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

Should you visit Rotterdam or Ocho Rios?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Rotterdam and Ocho Rios. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Rotterdam or Ocho Rios?

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands and has the largest port in Europe. It's famously known as a city of architecture. In a few square kilometers of the city center you can get a complete overview of twentieth century architecture within Rotterdam.

Rotterdam is a very diverse, international, and hard working city. Nearly half of the city's population is not native to the Netherlands or have at least one parent from outside the country. Muslim's make up a significant portion of the population. Other area's represented include Cape Verde and the Dutch Antilles.

There's an air of optimism that permeates the entire city. There are frequent events, festivals and performances, making Rotterdam an enjoyable place to spend some time. Water is also an integral part of the city design.

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 River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.


Which place is cheaper, Ocho Rios or Rotterdam?

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 Rotterdam is €191, while the average daily cost in Ocho Rios is €75. 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 Rotterdam and Ocho Rios in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Rotterdam 82
    Ocho Rios 44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Rotterdam 164
    Ocho Rios 88
Compare Hotels in Rotterdam and Ocho Rios

Looking for a hotel in Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam


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: Rotterdam Hotel Prices and Ocho Rios Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Rotterdam 26
    Ocho Rios 6.40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotterdam

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

  • Private direct transfer from Rotterdam to Brussels: $289
  • Private transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam, 2h Stop in Haarlem: $283
  • Private transfer: Rotterdam>Amsterdam, 2h Stop in De Haar Castle: $274
  • Private Minivan Transfer from Rotterdam: $271
  • Private direct transfer from Rotterdam to Antwerp: $265
  • Private transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam, 2h Stop in Gouda: $264
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam City to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $224
  • Private direct transfer from Rotterdam to Arnhem: $218
  • Private direct transfer from Rotterdam to Antwerp: $209
  • Rotterdam to Amsterdam Airport(AMS) - Departure Private Transfer: $200
  • Private transfer from Rotterdam cruise port to Schiphol Airport: $186
  • Private Rotterdam Cruise Port Departure Transfer to AMS Schiphol Airport: $186

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ocho Rios

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

  • Private Luxury Transfer to Sandals Dunn’s River from MBJ Airport: $300
  • Kingston Airport (KIN) to Runaway Bay Round-Trip Private Transfer: $252
  • Roundtrip Airport Transfer from Montego Bay to Ocho Rios and Runaway Bay Hotels: $240
  • Bob Marley & Nine Mile Heritage Tour with Bus Transfer/Ocho Rios: $225
  • Kingston Airport Transfer to Ocho Rios Hotels: $215
  • Luxury Ocho Rios Transfer: $180
  • Private Transfer from Jamaica (MBJ) Airport to Ocho Ríos: $172
  • Montego Bay Private Airport Transfer To and from ochi rios: $170
  • Inter City Transfers- from Runaway Bay- private: $156
  • Kingston Airport Transfer to Ocho Rios: $147
  • Private Transfers To/From Ocho Rios & OCJ Airport Across Jamaica: $143
  • Airport Transfer To Kingston, Ocho Rios, Montego Bay & Negril: $140

Is it cheaper to fly into Rotterdam or Ocho Rios?

Prices for flights to both Ocho Rios and Rotterdam 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
    Rotterdam 89
    Ocho Rios 24

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rotterdam

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

  • Pizza Cruise: $46
  • Rotterdam Food Tour: Taste The Alternative Side Of The City: $79
  • Guided Food Tour: $80
  • Iconic Rotterdam Food Tour: 7 Local Dishes with a Guide: $85
  • Historic Delfshaven: Lunch or Dinner with a Private Chef: $87
  • Food Tour by Bike: $104
  • Guided Walking Food Tour: $104
  • Rotterdam Walking Food Tour with 7 Delicious Tastings: $105
  • Biking Rotterdam Food Tour with Local Guide: $117
  • Private Walking Food Tour of Rotterdam: $130
  • Private Food Tour in Rotterdam Taste the Future: $147
  • Rotterdam Private 2-Hour Food Tour with Tastings: $175

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 Runaway Bay: $138
  • Taste of Jamaica Food Tour from Ocho Rios: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Rotterdam 31
    Ocho Rios 13

Tours and Activities in Rotterdam

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

  • "Remastered" Audiovisual Experience in Rotterdam: $31
  • 2-Hour Walking Tour in Gouda All inclusive: $21
  • All Inclusive, Private Tour Rotterdam + Euromast 360º view: $195
  • All-Inclusive Private Windmill Tour to Kinderdijk from Rotterdam: $224
  • Art and Architecture Walking Tour in Rotterdam - guided by Architects: $71
  • Best Intro Tour of Rotterdam with a Local: $164
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $48
  • Best of small-group walking tour: $23
  • Boat & Beer Walking Tour: $117
  • Bonton Male Dance Show Evening Ticket: $58
  • Breda Fun Puzzle Quest: True Lord Self-Guided Tour: $5.59
  • Cruise Terminal Private Tour by Luxury Van: $346

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
    9.21
  • Admission to Coyaba Gardens
    4.61
  • Tour of Prospect Plantation
    15

Tours and Activities in Ocho Rios

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

  • ATV Adventure and Shopping from Falmouth (Minimum 4 persons): $165
  • ATV and Dunns River Falls Adventure: $205
  • ATV, Bamboo Rafting & Horseback Ride Tour From Montego Bay: $411
  • ATV, Bamboo Rafting and Horseback Riding Experience in Ocho Rios: $219
  • ATV, Bamboo Rafting, and Horseback Ride Tour From Montego Bay: $110
  • ATV, Horseback Riding and Bluehole Adventure Tour: $189
  • Aqua Fun Tours Dunns Falls, River Tubing and Horse Back: $170
  • Bali Style High Ropes Swing and Dunn's River Fall Adventure: $230
  • Bamboo Rafting & Horseback Ride n Swim Guided Tour In Ocho Rios: $95
  • Bamboo Rafting & River Tubing Tour Ocho Rios(Entry Fee Included): $195
  • Bamboo Rafting and ATV Jungle Adventure in Jamaica: $200
  • Bamboo Rafting, Margaritaville & Sightseeing Tour In Ocho Rios: $65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Rotterdam 19
    Ocho Rios 6.49

Sample the Local Flavors in Rotterdam

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rotterdam:

  • Beer Brewery 'Noordt' Beer Tasting: $9.31
  • Brewery Noordt Tour Including Two Beers: $20
  • Stadshaven Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings: $26
  • The Ultimate Rotterdam Bar Crawl Experience: $41
  • Ludwig's Original Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry: $52
  • Ludwig's Private Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry: $576

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


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


Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or Ocho Rios?

Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam or Ocho Rios?

Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam or Ocho Rios in the Summer?

Both Ocho Rios and Rotterdam are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Rotterdam in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Ocho Rios because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Rotterdam is much colder than Ocho Rios in the summer. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Ocho Rios fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

It's quite sunny in Ocho Rios. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rotterdam. Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Ocho Rios during summer. Rotterdam gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Ocho Rios receives 254 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Rotterdam usually receives more rain than Ocho Rios. Rotterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Rotterdam 17°C (62°F) 
    Ocho Rios 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Rotterdam or Ocho Rios in the Autumn?

Both Ocho Rios and Rotterdam during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Rotterdam for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round.

In the autumn, Rotterdam is much colder than Ocho Rios. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Rotterdam in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Ocho Rios averages at about 28°C (82°F).

In Ocho Rios, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Ocho Rios. Rotterdam gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ocho Rios receives 229 hours of full sun.

Ocho Rios gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Rotterdam usually gets less rain in October than Ocho Rios. Rotterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Rotterdam 11°C (51°F) 
    Ocho Rios 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Rotterdam or Ocho Rios in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Rotterdam and Ocho Rios. The winter months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

The weather in Rotterdam can be very cold. In January, Rotterdam is generally much colder than Ocho Rios. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 2°C (36°F), and Ocho Rios fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ocho Rios this time of the year. Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Ocho Rios during winter. Rotterdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Ocho Rios receives 257 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Rotterdam usually receives more rain than Ocho Rios. Rotterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Rotterdam 2°C (36°F) 
    Ocho Rios 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Rotterdam or Ocho Rios in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Rotterdam as well as Ocho Rios. The activities around the city are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ocho Rios throughout the year.

Rotterdam is much colder than Ocho Rios in the spring. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Ocho Rios fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. In the spring, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Ocho Rios. Rotterdam gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ocho Rios receives 251 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets more rain in April than Ocho Rios. Rotterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Rotterdam 8°C (46°F) 
    Ocho Rios 26°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Ocho Rios and Rotterdam

Rotterdam Ocho Rios
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in) 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in) 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)