Which place is cheaper, Carmel-by-the-Sea 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.
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Should you visit Ocho Rios or Carmel-by-the-Sea?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ocho Rios or Carmel-by-the-Sea, 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?
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.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
A small, beach town on the Monterey Peninsula, Carmel-by-the-Sea is known for its idyllic natural scenery and artistic history. Carmel's village, just one square mile in size, is unlike any other in California with its picturesque views, European style and unusual laws.
Clint Eastwood served as mayor of Carmel from 1986-88. Without a single fast food or chain restaurants, visitors can easily feel that Carmel still preserves its slow and easy lifestyle, with all private-owned restaurants, coffee shops and pubs. This town is undoubtedly charming, even with its anti-high heel laws (though they aren't strictly enforced and permits are free at the City Hall), lack of street addresses and has been named the top destination for dog-friendly towns in the country. Grab your furry friends, leave your heels at home and get ready to explore this quaint and lovely town by the sea.
If you want to avoid the heat, Carmel is the perfect place to go, with year-round mild temperatures. Even during the summer seasons, you may not feel the heat through the fog and cool coastal weather. Peak seasons for travel are during summer months in August and September, (especially popular for weddings) and even then, the highs are still in the low 70s. Winter season lows dip only down to low 50s, with the Pacific Oceans maintaining moderate temperatures.
If you're driving to the city, keep in mind that the businesses do not have numbers in their addresses. To get directions or arrange a meeting, be sure to remember the name of the business and grab a map from the Carmel Chamber of Commerce.
Some famous artists who have resided in Carmel are Upton Sinclair, Jack London and Mary Austin. Carmel is known to be particularly dog-friendly, as almost all hotels allow guests to bring their dogs.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.
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Ocho Rios Prices
Jamaica PricesCarmel-by-the-Sea Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayOcho Rios $85Carmel-by-the-Sea $0.00
The average daily cost (per person) in Ocho Rios is $85, while the average daily cost in Carmel-by-the-Sea is $0.00. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personOcho Rios $51Carmel-by-the-Sea -
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomOcho Rios $102Carmel-by-the-Sea $0.00
Compare Hotels in Ocho Rios and Carmel-by-the-Sea
Looking for a hotel in Ocho Rios or Carmel-by-the-Sea? 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.
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 and Carmel-by-the-Sea Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ocho Rios $7.32Carmel-by-the-Sea $125
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 Ocho Rios or Carmel-by-the-Sea?
Prices for flights to both Carmel-by-the-Sea 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
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Food Meals for one dayOcho Rios $28Carmel-by-the-Sea $264
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
- Old Monterey Walking Food Tour: $164
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ocho Rios $15Carmel-by-the-Sea -
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ocho Rios
For Ocho Rios, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Tour of Brimmer Hall Estate$11
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Admission to Coyaba Gardens$5.27
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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.
- 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
Tours and Activities in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Carmel-by-the-Sea are as follows:
- 17-Mile Drive Electric Bike Guided Tour: $75
- 17-Mile Drive Self-Guided Audio Tour from Monterey & Carmel: $15
- 2-Hour Monterey and Pacific Grove GoCar Tour: $169
- 3-Hour Whale Watching Tour from Monterey: $75
- 4 Hour Whale Watching Tour From Monterey: $85
- Carmel Point: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
- Carmel Small Group Walking Food & Cultural Tour: $149
- Carmel Tour in The Heavenly 17 Mile Drive: $30
- Carmel Walk Guided Tour Carmel by the Sea: $40
- Carmel on Foot Audio Tour: Courtyards, Artists & Ocean Views: $9.99
- Carmel-By-The-Sea Electric Bike Guided Tour: $75
- Carmel-by-the-Sea 2.5-3 Hour Electric Bike Tour: $79
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayOcho Rios $7.43Carmel-by-the-Sea -
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Carmel-by-the-Sea:
- Wine Tasting Tours in a Vintage VW Bus: $139
- Carmel Valley Village: Wine Tasting Tours in a 1970 VW bus.: $139
- Wine Tasting and Walking Tour of Carmel-by-the-Sea: $159
- Wine Tasting and Walking Tour of Carmel-by-the-Sea: $159
- Carmel Valley Wine Tour's Premium Package: $245
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ocho Rios and Carmel-by-the-Sea, we can see that Ocho Rios is more expensive. And not only is Carmel-by-the-Sea much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ocho Rios is in Caribbean Islands and Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Ocho Rios would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ocho Rios than you might in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ocho Rios or Carmel-by-the-Sea?
Ocho Rios has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Carmel-by-the-Sea. When comparing the sizes of Ocho Rios and Carmel-by-the-Sea, 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?
Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Summer?
Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Ocho Rios during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ocho Rios because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
Ocho Rios is much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea in the summer. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).
Ocho Rios usually gets more rain in July than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Ocho Rios gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyOcho Rios 29°C (83°F)Carmel-by-the-Sea 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocho Rios and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round. Also, many visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Ocho Rios is much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ocho Rios in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Carmel-by-the-Sea averages at about 62°F (17°C).
Ocho Rios gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Ocho Rios usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Ocho Rios gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberOcho Rios 28°C (82°F)Carmel-by-the-Sea 62°F (17°C)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Ocho Rios as well as Carmel-by-the-Sea. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In January, Ocho Rios is generally much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 26°C (79°F), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).
Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in January than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Ocho Rios gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryOcho Rios 26°C (79°F)Carmel-by-the-Sea 51°F (11°C)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Spring?
Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Ocho Rios are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ocho Rios throughout the year. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Carmel-by-the-Sea because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.
Ocho Rios is much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea in the spring. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).
In April, Ocho Rios usually receives around the same amount of rain as Carmel-by-the-Sea. Ocho Rios gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilOcho Rios 26°C (80°F)Carmel-by-the-Sea 56°F (13°C)
Typical Weather for Carmel-by-the-Sea and Ocho Rios
| Ocho Rios | Carmel-by-the-Sea | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 53°F (12°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.1 inches (55 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (4 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 62°F (16°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Sep | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.6 inches (14 mm) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 51°F (10°C) | 2 inches (51 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.