Which place is cheaper, Kauai 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 Kauai?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ocho Rios or Kauai, 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 Kauai?
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.
Kauai
Hawaii is certainly a bucket list destination, but what if you want to do it without being surrounded by tourists? You want the adventure of the land of volcanoes and less of the kids in water wings. Then Kaua'i is the island for you.
Kaua'i, or the "garden island," is full of tropical forests, little villages and even more laid back lifestyle – if you can imagine. It's a smaller island at 560 square miles with a population of only 68,000.
With more coastline miles than any other island, Kaua'i is the result of massive erosion forming awe-inspiring sights like the Waimea Canyon and Na Pali Coast. The island experiences more rainfall every year – keeping it lush and green all year.
You'll feel like you've walked into another world in Kaua'i. Because of height restrictions, this island's buildings are no taller than the coconut trees. So if you're looking for an escape from civilization, you'll want to head straight for Kaua'i.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.
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Ocho Rios Prices
Jamaica PricesKauai Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayOcho Rios $85Kauai $231
The average daily cost (per person) in Ocho Rios is $85, while the average daily cost in Kauai is $231. 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 Kauai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personOcho Rios $51Kauai $113
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomOcho Rios $102Kauai $226
Compare Hotels in Ocho Rios and Kauai
Looking for a hotel in Ocho Rios or Kauai? 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 Kauai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ocho Rios $7.32Kauai $34
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
- Montego Bay Private Airport Transfer To and from ochi rios : $170
- Runaway Bay Hotels Private Round Trip Transfers from MBJ: $160
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kauai
Also for Kauai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private SUV Transfer-LIH Airport to Koloa/Poipu : $179
- Private SUV Transfer- Lihue Airport to Lihue/Kapaa : $149
Is it cheaper to fly into Ocho Rios or Kauai?
Prices for flights to both Kauai 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 $28Kauai $96
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 Kauai
For Kauai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Allerton Garden and Estate Tour with Sunset Dinner: $106
- Local Tastes Small Group Food Tour: $121
- Walking Food Tour of Hanalei, Kauaʻi : $129
- Local Dishes Cooking Class: $174
- Luau Kalamaku on Kauai with Buffet Dinner and Show: $179
- Luau Ka Hikina Admission Ticket with Dinner and Lei Greeting: $189
- Luau Kalamaku – Elevated Seating, Dinner & Show: $198
- Napali Coast Sunset Sailboat Tour with Dinner: $226
- Napali Sunset Dinner Cruise: $226
- VIP Manor House Dinner & Luau Kalamaku Show: $237
- Luau Kalamaku on Kauai with Manor House 4-Course Dinner & Show: $251
- Leila Na Pali Sunset Dinner Sail: $264
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ocho Rios $15Kauai $17
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 Kauai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kauai.
- Kauai Airplane Tour: Na Pali Coast, Waterfalls & Window Seats: $159
- 'Imiloa Express Na Pali Sunset Tour: $190
- 'Imiloa Express Nā Pali Snorkel Tour : $212
- Best Kauai Northeast, Fern Grotto River Cruise & Lighthouse Tour: $220
- Deluxe Na Pali Morning Snorkel Tour on the Lucky Lady: $234
- Deluxe Na Pali Sunset Tour on the Lucky Lady: $201
- From USS Arizona Memorial and Honolulu City Tour: $400
- Guided Secret Falls Tour with Snacks and Drinks: $135
- Half-Day Raft and Snorkel Adventure to Na Pali: $217
- Hanalei Bay Morning Kayak and Snorkel Tour: $160
- Hanalei River Paddle and Bay Snorkel Tours (LUNCH INCLUDED): $155
- Inside the Hive: Kauai Honey and Bee Tour: $120
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayOcho Rios $7.43Kauai $14
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 Kauai, we can see that Kauai 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 Kauai 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 Kauai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kauai 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 Kauai Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Ocho Rios or Kauai?
Kauai 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 Kauai in the Summer?
Both Kauai 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, many visitors come to Kauai in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
Ocho Rios is a little warmer than Kauai in the summer. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Kauai fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).
It's quite sunny in Kauai. 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 Kauai during summer. Ocho Rios gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 255 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Ocho Rios usually receives more rain than Kauai. Ocho Rios gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Kauai receives 0.6 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyOcho Rios 29°C (83°F)Kauai 78°F (25°C)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Kauai in the Autumn?
Both Kauai 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, most visitors come to Kauai for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Ocho Rios is a little warmer than Kauai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ocho Rios in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Kauai averages at about 78°F (25°C).
In Kauai, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ocho Rios. In the autumn, Ocho Rios often gets more sunshine than Kauai. Ocho Rios gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 208 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. Ocho Rios usually gets more rain in October than Kauai. Ocho Rios gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberOcho Rios 28°C (82°F)Kauai 78°F (25°C)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Kauai in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocho Rios and Kauai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Kauai because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Ocho Rios is generally a little warmer than Kauai. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 26°C (79°F), and Kauai fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).
In Ocho Rios, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ocho Rios usually receives more sunshine than Kauai during winter. Ocho Rios gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 174 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than Kauai. Ocho Rios gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryOcho Rios 26°C (79°F)Kauai 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Kauai in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Ocho Rios as well as Kauai. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Kauai this time of year.
Ocho Rios is a little warmer than Kauai in the spring. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Kauai fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kauai. 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 Kauai. Ocho Rios gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 206 hours of full sun.
Ocho Rios usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Kauai. Ocho Rios gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Kauai receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilOcho Rios 26°C (80°F)Kauai 73°F (23°C)
Typical Weather for Kauai and Ocho Rios
| Ocho Rios | Kauai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 1.3 inches (32 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 2 inches (52 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 0.4 inches (10 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 0.4 inches (9 mm) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 78°F (25°C) | 0.6 inches (17 mm) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 0.6 inches (16 mm) |
| Sep | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 1 inches (26 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 78°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 2.5 inches (62 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.