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

Should you visit Dar es Salaam or Ocho Rios?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dar es Salaam and Ocho Rios can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Ocho Rios?

Dar es Salaam

Having grown from a fishing village, Dar es Salaam is now a major city and commercial port on Tanzania's Indian Ocean coast. While it is mainly used as a stopping point on the way to Zanzibar, it has a few unique treasures of its own such as the Kariakoo Market, National Museum, and the open-air Village Museum.

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 Safaris in Tanzania, and The Best Safaris in Tanzania.


Which place is cheaper, Ocho Rios or Dar es Salaam?

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 Dar es Salaam is $493, 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 Dar es Salaam and Ocho Rios in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dar es Salaam $452
    Ocho Rios $51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dar es Salaam $904
    Ocho Rios $102
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Ocho Rios

Looking for a hotel in Dar es Salaam 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 Dar es Salaam


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: Dar es Salaam Hotel Prices and Ocho Rios Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dar es Salaam $14
    Ocho Rios $7.32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dar es Salaam

Also for Dar es Salaam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer/Airport pick up and drop off: $192
  • Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with Transfers.: $120
  • Private Layover Tour with Airport Transfer: $120
  • Private Transfer from Dar El Salaam to Julius Nyerere Airport (DAR): $106
  • Dar es Salaam Airport Transfers Comfortable Ride to Your Hotel: $60

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 Dar es Salaam or Ocho Rios?

Prices for flights to both Ocho Rios and Dar es Salaam 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
    Dar es Salaam $33
    Ocho Rios $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.
    Dar es Salaam -
    Ocho Rios $15

Tours and Activities in Dar es Salaam

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dar es Salaam.

  • Bagamoyo Full-Day Tour: Historic Slave Trade Route & Kaole Ruins: $255
  • Dar Es Salaam City Tour (Full Day With Private Guide And Car): $140
  • 2 Days 1 Night Bagamoyo Historical Tour : $300
  • Ancient Bagamoyo City Day Tour: $249
  • Bagamoyo Adventure, Historical Tour: $238
  • Bagamoyo Historical Tour - Everyday: $199
  • Bagamoyo Tour: $120
  • Bird Watching Tour to Tegetero Forest 2days 1 night: $205
  • Dar Es Salaam City Tour: $150
  • Dar Es Salaam City tour: $164
  • Dar Es Salaam Local Markets and Village-National Museum Day tour: $150
  • Dar es Salaam City Tour - Everyday: $97

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
    Dar es Salaam $7.97
    Ocho Rios $7.43

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


Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Ocho Rios?

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

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Ocho Rios in the Summer?

Both Ocho Rios and Dar es Salaam are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dar es Salaam throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Ocho Rios because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In July, Dar es Salaam usually receives less rain than Ocho Rios. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

It's quite sunny in Ocho Rios. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam usually receives less sunshine than Ocho Rios during summer. Dar es Salaam gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Ocho Rios receives 254 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dar es Salaam is generally cooler than Ocho Rios. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 25°C (77°F), and Ocho Rios fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (77°F) 
    Ocho Rios 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Ocho Rios in the Autumn?

Both Ocho Rios and Dar es Salaam during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dar es Salaam because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round.

Ocho Rios gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dar es Salaam usually gets less rain in October than Ocho Rios. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Ocho Rios, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Dar es Salaam. In the autumn, Dar es Salaam often gets more sunshine than Ocho Rios. Dar es Salaam gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ocho Rios receives 229 hours of full sun.

Dar es Salaam is around the same temperature as Ocho Rios in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Ocho Rios fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (78°F) 
    Ocho Rios 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Ocho Rios in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and Ocho Rios. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Ocho Rios. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ocho Rios this time of the year. In Dar es Salaam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dar es Salaam usually receives less sunshine than Ocho Rios during winter. Dar es Salaam gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Ocho Rios receives 257 hours of full sun in the winter.

In the winter, Dar es Salaam is around the same temperature as Ocho Rios. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dar es Salaam in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Ocho Rios averages at about 26°C (79°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dar es Salaam 28°C (82°F) 
    Ocho Rios 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Ocho Rios in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dar es Salaam as well as Ocho Rios. Dar es Salaam attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ocho Rios throughout the year.

Dar es Salaam receives a lot of rain in the spring. Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in April than Ocho Rios. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. In the spring, Dar es Salaam often gets less sunshine than Ocho Rios. Dar es Salaam gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ocho Rios receives 251 hours of full sun.

In April, Dar es Salaam is generally around the same temperature as Ocho Rios. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 27°C (81°F), and Ocho Rios fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dar es Salaam 27°C (81°F) 
    Ocho Rios 26°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Ocho Rios and Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam Ocho Rios
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)