Which place is cheaper, Tamarindo or Acapulco de Juarez?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Acapulco de Juarez or Tamarindo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Tamarindo? 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 Tamarindo?
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.
Tamarindo
Tamarindo is a small beach town in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica on the Pacific Coast. This town is usually sought out by surfers, fishers, couples, and families. There are delicious restaurants, beautiful beaches, and friendly Tico's and Tica's (local Costa Rican nicknames) everywhere.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Luxury Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAcapulco de Juarez $81Tamarindo $121
The average daily cost (per person) in Acapulco de Juarez is $81, while the average daily cost in Tamarindo is $121. 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 Tamarindo in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAcapulco de Juarez $39Tamarindo $50
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAcapulco de Juarez $78Tamarindo $100
Compare Hotels in Acapulco de Juarez and Tamarindo
Looking for a hotel in Acapulco de Juarez or Tamarindo? 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 Tamarindo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Acapulco de Juarez $16Tamarindo $69
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Acapulco de Juarez
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Acapulco de Juarez:
- Shared transfer from Acapulco Airport (ACA) - Acapulco: $6.00
- Acapulco Airport Transfer: $10
- Acapulco hotels to Acapulco Airport (ACA) – Departure Private Transfer : $20
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Bahía de Acapulco - Acapulco Airport (ACA): $24
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Acapulco Airport (ACA) -Bahía de Acapulco: $24
- Transfer in private minivan from Bahía de Acapulco -Acapulco Airport (ACA): $32
- Roundtrip Transfer Private Vehicle Acapulco Airport (ACA) - Bahia de Acapulco: $49
- Airport Transfer in Suburban: $65
- Private - One Way or Round Trip Airport Transfer: $66
- Private Best Round Trip Airport - Hotel - Airport Transfer : $70
- Private Airport Transfer &on 2nd Day 4Hr TourAll AttractionsCombo: $90
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tamarindo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tamarindo:
- Airport Transfer from Liberia Airport to Andaz Papagayo Hyatt (Round Trip): $163
- Flamingo/Tamarindo to Liberia Airport(LIR)- Departure Transfer: $38
- From Hotel Transfer to Liberia Guanacaste Airport: $62
- Guanacaste Airport transfer to Jw Marriott Guanacaste: $130
- Liberia Airport Private Transfer To Gulf of Papagayo Costa Rica: $125
- Liberia Airport To Tamarindo Private Transfer: $55
- Monteverde: Transfer to Tamarindo: $65
- Playa Conchal & Flamingo From Liberia Airport, Transfer Service: $168
- Playa Grande to Liberia Airport (LIR) Departure Private Transfer: $31
- Private Airport Transfer from Liberia to Tamarindo beaches Areas & surrounding : $140
- Private Liberia airport transfer: $200
- Private Transfer - Liberia Airport & Riu Hotel: $120
Is it cheaper to fly into Acapulco de Juarez or Tamarindo?
Prices for flights to both Tamarindo 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
-
Food Meals for one dayAcapulco de Juarez $29Tamarindo $32
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tamarindo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Tamarindo.
