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

Should you visit Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur 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: Kuala Lumpur or Ocho Rios?

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur, often referred to as KL, is the cosmopolitan capital of Malaysia. It is also the largest city in the country, having grown out of a small Chinese mining village. Today Kuala Lumpur is a microcosm of the country of Malaysia. The population is split between the Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures which you can see reflected in the city's neighborhoods, cuisine, and entertainment. It's also an incredibly affordable city, even if you're looking for the comforts of a five star hotel or a luxury restaurant. Prices are almost always a fraction of what you would pay in Europe or the United States.

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 Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia.


Which place is cheaper, Ocho Rios or Kuala Lumpur?

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 Kuala Lumpur is $83, 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 Kuala Lumpur and Ocho Rios in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kuala Lumpur $41
    Ocho Rios $51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kuala Lumpur $82
    Ocho Rios $102
Compare Hotels in Kuala Lumpur and Ocho Rios

Looking for a hotel in Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur


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: Kuala Lumpur Hotel Prices and Ocho Rios Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kuala Lumpur $7.21
    Ocho Rios $7.32
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kuala Lumpur

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Kuala Lumpur are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $3.57
  • Metro Ride (for Two)
    $0.76
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $3.57
  • Taxi From Airport
    $21
  • Bus from Airport
    $1.90
  • Train & Boat to Pulau Ketam
    $2.85

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kuala Lumpur

Also for Kuala Lumpur, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Arrival Transfer from KLIA/KLIA2 to Singapore: $270
  • Arrival Transfer from KLIA/KLIA2 to Penang: $270
  • ~Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan Transfer [MPV]: $268
  • Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Penang Island Transfer [Car]: $266
  • Cameron Highlands Transfer Private (Per Vehicle): $260
  • Cameron Highlands One Way Transfer: $259
  • Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Desaru Transfer [Car]: $240
  • Private Transfer from Shah Alam city to Malacca Cruise Port: $239
  • KUL Hotel to Johor Bharu(One Way Transfer): $237
  • Arrival Transfer from KLIA/KLIA2 to Johor Bharu: $237
  • Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands Transfer [Car]: $234
  • Kuala Lumpur City Hotels to Singapore City Hotels 1-way Transfer: $230

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ocho Rios

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

  • VIP***Private KINGSTON Airport Transfers to***OCHO RIOS**HOTELS**: $292
  • Sandals Ocho Rios Resort Airport Transfer: $67
  • Runaway Bay Hotels Transfers between Montego Bay Airport: $60
  • Runaway Bay Hotels Private Round Trip Transfers from MBJ: $160
  • Runaway Bay Airport Transfer: $48
  • Roundtrip Airport Transfer from Montego Bay to Ocho Rios and Runaway Bay Hotels: $240
  • Round-Trip or Direct Private Airport Transfers to Runaway Bay: $50
  • Private Transfers from Montego Bay Airport to Runaway Bay Hotels: $54
  • Private Transfers To/From Ocho Rios & OCJ Airport Across Jamaica: $143
  • Private Transfer to horseback,Bluehole,River rafting in OchoRios.: $70
  • Private Transfer to Mystic Mountain from Ocho Rios: $20
  • Private Transfer to Konoko Falls Botanical Gardens: $27

Is it cheaper to fly into Kuala Lumpur or Ocho Rios?

Prices for flights to both Ocho Rios and Kuala Lumpur 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
    Kuala Lumpur $29
    Ocho Rios $28
Typical Food Prices in Kuala Lumpur

For Kuala Lumpur, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dinner at Ding Tai Fung
    $9.51
  • Roti Bread
    $0.24
  • Food Court Lunch
    $3.42
  • Dinner at Indian Restaurant (for Two)
    $5.11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kuala Lumpur

For Kuala Lumpur, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Private Night Tour Batu Caves and South Indian Dinner: $20
  • From Batu Caves Night Tour + Indian Set Dinner: $28
  • Nightlife Street Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $41
  • Laksa Lanes Kuala Lumpur Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $49
  • Sambal Streets Kuala Lumpur Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $49
  • Sambal Street Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $52
  • Best Local Food Tour by Night at Kuala Lumpur : $55
  • Glowing Firefly Private Tour With Dinner: $59
  • Malaysia Cooking Classes With Local: $60
  • Kuala Lumpur Food Tour: $60
  • Kuala Selangor Fireflies and Blue Tears Tour with Dinner (SIC): $62
  • Malaysian Hands-On Cooking Class : Masala Medley : $63

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.
    Kuala Lumpur $15
    Ocho Rios $15
Typical Entertainment Prices in Kuala Lumpur

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Kuala Lumpur's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • KL Tower Admission (for Two)
    $11
  • Canopy Walk at FRIM Forest Reserve
    $1.19

Tours and Activities in Kuala Lumpur

For Kuala Lumpur, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Adventure Sports & Thrilling White-water Rafting in Kampar River: $182
  • Cameron Highland Day Tour From Kuala Lumpur By Group: $155
  • Full Day Kuala Lumpur City Tour with Petronas Twin Tower Tickets: $95
  • Half Day Kuala Lumpur Culture And Communities Exploration Tour: $30
  • Historic And Heritage Melaka Tour: $55
  • KL Tour with Petronas Twin Towers Observation Deck & Batu Cave: $145
  • KLCC Lake Symphony & The River of Life Tour from Kuala Lumpur: $33
  • Kuala Lumpur (Genting Highlands 7.5 hours Private Tour): $61
  • Kuala Lumpur Full Day City Tour Cruise Excursion from Port Klang: $65
  • Kuala Lumpur Half Day Family Tour With Aquaria KLCC : $105
  • Malacca Instagram Tour: Most Famous Spots (Private & All-Inclusive): $184
  • Petronas Twin Tower Tickets with City Tour: $80

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
    Kuala Lumpur $6.58
    Ocho Rios $7.43
Typical Alcohol Prices in Kuala Lumpur

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


  • Bottle of Wine
    $11

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 comparing the travel costs between Kuala Lumpur and Ocho Rios, we can see that Ocho Rios is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Kuala Lumpur is in Asia and Ocho Rios is in Caribbean Islands, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Ocho Rios?

Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 150 times larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur or Ocho Rios in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Ocho Rios. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Ocho Rios. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ocho Rios this time of the year. In Kuala Lumpur, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kuala Lumpur usually receives less sunshine than Ocho Rios during summer. Kuala Lumpur gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Ocho Rios receives 254 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Kuala Lumpur is generally around the same temperature as Ocho Rios. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 28°C (82°F), and Ocho Rios fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F) 
    Ocho Rios 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Ocho Rios in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Ocho Rios. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ocho Rios throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in Ocho Rios. Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in October than Ocho Rios. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. In the autumn, Kuala Lumpur often gets less sunshine than Ocho Rios. Kuala Lumpur gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ocho Rios receives 229 hours of full sun.

Kuala Lumpur is around the same temperature as Ocho Rios in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Ocho Rios fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F) 
    Ocho Rios 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Ocho Rios in the Winter?

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

It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In January, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Ocho Rios. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

It's quite sunny in Ocho Rios. Kuala Lumpur usually receives less sunshine than Ocho Rios during winter. Kuala Lumpur gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Ocho Rios receives 257 hours of full sun in the winter.

In the winter, Kuala Lumpur is around the same temperature as Ocho Rios. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Ocho Rios averages at about 26°C (79°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F) 
    Ocho Rios 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Ocho Rios in the Spring?

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in April than Ocho Rios. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Ocho Rios, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Kuala Lumpur often gets less sunshine than Ocho Rios. Kuala Lumpur gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ocho Rios receives 251 hours of full sun.

In April, Kuala Lumpur is generally around the same temperature as Ocho Rios. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 28°C (82°F), and Ocho Rios fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F) 
    Ocho Rios 26°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Ocho Rios and Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur Ocho Rios
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 239 mm (9.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 200 mm (7.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 260 mm (10.2 in) 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 240 mm (9.4 in) 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 160 mm (6.3 in) 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 160 mm (6.3 in) 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 200 mm (7.9 in) 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 280 mm (11 in) 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 290 mm (11.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 250 mm (9.8 in) 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)