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

Should you visit Salvador or Ocho Rios?

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

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

Salvador

Salvador de Bahia was the first capital of Brazil, founded by the Portuguese in 1549. Also known as "Brazil's capital of happiness," Salvador is famous for its plentiful and spirited street festivals. The third most populous city in Brazil, Salvador is also well-known for its Afro-Brazilian culture and Portuguese colonial architecture.

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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Brazil, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, Ocho Rios or Salvador?

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 Salvador is $54, while the average daily cost in Ocho Rios is $87. 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 Salvador and Ocho Rios in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Salvador $24
    Ocho Rios $52
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Salvador $48
    Ocho Rios $104
Compare Hotels in Salvador and Ocho Rios

Looking for a hotel in Salvador 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 Salvador


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: Salvador Hotel Prices and Ocho Rios Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Salvador $6.11
    Ocho Rios $7.46
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Salvador

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


  • Bus from Airport
    $1.19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salvador

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Salvador:

  • Transfers between Salvador and Barra Grande Maraú: $290
  • Transfer Salvador to Barra Grande Round Trip: $240
  • Transfer in Salvador: $181
  • Transfer DE Salvador Airport to Iberostar or Grand Palladium: $179
  • Transfer: Salvador to/from Boipeba Island: $155
  • Salvador Airport Private Transfer by 12-Seater Minivan: $150
  • Airport Transfer-Grand Palladium Imbassai 5 to 10 people by Salvador Receptivo: $145
  • Costa de Sauipe Transfer - Private Executive Van: $141
  • Private Transfer from Salvador Airport: $137
  • Transfer Airport-Praia do Forte / Guarajuba 5 to 10 people by Salvador Receptivo: $135
  • Transfer Grand Palladium - Private Executive Van: $131
  • Private Transfer | One-Way Only (Arrival or Departure): $130

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ocho Rios

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

  • ***PRIVATE Airport Transfer to HOTELS in around RUNAWAY BAY***: $130
  • A "Private" Airport Transfer to any Resort in Ocho Rios: $90
  • ATV Tour Ocho Rios - Private Transfer Only (Activity Fee Excluded): $27
  • Airport Transfer - From MBJ to Ocho Rios Hotels: $80
  • Airport Transfer To Kingston, Ocho Rios, Montego Bay & Negril: $140
  • Airport Transfers to Runaway Bay Hotels (MBJ): $56
  • Blue Hole Waterfall & Bamboo Rafting Tour Ocho Rios-Transfer Only: $109
  • Bob Marley & Nine Mile Heritage Tour with Bus Transfer/Ocho Rios: $225
  • Dunn's River Falls And Shopping Tour From Ocho Rios-Transfer Only: $65
  • Ian Fleming Ocho Rios Private Airport Transfers to Hotels: $70
  • Inter City Transfers- from Runaway Bay- private: $156
  • Jamaica Private Hotel and Airport Transfer: $5.00

Is it cheaper to fly into Salvador or Ocho Rios?

Prices for flights to both Ocho Rios and Salvador 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
    Salvador $23
    Ocho Rios $28
Typical Food Prices in Salvador

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Salvador:


  • Dinner for 2
    $1.39

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Salvador

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Salvador.

  • Enjoy before flying: Cooking class near Salvador airport: $50
  • Eat and drink before you fly: Cooking class near Salvador airport: $50
  • 4h Cooking Class in Salvador with 9 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $65
  • 4h Cooking Class in 9 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $68
  • Cooking class in Salvador, fun hands on experience with caips: $70
  • Traditional Moqueca Cooking Class: $75
  • Savour Salvador Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $75
  • Bahia Bites Salvador Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $79
  • Bahia Bites Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $80
  • Brazilian Cooking Class with Unlimited Caipirinhas: $89
  • Folk Show - Bahia Night (Dinner Included) by Salvador Receptivo: $105
  • Bahia Noite - Folklore and Dinner Show, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $120

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.
    Salvador $5.76
    Ocho Rios $15

Tours and Activities in Salvador

Here are a few actual costs in Salvador for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 3-Hour Private Tour of Salvador Capital Afro-Brazilian: $110
  • Afro Tour Walking - Walking: $33
  • Afro-Brazilian Roots Private City Tour in Salvador: $155
  • Afro-Brazilian Roots city Tour in Salvador with lunch at Favela: $180
  • Bahia 500 Years Historic Tour, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $25
  • Basílica do Senhor do Bonfim Salvador Private Walking Tour: $90
  • Beyond a Night Tour: An Autentic Bar Experience in Salvador: $22
  • Brazilian Tasting experience Amazing Foods of Salvador da Bahia: $55
  • Cachoeira Countryside Flavor Private Tour from Salvador: $220
  • City Tour Salvador Historica: $20
  • City Tour Salvador Panoramic: $20
  • City Tour in Salvador - Half Day: $20

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
    $5.37
  • 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.

  • Ocho Rios Shopping Tour: $20
  • VIP Dunn River Falls and Blue Hole Experience: $25
  • Original Blue Hole St. Ann Ocho Rios Jamaica Admission Fee Ticket: $25
  • Blue Hole Admission Fee Ticket: $26
  • Private Dunn's River Falls, Ocho Rios Sightseeing and shopping: $35
  • Ocho Rios City Bus Tour (Beach, Sightseeing & Shopping): $40
  • Blue Hole and Dunn's River Tour (Entrance Fees Not Included): $40
  • Dunn's River Falls and Blue Hole Private Tour Ocho Rios Jamaica: $43
  • 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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Salvador $5.47
    Ocho Rios $7.57
Typical Alcohol Prices in Salvador

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Salvador:


  • Beers for 2
    $1.39
  • Drinks
    $2.78

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 Salvador and Ocho Rios, we can see that Ocho Rios is more expensive. And not only is Salvador much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Salvador is in South America 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 Salvador would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Salvador 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 Ocho Rios would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ocho Rios than you might in Salvador.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Salvador Expensive? and Is Ocho Rios Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Salvador or Ocho Rios?

Salvador has a larger population, and is about 290 times larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Salvador 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 Salvador or Ocho Rios?

Salvador 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 Salvador or Ocho Rios in the Summer?

Both Ocho Rios and Salvador during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Salvador because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round.

Salvador is around the same temperature as Ocho Rios in the summer. The daily temperature in Salvador averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Ocho Rios fluctuates around 29°C (83°F)in July.

In Ocho Rios, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Salvador. In the summer, Salvador often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ocho Riosin July. Salvador gets 246 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ocho Rios receives 254 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Salvador. Salvador usually gets more rain in January than Ocho Riosin July. Salvador gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year. September to February is the dry season in Salvador. March to August is the rainy season in Salvador.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Salvador 27°C (81°F) 
    Ocho Rios 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Salvador or Ocho Rios in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Salvador and Ocho Rios. The shopping scene are the main draw to Salvador this time of year. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the autumn, Salvador is around the same temperature as Ocho Rios. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Salvador in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Ocho Rios averages at about 28°C (82°F)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ocho Rios this time of the year. Salvador usually receives less sunshine than Ocho Rios during autumn. Salvador gets 190 hours of sunny skies, while Ocho Rios receives 229 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Ocho Rios receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Salvador gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Salvador usually receives more rain than Ocho Riosin October. Salvador gets 310 mm (12.2 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Salvador 26°C (80°F) 
    Ocho Rios 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Salvador or Ocho Rios in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Salvador as well as Ocho Rios. Many travelers come to Salvador for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ocho Rios throughout the year.

In July, Salvador is generally around the same temperature as Ocho Riosin January. Daily temperatures in Salvador average around 24°C (75°F), and Ocho Rios fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. In the winter, Salvador often gets less sunshine than Ocho Riosin January. Salvador gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ocho Rios receives 257 hours of full sun.

Salvador receives a lot of rain in the winter. Salvador usually gets more rain in July than Ocho Riosin January. Salvador gets 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, September to February in Salvador is the dry season. March to August in Salvador is the rainy season.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Salvador 24°C (75°F) 
    Ocho Rios 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Salvador or Ocho Rios in the Spring?

Both Ocho Rios and Salvador are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Salvador in the spring for the beaches. Plenty of visitors come to Ocho Rios because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Salvador is around the same temperature as Ocho Rios in the spring. The daily temperature in Salvador averages around 26°C (78°F) in October, and Ocho Rios fluctuates around 26°C (80°F)in April.

It's quite sunny in Ocho Rios. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Salvador. Salvador usually receives less sunshine than Ocho Rios during spring. Salvador gets 228 hours of sunny skies, while Ocho Rios receives 251 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Salvador. In October, Salvador usually receives more rain than Ocho Riosin April. Salvador gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Salvador 26°C (78°F) 
    Ocho Rios 26°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Ocho Rios and Salvador

Salvador Ocho Rios
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 152 mm (6 in) 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 310 mm (12.2 in) 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 360 mm (14.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 25°C (76°F) 244 mm (9.6 in) 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 175 mm (6.9 in) 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 127 mm (5 in) 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 102 mm (4 in) 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Oct 26°C (78°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 26°C (80°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)