Which place is cheaper, Jaco or Acapulco de Juarez?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Acapulco de Juarez or Jaco?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Jaco? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Acapulco de Juarez or Jaco?
Acapulco de Juarez
Located on the southwestern Pacific Coast of Mexico is the beautiful beach city of Acapulco de Juarez. Acapulco is one of the original travel and resort destinations in Mexico, and it's still considered a popular spring break destination for Americans. Known as simply "Acapulco" to many travelers, this region is a popular spot for cruise lines to stop and timeshares to grow. Thanks to those cruise lines and timeshares, tourist activities like water parks and jet skis have experienced considerable growth.
Jaco
Jaco is a beach destination on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. This resort city is located in the county of Garabito in the Puntarenas province. It has a population of about 10,000 residents and a 2.5 mile long beach that is an excellent surfing destination.
Because Jaco is located on the coast, it's weather is influenced by the water. The climate is humid with a relative humidity of about 80%, but climbing to 90% in the month of June. The temperature is usually between 85 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit at night. There are distinct wet and dry seasons with August through early December being the rainy season and late December through early April being the dry season. Rain is irregular during the rest of the year.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAcapulco de Juarez $81Jaco $104
The average daily cost (per person) in Acapulco de Juarez is $81, while the average daily cost in Jaco is $104. 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 Acapulco de Juarez and Jaco in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAcapulco de Juarez $39Jaco $67
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAcapulco de Juarez $78Jaco $134
Compare Hotels in Acapulco de Juarez and Jaco
Looking for a hotel in Acapulco de Juarez or Jaco? 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: Acapulco de Juarez Hotel Prices and Jaco Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Acapulco de Juarez $16Jaco -
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Acapulco de Juarez
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Acapulco de Juarez:
- Transfer in private minivan from Bahía de Acapulco -Acapulco Airport (ACA): $32
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Bahía de Acapulco - Acapulco Airport (ACA): $24
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Acapulco Airport (ACA) -Bahía de Acapulco: $24
- Shared transfer from Acapulco Airport (ACA) - Acapulco: $6.00
- Roundtrip Transfer Private Vehicle Acapulco Airport (ACA) - Bahia de Acapulco: $49
- Private Airport Transfer &on 2nd Day 4Hr TourAll AttractionsCombo: $90
- Airport Transfer in Suburban: $65
- Acapulco hotels to Acapulco Airport (ACA) – Departure Private Transfer : $20
- Acapulco Airport Transfer: $10
- Private Best Round Trip Airport - Hotel - Airport Transfer : $70
- Private - One Way or Round Trip Airport Transfer: $66
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaco
Also for Jaco, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Tortuga Island Boat Tour with Lunch and Transfer: $135
- Jaco or Playa Hermosa: Transfer to San Jose or Alajuela: $173
- Jaco/Monteverde to Liberia Airport (LIR) - Departure Transfer : $90
- Private Transfer - San Jose Airport & Los Sueños Resort/Marriot : $200
- Private transfer from Jaco Beach to Hotels in San Jose or the Airport: $219
- Transfer FROM Jaco Beach TO SJO Airport OR RETURN (One Way): $70
- Transfer Private From Jaco to San José or Airport up to 5 passengers (one way) : $245
- Transfer to Jaco beach from San José or the airport one way: $245
Is it cheaper to fly into Acapulco de Juarez or Jaco?
Prices for flights to both Jaco and Acapulco de Juarez 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 dayAcapulco de Juarez $29Jaco $21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Acapulco de Juarez
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Acapulco de Juarez.
- High Divers DeLuxe Three Course Dinner +Three Drinks plus SUNSET: $49
- Cliff Divers Exhibition 2 Drinks + Tacos al Pastor Dinner & Beer: $55
- Cliff Diver De Luxe 3 Course Dinner at "La Quebrada" in Acapulco: $56
- Cliff Divers Show With Dinner At Acapulco: $72
- Wrestling-Lucha Libre Experience Tacos Beer Dinner Only SUNDAY: $84
- Off the Beaten Path Mexican Cooking Class Lagoon Boatride &Lunch: $89
- Hands ON - Mex Cooking Class Experience - City Market & Lunch : $90
- Hands On Mexican Cooking Class with Food Tasting & Market Visit: $100
- Mexican Fiesta Show & Dinner: $115
- Bella Vista PRIVATE Al Fresco 3 Course Dinner Cliff Diver3Drinks: $191
- Super DeLuxe Bella Vista Dinner &1 Drink +2 Drinks at CliffDivers: $193
- Divers Show and Luxury Dinner in Acapulco: $199
Typical Food Prices in Jaco
For Jaco, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Hermosa BeachLlunch$3.94
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Tsunami Sushi Dinner$18
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Taco Bar Dinner$9.01
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Pizza & Smoothie Lunch$6.31
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Ice Cream$5.92
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Breakfast Taco Bar$3.34
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Fruit Plate$2.96
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jaco
For Jaco, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Costa Rican cooking class with cookbook author Melissa Guzman: $85
- Taste of Costa Rica: Traditional Food Tour in Jacó: $87
- Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, Hot Springs Combo Tour with Lunch & Dinner: $195
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Acapulco de Juarez $18Jaco $60
Tours and Activities in Acapulco de Juarez
Here are a few actual costs in Acapulco de Juarez for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 4Hrs City Tour Exclusively for Hotels, Divers, Chapel & Mural.: $44
- 6Hr Walking Tour San Diego Fort Museum Cliff Divers Zocalo: $68
- Small-Group or Private All Inclusive 4 Hours City Tour & Divers: $36
- 4 Hrs Exclusive to Cruise Ship Passengers Sightseeing Experience : $62
- 4-6Hrs Acapulco City Tour With a Fun Guide. Diver Show, Mex Lunch: $47
- 4Hrs Small Group Half Day City Tour with Lunch at High Divers: $85
- 4hr City Tour For Cruises or Hotels Diver Peace Chapel & Mural: $40
- 6Hr City Tour Cruise or Hotel Turtle Nesting High Diver & Market: $51
- 6Hr Cruise or Hotels City Tour, Divers, Baby Turtles Peace Chapel: $51
- 6Hr Cruisers or Hotels High Diver Peace Chapel BabyTurtleRelease: $50
- Acapulco City Tour : $35
