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

Should you visit Sendai or Ocho Rios?

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

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

Sendai

Sendai, Japan is located in the Toohoku region on the main Honshu island. It is often referred to as "Forest City" due to the large amount of green space throughout the city and the tree filled parks and public spaces. Sendai is a very pleasant city to visit; they are in close proximity to both mountains and the sea and have many large universities throughout the city, making it a popular college town.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.


Which place is cheaper, Ocho Rios or Sendai?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Sendai is $133, while the average daily cost in Ocho Rios is $85. 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 Sendai and Ocho Rios in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sendai $61
    Ocho Rios $51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sendai $122
    Ocho Rios $102
Compare Hotels in Sendai and Ocho Rios

Looking for a hotel in Sendai or Ocho Rios? 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 Sendai


Hotels in Ocho Rios


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: Sendai Hotel Prices and Ocho Rios Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sendai $18
    Ocho Rios $7.32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sendai

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

  • Private Transfer from Sendai Airport to Sendai City: $187
  • Odawara to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) -Departure Private Transfer: $103
  • Sendai City: Private transfer to/from Sendai Airport: $88

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ocho Rios

Also for Ocho Rios, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • VIP***Private KINGSTON Airport Transfers to***OCHO RIOS**HOTELS**: $292
  • Sandals Ocho Rios Resort Airport Transfer: $67
  • Runaway Bay Hotels Transfers between Montego Bay Airport: $60
  • Runaway Bay Hotels Private Round Trip Transfers from MBJ: $160
  • Runaway Bay Airport Transfer: $48
  • Roundtrip Airport Transfer from Montego Bay to Ocho Rios and Runaway Bay Hotels: $240
  • Round-Trip or Direct Private Airport Transfers to Runaway Bay: $50
  • Private Transfers from Montego Bay Airport to Runaway Bay Hotels: $54
  • Private Transfers To/From Ocho Rios & OCJ Airport Across Jamaica: $143
  • Private Transfer to horseback,Bluehole,River rafting in OchoRios.: $70
  • Private Transfer to Mystic Mountain from Ocho Rios: $20
  • Private Transfer to Konoko Falls Botanical Gardens: $27

Is it cheaper to fly into Sendai or Ocho Rios?

Prices for flights to both Ocho Rios and Sendai 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
    Sendai $58
    Ocho Rios $28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sendai

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

  • Local Food Tour in Shiogama, Japan Top Tuna and Sushi Town: $135
  • Michinoku Coastal Trail Sake Tasting with Dinner: $143

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.
    Sendai $19
    Ocho Rios $15

Tours and Activities in Sendai

For Sendai, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Afternoon Cycling Tour in Naruko: $151
  • Catch and Dine A Gourmet Fishing Experience in Miyagi: $24
  • Sendai and Matsushima Private Tour with Licensed Guide: $101
  • Local Foodie Tour, wander around the gourmet town: $120

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sendai $11
    Ocho Rios $7.43

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 Sendai and Ocho Rios, we can see that Sendai is more expensive. And not only is Ocho Rios much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sendai is in Asia and Ocho Rios is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Sendai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sendai 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 Sendai Expensive? and Is Ocho Rios Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Sendai or Ocho Rios?

Sendai has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Sendai and Ocho Rios, 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 Sendai or Ocho Rios?

Sendai 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 Sendai or Ocho Rios in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sendai and Ocho Rios. The summer months attract visitors to Sendai because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the summer, Sendai is cooler than Ocho Rios. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sendai in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Ocho Rios averages at about 29°C (83°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ocho Rios this time of the year. Sendai usually receives less sunshine than Ocho Rios during summer. Sendai gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Ocho Rios receives 254 hours of full sun in the summer.

Sendai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Sendai usually receives more rain than Ocho Rios. Sendai gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sendai 23°C (73°F) 
    Ocho Rios 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Sendai or Ocho Rios in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Sendai as well as Ocho Rios. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Sendai this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ocho Rios throughout the year.

In October, Sendai is generally much colder than Ocho Rios. Daily temperatures in Sendai average around 15°C (59°F), and Ocho Rios fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. In the autumn, Sendai often gets less sunshine than Ocho Rios. Sendai gets 149 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ocho Rios receives 229 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ocho Rios. Sendai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Sendai usually gets less rain in October than Ocho Rios. Sendai gets 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sendai 15°C (59°F) 
    Ocho Rios 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Sendai or Ocho Rios in the Winter?

Both Ocho Rios and Sendai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Sendai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Ocho Rios because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Sendai. Sendai is much colder than Ocho Rios in the winter. The daily temperature in Sendai averages around 2°C (35°F) in January, and Ocho Rios fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

It's quite sunny in Ocho Rios. Sendai usually receives less sunshine than Ocho Rios during winter. Sendai gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while Ocho Rios receives 257 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Sendai usually receives more rain than Ocho Rios. Sendai gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sendai 2°C (35°F) 
    Ocho Rios 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Sendai or Ocho Rios in the Spring?

Both Ocho Rios and Sendai during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Sendai in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round.

In the spring, Sendai is much colder than Ocho Rios. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sendai in April average around 10°C (51°F), and Ocho Rios averages at about 26°C (80°F).

In Ocho Rios, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Sendai often gets less sunshine than Ocho Rios. Sendai gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ocho Rios receives 251 hours of full sun.

Sendai usually gets more rain in April than Ocho Rios. Sendai gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sendai 10°C (51°F) 
    Ocho Rios 26°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Ocho Rios and Sendai

Sendai Ocho Rios
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (35°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 2°C (35°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 5°C (40°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Apr 10°C (51°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
May 15°C (60°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 165 mm (6.5 in) 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 21°C (69°F) 187 mm (7.4 in) 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Oct 15°C (59°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Nov 9°C (49°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 4°C (40°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)