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

Should you visit Ghent 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 Ghent 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: Ghent or Ocho Rios?

Ghent

Ghent is a large city in the northern part of Belgium (the Flanders region) with a population of about 250,000. This city was one of the most powerful cities in Europe during the Middle Ages, which is portrayed today, mostly through architecture. There is a large university in Ghent with over 60,000 students, and a large portion of the population are young students. However, among the natives and students, there are also many foreigners and artists that you will find walking the streets of the city. Ghent is also Belgium's second largest port city.

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 Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Budget Tours to Belgium.


Which place is cheaper, Ocho Rios or Ghent?

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 Ghent is €144, 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 Ghent and Ocho Rios in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ghent 72
    Ocho Rios 43
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ghent 144
    Ocho Rios 86
Compare Hotels in Ghent and Ocho Rios

Looking for a hotel in Ghent 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 Ghent


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: Ghent Hotel Prices and Ocho Rios Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ghent 19
    Ocho Rios 6.23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ocho Rios

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

  • Private Ian Fleming Airport Transfer to Ocho Rios and Runaway Bay: $15
  • Montego Bay Airport (MBJ) Transfer One-Way or Round-Trip to Hotel: $16
  • Private Transfer from Ian Fleming Airport to Ocho Rios: $20
  • Private Transfer to Mystic Mountain from Ocho Rios: $20
  • Private Transfer To And From Ian Fleming Ocho Rios. : $20
  • Private Round Trip Transfer to YAAMAN Adventure Park Ocho Rios: $27
  • Private Transfer to Konoko Falls Botanical Gardens: $27
  • ATV Tour Ocho Rios - Private Transfer Only (Activity Fee Excluded): $27
  • Private Transfer to ATV dirt road Adventures.: $32
  • Private Round Trip Transfer for Jamaican Jerk at Scotchie's Ocho Rios: $36
  • Private Airport Transfer from Ocho Rios: $40
  • Private Transfer to Beach Horse Back Ride and Swim: $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Ghent or Ocho Rios?

Prices for flights to both Ocho Rios and Ghent 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
    Ghent 60
    Ocho Rios 23

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ghent

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

  • Walking Food Tour in Ghent: $93
  • Walking food tour: Introduction to Ghent through food: $109
  • Small-Group Food Tour in Ghent by Bike: $178

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.
    Ghent 8.64
    Ocho Rios 13

Tours and Activities in Ghent

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ghent are as follows:

  • Explore History and Family Walking Tour in Mons: $245
  • Bicycle tour in historic Ghent: $54
  • Charlie's Private Beer Tour (Ghent) : $179
  • Charlie's Private Chocolate Tour (Ghent): $198
  • Charlie's Private Highlights Tour (Ghent): $149
  • Charlie's Private Off The Beaten Path Tour (Ghent): $209
  • Charlie's Private Tasting Tour (Ghent): $239
  • Charlie's famous Chocolate Tour (Ghent): $56
  • Charlie's famous Tasting Tour (Ghent): $70
  • Discover Ghent with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $30
  • Escape Tour Gent -selfguided citygame- and find the secret exit!: $24
  • Evening Tour of the Dark Side of Gent: $3.57

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
    Ghent 18
    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 Ghent and Ocho Rios, we can see that Ghent is more expensive. And not only is Ocho Rios much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ghent 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 Ghent would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ghent 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 Ghent Expensive? and Is Ocho Rios Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ghent or Ocho Rios?

Ghent has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Ghent 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 Ghent or Ocho Rios?

Ghent 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 Ghent or Ocho Rios in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ghent as well as Ocho Rios. Many visitors come to Ghent in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ocho Rios throughout the year.

In July, Ghent is generally much colder than Ocho Rios. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 17°C (63°F), and Ocho Rios fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ghent this time of the year. In the summer, Ghent often gets less sunshine than Ocho Rios. Ghent gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ocho Rios receives 254 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets more rain in July than Ocho Rios. Ghent gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ghent 17°C (63°F) 
    Ocho Rios 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Ghent or Ocho Rios in the Autumn?

Both Ocho Rios and Ghent are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Ghent for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Ocho Rios because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

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

It's quite sunny in Ocho Rios. Ghent usually receives less sunshine than Ocho Rios during autumn. Ghent gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Ocho Rios receives 229 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. In October, Ghent usually receives less rain than Ocho Rios. Ghent gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Ghent or Ocho Rios in the Winter?

Both Ocho Rios and Ghent during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Ghent because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round.

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

In Ocho Rios, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Ghent often gets less sunshine than Ocho Rios. Ghent gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ocho Rios receives 257 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets more rain in January than Ocho Rios. Ghent gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Ghent or Ocho Rios in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ghent and Ocho Rios. The natural beauty are the main draw to Ghent this time of year. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In April, Ghent is generally much colder than Ocho Rios. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 8°C (47°F), and Ocho Rios fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ocho Rios this time of the year. Ghent usually receives less sunshine than Ocho Rios during spring. Ghent gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Ocho Rios receives 251 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Ghent usually receives more rain than Ocho Rios. Ghent gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ghent 8°C (47°F) 
    Ocho Rios 26°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Ocho Rios and Ghent

Ghent Ocho Rios
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Apr 8°C (47°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 75 mm (2.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)