Which place is cheaper, Sarasota 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 Sarasota?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ocho Rios or Sarasota, 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 Sarasota?
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.
Sarasota
Located on the Gulf Coast of southwest Florida, Sarasota is a popular city known for its thriving arts scene, selection of restaurants, plenty of shopping, and beautiful beaches. The metropolitan area is a hub of city culture, while the beaches offer escapes of fine white sand and aqua waters.
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.
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Ocho Rios Prices
Jamaica PricesSarasota Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayOcho Rios $85Sarasota $350
The average daily cost (per person) in Ocho Rios is $85, while the average daily cost in Sarasota is $350. 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 Sarasota in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personOcho Rios $51Sarasota $108
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomOcho Rios $102Sarasota $216
Compare Hotels in Ocho Rios and Sarasota
Looking for a hotel in Ocho Rios or Sarasota? 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 Sarasota Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ocho Rios $7.32Sarasota -
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 Sarasota
Also for Sarasota, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Sarasota Airport (SRQ) to Anna Maria island - Round-Trip Transfer: $251
- Sarasota Airport(SRQ) to Anna Maria island hotel-Arrival Transfer: $125
- Sarasota–Bradenton Airport (SRQ) to Sarasota Round-Trip Transfer: $55
Is it cheaper to fly into Ocho Rios or Sarasota?
Prices for flights to both Sarasota 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 $28Sarasota $238
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ocho Rios $15Sarasota $11
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
Tours and Activities in Sarasota
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sarasota.
- Anna Maria Island - Clear Kayak LED Night Glass Bottom Tour : $65
- Parasailing Adventure above the Gulf of Mexico: $95
- Sarasota Waterways Tour for All Ages: $60
- 3-Hour Clear Kayak Beach Hopping Adventure in Sarasota: $65
- Amish Experience Trolley Tour: Bridges to Understanding: $80
- Anna Maria Island Dolphin Sightseeing Adventure : $55
- Anna Maria Island Dolphin Sunset Boat Tour: $58
- Christmas Carol Trolley Holiday Music & Lights Tour in Sarasota: $77
- City Sightseeing Trolley Tour of Sarasota: $73
- Clear Kayak Ecotour at Robinson Preserve in Bradenton, Florida : $73
- Clear Kayak Glass Bottom Day Tour - Anna Maria Island: $65
- Clear Kayak Glass Bottom Day Tour - Sarasota: $65
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayOcho Rios $7.43Sarasota -
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 Sarasota, we can see that Sarasota 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 Sarasota 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 Sarasota would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sarasota 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 Sarasota Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ocho Rios or Sarasota?
Sarasota has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Ocho Rios and Sarasota, 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 Sarasota?
Sarasota 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 Sarasota in the Summer?
Both Sarasota 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 Sarasota in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Ocho Rios is generally around the same temperature as Sarasota. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 29°C (83°F), and Sarasota fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).
It's quite sunny in Sarasota. 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 Sarasota during summer. Ocho Rios gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Sarasota receives 265 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sarasota. In July, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than Sarasota. Ocho Rios gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Sarasota receives 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyOcho Rios 29°C (83°F)Sarasota 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Sarasota in the Autumn?
Both Sarasota 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 Sarasota for the shopping scene during these months.
Ocho Rios is a little warmer than Sarasota in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Sarasota fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).
In Sarasota, 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 Sarasota. Ocho Rios gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarasota receives 234 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 Sarasota. Ocho Rios gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Sarasota receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Sarasota.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberOcho Rios 28°C (82°F)Sarasota 76°F (24°C)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Sarasota in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocho Rios and Sarasota. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Sarasota because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Ocho Rios is much warmer than Sarasota. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ocho Rios in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Sarasota averages at about 59°F (15°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sarasota this time of the year. In Ocho Rios, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ocho Rios usually receives more sunshine than Sarasota during winter. Ocho Rios gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Sarasota receives 200 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than Sarasota. Ocho Rios gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Sarasota receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryOcho Rios 26°C (79°F)Sarasota 59°F (15°C)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Sarasota in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Ocho Rios as well as Sarasota. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the beaches are the main draw to Sarasota this time of year.
In April, Ocho Rios is generally a little warmer than Sarasota. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 26°C (80°F), and Sarasota fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sarasota. 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 Sarasota. Ocho Rios gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarasota receives 299 hours of full sun.
Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in April than Sarasota. Ocho Rios gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Sarasota receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Sarasota is the hurricane season.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilOcho Rios 26°C (80°F)Sarasota 73°F (23°C)
Typical Weather for Sarasota and Ocho Rios
| Ocho Rios | Sarasota | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 2.3 inches (59 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 67°F (20°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 78°F (25°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 6.5 inches (165 mm) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 8.4 inches (214 mm) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 8 inches (203 mm) |
| Sep | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 6.3 inches (161 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 69°F (20°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) |
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.