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

Should you visit Ocho Rios or San Diego?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ocho Rios or San Diego, 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 San Diego?

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.

San Diego

For many visitors and locals alike, San Diego is a paradise. Located in southern California, not far from Los Angeles, it has the perfect climate, wonderful beaches, and a culturally rich environment. It's surrounded by beautiful landscape and has a strong focus on wildlife conservation and eco-friendly living. Home to about 1.3 million residents, it is California's second largest city. It also has many universities, a large tech industry, and a thriving economy. Despite its size, many people perceive San Diego as a slower, more relaxed city with a pleasant vibe away from the chaos of a large city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.


Which place is cheaper, San Diego 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
    San Diego Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Ocho Rios $85
    San Diego $233

The average daily cost (per person) in Ocho Rios is $85, while the average daily cost in San Diego is $233. 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 San Diego in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ocho Rios $51
    San Diego $115
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ocho Rios $102
    San Diego $230
Compare Hotels in Ocho Rios and San Diego

Looking for a hotel in Ocho Rios or San Diego? 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 San Diego


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 San Diego Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ocho Rios $7.32
    San Diego $23

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 San Diego

Also for San Diego, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Tijuana Intl Airport (TIJ) to Playas de Rosarito - Arrival Private Transfer: $276
  • Private Transfer Airport Tijuana/Valle de Guadalupe (Ensenada) or back.: $165
  • Tijuana to Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $141
  • Private Transfer from Tijuana to Ensenada and Valle de Guadalupe: $140
  • San Diego Airport (SAN) to San Marcos, CA - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $131
  • San Diego Airport (SAN) to Hot Springs/Ocotillo, CA - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $131
  • San Diego Airport (SAN) to San Diego hotel/address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $129
  • Sedan Arrival Private Transfer San Diego Airport SAN to San Diego: $125
  • Departure Private Transfer: San Diego to San Diego Airport SAN in Business Car: $112
  • Arrival Private Transfer: San Diego Airport SAN to San Diego in Business Car: $112
  • Sedan Departure Transfer San Diego to San Diego Airport SAN: $104
  • San Diego Airport: One-Way Transfer to San Diego downtown: $90

Is it cheaper to fly into Ocho Rios or San Diego?

Prices for flights to both San Diego 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
    San Diego $77

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

Typical Food Prices in San Diego

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to San Diego:


  • Mexican Lunch for Two
    $27
  • Breakfast at Starbucks
    $20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Diego

For San Diego, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery in San Diego: $75
  • 2-Hour Ravioli Cooking Class With Local Chef: $75
  • 2-Hour Pasta Cooking Class at a Local Brewery: $75
  • 2 Hour Ravioli Cooking Class With Local Chef in San Diego : $75
  • Tijuana Street Food Tour for Foodies: $79
  • Pizza and Ice Cream Walking Tour: $80
  • Pizza and Gelato Tour in San Diego: $80
  • Old Town Tequila and Tacos Walking Food Tour: $84
  • San Diego Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $85
  • North Park San Diego Walking Food Tour: $85
  • Gaslamp Quarter Food Tour: $89
  • San Diego Vegan Food Tour: $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ocho Rios $15
    San Diego $48
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.

  • 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 San Diego

For San Diego, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • San Diego Zoo
    $15
  • Sea World Parking
    $12

Tours and Activities in San Diego

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Diego.

  • Gaslamp Quarter to Little Italy Tour: $39
  • Guided Meditation and Mountain Hike Tour in San Diego: $62
  • Maritime Museum of San Diego Admission Ticket: $28
  • Old Town Walking Tour: $129
  • San Diego Gaslamp Quarter Self-Guided Walking Tour: $7.75
  • The Gaslamp Quarter Walking Tour: $99
  • The La Jolla Walking Tour: $119
  • The Little Italy Walking Tour: $99
  • 1 Hour GPS Guided Scooter Tour: Harbor/Gaslamp Quarter: $92
  • 1-Hour Private Scenic Tandem Sidecar Tour in San Diego: $99
  • 1.5 Hour Walking Tour from La Jolla in San Diego: $59
  • 2-Hour Downtown and Balboa Tour in GPS Guided Vanderhall GoCar: $288

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ocho Rios $7.43
    San Diego $21

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 San Diego

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

  • Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt: Slammin' San Diego Bar Crawl: $13
  • Downtown Bar Crawl Party Pass: $25
  • History Tour Pub Crawl of Famous Gaslamp Quarter: $30
  • Hillcrest: LGBTQ+ Pub Crawl with Local Drag Queen: $35
  • Hillcrest Drag Queen 5 Bar Crawl with Shots: $45
  • Brewery Tour with Tastings and Food Pairings: $85
  • $99 Valle de Guadalupe Wine Tours - DayTrip to baja from San Diego: $123
  • Vino! Vino! Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
  • Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
  • Cruise & Booze Brewery tours : $149
  • Brewery and Beer Tasting Tour in San Diego: $165
  • Baja Tour Guide wine tour: $169


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


Which is Bigger, Ocho Rios or San Diego?

San Diego has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Ocho Rios and San Diego, 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 San Diego?

San Diego 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 San Diego in the Summer?

Both San Diego 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 San Diego in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Ocho Rios is generally a little warmer than San Diego. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 29°C (83°F), and San Diego fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

It's quite sunny in San Diego. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. Ocho Rios usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during summer. Ocho Rios gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 306 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ocho Rios usually receives more rain than San Diego. Ocho Rios gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ocho Rios 29°C (83°F) 
    San Diego 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or San Diego in the Autumn?

Both San Diego 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to San Diego for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Ocho Rios is a little warmer than San Diego in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and San Diego fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In San Diego, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ocho Rios. In the autumn, Ocho Rios often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Diego. Ocho Rios gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 244 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 San Diego. Ocho Rios gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ocho Rios 28°C (82°F) 
    San Diego 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or San Diego in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocho Rios and San Diego. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to San Diego because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Ocho Rios is much warmer than San Diego. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ocho Rios in January average around 26°C (79°F), and San Diego averages at about 57°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Diego this time of the year. In Ocho Rios, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ocho Rios usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Diego during winter. Ocho Rios gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 239 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than San Diego. Ocho Rios gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ocho Rios 26°C (79°F) 
    San Diego 57°F (14°C)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or San Diego in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ocho Rios as well as San Diego. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to San Diego this time of year.

In April, Ocho Rios is generally much warmer than San Diego. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 26°C (80°F), and San Diego fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Diego. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ocho Rios this time of the year. In the spring, Ocho Rios often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Ocho Rios gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 277 hours of full sun.

Ocho Rios usually gets more rain in April than San Diego. Ocho Rios gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ocho Rios 26°C (80°F) 
    San Diego 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for San Diego and Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios San Diego
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 57°F (14°C) 1.8 inches (46 mm)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 59°F (15°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 59°F (15°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 62°F (17°C) 0.8 inches (20 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 64°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 67°F (19°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 71°F (22°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 73°F (23°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Sep 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 71°F (22°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 68°F (20°C) 0.4 inches (9 mm)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 62°F (17°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 57°F (14°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm)