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

Should you visit Saaremaa or Ocho Rios?

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

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

Saaremaa

Saaremaa is the largest island in Estonia and it has a unique and rural atmosphere that makes it an interesting place to visit. Saaremaa has remained rural and frozen in time due to its isolated location, particularly during Soviet occupation when it was used as a military base. The island still has working windmills, hand placed stone walls, and old stone churches that feel like you've stepped back in time.

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 2-Week Tours from Tallinn, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Estonia.


Which place is cheaper, Ocho Rios or Saaremaa?

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 Saaremaa is €128, while the average daily cost in Ocho Rios is €73. 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 Saaremaa and Ocho Rios in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saaremaa 36
    Ocho Rios 43
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saaremaa 72
    Ocho Rios 86
Compare Hotels in Saaremaa and Ocho Rios

Looking for a hotel in Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa


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: Ocho Rios Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saaremaa 47
    Ocho Rios 6.23
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saaremaa

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Saaremaa:


  • Rental Car and Gas for a Day
    34

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
  • Grand Bahia Jamaica Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Rountrip): $300
  • VIP***Private KINGSTON Airport Transfers to***OCHO RIOS**HOTELS**: $292
  • Kingston Airport (KIN) to Runaway Bay Round-Trip Private Transfer: $255
  • Roundtrip Airport Transfer from Montego Bay to Ocho Rios and Runaway Bay Hotels: $240
  • Ocho Rios Hotels Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer from Kingston Airport (KIN): $240
  • Kingston Airport Transfer to Runaway Bay Hotels: $200
  • Luxury Ocho Rios Transfer: $180
  • Private Transfer from Jamaica (MBJ) Airport to Ocho Ríos: $176
  • Jewels Resorts Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Roundtrip): $170
  • Montego Bay Private Airport Transfer To and from ochi rios : $170
  • Runaway Bay Hotels Private Round Trip Transfers from MBJ: $160

Is it cheaper to fly into Saaremaa or Ocho Rios?

Prices for flights to both Ocho Rios and Saaremaa 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
    Saaremaa 63
    Ocho Rios 23
Typical Food Prices in Saaremaa

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Saaremaa:


  • Salmon
    1.28

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.
    Saaremaa 21
    Ocho Rios 13

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
    8.97
  • Admission to Coyaba Gardens
    4.49
  • 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.

  • 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
    Saaremaa 11
    Ocho Rios 6.32

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 Saaremaa and Ocho Rios, we can see that Saaremaa is more expensive. And not only is Ocho Rios much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa Expensive? and Is Ocho Rios Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saaremaa or Ocho Rios?

Saaremaa has a larger population, and is about 58% larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa or Ocho Rios?

Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa or Ocho Rios in the Summer?

Both Ocho Rios and Saaremaa are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Saaremaa because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Ocho Rios because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Saaremaa is much colder than Ocho Rios in the summer. The daily temperature in Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa. Saaremaa usually receives more sunshine than Ocho Rios during summer. Saaremaa gets 302 hours of sunny skies, while Ocho Rios receives 254 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saaremaa usually receives more rain than Ocho Rios. Saaremaa gets 51 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
    Saaremaa 17°C (62°F) 
    Ocho Rios 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Saaremaa or Ocho Rios in the Autumn?

Both Ocho Rios and Saaremaa during the autumn are popular places to visit. The small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saaremaa this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round.

In the autumn, Saaremaa is much colder than Ocho Rios. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saaremaa in October average around 8°C (47°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, Saaremaa often gets less sunshine than Ocho Rios. Saaremaa gets 101 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. Saaremaa usually gets less rain in October than Ocho Rios. Saaremaa gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saaremaa 8°C (47°F) 
    Ocho Rios 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Saaremaa or Ocho Rios in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saaremaa and Ocho Rios. Many travelers come to Saaremaa for the cuisine. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saaremaa. In January, Saaremaa is generally much colder than Ocho Rios. Daily temperatures in Saaremaa average around -3°C (27°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. Saaremaa usually receives less sunshine than Ocho Rios during winter. Saaremaa gets 33 hours of sunny skies, while Ocho Rios receives 257 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saaremaa usually receives more rain than Ocho Rios. Saaremaa gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saaremaa -3°C (27°F) 
    Ocho Rios 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Saaremaa or Ocho Rios in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saaremaa as well as Ocho Rios. Many visitors come to Saaremaa in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ocho Rios throughout the year.

Saaremaa can get quite cold in the spring. Saaremaa is much colder than Ocho Rios in the spring. The daily temperature in Saaremaa averages around 4°C (38°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, Saaremaa often gets less sunshine than Ocho Rios. Saaremaa gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ocho Rios receives 251 hours of full sun.

Saaremaa usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Ocho Rios. Saaremaa gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saaremaa 4°C (38°F) 
    Ocho Rios 26°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Ocho Rios and Saaremaa

Saaremaa Ocho Rios
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -3°C (27°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
Feb -3°C (26°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Mar -1°C (30°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Apr 4°C (38°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
May 9°C (48°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 14°C (57°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 13°C (55°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Oct 8°C (47°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Nov 4°C (39°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 0°C (32°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)