fee Included): $220
  • Bamboo Rafting in Ocho Rios Private Experience: $207
  • Bamboo Rafting on the Lethe great/river(:),tour: $120

Tours and Activities in Virginia Beach

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Virginia Beach.

  • Dolphin Kayak Tour in Virginia Beach Must know how to swim: $87
  • Kayak Dolphin Experience in Virginia Beach Must know how to swim: $90
  • Neptune Ghosts: Ghosts of the Coast By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Small Group Dolphin Kayak Eco-Tour: $68
  • Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tours: $68
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Virginia Beach by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Dolphin Stand-Up Paddleboard Tour: $60
  • Kayak Dolphin Tours | Must Know How to Swim: $78
  • Morning Stand-Up Paddleboarding Tour: $45
  • Neptune Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour: $26
  • Sunset Stand-Up Paddleboarding Tour: $45
  • Virginia Historic Adventure!: $200

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ocho Rios $7.71
    Virginia Beach $11


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ocho Rios and Virginia Beach, we can see that Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ocho Rios or Virginia Beach?

Virginia Beach has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Ocho Rios and Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach?

Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach in the Summer?

Both Virginia Beach 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. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Virginia Beach this time of year.

In July, Ocho Rios is generally around the same temperature as Virginia Beach. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 29°C (83°F), and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Virginia Beach. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. Ocho Rios usually receives less sunshine than Virginia Beach during summer. Ocho Rios gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Virginia Beach. In July, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than Virginia Beach. Ocho Rios gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ocho Rios 29°C (83°F) 
    Virginia Beach 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Virginia Beach in the Autumn?

Both Virginia Beach 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Virginia Beach for the natural beauty of the area.

Ocho Rios is much warmer than Virginia Beach in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

In Virginia Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ocho Rios. In the autumn, Ocho Rios often gets more sunshine than Virginia Beach. Ocho Rios gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 211 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. Ocho Rios usually gets more rain in October than Virginia Beach. Ocho Rios gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ocho Rios 28°C (82°F) 
    Virginia Beach 62°F (16°C)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Virginia Beach in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocho Rios and Virginia Beach. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Virginia Beach in the winter for the cuisine.

Virginia Beach can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Ocho Rios is much warmer than Virginia Beach. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ocho Rios in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Virginia Beach averages at about 39°F (4°C).

In Ocho Rios, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ocho Rios usually receives more sunshine than Virginia Beach during winter. Ocho Rios gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 168 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than Virginia Beach. Ocho Rios gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ocho Rios 26°C (79°F) 
    Virginia Beach 39°F (4°C)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Virginia Beach in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ocho Rios as well as Virginia Beach. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Virginia Beach for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Ocho Rios is generally much warmer than Virginia Beach. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 26°C (80°F), and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Virginia Beach. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ocho Rios this time of the year. In the spring, Ocho Rios often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Virginia Beach. Ocho Rios gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 253 hours of full sun.

Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in April than Virginia Beach. Ocho Rios gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ocho Rios 26°C (80°F) 
    Virginia Beach 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Virginia Beach and Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios Virginia Beach
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 39°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 49°F (10°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 58°F (14°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 67°F (19°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 79°F (26°C) 5.7 inches (145 mm)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 78°F (25°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm)
Sep 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 62°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 53°F (12°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)