- Acapulco Historical Tour with Cliff Divers Show: $65
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jaco
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Jaco's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Dance Class$9.82
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Surf Lesson$49
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Bike Rental$9.82
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Tortuga Island Tour$98
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Massage$44
Tours and Activities in Jaco
For Jaco, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Jungle Crocodile Safari and Bird Watching Tour: $35
- Crocodile Man Tour THE ORIGINAL: $40
- Jason Crocodile Tours: $40
- Jaco Beach: 2-Hour Chocolate Experience Tour: $43
- Horseback Riding Pacific Experience in Tarcoles Garabito: $47
- 2 Hours Private Guided Hiking Experience to El Miro in Jaco: $50
- From Canopy Tour in Hacienda Nosavar: $50
- Guided visit to Carara National Park (Ticket included): $50
- "Miro Jaco" & Jaco Beach Horseback Tour: $59
- Jaco Horse Tours: $60
- Chocolate Experience: $62
- Jaco Horseback Riding Adventure Tours: $64
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAcapulco de Juarez $11Jaco $32
Typical Alcohol Prices in Jaco
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Jaco:
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Wine$15
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Night at the Bar$27
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Acapulco de Juarez and Jaco, we can see that Jaco is more expensive. And not only is Acapulco de Juarez much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Acapulco de Juarez is in North America and Jaco is in Central 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 Acapulco de Juarez would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Acapulco de Juarez 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 Jaco would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Jaco than you might in Acapulco de Juarez.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Acapulco de Juarez Expensive? and Is Jaco Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Acapulco de Juarez or Jaco?
Acapulco de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 160 times larger than the population of Jaco. When comparing the sizes of Acapulco de Juarez and Jaco, 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 Acapulco de Juarez or Jaco?
Acapulco de Juarez has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Jaco experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Jaco in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Acapulco de Juarez as well as Jaco. Many travelers come to Acapulco de Juarez for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jaco throughout the year.
Acapulco de Juarez is around the same temperature as Jaco in the summer. The daily temperature in Acapulco de Juarez averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Jaco fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Acapulco de Juarez this time of the year. In the summer, Acapulco de Juarez often gets more sunshine than Jaco. Acapulco de Juarez gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jaco receives 164 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Jaco. Acapulco de Juarez receives a lot of rain in the summer. Acapulco de Juarez usually gets more rain in July than Jaco. Acapulco de Juarez gets 209 mm (8.2 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAcapulco de Juarez 29°C (83°F)Jaco 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Jaco in the Autumn?
Both Jaco and Acapulco de Juarez are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez in the autumn for the shopping scene. Plenty of visitors come to Jaco because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the autumn, Acapulco de Juarez is around the same temperature as Jaco. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Jaco averages at about 27°C (81°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Acapulco de Juarez. Acapulco de Juarez usually receives more sunshine than Jaco during autumn. Acapulco de Juarez gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while Jaco receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Jaco. It's quite rainy in Acapulco de Juarez. In October, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives less rain than Jaco. Acapulco de Juarez gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAcapulco de Juarez 28°C (83°F)Jaco 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Jaco in the Winter?
Both Jaco and Acapulco de Juarez during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jaco year-round.
In January, Acapulco de Juarez is generally around the same temperature as Jaco. Daily temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez average around 26°C (79°F), and Jaco fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
In Jaco, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Acapulco de Juarez. In the winter, Acapulco de Juarez often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Jaco. Acapulco de Juarez gets 272 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jaco receives 264 hours of full sun.
Acapulco de Juarez usually gets more rain in January than Jaco. Acapulco de Juarez gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAcapulco de Juarez 26°C (79°F)Jaco 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Jaco in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Acapulco de Juarez and Jaco. The spring months attract visitors to Acapulco de Juarez because of the beaches. Jaco attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Acapulco de Juarez is around the same temperature as Jaco in the spring. The daily temperature in Acapulco de Juarez averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Jaco fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jaco this time of the year. In Acapulco de Juarez, it's very sunny this time of the year. Acapulco de Juarez usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Jaco during spring. Acapulco de Juarez gets 274 hours of sunny skies, while Jaco receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives less rain than Jaco. Acapulco de Juarez gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAcapulco de Juarez 27°C (81°F)Jaco 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Jaco and Acapulco de Juarez
| Acapulco de Juarez | Jaco | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (83°F) | 271 mm (10.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 209 mm (8.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 312 mm (12.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 341 mm (13.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 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.