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

Should you visit Ocho Rios or Santa Monica?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ocho Rios or Santa Monica, 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 Santa Monica?

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.

Santa Monica

When it comes to visiting Los Angeles, Santa Monica is high on the must-see-and-do list. Chances are you'll recognize the iconic ferris wheel from Pacific Park in films and TV shows, and nothing beats the relaxed yet bustling vibe of this laid-back city.

Santa Monica is a popular and diverse beach town, cultural hub, fitness venue, shopping district, and neighborhood full of unique and trendy restaurants, all rolled into one. Visited by more than 6 million people a year, it's no wonder you'll always find a crowd there.

So whether you're up for a high-end shopping spree, bicycling down the waterfront, an eclectic food crawl or simply a stroll down the promenade, Santa Monica is sure to have something in store for you.

The weather in Santa Monica is moderate, with average summer highs in the low to mid 70s and winter climate that rests comfortably around the low 50s. Though flip flops and sandals are considered year-round footwear in Los Angeles, bring comfortable walking shoes for browsing galleries, malls, and boutiques. Santa Monica is the perfect place to break out your California-casual wardrobe.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.


Which place is cheaper, Santa Monica 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
    Santa Monica Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Ocho Rios $85
    Santa Monica $248

The average daily cost (per person) in Ocho Rios is $85, while the average daily cost in Santa Monica is $248. 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 Santa Monica in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ocho Rios $51
    Santa Monica $123
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ocho Rios $102
    Santa Monica $246
Compare Hotels in Ocho Rios and Santa Monica

Looking for a hotel in Ocho Rios or Santa Monica? 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 Santa Monica


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 Santa Monica Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ocho Rios $7.32
    Santa Monica $50

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santa Monica

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santa Monica:

  • Santa Monica to Los Angeles Airport Departure Private Transfer: $191
  • Santa Monica to Los Angeles Airport (LAX) - Departure Private Transfer: $63

Is it cheaper to fly into Ocho Rios or Santa Monica?

Prices for flights to both Santa Monica 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
    Santa Monica $91

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 Santa Monica

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Santa Monica.

  • Flavors of Venice Beach Food Tour By Junket: $74
  • City Cruises Los Angeles Dinner Cruise from Marina del Rey: $132
  • Romantic-Surprise Dinner-Wine & Cheese or Sushi Boat Cruise: $149
  • Gourmet Santa Monica Walking Food Tour with Delicious Dish: $159

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ocho Rios $15
    Santa Monica $38
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 Santa Monica

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santa Monica are as follows:

  • 1934 Classic MotorSailer Experience Timeless Elegance and History: $240
  • 3 ½-Hour Sea to the Stars Hollywood Hopper Tour: $55
  • 3 Hour Private Jeep Tour of Santa Monica: $200
  • 4-Hour Los Angeles Tour With Guide And Hotel Pickup: $131
  • Bring Your Own Beverages One Hour Harbor Cruise: $80
  • City Cruises Los Angeles Brunch Cruise from Marina del Rey: $129
  • City Cruises Marina del Rey: Sights and Sips Cruise Tour : $69
  • City Tour of Los Angeles from Torrance and El Segundo: $122
  • E-Boat Ride in Marina Del Rey Boat Tour Experience: $85
  • Exotic Tijuana Massage Tour in LA: $250
  • Full Day Iconic Sites Tour of LA from Santa Monica with Six Stops: $99
  • Greater Los Angeles and Hollywood Private Tour.: $298

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ocho Rios $7.43
    Santa Monica $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 Santa Monica

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

  • Santa Monica Bar Crawl: $15
  • Vintage VW Hippie Shared Tour to Malibu with Wine Tasting: $199


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


Which is Bigger, Ocho Rios or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Ocho Rios and Santa Monica, 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 Santa Monica?

Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica in the Summer?

Both Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Ocho Rios is generally a little warmer than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 29°C (83°F), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

Ocho Rios usually gets more rain in July than Santa Monica. Ocho Rios gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ocho Rios 29°C (83°F) 
    Santa Monica 70°F (21°C)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Santa Monica in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocho Rios and Santa Monica. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Santa Monica because of the shopping scene.

Ocho Rios is a little warmer than Santa Monica in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

Ocho Rios gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Ocho Rios usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Ocho Rios gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ocho Rios 28°C (82°F) 
    Santa Monica 67°F (20°C)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Santa Monica in the Winter?

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

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

Ocho Rios usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Santa Monica. Ocho Rios gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Santa Monica in the Spring?

Both Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica for the beaches.

In April, Ocho Rios is generally much warmer than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 26°C (80°F), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

In April, Ocho Rios usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Ocho Rios gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ocho Rios 26°C (80°F) 
    Santa Monica 61°F (16°C)

Typical Weather for Santa Monica and Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios Santa Monica
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 57°F (14°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 58°F (15°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 58°F (15°C) 0.4 inches (10 mm)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 61°F (16°C) 0.2 inches (4 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 63°F (17°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 66°F (19°C) 0 inches (0 mm)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 70°F (21°C) 0 inches (0 mm)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 71°F (22°C) 0 inches (0 mm)
Sep 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 70°F (21°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 67°F (20°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 62°F (17°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 58°F (14°C) 0.6 inches (15 mm)