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

Should you visit Ocho Rios or Saint Simons?

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

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

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.

Saint Simons

Located just off the coast of southern Georgia, Saint Simons Island is the largest of the state’s renowned "Golden Isle's." Visitors are drawn to the Island for its warm climate, beaches, variety of outdoor activities, shops and restaurants, historical sites, and its natural environment. With most of the natural marsh and woodlands to the north and the commercial attractions centralized in the south, Saint Simons has a little taste of everything for all who come to see it.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Saint Simons 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
    Saint Simons Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Ocho Rios $85
    Saint Simons $211

The average daily cost (per person) in Ocho Rios is $85, while the average daily cost in Saint Simons is $211. 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 Saint Simons in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ocho Rios $51
    Saint Simons $100
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ocho Rios $102
    Saint Simons $200
Compare Hotels in Ocho Rios and Saint Simons

Looking for a hotel in Ocho Rios or Saint Simons? 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 Saint Simons


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 Saint Simons Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ocho Rios $7.32
    Saint Simons $49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ocho Rios

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

  • Ocho Rios Private Airport Transfer [VIP LUXURY Vehicles]: $158
  • Private Airport Transfer to Bahia Principe Grand Hotel : $100
  • A "Private" Airport Transfer to any Resort in Ocho Rios: $90
  • ATV Tour Ocho Rios - Private Transfer Only (Activity Fee Excluded): $27
  • Airport Transfer - From MBJ to Ocho Rios Hotels: $80
  • Airport Transfer To Kingston, Ocho Rios, Montego Bay & Negril: $140
  • Bahia Principe Grand Jamaica Private Airport transfer : $61
  • Bahia Principe Grand and Luxury Airport Transfer: $80
  • Bob Marley & Nine Mile Heritage Tour with Bus Transfer/Ocho Rios: $117
  • Dunn's River Falls And Shopping Tour From Ocho Rios-Transfer Only: $67
  • Grand Bahia Jamaica Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Rountrip): $300
  • Grand Bahia Principe Hotel Airport Transfer: $53

Is it cheaper to fly into Ocho Rios or Saint Simons?

Prices for flights to both Saint Simons 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
    Saint Simons $83

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ocho Rios $15
    Saint Simons $16
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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ocho Rios $7.43
    Saint Simons $60

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 Saint Simons, we can see that Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ocho Rios or Saint Simons?

Saint Simons has a larger population, and is about 42% larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Ocho Rios and Saint Simons, 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 Saint Simons?

Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ocho Rios as well as Saint Simons. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Saint Simons for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Ocho Rios is around the same temperature as Saint Simons. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ocho Rios in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Saint Simons averages at about 82°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Simons. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ocho Rios this time of the year. In the summer, Ocho Rios often gets less sunshine than Saint Simons. Ocho Rios gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Simons receives 286 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Saint Simons. Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in July than Saint Simons. Ocho Rios gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Saint Simons receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ocho Rios 29°C (83°F) 
    Saint Simons 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Saint Simons in the Autumn?

Both Saint Simons and Ocho Rios are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ocho Rios throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Saint Simons because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Ocho Rios is generally a little warmer than Saint Simons. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 28°C (82°F), and Saint Simons fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

It's quite sunny in Saint Simons. 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 Saint Simons during autumn. Ocho Rios gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Simons receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Ocho Rios. In October, Ocho Rios usually receives more rain than Saint Simons. Ocho Rios gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Saint Simons receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ocho Rios 28°C (82°F) 
    Saint Simons 70°F (21°C)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Saint Simons in the Winter?

Both Saint Simons and Ocho Rios during the winter 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 museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint Simons this time of year.

Ocho Rios is much warmer than Saint Simons in the winter. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Saint Simons fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Ocho Rios. In the winter, Ocho Rios often gets more sunshine than Saint Simons. Ocho Rios gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Simons receives 191 hours of full sun.

Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in January than Saint Simons. Ocho Rios gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Saint Simons receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ocho Rios 26°C (79°F) 
    Saint Simons 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Saint Simons in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocho Rios and Saint Simons. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round. Also, many travelers come to Saint Simons for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Ocho Rios is a little warmer than Saint Simons. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ocho Rios in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Saint Simons averages at about 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Simons this time of the year. In Ocho Rios, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ocho Rios usually receives less sunshine than Saint Simons during spring. Ocho Rios gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Simons receives 285 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than Saint Simons. Ocho Rios gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Saint Simons receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ocho Rios 26°C (80°F) 
    Saint Simons 68°F (20°C)

Typical Weather for Saint Simons and Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios Saint Simons
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm)
Sep 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)