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

Should you visit Brussels 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 Brussels 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: Brussels or Ocho Rios?

Brussels

Brussels is the capital of Belgium and also the sight of the headquarters of the European Union. Generally speaking, it's an expensive city that sees a good amount of travelers. It is also a highly political city that has an air of importance and power. It's an incredibly international city, with people from all over the world flocking to it due to its political, economical, and cultural significance.

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 Family-Friendly Tours to Belgium, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Belgium.


Which place is cheaper, Ocho Rios or Brussels?

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 Brussels is €165, 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 Brussels and Ocho Rios in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Brussels 73
    Ocho Rios 43
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Brussels 146
    Ocho Rios 86
Compare Hotels in Brussels and Ocho Rios

Looking for a hotel in Brussels 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 Brussels


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: Brussels Hotel Prices and Ocho Rios Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Brussels 17
    Ocho Rios 6.23
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Brussels

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Brussels are as follows:


  • Subway Pass
    4.50
  • Atomium train ticket (2)
    8.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brussels

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Brussels:

  • Private Transfer from Brussels Airport or city to Rotterdam By Business car: $296
  • Private transfer from Brussels to Ostend, 2h Sightseeing Stop: $265
  • Private Transfer from Brussels hotels to Zeebrugge Cruise Port: $246
  • Private Transfer From Brussels To Circuit SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS Belgium Luxury car : $239
  • Direct private transfer from Brussels to Bruges, 2h Stop in Ghent: $216
  • Transfer from Antwerp <-> Amsterdam Shuttle (1 to 8 Places): $192
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Brussels Airport to Bruges with Business car: $181
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Brussels Airport to Ghent by Luxury car: $179
  • Private Transfer from Brussels to Tomorrowland Dreamville by luxury car: $167
  • Brussels <-> transfer from or to Brussels Airport (BRU) by Van: $142
  • Brussels Airport (CRL) Private Transfer to Brussels City/Hotels: $139
  • Private transfer from Brussels Airport To Brussels: $132

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ocho Rios

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

  • Ocho Rios Private Airport Transfer [VIP LUXURY Vehicles]: $158
  • Private Airport Transfer to Bahia Principe Grand Hotel : $100
  • 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
  • Bahia Principe Grand Jamaica Private Airport transfer : $61
  • Bahia Principe Grand and Luxury Airport Transfer: $80
  • Bob Marley & Nine Mile Heritage Tour with Bus Transfer/Ocho Rios: $117
  • Dunn's River Falls And Shopping Tour From Ocho Rios-Transfer Only: $67
  • Grand Bahia Jamaica Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Rountrip): $300
  • Grand Bahia Principe Hotel Airport Transfer: $53

Is it cheaper to fly into Brussels or Ocho Rios?

Prices for flights to both Ocho Rios and Brussels 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
    Brussels 66
    Ocho Rios 23
Typical Food Prices in Brussels

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


  • Ice Cream & Macaroons
    4.60
  • Dessert (Turkish Delights)
    4.75
  • Cheese
    5.60
  • Olives and Snacks
    6.98
  • Waffle
    3.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brussels

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

  • Experience Authentic Belgian Cuisine: Cooking Lesson and Meal with a Ghent Local: $99
  • Brussels Food Tour with Full Meal & Drinks by Do Eat Better: $119
  • Brussels Food Tour: 10 Tastings of Waffles, Beers, Fries & More: $133
  • Market Tour and Cooking Lesson with a Belgian Gourmet Meal in a Brussels Home: $179

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.
    Brussels 23
    Ocho Rios 13

Tours and Activities in Brussels

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

  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour in the templar village of Lissewege: $82
  • 2-Hour Walking Tour in Fall and Rise of Art Nouveau: $18
  • 4 Hour Private Tour in Brussels : $271
  • 600 Years of History and Heritage: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Leuven: $12
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Brussels' Secret Places and Untold Stories: $12
  • A Self-Guided Tour of From Medieval to Modern Times: $9.99
  • A day in the life of Brussels - Private tour with a local: $162
  • Afternoon Tipsy Tour with Cocktails & Chocolates in Brussels: $46
  • Architecture Tour of Brussels: $30
  • Art Nouveau's Sublime Capital: An Audio Tour in Brussels: $12
  • Artistic Bruges on a Private Tour with a local: $78
  • Best Intro tour of Brussels with a Local: $167

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.

  • Ocho Rios Shopping Tour : $21
  • Original Blue Hole St. Ann Ocho Rios Jamaica Admission Fee Ticket: $25
  • Private Dunn's River Falls, Ocho Rios Sightseeing and shopping : $30
  • Luminous Lagoon Boat Tour from Ocho Rios: $40
  • Ocho Rios City Bus Tour (Beach, Sightseeing & Shopping): $40
  • Blue Hole and Dunn's River Tour (Entrance Fees Not Included): $40
  • Skip-The-Line: Dunn's River Falls Adventure Tour from Ocho Rios: $40
  • Transportation to Horse Back Ride & Swim Adventure from Ocho Rios: $45
  • Luminous lagoon Private & Group tour from Runaway Bay: $45
  • Ocho Rios City Tour and Sightseeing: $49
  • Shopping and Sightseeing Tour in Ocho Rios: $50
  • Dunn's River Falls and Ocho Rios Sightseeing with Shopping: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Brussels 13
    Ocho Rios 6.32
Typical Alcohol Prices in Brussels

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


  • Bottle of Wine
    10
  • Beer
    6.00

Sample the Local Flavors in Brussels

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Brussels:

  • Discovery of the La Senne Brewery: $31
  • Beer & Chocolate Tasting in a Brewery-Distillery: $79

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


Which is Bigger, Brussels or Ocho Rios?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Brussels 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 Brussels or Ocho Rios?

Brussels 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 Brussels or Ocho Rios in the Summer?

Both Ocho Rios and Brussels during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Brussels in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round.

In July, Brussels is generally much colder than Ocho Rios. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 18°C (65°F), and Ocho Rios fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

In Ocho Rios, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Ocho Rios. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ocho Rios receives 254 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets more rain in July than Ocho Rios. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Brussels 18°C (65°F) 
    Ocho Rios 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Brussels or Ocho Rios in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Ocho Rios. Most visitors come to Brussels for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Brussels is much colder than Ocho Rios in the autumn. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Ocho Rios fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ocho Rios this time of the year. Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Ocho Rios during autumn. Brussels gets 114 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. In October, Brussels usually receives less rain than Ocho Rios. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Brussels 12°C (54°F) 
    Ocho Rios 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Brussels or Ocho Rios in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Ocho Rios. The winter months attract visitors to Brussels because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ocho Rios throughout the year.

The weather in Brussels can be very cold. In the winter, Brussels is much colder than Ocho Rios. Typically, the winter temperatures in Brussels in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Ocho Rios averages at about 26°C (79°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. In the winter, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Ocho Rios. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ocho Rios receives 257 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets more rain in January than Ocho Rios. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Brussels 3°C (38°F) 
    Ocho Rios 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Brussels or Ocho Rios in the Spring?

Both Ocho Rios and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Brussels this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Ocho Rios because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In April, Brussels is generally much colder than Ocho Rios. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 10°C (49°F), and Ocho Rios fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Ocho Rios. Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Ocho Rios during spring. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Ocho Rios receives 251 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Brussels usually receives more rain than Ocho Rios. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Brussels 10°C (49°F) 
    Ocho Rios 26°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Ocho Rios and Brussels

Brussels Ocho Rios
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Apr 10°C (49°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 17°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in) 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 18°C (65°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 76 mm (3 in) 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 4°C (40°F) 76 mm (3 in) 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)