Which place is cheaper, Hilo 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 Hilo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ocho Rios or Hilo, 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 Hilo?
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.
Hilo
Hilo is a town on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is also the county seat and largest city in Hawaii County, so many people use it as the starting point to explore the eastern half of the island. The town has a population of just over 40,000 people. It looks out over Hilo Bay and most of the town's development is between Hilo Bay and Waiakea-Uka near the active volcano of Mauna Loa. Hilo is where you will find the University of Hawaii at Hilo, Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii, the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corportation and Hilo International Airport.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.
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Ocho Rios Prices
Jamaica PricesHilo Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayOcho Rios $85Hilo $222
The average daily cost (per person) in Ocho Rios is $85, while the average daily cost in Hilo is $222. 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 Hilo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personOcho Rios $51Hilo $71
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomOcho Rios $102Hilo $142
Compare Hotels in Ocho Rios and Hilo
Looking for a hotel in Ocho Rios or Hilo? 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 Hilo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ocho Rios $7.32Hilo $25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ocho Rios
Also for Ocho Rios, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Luxury Transfer to Sandals Dunn’s River from MBJ Airport: $300
- Grand Bahia Jamaica Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Rountrip): $300
- VIP***Private KINGSTON Airport Transfers to***OCHO RIOS**HOTELS**: $292
- Kingston Airport (KIN) to Runaway Bay Round-Trip Private Transfer: $255
- Roundtrip Airport Transfer from Montego Bay to Ocho Rios and Runaway Bay Hotels: $240
- Ocho Rios Hotels Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer from Kingston Airport (KIN): $240
- Kingston Airport Transfer to Runaway Bay Hotels: $200
- Luxury Ocho Rios Transfer: $180
- Private Transfer from Jamaica (MBJ) Airport to Ocho Ríos: $176
- Jewels Resorts Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Roundtrip): $170
- Runaway Bay Hotels Private Round Trip Transfers from MBJ: $160
- Private Transfer from MBJ Airport to Resorts in Ocho Rios : $160
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hilo
Also for Hilo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Departure Transfer: Big Island Hotels to Kona International Airport: $204
- Private Arrival Transfer: Kona International Airport to Big Island Hotels: $204
- Private Transfer from to Kona Airport (KOA) to Hilo Cruise Port: $203
- Private Transfer from Hilo Cruise Port to Kona city hotels: $202
- Private Transfer from Kona Airport (KOA) to Kailua Kona Port: $97
- Private Transfer from Kailua Kona Port to Kona Airport (KOA): $97
- Private Transfer From Kona International Airport to Hotels in Waikoloa & Waimea : $95
- Private Transfer From Hotels in Waikoloa & Waimea to Kona International Airport: $85
- Private Arrival Transfer from Keahole Kona Airport KOA: $72
- Private Transfer From Hotels in Kailua-Kona to Kona International Airport: $70
- Waikoloa beach hotels to Kona Intl. Airport (KOA) - Departure Private Transfer: $49
- Kona Intl. Airport (KOA) to Waikoloa beach hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $49
Is it cheaper to fly into Ocho Rios or Hilo?
Prices for flights to both Hilo 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 $28Hilo $121
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 Hilo
For Hilo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Farm to Table Cooking Class at Kulaniapia Falls: $169
- Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay: $189
- Farm-to-Table Chef's Dinner at Kulaniapia Falls: $249
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ocho Rios $15Hilo $32
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.
- 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 Hilo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hilo.
- Akaka Falls Tour - Volcanoes National Park and Hilo Discovery: $179
- 10 Bar Hawaiian Craft Chocolate Tasting Experience : $75
- 2-Hour Hilo Ghost Walks Tour: $59
- 3.5 Hour Kailua-Kona Ocean Kayak and Snorkel Tour: $99
- 9-Line Waterfall Zipline Experience on the Big Island: $253
- Big Island - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Driving Tour: $23
- Big Island ATV Tour at Ohana Ranch: $159
- Big Island Family Off Road Farm Adventure: $129
- Big Island Farms Tour in Hawaii: $33
- Big Island Hawaii Volcano Day tour from Oahu and Hotel PU: $545
- Big Island Hawaii: Craft Chocolate Tasting and Farm Tour: $131
- Big Island Kohala Coast Self-Guided Audio Tour: $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayOcho Rios $7.43Hilo $10
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 Hilo, we can see that Hilo 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 Hilo 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 Hilo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hilo 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 Hilo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ocho Rios or Hilo?
Hilo has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Ocho Rios and Hilo, 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 Hilo?
Hilo 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 Hilo in the Summer?
Both Hilo and Ocho Rios are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ocho Rios throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Hilo for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Ocho Rios is a little warmer than Hilo in the summer. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. Ocho Rios usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during summer. Ocho Rios gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. In July, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than Hilo. Ocho Rios gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyOcho Rios 29°C (83°F)Hilo 76°F (24°C)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Hilo in the Autumn?
Both Hilo and Ocho Rios during the autumn 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, the autumn months attract visitors to Hilo because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Ocho Rios is a little warmer than Hilo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ocho Rios in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).
It's quite sunny in Ocho Rios. In the autumn, Ocho Rios often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Ocho Rios gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 138 hours of full sun.
Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in October than Hilo. Ocho Rios gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberOcho Rios 28°C (82°F)Hilo 76°F (24°C)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Hilo in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocho Rios and Hilo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.
In January, Ocho Rios is generally a little warmer than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 26°C (79°F), and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).
In Ocho Rios, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ocho Rios usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during winter. Ocho Rios gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.
Hilo receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than Hilo. Ocho Rios gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryOcho Rios 26°C (79°F)Hilo 72°F (22°C)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Hilo in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Ocho Rios as well as Hilo. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Hilo for the beaches and the natural beauty.
Ocho Rios is a little warmer than Hilo in the spring. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Hilo fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ocho Rios this time of the year. In the spring, Ocho Rios often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Ocho Rios gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 134 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Hilo. Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in April than Hilo. Ocho Rios gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilOcho Rios 26°C (80°F)Hilo 73°F (23°C)
Typical Weather for Hilo and Ocho Rios
| Ocho Rios | Hilo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 8.7 inches (221 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 10.8 inches (274 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 13.6 inches (345 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 15.6 inches (395 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 10.7 inches (272 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) |
| Sep | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 8.5 inches (215 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 9.8 inches (248 mm) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 14.8 inches (375 mm) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 12.6 inches (321 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.