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

Should you visit Ocho Rios or Wilmington?

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

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

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.

Wilmington

Wilmington is a port city in southeastern North Carolina. It's a great city to visit for it's nearby beaches, large historic district, and quaint atmosphere. The city has a population of about 115,000 and it's the eighth largest city in the state.

Wilmington is also home to the University of North Carolina at Wilmington as well as the EUE Screen Gems Studios. This is the largest domestic television and movie production facility outside of California. The studio, which opened in 1984, helped grow Wilmington into a major base for film and television production. The city has been the backdrop for many movies and tv shows including Iron Man 3, Sleepy Hollow, One Tree Hill, and Revolution.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Wilmington 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
    Wilmington Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Ocho Rios $85
    Wilmington $245

The average daily cost (per person) in Ocho Rios is $85, while the average daily cost in Wilmington is $245. 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 Wilmington in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ocho Rios $51
    Wilmington $120
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ocho Rios $102
    Wilmington $240
Compare Hotels in Ocho Rios and Wilmington

Looking for a hotel in Ocho Rios or Wilmington? 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 Wilmington


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 Wilmington Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ocho Rios $7.32
    Wilmington $47

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Ocho Rios or Wilmington?

Prices for flights to both Wilmington 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
    Wilmington $97

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
    Wilmington $17
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

Tours and Activities in Wilmington

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

  • 2 Hour Sunset Sailing Tour in Wrightsville Beach: $95
  • 2-Hr, 45 Min Tour de Wilmington E-Bike Tour/Sightseeing/History: $70
  • 3.25-Hour Wilmington E-Bike Airlie Gardens Self-Guided Tour: $70
  • 5-Hour Wilmington River to Sea E-Bike Self-Guided Adventure Tour: $85
  • Black Water Adventure Cruise: $33
  • Cycle-logical Tours Guided eBike History Tour of Oak Island: $90
  • Downtown Wilmington Historian-Guided Walking Tour: $20
  • Eagles Island 50 minute Narrated Boat Cruise: $24
  • Experience the Exciting Fun of Surf Fishing: $165
  • History and Architecture Walking Tour : $25
  • Holiday Lights Cruise: $30
  • Island Hopper Cruise in Wrightsville Beach: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ocho Rios $7.43
    Wilmington $39

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


Which is Bigger, Ocho Rios or Wilmington?

Wilmington has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Ocho Rios and Wilmington, 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 Wilmington?

Wilmington 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 Wilmington in the Summer?

Both Wilmington 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, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Wilmington this time of year.

In the summer, Ocho Rios is around the same temperature as Wilmington. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ocho Rios in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Wilmington averages at about 81°F (27°C).

It's quite sunny in Wilmington. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. Ocho Rios usually receives less sunshine than Wilmington during summer. Ocho Rios gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Wilmington receives 283 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Wilmington. In July, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than Wilmington. Ocho Rios gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Wilmington receives 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ocho Rios 29°C (83°F) 
    Wilmington 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Wilmington in the Autumn?

Both Wilmington 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, many travelers come to Wilmington for the shopping scene.

In October, Ocho Rios is generally much warmer than Wilmington. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 28°C (82°F), and Wilmington fluctuates around 65°F (18°C).

In Wilmington, 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 Wilmington. Ocho Rios gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wilmington receives 227 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 Wilmington. Ocho Rios gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Wilmington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ocho Rios 28°C (82°F) 
    Wilmington 65°F (18°C)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Wilmington in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocho Rios and Wilmington. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Wilmington in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Ocho Rios is much warmer than Wilmington in the winter. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Wilmington fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

In Ocho Rios, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ocho Rios usually receives more sunshine than Wilmington during winter. Ocho Rios gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Wilmington receives 180 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than Wilmington. Ocho Rios gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Wilmington receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ocho Rios 26°C (79°F) 
    Wilmington 45°F (7°C)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Wilmington in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ocho Rios as well as Wilmington. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Wilmington for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Ocho Rios is much warmer than Wilmington. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ocho Rios in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Wilmington averages at about 63°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wilmington. 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 Wilmington. Ocho Rios gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wilmington receives 278 hours of full sun.

Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in April than Wilmington. Ocho Rios gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Wilmington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ocho Rios 26°C (80°F) 
    Wilmington 63°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Wilmington and Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios Wilmington
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 45°F (7°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 47°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 55°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 63°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 70°F (21°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 77°F (25°C) 6 inches (152 mm)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 81°F (27°C) 8.1 inches (207 mm)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 80°F (27°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm)
Sep 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 75°F (24°C) 5 inches (128 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 65°F (18°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 56°F (14°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 49°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)