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

Should you visit Reykjavik or Ocho Rios?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Reykjavik or Ocho Rios, 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: Reykjavik or Ocho Rios?

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is the capital and largest city in the country of Iceland. The city is where the vast majority of the country's population resides and the urban area has about 200,000 residents. The city is sprawling, with a large area covered in suburbs. The the city center is quite compact, with many interesting and colorful houses. There are a lot of things that attract tourists to this city, including an interesting culture and history as well as plenty of shopping and dining opportunities.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.


Which place is cheaper, Ocho Rios or Reykjavik?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Reykjavik is $307, while the average daily cost in Ocho Rios is $85. 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 Reykjavik and Ocho Rios in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Reykjavik $160
    Ocho Rios $51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Reykjavik $320
    Ocho Rios $102
Compare Hotels in Reykjavik and Ocho Rios

Looking for a hotel in Reykjavik or Ocho Rios? 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 Reykjavik


Hotels in Ocho Rios


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: Reykjavik Hotel Prices and Ocho Rios Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Reykjavik $52
    Ocho Rios $7.32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reykjavik

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

  • Private Airport Transfer between KEF Airport & Reykjavik: $279
  • Private Transfer from Cruise Ship Port to Keflavik Int. Airport : $270
  • Private Keflavik Airport Transfer (One Way): $270
  • Private Roundtrip Transfer between Blue Lagoon and Reykjavik: $267
  • Private Blue Lagoon Transfer in Iceland: $265
  • Keflavik Airport Premium Transfer to/from Reykjavik: $260
  • Keflavik Airport (KEF) to Skarfabakki Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $242
  • Private Transfer from Reykjavik Hotels to Keflavik Airport: $240
  • Private Luxury Transfer from Blue Lagoon to Reykjavik: $228
  • Private Luxury Transfer from Reykjavik to Blue Lagoon: $228
  • Private Airport Transfer from Reykjavik to Keflavik Int. Airport: $225
  • Keflavik Airport (KEF) to Reykjavik hotel /address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $223

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ocho Rios

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

  • VIP***Private KINGSTON Airport Transfers to***OCHO RIOS**HOTELS**: $292
  • Sandals Ocho Rios Resort Airport Transfer: $67
  • Runaway Bay Hotels Transfers between Montego Bay Airport: $60
  • Runaway Bay Hotels Private Round Trip Transfers from MBJ: $160
  • Runaway Bay Airport Transfer: $48
  • Roundtrip Airport Transfer from Montego Bay to Ocho Rios and Runaway Bay Hotels: $240
  • Round-Trip or Direct Private Airport Transfers to Runaway Bay: $50
  • Private Transfers from Montego Bay Airport to Runaway Bay Hotels: $54
  • Private Transfers To/From Ocho Rios & OCJ Airport Across Jamaica: $143
  • Private Transfer to horseback,Bluehole,River rafting in OchoRios.: $70
  • Private Transfer to Mystic Mountain from Ocho Rios: $20
  • Private Transfer to Konoko Falls Botanical Gardens: $27

Is it cheaper to fly into Reykjavik or Ocho Rios?

Prices for flights to both Ocho Rios and Reykjavik 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
    Reykjavik $60
    Ocho Rios $28
Typical Food Prices in Reykjavik

For Reykjavik, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dinner (Fish Market)
    $204

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Reykjavik

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

  • Weekend Reykjavik Food Tour with a stop at the Reykjavik Flea Market: $143
  • The Reykjavik Harbor Food Tour: $145
  • 3 Hour Shared Christmas Food Tour with Guide in Reykjavik: $149
  • Private Vegetarian Reykjavik Food Tour: $195
  • Private Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $215

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:

  • Flavors of Jamaica Food Tour from Ocho Rios: $128
  • Taste of Jamaica Food Tour from Ocho Rios: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Reykjavik $83
    Ocho Rios $15
Typical Entertainment Prices in Reykjavik

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Reykjavik's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Art Museum
    $12
  • Wine and Spa
    $34

Tours and Activities in Reykjavik

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

  • Reykjavik Christmas Walking Tour: $89
  • Small-Group Tour: Northern Lights with Photos & Hot Chocolate: $138
  • Winter South Coast Day Tour by Minibus from Reykjavik: $180
  • 1 Hour ATV Quad Tour : Pick up from Reykjavik (2 persons per ATV): $131
  • 1 hour Buggy adventure - From Reykjavik: $219
  • 1-Hour Small Group Sightseeing Boat Tour in Vestmannaeyjar: $151
  • 9pm Whale Watching Cruise in the Arctic Sun: $99
  • ATV - QUAD Adventure: $191
  • ATV Reykjavik Adventure: $165
  • Adventure in Landmannalaugar and Hot Springs - Reykjavík & Hella: $215
  • Aurora by Boat Reykjavik Adventure: $93
  • Black Beach ATV - QUAD Tour: $132

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
    $5.27
  • Tour of Prospect Plantation
    $17

Tours and Activities in Ocho Rios

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ocho Rios.

  • Black River Safari & YS Falls Tour from Runaway Bay: $285
  • Blue Hole Tour From Ocho Rios: $60
  • Blue Hole Waterfalls + Bamboo River Rafting Tour from Ocho Rios: $109
  • Dunn's River Falls Party Cruise, Blue Hole with Snorkeling, free beverages: $165
  • Dunn's River Falls and Ocho Rios Sightseeing with Shopping: $50
  • Dunn's River Falls and Tubing Combo Tour from Ocho Rios: $140
  • Private Dunn's River and Blue hole tour from Ocho Rios : $110
  • Private Sightseeing Tour from Ocho Rios : $60
  • Shopping Tour From Runaway Bay Hotels : $75
  • 1 Hour Private Rafting Experience in Jamaica: $65
  • ATV Adventure and Shopping from Falmouth (Minimum 4 persons): $165
  • ATV Guided Tour To Blue Hole & Spanish Bridge In Ocho Rios: $270

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Reykjavik $32
    Ocho Rios $7.43
Typical Alcohol Prices in Reykjavik

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Reykjavik are as follows:


  • Beer
    $10

Sample the Local Flavors in Reykjavik

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Reykjavik:

  • Gin Distillery tour and tasting with Master Distiller: $35
  • Flóki Whisky Distillery Tour & Tasting in Reykjavík: $49

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: $113


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Reykjavik and Ocho Rios, we can see that Reykjavik is more expensive. And not only is Ocho Rios much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Reykjavik is in Europe and Ocho Rios is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Reykjavik would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik Expensive? and Is Ocho Rios Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Reykjavik or Ocho Rios?

Reykjavik has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Reykjavik and Ocho Rios, 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 Reykjavik or Ocho Rios?

Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik or Ocho Rios in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Reykjavik and Ocho Rios. The summer months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In July, Reykjavik is generally much colder than Ocho Rios. Daily temperatures in Reykjavik average around 11°C (52°F), and Ocho Rios fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ocho Rios this time of the year. Reykjavik usually receives less sunshine than Ocho Rios during summer. Reykjavik gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Ocho Rios receives 254 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Reykjavik usually receives more rain than Ocho Rios. Reykjavik gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Reykjavik 11°C (52°F) 
    Ocho Rios 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Reykjavik or Ocho Rios in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Reykjavik as well as Ocho Rios. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ocho Rios throughout the year.

It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the autumn. Reykjavik is much colder than Ocho Rios in the autumn. The daily temperature in Reykjavik averages around 5°C (41°F) in October, and Ocho Rios fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. In the autumn, Reykjavik often gets less sunshine than Ocho Rios. Reykjavik gets 83 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ocho Rios receives 229 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ocho Rios. Reykjavik usually gets less rain in October than Ocho Rios. Reykjavik gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Reykjavik 5°C (41°F) 
    Ocho Rios 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Reykjavik or Ocho Rios in the Winter?

Both Ocho Rios and Reykjavik are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Reykjavik for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Ocho Rios because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. In the winter, Reykjavik is much colder than Ocho Rios. Typically, the winter temperatures in Reykjavik in January average around -0°C (32°F), and Ocho Rios averages at about 26°C (79°F).

It's quite sunny in Ocho Rios. Reykjavik usually receives less sunshine than Ocho Rios during winter. Reykjavik gets 27 hours of sunny skies, while Ocho Rios receives 257 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Reykjavik usually receives more rain than Ocho Rios. Reykjavik gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Reykjavik -0°C (32°F) 
    Ocho Rios 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Reykjavik or Ocho Rios in the Spring?

Both Ocho Rios and Reykjavik during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Reykjavik in the spring for the natural beauty. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round.

Reykjavik can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Reykjavik is generally much colder than Ocho Rios. Daily temperatures in Reykjavik average around 3°C (38°F), and Ocho Rios fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In Ocho Rios, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Reykjavik often gets less sunshine than Ocho Rios. Reykjavik gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ocho Rios receives 251 hours of full sun.

Reykjavik usually gets more rain in April than Ocho Rios. Reykjavik gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Reykjavik 3°C (38°F) 
    Ocho Rios 26°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Ocho Rios and Reykjavik

Reykjavik Ocho Rios
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (32°F) 76 mm (3 in) 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 1°C (33°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 1°C (34°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Apr 3°C (38°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
May 7°C (44°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 10°C (49°F) 50 mm (2 in) 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 52 mm (2 in) 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 11°C (52°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 8°C (46°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Oct 5°C (41°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Nov 1°C (35°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 0°C (32°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)