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

Should you visit Ocho Rios or Clearwater?

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

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

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.

Clearwater

Clearwater is a city in Florida's Tampa Bay area known for its sunny weather and gulf coast beaches. Its most famous beach (Clearwater Beach) is located on a barrier island with white sands and crystal waters - a perfect setting for activities such as fishing, sailing, kayaking, jet skiing, dolphin and sunset tours, parasailing, and more.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Clearwater 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
    Clearwater Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Ocho Rios $85
    Clearwater $343

The average daily cost (per person) in Ocho Rios is $85, while the average daily cost in Clearwater is $343. 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 Clearwater in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ocho Rios $51
    Clearwater $141
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ocho Rios $102
    Clearwater $282
Compare Hotels in Ocho Rios and Clearwater

Looking for a hotel in Ocho Rios or Clearwater? 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 Clearwater


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 Clearwater Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ocho Rios $7.32
    Clearwater $221

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 Clearwater?

Prices for flights to both Clearwater 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
    Clearwater $79

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 Clearwater

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

  • Clearwater Beach Fun and Tropical Food Tour: $99
  • Clearwater Beach: Tropical Delights Walking Food Tour: $106
  • Taste of Downtown St Petersburg-A Walking/Food Tour: $115

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ocho Rios $15
    Clearwater -
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

Tours and Activities in Clearwater

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

  • Clearwater Beach Yoga Experience : $35
  • !! Flippers Fun Boat !! Dolphin Adventure Clearwater Beach!: $32
  • 1,5h Tiki Tour with Unlimited Alcoholic Drinks, Clearwater Beach: $50
  • 2 Hour Guided Segway Tour around Clearwater Beach: $79
  • 2 Hour Sunset Cruise in Clearwater, Florida: $35
  • 2 Hour Tarpon Springs Sunset and Night Guided Kayak Tour: $49
  • 2 Hours Kayak Eco Tour in Tarpon Springs: $54
  • 2-Hour Sunset Cruise Tour in St. Petersburg: $67
  • 2.5 Hour Kayaking with Manatee and History Tour in Tarpon Springs: $68
  • 2.5 Hour Shell Key Island Adventure Including Dolphins And Shells: $59
  • 3 hour - Two Island Sandbar Tiki Adventure: $595
  • 4 Hour Egmont Key Island Tour With Dolphins & Snorkeling Included: $79

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ocho Rios $7.43
    Clearwater -

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 Clearwater

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Clearwater:

  • The Tour and Wine Tasting Experience at Aspirations Winery: $25


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ocho Rios and Clearwater, we can see that Clearwater 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 Clearwater 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 Clearwater would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Clearwater 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 Clearwater Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ocho Rios or Clearwater?

Clearwater has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Ocho Rios and Clearwater, 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 Clearwater?

Clearwater 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 Clearwater in the Summer?

Both Clearwater 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, many visitors come to Clearwater in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Ocho Rios is around the same temperature as Clearwater. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ocho Rios in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Clearwater averages at about 82°F (28°C).

In Clearwater, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ocho Rios. In the summer, Ocho Rios often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Clearwater. Ocho Rios gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Clearwater receives 265 hours of full sun.

Clearwater gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in July than Clearwater. Ocho Rios gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Clearwater receives 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Clearwater in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocho Rios and Clearwater. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Clearwater for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Ocho Rios is generally a little warmer than Clearwater. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 28°C (82°F), and Clearwater fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Clearwater 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 Clearwater during autumn. Ocho Rios gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Clearwater receives 234 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 Clearwater. Ocho Rios gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Clearwater receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Clearwater.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ocho Rios 28°C (82°F) 
    Clearwater 75°F (24°C)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Clearwater in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Ocho Rios as well as Clearwater. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Clearwater because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Ocho Rios is much warmer than Clearwater in the winter. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Clearwater fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Clearwater. 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 Clearwater. Ocho Rios gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Clearwater receives 200 hours of full sun.

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


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ocho Rios 26°C (79°F) 
    Clearwater 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Clearwater in the Spring?

Both Clearwater 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 beaches are the main draw to Clearwater this time of year.

In the spring, Ocho Rios is a little warmer than Clearwater. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ocho Rios in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Clearwater averages at about 71°F (22°C).

It's quite sunny in Clearwater. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. Ocho Rios usually receives less sunshine than Clearwater during spring. Ocho Rios gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Clearwater receives 299 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than Clearwater. Ocho Rios gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Clearwater receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Clearwater is the hurricane season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ocho Rios 26°C (80°F) 
    Clearwater 71°F (22°C)

Typical Weather for Clearwater and Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios Clearwater
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 67°F (19°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 71°F (22°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 77°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm)
Sep 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 75°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 68°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)