Which place is cheaper, Jaco or Alexandria?
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 Alexandria or Jaco?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Alexandria and Jaco can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Alexandria or Jaco?
Alexandria
There are few cities in the world with a history as rich, deep, tragic and fascinating than Alexandria, Egypt. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, Egypt's second largest city has seen the most extreme ups and extreme downs. The city watched the beautiful and iconic Alexandria Lighthouse crumble to the ground after several natural disasters. The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground. These structures may be physically gone, but the history remains. Alexandria is a city with an ancient allure that draws in visitors from all over the world. Alexandria is a survivor city ready for a comeback.
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 Luxury Tours to Egypt, The Best Budget Tours to Egypt, The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.
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Alexandria Prices
Egypt PricesJaco Prices
Costa Rica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAlexandria $29Jaco $119
The average daily cost (per person) in Alexandria is $29, while the average daily cost in Jaco is $119. 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 Alexandria and Jaco in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAlexandria $11Jaco $67
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAlexandria $22Jaco $134
Compare Hotels in Alexandria and Jaco
Looking for a hotel in Alexandria 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: Alexandria Hotel Prices and Jaco Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Alexandria $3.92Jaco -
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Alexandria
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Alexandria:
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Taxi to Train Station$0.08
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alexandria
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alexandria:
- transfer from Alexandria to Cairo airport, Cairo & Giza hotels: $45
- Private Transfer from or to Borg Al Arab Airport: $14
- Private Transfer from Alexandria to El Cairo: $102
- Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo or vice versa: $160
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Cairo Int Airport (CAI): $230
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Alexandria City Hotels: $43
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Cruise Port to Cairo City Hotels: $230
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Airport to Alexandria Hotels: $40
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Airport (HBE) to Alexandria Port: $43
- Private Transfer Alexandria Hotel to Borg El Arab Airport: $24
- Private Pickup Transfer From A Hotel In Alexandria To Borg Al Arab Airport: $50
- Private Day Trip To Egyptian Museum, Citadel & Old Cairo By Private Transfers: $8.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaco
Also for Jaco, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Jaco to Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) - Departure Private Transfer: $144
- Jaco/Monteverde to Liberia Airport (LIR) - Departure Transfer : $204
- One-Way Private Transfer from Jaco to Juan Santa Maria Airport: $175
- Private Direct SJO ↔ Jaco Beach/Los Sueños Transfer Service: $70
- Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Jaco Beach Puntarenas: $66
- Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Playa Jaco Puntarenas: $63
- Shuttle & transfer rides to SJO Airport Costa Rica: $55
- Transfer to Jaco beach from San José or the airport one way: $235
Is it cheaper to fly into Alexandria or Jaco?
Prices for flights to both Jaco and Alexandria 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 dayAlexandria $15Jaco $36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alexandria
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Alexandria.
- Private Full-Day Food Tour of Alexandria with Hotel Pick Up: $33
- Alexandria Food Tour Top Rated: $40
- Food Tour in Alexandria for Lunch or Dinner in The Best Restaurants: $45
- Private Food Tour To The Famous Restaurant In Alexandria : $45
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$9.00
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Pizza & Smoothie Lunch$6.30
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Ice Cream$5.91
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Breakfast Taco Bar$3.34
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Fruit Plate$2.95
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
- Traditional Costa Rican cooking class and meal with a modern twist: $139
- Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, Hot Springs Combo Tour with Lunch & Dinner: $195
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Alexandria $5.47Jaco $60
Tours and Activities in Alexandria
Here are a few actual costs in Alexandria for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Private Cairo Tour of Pyramids, GEM and Khan Al-Khalili: $290
- 10-Hour Historical Pyramids Tour from Alexandria Port: $130
- 2 Days-Alexandria & Pyramids Tour + Museum (Start Cairo Or Alex): $125
- 8Days Egypt Tour package UltraLuxury Cairo,Alexandria&cruise: $4,190
- ALL inclusive Tour to Giza Pyramids Sakkara from Alexandria Port: $175
- Alamein and Alexandria Private Day Tour with Lunch: $200
- Alexandria : Rosetta Day Tour from Alexandria: $130
- Alexandria : Tour to WadiElNatroun Monastery from Alexandria: $150
- Alexandria By Night By Horse Carriage ride And Free Walking Tour: $71
- Alexandria City Tour from Cairo Full Day: $121
- Alexandria Day Tour: $105
- Alexandria Day Tour Visit the Tob attractions of Alexandria City: $40
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$9.81
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Surf Lesson$49
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Bike Rental$9.81
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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:
- Crocodile Man Tour THE ORIGINAL: $35
- Cold Plunge Experience in Jaco: $35
- Jungle Crocodile Safari and Bird Watching tour/Tarcoles River CR: $40
- Chocolate Experience in Jaco Beach and Los Suenos : $45
- 10 WATERFALLS and NATURAL POOLS HIKING EXPERIENCE 4x4 TRUCK RIDE: $60
- Party Safari Tractor Tour with Visit the waterfall: $60
- Jaco Beach Horseback Riding Tour: $60
- Jaco Horseback Riding Adventure Tours: $61
- Horseback Riding in Tarcoles Garabito, a Life Experience.: $62
- Birdwatching tour in Carara National Park: $65
- Mountain View Zip-line Tour: $67
- Jacó beach horseback riding experience : $67
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAlexandria $1.48Jaco $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 Alexandria and Jaco, we can see that Jaco is more expensive. And not only is Alexandria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Alexandria is in Africa 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 Alexandria would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alexandria 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 Alexandria.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Alexandria Expensive? and Is Jaco Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Jaco?
Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 930 times larger than the population of Jaco. When comparing the sizes of Alexandria 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 Alexandria or Jaco?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Alexandria or Jaco in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Alexandria as well as Jaco. Alexandria attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jaco throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Jaco. Alexandria usually gets less rain in July than Jaco. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
Alexandria is around the same temperature as Jaco in the summer. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Jaco fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAlexandria 26°C (79°F)Jaco 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Alexandria or Jaco in the Autumn?
Both Jaco and Alexandria are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Alexandria throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Jaco because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Jaco is November to May. June to October in Jaco is the hurricane season. It rains a lot this time of the year in Jaco. In October, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Jaco. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In the autumn, Alexandria is cooler than Jaco. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Alexandria in October average around 22°C (72°F), and Jaco averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAlexandria 22°C (72°F)Jaco 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Alexandria or Jaco in the Winter?
Both Jaco and Alexandria during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Alexandria because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jaco year-round.
Alexandria usually gets more rain in January than Jaco. Alexandria gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In January, Alexandria is generally much colder than Jaco. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 13°C (55°F), and Jaco fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAlexandria 13°C (55°F)Jaco 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Alexandria or Jaco in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Alexandria and Jaco. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Alexandria year-round. Jaco attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
November to May in Jaco is the dry season. The hurricane season in Jaco is June to October. In April, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Jaco. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Alexandria is much colder than Jaco in the spring. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 19°C (66°F) in April, and Jaco fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAlexandria 19°C (66°F)Jaco 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Jaco and Alexandria
| Alexandria | Jaco | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 13°C (55°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 14°C (57°F) | 50 mm (2 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.