- Online Class on Zoom: Cooking Costa Rica Homemade Food: $35
- Traditional Cooking Class In Tamarindo: $95
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Acapulco de Juarez $18Tamarindo $17
Tours and Activities in Acapulco de Juarez
Here are a few actual costs in Acapulco de Juarez for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Kayaks Tour to El Morro Islet: $25
- Sunset Adventures: $30
- Acapulco City Tour : $35
- Small-Group or Private All Inclusive 4 Hours City Tour & Divers: $36
- 4hr City Tour For Cruises or Hotels Diver Peace Chapel & Mural: $40
- 4Hrs City Tour Exclusively for Hotels, Divers, Chapel & Mural.: $44
- Combo 6 Hr Tour All City Highlights Divers Baby Turtle Release: $46
- 4-6Hrs Acapulco City Tour With a Fun Guide. Diver Show, Mex Lunch: $47
- 6Hr Cruisers or Hotels High Diver Peace Chapel BabyTurtleRelease: $50
- Acapulco Malibu, Avenida Kids Tour : $50
- 6Hr Cruise or Hotels City Tour, Divers, Baby Turtles Peace Chapel: $51
- 6Hr City Tour Cruise or Hotel Turtle Nesting High Diver & Market: $51
Tours and Activities in Tamarindo
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tamarindo are as follows:
- Costa Rica: tour in electric car (only best view locations): $2.00
- Sea turtle watching tour near playa grande: $44
- Tamarindo Estuary Tour: $44
- Night Turtle Nesting Tour from Tamarindo: $46
- Tamarindo Birdwatching Crocodiles and Monkey Tour: $50
- ATV Beach and Mountain Tour!: $62
- Tamarindo Estuary: Howler Monkey Mangrove Kayaking Tour: $65
- Hiking Tour of La Leona Waterfall with Lunch: $65
- ATV and UTV Beach Tour from Tamarindo, Flamingo and Conchal Beach: $67
- ATV Tour through the Flamingo Potrero and Brasilito Area: $70
- Zipline Canopy Tour from Guanacaste: $70
- Tamarindo Kayaking Tour with Snorkeling at Captain Island: $75
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayAcapulco de Juarez $11Tamarindo $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Acapulco de Juarez and Tamarindo, we can see that Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Acapulco de Juarez or Tamarindo?
Acapulco de Juarez has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Tamarindo experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Tamarindo in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Acapulco de Juarez and Tamarindo. Many travelers come to Acapulco de Juarez for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Tamarindo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Acapulco de Juarez is generally around the same temperature as Tamarindo. Daily temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez average around 29°C (83°F), and Tamarindo fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
In Acapulco de Juarez, it's very sunny this time of the year. Acapulco de Juarez usually receives more sunshine than Tamarindo during summer. Acapulco de Juarez gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Tamarindo receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.
Tamarindo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Acapulco de Juarez gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives more rain than Tamarindo. Acapulco de Juarez gets 209 mm (8.2 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyAcapulco de Juarez 29°C (83°F)Tamarindo 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Tamarindo in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Acapulco de Juarez as well as Tamarindo. Many visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez in the autumn for the shopping scene. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tamarindo throughout the year.
Acapulco de Juarez is around the same temperature as Tamarindo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Acapulco de Juarez averages around 28°C (83°F) in October, and Tamarindo fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Acapulco de Juarez this time of the year. In the autumn, Acapulco de Juarez often gets more sunshine than Tamarindo. Acapulco de Juarez gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tamarindo receives 169 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Tamarindo. Acapulco de Juarez receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Acapulco de Juarez usually gets less rain in October than Tamarindo. Acapulco de Juarez gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAcapulco de Juarez 28°C (83°F)Tamarindo 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Tamarindo in the Winter?
Both Tamarindo and Acapulco de Juarez are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Tamarindo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the winter, Acapulco de Juarez is around the same temperature as Tamarindo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Tamarindo averages at about 27°C (81°F).
It's quite sunny in Tamarindo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Acapulco de Juarez. Acapulco de Juarez usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Tamarindo during winter. Acapulco de Juarez gets 272 hours of sunny skies, while Tamarindo receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives more rain than Tamarindo. Acapulco de Juarez gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAcapulco de Juarez 26°C (79°F)Tamarindo 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Tamarindo in the Spring?
Both Tamarindo and Acapulco de Juarez during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Acapulco de Juarez because of the beaches. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tamarindo year-round.
In April, Acapulco de Juarez is generally around the same temperature as Tamarindo. Daily temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez average around 27°C (81°F), and Tamarindo fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
In Tamarindo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Acapulco de Juarez. In the spring, Acapulco de Juarez often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tamarindo. Acapulco de Juarez gets 274 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tamarindo receives 255 hours of full sun.
Acapulco de Juarez usually gets less rain in April than Tamarindo. Acapulco de Juarez gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilAcapulco de Juarez 27°C (81°F)Tamarindo 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Tamarindo and Acapulco de Juarez
| Acapulco de Juarez | Tamarindo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.