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

Should you visit Ocho Rios or Big Pine Key?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ocho Rios or Big Pine Key, 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: Ocho Rios or Big Pine Key?

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.

Big Pine Key

If you are yearning for a slice of paradise without the hustle and bustle of an ever-growing tourist population, the calm, turquoise waters and the untouched sands of Big Pine Key will surely do. Located 100 miles south of Miami and 30 miles north of Key West, this small community huddled in the family of Florida keys is often overlooked by many. However, Big Pine Key is truly a gem for all who seek a tropical vacation as activities like boating, fishing, scuba diving and snorkeling are found throughout the town. Besides its oceanic wonders, Big Pine Key also boasts in containing some of the United States' best seafood restaurants. Enjoy the aquatic wonders of the Keys and stop at Big Pine Key!

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Big Pine Key or Ocho Rios?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Ocho Rios Prices
    Jamaica Prices
    Big Pine Key Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Ocho Rios $85
    Big Pine Key $174

The average daily cost (per person) in Ocho Rios is $85, while the average daily cost in Big Pine Key is $174. 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 Ocho Rios and Big Pine Key in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ocho Rios $51
    Big Pine Key $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ocho Rios $102
    Big Pine Key $128
Compare Hotels in Ocho Rios and Big Pine Key

Looking for a hotel in Ocho Rios or Big Pine Key? 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 Ocho Rios


Hotels in Big Pine Key


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: Ocho Rios Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ocho Rios $7.32
    Big Pine Key $56

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 Ocho Rios or Big Pine Key?

Prices for flights to both Big Pine Key and Ocho Rios 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
    Ocho Rios $28
    Big Pine Key $72

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.
    Ocho Rios $15
    Big Pine Key $42
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
    Ocho Rios $7.43
    Big Pine Key $9.29

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


Which is Bigger, Ocho Rios or Big Pine Key?

Ocho Rios has a larger population, and is about 71% larger than the population of Big Pine Key. When comparing the sizes of Ocho Rios and Big Pine Key, 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 Ocho Rios or Big Pine Key?

Big Pine Key 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 Ocho Rios or Big Pine Key in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocho Rios and Big Pine Key. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round.

In July, Ocho Rios is generally around the same temperature as Big Pine Key. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 29°C (83°F), and Big Pine Key fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Big Pine Key this time of the year. In Ocho Rios, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ocho Rios usually receives less sunshine than Big Pine Key during summer. Ocho Rios gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Big Pine Key receives 328 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than Big Pine Key. Ocho Rios gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Big Pine Key receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ocho Rios 29°C (83°F) 
    Big Pine Key 84°F (29°C)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Big Pine Key in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ocho Rios as well as Big Pine Key. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Ocho Rios is around the same temperature as Big Pine Key in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Big Pine Key fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Big Pine Key. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ocho Rios this time of the year. In the autumn, Ocho Rios often gets less sunshine than Big Pine Key. Ocho Rios gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Big Pine Key receives 258 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Big Pine Key. Ocho Rios receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ocho Rios usually gets more rain in October than Big Pine Key. Ocho Rios gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Big Pine Key receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ocho Rios 28°C (82°F) 
    Big Pine Key 80°F (27°C)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Big Pine Key in the Winter?

Both Big Pine Key and Ocho Rios are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ocho Rios throughout the year.

In the winter, Ocho Rios is a little warmer than Big Pine Key. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ocho Rios in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Big Pine Key averages at about 70°F (21°C).

It's quite sunny in Big Pine Key. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. Ocho Rios usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Big Pine Key during winter. Ocho Rios gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Big Pine Key receives 252 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than Big Pine Key. Ocho Rios gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Big Pine Key receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ocho Rios 26°C (79°F) 
    Big Pine Key 70°F (21°C)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Big Pine Key in the Spring?

Both Big Pine Key and Ocho Rios during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ocho Rios because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In April, Ocho Rios is generally around the same temperature as Big Pine Key. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 26°C (80°F), and Big Pine Key fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

In Big Pine Key, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ocho Rios. In the spring, Ocho Rios often gets less sunshine than Big Pine Key. Ocho Rios gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Big Pine Key receives 326 hours of full sun.

Ocho Rios usually gets more rain in April than Big Pine Key. Ocho Rios gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Big Pine Key receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ocho Rios 26°C (80°F) 
    Big Pine Key 77°F (25°C)

Typical Weather for Big Pine Key and Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios Big Pine Key
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 70°F (21°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 71°F (21°C) 1.4 inches (36 mm)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 74°F (23°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 77°F (25°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 81°F (27°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 83°F (28°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 84°F (29°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 84°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Sep 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 83°F (29°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 80°F (27°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 76°F (24°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 72°F (22°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm)