Which place is cheaper, Rotorua 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 Rotorua?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ocho Rios or Rotorua, 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 Rotorua?
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.
Rotorua
Located on the banks of Lake Rotorua, Rotorua is famous as the thermal wonderland of New Zealand. The area has a variety of geothermal sights, but it is also close to several lakes and has more traditional activities as well, including fishing, boating and white water rafting.
Rotorua is located in the Taupo Volcanic Zone, which is the largest volcano in the area. There are four major volcanic calderas that now have lakes, and several other volcanoes in the area. Rotorua sits on top of a thermal hot spring, and there are many vents and hot pools throughout the area. Many of the hot pools and sights are located within parks, with some of the best being Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Rainbow Springs Nature Park, and Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland.
Rotorua has a warm, temperate climate. Because of the area's inland location, it has less wind than many places in New Zealand. Temperatures during the winter months can fall to below freezing, but snow is incredibly rare.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand.
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Ocho Rios Prices
Jamaica PricesRotorua Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayOcho Rios $85Rotorua $114
The average daily cost (per person) in Ocho Rios is $85, while the average daily cost in Rotorua is $114. 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 Rotorua in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personOcho Rios $51Rotorua $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomOcho Rios $102Rotorua $96
Compare Hotels in Ocho Rios and Rotorua
Looking for a hotel in Ocho Rios or Rotorua? 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 Rotorua Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ocho Rios $7.32Rotorua $4.99
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 Rotorua
Also for Rotorua, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Rotorua to Auckland Afternoon Transfer with Waitomo Glow Worms: $194
Is it cheaper to fly into Ocho Rios or Rotorua?
Prices for flights to both Rotorua 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 $28Rotorua $50
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 Rotorua
For Rotorua, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Mitai Maori Village: Cultural Experience and Dinner Buffet: $98
- Te Puia: Te Pō Indigenous Evening Experience - Haka + Dinner: $113
- Te Puia: Te Pō Indigenous Evening Experience with Dinner: $117
- Lake Rotoiti Evening Kayak Tour including Hot Springs, Glowworm Caves and BBQ Dinner: $130
- Te Pa Tu Māori Cultural Experience with Dinner: $156
- Te Puia: Te Pō Indigenous Combo - Tour, Dinner + Haka: $161
- Evening Starlight Gourmet Kayak Tour with dinner: $202
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ocho Rios $15Rotorua $34
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Rotorua
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Rotorua's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Lunch Out for Two$27
Tours and Activities in Rotorua
For Rotorua, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 4x4 Self Drive Yamaha Experience : $90
- Agrodome Farm Experience including Farm Show and Farm Tour - Rotorua: $39
- Auckland: One-Way Tour to Rotorua with Waitomo Caves: $179
- Auckland: Rotorua Highlights Tour with Wai-O-Tapu & Hot Tubs: $202
- Auckland: Rotorua Highlights inc Te Puia Tour & Redwoods: $206
- Auckland: Rotorua Highlights inc Wai O Tapu & Te Puia Tour: $223
- Auckland: Rotorua Highlights with Te Puia Tour, Show & Lunch: $226
- Cultural Experience & Seasonal Māori Cuisine at Te Pā Tū : $161
- Daytime Canyon Kayak Tour: $71
- From Auckland: Rotorua Private Day Tour with Spa Experience: $579
- From Rotorua WAI-O-TAPU Geothermal Wonderland Half Day Tour: $80
- From HELL's GATE Geothermal MUD BATH Half Day Tour: $159
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayOcho Rios $7.43Rotorua $12
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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Rotorua
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Rotorua:
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Bottle of Wine$11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ocho Rios and Rotorua, we can see that Rotorua 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 Rotorua is in Pacific, 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 Rotorua would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rotorua 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 Rotorua Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ocho Rios or Rotorua?
Rotorua has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Ocho Rios and Rotorua, 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 Rotorua?
Rotorua 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 Rotorua in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocho Rios and Rotorua. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rotorua for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
Ocho Rios is much warmer than Rotorua in the summer. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Rotorua fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in January.
In July, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than Rotoruain January. Ocho Rios gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryOcho Rios 29°C (83°F)Rotorua 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Rotorua in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Ocho Rios as well as Rotorua. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Rotorua in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Ocho Rios is much warmer than Rotorua. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ocho Rios in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Rotorua averages at about 16°C (61°F)in April.
Ocho Rios receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ocho Rios usually gets more rain in October than Rotoruain April. Ocho Rios gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilOcho Rios 28°C (82°F)Rotorua 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Rotorua in the Winter?
Both Rotorua 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, most visitors come to Rotorua for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In January, Ocho Rios is generally around the same temperature as Rotoruain July. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 26°C (79°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
In January, Ocho Rios usually receives more rain than Rotoruain July. Ocho Rios gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyOcho Rios 26°C (79°F)Rotorua 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Rotorua in the Spring?
Both Rotorua 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. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Rotorua because of the natural beauty.
Ocho Rios is a little warmer than Rotorua in the spring. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Rotorua fluctuates around 19°C (66°F)in October.
Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in April than Rotoruain October. Ocho Rios gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberOcho Rios 26°C (80°F)Rotorua 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Rotorua and Ocho Rios
| Ocho Rios | Rotorua | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
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.