Which place is cheaper, Jaco or Amman?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Amman or Jaco?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Amman and Jaco. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Amman or Jaco?
Amman
Amman is the largest city in of the Hashemite Kingdom of the country of Jordan. It is also the capital city of Jordan and has a population of over four million people. Many people use Amman as a base for venturing out into the rest of Jordan and other surrounding countries. There are many things to see and do in Amman.
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 Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.
-
Amman Prices
Jordan PricesJaco Prices
Costa Rica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAmman $135Jaco $133
The average daily cost (per person) in Amman is $135, while the average daily cost in Jaco is $133. 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 Amman and Jaco in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAmman $49Jaco $75
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAmman $98Jaco $150
Compare Hotels in Amman and Jaco
Looking for a hotel in Amman 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: Amman Hotel Prices and Jaco Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Amman $24Jaco -
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amman
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amman:
-
Bus Ride (for Two)$0.71
-
RIde to Airport$28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amman
Also for Amman, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer to Petra from Amman /Amman Airport: $250
- Reliable Door-to-Door Private Transfer Amman ⇆ Dead Sea ⇆ Airport: $40
- Queen Alia International Airport Transfers To Amman, Petra.: $235
- Queen Alia Airport Transfers From / To Amman, Petra, Dead Sea.: $45
- Private Transfers from Amman City Inside Jordan and Vice Versa: $77
- Private Transfer: From Amman City to Airport: $40
- Private Transfer: Amman Airport to Wadi Rum: $133
- Private Transfer from Madaba Hotel to Amman Airport: $47
- Private Transfer from Amman to the Dead Sea: $53
- Private Transfer from Amman Airport to Dead sea: $95
- Private Transfer from Amman Airport to Aqaba: $110
- Private Transfer from Amman Airport QAIA to Your Hotel in Amman: $65
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaco
Also for Jaco, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private transfer from Jaco Beach to Hotels in San Jose or the Airport: $219
- Private Transfer between SJO Airport, Jaco Beach and Los Sueños: $145
- Private Transfer SJO Airport to Jaco & Los Sueños – Safe Reliable: $80
- One-Way Private Transfer from Quepos - Manuel Antonio to Uvita: $249
- One-Way Private Transfer from Jaco to Juan Santa Maria Airport: $175
- Jaco/Monteverde to Liberia Airport (LIR) - Departure Transfer: $198
- Jaco to Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) - Departure Private Transfer: $140
Is it cheaper to fly into Amman or Jaco?
Prices for flights to both Jaco and Amman 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 dayAmman $58Jaco $41
Typical Food Prices in Amman
For Amman, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Pastries$4.23
-
Tea$5.64
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amman
For Amman, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Amman by Night Tour with Local Dinner: $35
- private cooking with local chef: $40
- Guided Food Tour in Downtown: $70
- Private Jordan Heritage Restaurant Lunch or Dinner Experience: $80
- Private Lunch or Dinner at a Local Traditional Restaurant in Amman: $80
- Women-Led Food Tour Through Amman’s Culinary Scene: $80
- The Best Culture&Food Tour With Majd The Local Guide: $81
- Amman Food Tours: 3-Hours Guided Walking Food Tour in Amman: $107
- Private Jordan Heritage Restaurant Lunch or Dinner with Arak Experience: $140
- Private Jordan Heritage Restaurant Lunch or Dinner with Wine Experience: $147
Typical Food Prices in Jaco
For Jaco, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Hermosa BeachLlunch$4.40
-
Tsunami Sushi Dinner$20
-
Taco Bar Dinner$10
-
Pizza & Smoothie Lunch$7.04
-
Ice Cream$6.60
-
Breakfast Taco Bar$3.73
-
Fruit Plate$3.30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jaco
For Jaco, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Night Walk Tour and Jungle Dinner in Jaco: $89
- Taste of Costa Rica: Traditional Food Tour in Jaco: $99
- TICO Private Walking Food Tour: $107
- Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, Hot Springs Combo Tour with Lunch & Dinner: $199
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Amman $32Jaco $67
Tours and Activities in Amman
For Amman, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1-Night Private Overnight Dead Sea Independent Tour from Amman: $145
- 1-Night Private Overnight Madaba Independent Tour from Amman: $170
- 1-Night Private Overnight Wadi Mujib Independent Tour from Amman: $271
- 2 Day Group Tour from Amman to Petra Wadi Rum Aqaba Dead Sea: $250
- 2 Day Petra Wadi Rum Aqaba and Dead Sea Private Guided Tour: $195
- 2 Day Petra Wadi Rum Baptism and Dead Sea Private Guided Tour: $195
- 2 Day Petra Wadi Rum Madaba Mount Nebo and Dead Sea Privet Tour: $195
- 2 Day Petra Wadi Rum Madaba and Dead Sea Private Guided Tour: $195
- 2 Day Petra Wadi Rum Mount Nebo and Dead Sea Private Tour: $195
- 2 Day Petra Wadi Rum Shobak Castle and Kerak Castle Private Tour: $195
- 2 Day Petra Wadi Rum and Amman City Tour Private Guided Tour: $195
- 2 Day Petra Wadi Rum and Aqaba Private Guided Tour: $195
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jaco
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Jaco's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
Dance Class$11
-
Surf Lesson$55
-
Bike Rental$11
-
Tortuga Island Tour$109
-
Massage$49
Tours and Activities in Jaco
For Jaco, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2 HRS Buggy Tour + Waterfalls in Jaco Beach and Los Suenos: $212
- 2 Hour ATV Jungle Adventure Jaco: $85
- 2 Hours Honda TALON 1000X4 Jungle Tour in Jacó: $299
- 3-Hour ATV Jungle Waterfall Adventure: $105
- 4 hour ATV Adventure + Beach and Waterfalls near Los Suenos: $125
- 4x4 Happy Jungle Booze Cruise: $129
- 5 Hour Off-Road ATV+ Zipline+ Waterfall Rappelling+ Tractor Jungle Tour: $160
- 5 in 1 Rainforest Adventures in Jacó, Costa Rica – Full Day Pass: $116
- 8 Hour Experience in Corcovado National Park: $200
- ATV River, Beach, Jungle Adventure and Crocodiles Hotspot from San Jose: $78
- ATV Tour in Jaco: $90
- ATV adventure 2hrs and Waterfall in Jacó: $89
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayAmman $14Jaco $36
Typical Alcohol Prices in Jaco
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Jaco:
-
Wine$16
-
Night at the Bar$30
Sample the Local Flavors in Jaco
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Jaco:
- Bar Crawl in Downtown Jaco: $50
When comparing the travel costs between Amman and Jaco, we can see that Amman is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Amman is in Middle East and Jaco is in Central America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Amman Expensive? and Is Jaco Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Amman or Jaco?
Amman has a larger population, and is about 310 times larger than the population of Jaco. When comparing the sizes of Amman 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 Amman or Jaco?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Amman or Jaco in the Summer?
Both Jaco and Amman are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Amman throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Jaco because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Jaco. In July, Amman usually receives less rain than Jaco. Amman gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Amman. Amman usually receives more sunshine than Jaco during summer. Amman gets 364 hours of sunny skies, while Jaco receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.
In the summer, Amman is cooler than Jaco. Typically, the summer temperatures in Amman in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Jaco averages at about 28°C (82°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyAmman 25°C (77°F)Jaco 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Amman or Jaco in the Autumn?
Both Jaco and Amman during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Amman because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jaco year-round.
November to May is the dry season in Jaco. Also, June to October in Jaco is the hurricane season. Jaco gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Amman usually gets less rain in October than Jaco. Amman gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Amman. In the autumn, Amman often gets more sunshine than Jaco. Amman gets 274 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jaco receives 169 hours of full sun.
In October, Amman is generally cooler than Jaco. Daily temperatures in Amman average around 20°C (68°F), and Jaco fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAmman 20°C (68°F)Jaco 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Amman or Jaco in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Amman and Jaco. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Amman year-round. Jaco attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Amman gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Amman usually receives more rain than Jaco. Amman gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jaco this time of the year. Amman usually receives less sunshine than Jaco during winter. Amman gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Jaco receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.
Amman is much colder than Jaco in the winter. The daily temperature in Amman averages around 8°C (46°F) in January, and Jaco fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAmman 8°C (46°F)Jaco 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Amman or Jaco in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Amman as well as Jaco. Amman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jaco throughout the year.
Also, November to May in Jaco is the dry season. Also, the hurricane season in Jaco is June to October. Amman usually gets less rain in April than Jaco. Amman gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jaco. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Amman this time of the year. In the spring, Amman often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Jaco. Amman gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jaco receives 255 hours of full sun.
In the spring, Amman is much colder than Jaco. Typically, the spring temperatures in Amman in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Jaco averages at about 29°C (85°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilAmman 16°C (61°F)Jaco 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Jaco and Amman
| Amman | Jaco | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 8°C (46°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 9°C (48°F) | 98 mm (3.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (68°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (57°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 10°C (50°F) | 138 mm (5.4 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.