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

Should you visit Ocho Rios or Halifax?

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

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

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.

Halifax

The quaint and charming coastal town of Halifax, Nova Scotia has an interesting personality. While it caters to travelers from all over the world, it maintains the pace and lifestyle of a small town.

Steeped in maritime history, Halifax is the capital of Nova Scotia, and one of the world's greatest natural harbors. This busy seaport serves as the economic and cultural hub of Eastern Canada.

When planning your trip keep in mind that this city has a climate like other coastal cities. Summers are nice with the occasional humidity. Winters are mild, but still full of snow and wind. The best time of year to visit is most certainly the fall.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Vancouver.


Which place is cheaper, Halifax 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.

The average daily cost (per person) in Ocho Rios is $85, while the average daily cost in Halifax is $137. 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 Halifax in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ocho Rios $51
    Halifax $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ocho Rios $102
    Halifax $130
Compare Hotels in Ocho Rios and Halifax

Looking for a hotel in Ocho Rios or Halifax? 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 Halifax


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 Halifax Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ocho Rios $7.32
    Halifax $17

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Halifax

Also for Halifax, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Halifax Stanfield Airport YHZ: $85

Is it cheaper to fly into Ocho Rios or Halifax?

Prices for flights to both Halifax 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
    Halifax $54

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

Typical Food Prices in Halifax

For Halifax, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Bluenose II Restaurant
    $45

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Halifax

For Halifax, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Peggy's Cove Small Group Night Tour with Dinner: $157

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ocho Rios $15
    Halifax $28
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

Tours and Activities in Halifax

For Halifax, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $107
  • Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 Admission & Tour: $14
  • From Peggy's Cove Bus Tour: $75
  • Halifax City Sightseeing by Private a/c vehicle: $151
  • Halifax Guided Driving Tour with Sunset at Peggy’s Cove: $64
  • Halifax Harbourfront Food Walking Tour: $92
  • Halifax Sunset Cruise Aboard the Tall Ship Silva: $33
  • 2-Hour Deep Sea Fishing Tour: $94
  • 2-Hour Sea-Doo Sightseeing Tour: $254
  • 50-Minute Boat Tour of the Harbour: $42
  • Best of Halifax Harbour Tour: $40
  • Georges Island Kayak Tour: $74

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ocho Rios $7.43
    Halifax $15

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 Halifax

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Halifax:

  • Nova Scotia Annapolis Valley Wine Tour Lead by a Sommelier: $168
  • The Classic Vintage Car Wine Tour: $206


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


Which is Bigger, Ocho Rios or Halifax?

Halifax has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Ocho Rios and Halifax, 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 Halifax?

Halifax 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 Halifax in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocho Rios and Halifax. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Halifax this time of year.

In the summer, Ocho Rios is much warmer than Halifax. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ocho Rios in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Halifax averages at about 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Halifax this time of the year. In Ocho Rios, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ocho Rios usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during summer. Ocho Rios gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 230 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than Halifax. Ocho Rios gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ocho Rios 29°C (83°F) 
    Halifax 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Halifax in the Autumn?

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

In October, Ocho Rios is generally much warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 28°C (82°F), and Halifax fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ocho Rios this time of the year. In the autumn, Ocho Rios often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Ocho Rios gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Halifax. Ocho Rios receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ocho Rios usually gets more rain in October than Halifax. Ocho Rios gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ocho Rios 28°C (82°F) 
    Halifax 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Halifax in the Winter?

Both Halifax 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. Also, many visitors come to Halifax in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Halifax can get quite cold in the winter. Ocho Rios is much warmer than Halifax in the winter. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Halifax fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. Ocho Rios usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during winter. Ocho Rios gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 111 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Halifax. In January, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than Halifax. Ocho Rios gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ocho Rios 26°C (79°F) 
    Halifax -4°C (24°F)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Halifax in the Spring?

Both Halifax 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.

Halifax can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Ocho Rios is much warmer than Halifax. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ocho Rios in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Halifax averages at about 4°C (39°F).

It's quite sunny in Ocho Rios. In the spring, Ocho Rios often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Ocho Rios gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun.

Halifax gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in April than Halifax. Ocho Rios gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ocho Rios 26°C (80°F) 
    Halifax 4°C (39°F)

Typical Weather for Halifax and Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios Halifax
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) -4°C (24°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) -5°C (24°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) -1°C (31°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 4°C (39°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 14°C (57°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 18°C (65°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 15°C (58°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 10°C (49°F) 121 mm (4.7 in)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 5°C (40°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) -1°C (29°F) 152 mm (6 in)