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

Should you visit Ocho Rios or Destin?

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

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

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.

Destin

An upscale resort town located on the Florida Panhandle, Destin is best known for its white sand beaches and clear green waters, golfing opportunities, and world renowned fishing. The stretch of beach here (on a peninsula between the Gulf of Mexico and the Choctawhatchee Bay) is nicknamed Florida's Emerald Coast.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Destin 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
    Destin Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Ocho Rios $85
    Destin $229

The average daily cost (per person) in Ocho Rios is $85, while the average daily cost in Destin is $229. 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 Destin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ocho Rios $51
    Destin $111
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ocho Rios $102
    Destin $222
Compare Hotels in Ocho Rios and Destin

Looking for a hotel in Ocho Rios or Destin? 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 Destin


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 Destin Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ocho Rios $7.32
    Destin $50

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 Destin?

Prices for flights to both Destin 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
    Destin $89

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 Destin

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

  • Murder Mystery Dinner Cruise with Sunset Views: $125
  • 3 Hour Sunset Dinner Cruise by Solaris Yacht in Miramar Beach: $128
  • Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $128

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ocho Rios $15
    Destin $17
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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Destin

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Destin are as follows:


  • 1 Day Rental Umbrella and Chairs
    $40

Tours and Activities in Destin

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

  • Dolphin Cruise in Destin FL : $37
  • 10-Hour Deep Sea Fishing Adventure: $224
  • 2-Stop Snorkeling and Dolphin Cruise from Destin: $50
  • 3 Hour Crab Island Sandbar Cruise : $89
  • 3 Hour Crab Island and Harbor Tour from Destin Non-Private: $70
  • 3 hour Crab Island Adventure with Cruise Destin Bay: $75
  • 5-Hour Deep Sea Family Fishing Adventure: $112
  • Buccaneer Pirate Cruise in Destin: $55
  • Clear Kayak Glow Tour Destin Ft. Walton Beach: $80
  • Crab Island Boat Tour – Half Day in Destin: $69
  • Crab Island Dolphin & Sunset Cruise – 3-Hour Tour: $65
  • Crab Island Dolphin Jet Ski Adventure : $227

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ocho Rios $7.43
    Destin $49

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


Which is Bigger, Ocho Rios or Destin?

Destin has a larger population, and is about 28% larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Ocho Rios and Destin, 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 Destin?

Destin 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 Destin in the Summer?

Both Destin 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 summer months attract visitors to Destin because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

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

Destin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in July than Destin. Ocho Rios gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Destin receives 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Destin in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocho Rios and Destin. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Destin this time of year.

In October, Ocho Rios is generally a little warmer than Destin. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 28°C (82°F), and Destin fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

Destin receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ocho Rios gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Ocho Rios usually receives more rain than Destin. Ocho Rios gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Destin receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ocho Rios 28°C (82°F) 
    Destin 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Destin in the Winter?

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

Ocho Rios is much warmer than Destin in the winter. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Destin fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

It's quite rainy in Destin. Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in January than Destin. Ocho Rios gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Destin receives 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ocho Rios 26°C (79°F) 
    Destin 50°F (10°C)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Destin in the Spring?

Both Destin 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, many visitors come to Destin in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Ocho Rios is a little warmer than Destin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ocho Rios in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Destin averages at about 68°F (20°C).

In April, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than Destin. Ocho Rios gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Destin receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ocho Rios 26°C (80°F) 
    Destin 68°F (20°C)

Typical Weather for Destin and Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios Destin
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 50°F (10°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 54°F (12°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 60°F (16°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 68°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 74°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 80°F (27°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 82°F (28°C) 7.4 inches (189 mm)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 82°F (28°C) 7.4 inches (188 mm)
Sep 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 79°F (26°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 69°F (21°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 61°F (16°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 54°F (12°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm)