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

Should you visit Ocho Rios or Key West?

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

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

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.

Key West

Key West is both a city and an island as well as the southern most Florida Key. It is also the southern most city in the continental United States. The island is only about four miles long and one mile wide. The total land mass covers just 4.2 square miles. The most famous street in town is Duval Street, which runs just 1.1 miles from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. There are 14 blocks. The size of the island doubled during the 1950s when many of the salt ponds along the eastern side of the island were filled in.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Key West 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
    Key West Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Ocho Rios $85
    Key West $832

The average daily cost (per person) in Ocho Rios is $85, while the average daily cost in Key West is $832. 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 Key West in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ocho Rios $51
    Key West $132
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ocho Rios $102
    Key West $264
Compare Hotels in Ocho Rios and Key West

Looking for a hotel in Ocho Rios or Key West? 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 Key West


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 Key West Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ocho Rios $7.32
    Key West $51

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Key West

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Key West:


  • Rental Car for One Day
    $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Key West

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Key West:

  • Key West to Key West Airport (EYW) - Departure Private Transfer: $164
  • Key West Int Airport (EYW) to Key West - Arrival Private Transfer: $163
  • Key West Int Airport EYW to Key West Hotels Arrival Transfer: $155
  • Key West hotels to Key West Int Airport (EYW) Departure Transfer: $155
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Key West Airport EYW: $144
  • Private Transfer from Key West hotels to Key West Cruise Port: $114
  • Private Transfer from Key West Port to Key West Airport (EYW): $112
  • Private Transfer from Key West Airport (EYW) to Key West Port: $112
  • One Way Airport Transfer Service: $54

Is it cheaper to fly into Ocho Rios or Key West?

Prices for flights to both Key West 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
    Key West $667

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 Key West

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

  • Sunset Dinner Cruise with Open Bar & Live Music: $74
  • Exploring and Walking Food Tour of Cayo Hueso: $80
  • Key West Cooking Show Chef Demonstration with Meal: $81
  • Cooking Show Chef Demonstration with Meal: $81
  • Key West Sunset Cruise: Dinner, Live Music & Drinks Included: $84
  • Southernmost Food & Cultural Walking Tour by Key West Food Tours: $90
  • Key West Sunset Buffet Dinner Cruise with Open Bar and Live Music: $100
  • Secret Walking Food Tour: $115
  • Sunset Sail Full Bar, Live Music & Dinner & Early Morning Snorkeling: $160

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ocho Rios $15
    Key West $33
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 Key West

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

  • 1 Hour Key West Jet Ski Freestyle Adventure: $155
  • 2 Hour Key West Mini Catamaran Eco Tour: $285
  • 2-Hour Live Music Guided Tour in Key West: $35
  • A Self Guided Key West Cemetery Tour: $30
  • Day Sailing Adventure in the Florida Marine Sanctuary: $99
  • Day in Key West - Private SUV Tour From Miami: $1,300
  • Dinghy Drinking Tour through Key West Waters: $85
  • Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Adventure in Key West: $89
  • Florida Key West Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Florida Keys: Aquarium Encounters Day Tour with Lunch: $182
  • Florida Keys: Dolphin Research Center Day Tour with Lunch: $182
  • Florida Keys: Up The Keys Nature Tour: $128

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ocho Rios $7.43
    Key West $16

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 Key West

Also in Key West, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Key West Bar Crawl: $15
  • Key West Haunted Pub Crawl and Ghost Tour with Free T-Shirt: $32
  • Bone Island Haunted Pub Crawl: $32
  • Key West Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35
  • Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35
  • 2.5-Hour Duval Street Pub Crawl: $43


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


Which is Bigger, Ocho Rios or Key West?

Key West has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Ocho Rios and Key West, 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 Key West?

Key West 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 Key West in the Summer?

Both Key West 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, most visitors come to Key West for the beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Ocho Rios is generally around the same temperature as Key West. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 29°C (83°F), and Key West fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

In Key West, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ocho Rios. In the summer, Ocho Rios often gets less sunshine than Key West. Ocho Rios gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Key West receives 328 hours of full sun.

Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in July than Key West. Ocho Rios gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Key West receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ocho Rios 29°C (83°F) 
    Key West 84°F (29°C)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Key West in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocho Rios and Key West. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Key West because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Ocho Rios is around the same temperature as Key West in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Key West fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key West this time of the year. In Ocho Rios, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ocho Rios usually receives less sunshine than Key West during autumn. Ocho Rios gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Key West receives 258 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Key West 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 Key West. Ocho Rios gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Key West receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Key West is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ocho Rios 28°C (82°F) 
    Key West 80°F (27°C)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Key West in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Ocho Rios as well as Key West. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Key West this time of year.

In the winter, Ocho Rios is a little warmer than Key West. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ocho Rios in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Key West averages at about 70°F (21°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key West. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ocho Rios this time of the year. In the winter, Ocho Rios often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Key West. Ocho Rios gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Key West receives 252 hours of full sun.

Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in January than Key West. Ocho Rios gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Key West receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ocho Rios 26°C (79°F) 
    Key West 70°F (21°C)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Key West in the Spring?

Both Key West 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 travelers come to Key West for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Ocho Rios is generally around the same temperature as Key West. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 26°C (80°F), and Key West fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Key West. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. Ocho Rios usually receives less sunshine than Key West during spring. Ocho Rios gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Key West receives 326 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Ocho Rios usually receives more rain than Key West. Ocho Rios gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Key West receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Key West.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ocho Rios 26°C (80°F) 
    Key West 77°F (25°C)

Typical Weather for Key West and Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios Key West
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 70°F (21°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 71°F (21°C) 1.4 inches (36 mm)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 74°F (23°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 77°F (25°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 81°F (27°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 83°F (28°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 84°F (29°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 84°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Sep 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 83°F (29°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 80°F (27°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 76°F (24°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 72°F (22°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm)