Which place is cheaper, Whistler 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 Whistler?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ocho Rios or Whistler, 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 Whistler?
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.
Whistler
Located in the province of British Columbia in Canada, Whistler is most famous as the largest ski area in North America. It is also only a short distance from the city of Vancouver, and offers countless opportunities for snow boarding and other winter sports. The town has a permanent population of almost 10,000 and there is a larger seasonal population of workers that come from all over the world. Whistler is a major travel destination with more than two million people visiting the town yearly. As such, there are countless amenities available to visitors. Hotels can vary dramatically in price and quality. There are some budget options, including a couple of hostels in the area, but most people do not visit Whistler as a budget travel destination. It's usually an expensive vacation, but few would argue that it isn't worth the cost.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.
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Ocho Rios Prices
Jamaica PricesWhistler Prices
Canada Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayOcho Rios $85Whistler $146
The average daily cost (per person) in Ocho Rios is $85, while the average daily cost in Whistler is $146. 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 Whistler in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personOcho Rios $51Whistler $65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomOcho Rios $102Whistler $130
Compare Hotels in Ocho Rios and Whistler
Looking for a hotel in Ocho Rios or Whistler? 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 Whistler Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ocho Rios $7.32Whistler $20
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 Whistler
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Whistler:
- Private Transfer from Richmond BC to Whistler: $684
- Private Transfer from Whistler to Downtown Vancouver: $560
- Vancouver Airport Private Transfer to Whistler: $133
Is it cheaper to fly into Ocho Rios or Whistler?
Prices for flights to both Whistler 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 $28Whistler $52
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 Whistler
Some typical examples of dining costs in Whistler are as follows:
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Coffee at Starbucks$12
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Tim Hortons Breakfast$12
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Coffee at Timmy's$3.63
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Whistler
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Whistler.
- Finer Things: 4-Course Dinner Tour in Whistler: $121
- Finer Things Dinner Tour in Whistler: $155
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ocho Rios $15Whistler $78
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.
- 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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Whistler
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Whistler are as follows:
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Driving Range$15
Tours and Activities in Whistler
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Whistler are as follows:
- 2 Hour Late Afternoon Winter Zipline Adventure: $124
- 2 Hour Wilderness Adventure Snowmobile Tour in Whistler: $199
- Audain Art Museum Admission Ticket: $17
- Bear Safari 4x4 Adventure: $147
- Call of the Wild ATV Tour: $162
- Family Snowmobile Tour in Whistler: $199
- From Vancouver: Shannon Falls and Whistler Sightseeing Tour: $179
- Full Day Ice Fishing Tour: $246
- Guided Fishing Adventure in Whistler: $163
- Ice Fishing Adventure in Whistler: $163
- Mountain Breeze Tour - Mountain E Bike - Whistler Marmot Activity: $104
- One Hour Axe Throwing Guided Experience in Whistler: $33
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayOcho Rios $7.43Whistler $8.72
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 Whistler, we can see that Whistler 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 Whistler 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 Whistler would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Whistler 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 Whistler Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ocho Rios or Whistler?
Whistler has a larger population, and is about 12% larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Ocho Rios and Whistler, 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 Whistler?
Whistler 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 Whistler in the Summer?
Both Whistler 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. Also, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Whistler this time of year.
In the summer, Ocho Rios is much warmer than Whistler. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ocho Rios in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Whistler averages at about 18°C (64°F).
In Whistler, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ocho Rios. In the summer, Ocho Rios often gets less sunshine than Whistler. Ocho Rios gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 296 hours of full sun.
Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in July than Whistler. Ocho Rios gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Whistler receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyOcho Rios 29°C (83°F)Whistler 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Whistler in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocho Rios and Whistler. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round. Also, many travelers come to Whistler for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Ocho Rios is generally much warmer than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 28°C (82°F), and Whistler fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In Ocho Rios, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ocho Rios usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during autumn. Ocho Rios gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 124 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Whistler receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ocho Rios gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Ocho Rios usually receives around the same amount of rain as Whistler. Ocho Rios gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Whistler receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberOcho Rios 28°C (82°F)Whistler 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Whistler in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Ocho Rios as well as Whistler. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Whistler in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Whistler can get quite cold in the winter. Ocho Rios is much warmer than Whistler in the winter. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Whistler fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ocho Rios this time of the year. In the winter, Ocho Rios often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Ocho Rios gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 55 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Whistler. Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in January than Whistler. Ocho Rios gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Whistler receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryOcho Rios 26°C (79°F)Whistler 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Whistler in the Spring?
Both Whistler 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, most visitors come to Whistler for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Ocho Rios is much warmer than Whistler. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ocho Rios in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Whistler averages at about 9°C (49°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. Ocho Rios usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during spring. Ocho Rios gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Whistler. In April, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than Whistler. Ocho Rios gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Whistler receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilOcho Rios 26°C (80°F)Whistler 9°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Whistler and Ocho Rios
| Ocho Rios | Whistler | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 179 mm (7.1 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 198 mm (7.8 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.