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

Should you visit Ocho Rios or Cherokee?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ocho Rios or Cherokee, 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 Cherokee?

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.

Cherokee

The town of Cherokee is the center of Cherokee Native American culture in North Carolina and the eastern United States. Many natives refer to this area as home and the Cherokee language is also spoken by many people in the area. The town was established by the Cherokee people who were able to stay behind when the US Government forced the majority of the Cherokee people west (ultimately to Oklahoma) in what is known as the Trail of Tears. Those who were able to stay behind were able to hide in the mountains that now comprise the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. The Cherokee people at one point lived in houses made of woven grass and mud, and later, log cabins.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Cherokee 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
    Cherokee Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Ocho Rios $85
    Cherokee $186

The average daily cost (per person) in Ocho Rios is $85, while the average daily cost in Cherokee is $186. 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 Cherokee in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ocho Rios $51
    Cherokee $158
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ocho Rios $102
    Cherokee $316
Compare Hotels in Ocho Rios and Cherokee

Looking for a hotel in Ocho Rios or Cherokee? 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 Cherokee


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 Cherokee Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ocho Rios $7.32
    Cherokee -

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 Cherokee?

Prices for flights to both Cherokee 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
    Cherokee $27

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
    Cherokee -
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.

  • 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
    Ocho Rios $7.43
    Cherokee -

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 Cherokee, we can see that Cherokee 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 Cherokee 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 Cherokee would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cherokee 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 Cherokee Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ocho Rios or Cherokee?

Ocho Rios has a larger population, and is about 47% larger than the population of Cherokee. When comparing the sizes of Ocho Rios and Cherokee, 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 Cherokee?

Cherokee 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 Cherokee in the Summer?

Both Cherokee 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. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cherokee this time of year.

In the summer, Ocho Rios is around the same temperature as Cherokee. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ocho Rios in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Cherokee averages at about 81°F (27°C).

In Cherokee, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ocho Rios. In the summer, Ocho Rios often gets less sunshine than Cherokee. Ocho Rios gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cherokee receives 294 hours of full sun.

Cherokee gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in July than Cherokee. Ocho Rios gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Cherokee receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ocho Rios 29°C (83°F) 
    Cherokee 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Cherokee in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocho Rios and Cherokee. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cherokee for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Ocho Rios is generally much warmer than Cherokee. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 28°C (82°F), and Cherokee fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cherokee this time of the year. In Ocho Rios, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ocho Rios usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cherokee during autumn. Ocho Rios gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Cherokee receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Ocho Rios gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Ocho Rios usually receives more rain than Cherokee. Ocho Rios gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Cherokee receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ocho Rios 28°C (82°F) 
    Cherokee 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Cherokee in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Ocho Rios as well as Cherokee. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Cherokee in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Cherokee can get quite cold in the winter. Ocho Rios is much warmer than Cherokee in the winter. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Cherokee fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ocho Rios this time of the year. In the winter, Ocho Rios often gets more sunshine than Cherokee. Ocho Rios gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cherokee receives 134 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cherokee. Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in January than Cherokee. Ocho Rios gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Cherokee receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ocho Rios 26°C (79°F) 
    Cherokee 40°F (5°C)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Cherokee in the Spring?

Both Cherokee 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.

In the spring, Ocho Rios is much warmer than Cherokee. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ocho Rios in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Cherokee averages at about 62°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Cherokee. 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 Cherokee during spring. Ocho Rios gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Cherokee receives 263 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than Cherokee. Ocho Rios gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Cherokee receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ocho Rios 26°C (80°F) 
    Cherokee 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Cherokee and Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios Cherokee
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 40°F (5°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 44°F (7°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 70°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 78°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 81°F (27°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Sep 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 74°F (24°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 63°F (17°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 53°F (12°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm)