Which place is cheaper, Jaco or Antigua Guatemala?
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 Antigua Guatemala or Jaco?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Antigua Guatemala or Jaco, 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: Antigua Guatemala or Jaco?
Antigua Guatemala
Before a disastrous earthquake in 1773, Antigua was the colonial capital of Guatemala. For 200 years it had reigned as so and today shows remnants of its glorious past with Spanish colonial buildings and other architectural landmarks still standing. Due to this large amount of preserved architecture, Antigua was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is now the most touristed city of Guatemala.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Guatemala City, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Guatemala, The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.
-
Antigua Guatemala Prices
Guatemala PricesJaco Prices
Costa Rica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAntigua Guatemala $74Jaco $131
The average daily cost (per person) in Antigua Guatemala is $74, while the average daily cost in Jaco is $131. 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 Antigua Guatemala and Jaco in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAntigua Guatemala $22Jaco $74
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAntigua Guatemala $44Jaco $148
Compare Hotels in Antigua Guatemala and Jaco
Looking for a hotel in Antigua Guatemala 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: Antigua Guatemala Hotel Prices and Jaco Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Antigua Guatemala $13Jaco -
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Antigua Guatemala
Also for Antigua Guatemala, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- transfer service Guatemala City, Lake Atitlan destination: $35
- Shared transfer from Guatemala city Airport to Panajachel: $44
- Shared Transfer From Antigua to Panajachel (Atitlan): $30
- Private transfer from Antigua to La Aurora Airport: $90
- Private Transfers in Guatemala: $39
- Private Transfer:Antigua GuatemalaLake Atitlán(Any Town)OneWay: $74
- Private Transfer from the Airport to Antigua: $90
- Private Transfer from Antigua to the Airport: $70
- Private Transfer from Antigua to Semuc Champey Lanquin: $145
- Private Transfer from Antigua Guatemala to Santa Catarina Palopó: $88
- Private Transfer from Antigua Guatemala to Airport: $27
- Private Transfer One Way Antigua Guatemala to El Paredon Beach: $75
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaco
Also for Jaco, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- One-Way Private Transfer from Quepos - Manuel Antonio to Uvita: $249
- Private transfer from Jaco Beach to Hotels in San Jose or the Airport: $219
- Private Transfer - San Jose Airport & Los Sueños Resort/Marriot: $204
- Jaco/Monteverde to Liberia Airport (LIR) - Departure Transfer: $198
- One-Way Private Transfer from Jaco to Juan Santa Maria Airport: $175
- Jaco to Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) - Departure Private Transfer: $140
- Private Transfer SJO Airport to Jaco & Los Sueños – Safe Reliable: $72
- Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Jaco Beach Puntarenas: $72
- Private Transfer between SJO Airport, Jaco Beach and Los Sueños: $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Antigua Guatemala or Jaco?
Prices for flights to both Jaco and Antigua Guatemala 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 dayAntigua Guatemala $25Jaco $40
Typical Food Prices in Antigua Guatemala
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Antigua Guatemala:
-
Lunch$3.28
-
Lunch$7.87
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Antigua Guatemala
For Antigua Guatemala, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Antigua Guatemalan Authentic Cooking Class Chef David Farfan: $38
- Cooking and pastry class in Casa San Miguel: $38
- Antigua: Traditional Guatemalan Cooking Classes — Casa San Miguel.: $38
- Antigua: Traditional cooking lesson with a Guatemalan family: $48
- Antigua: Guatemalan Cooking Class with a Local Family: $60
- Antigua Street Food Tour: $65
- Private Street Food Tour in Antigua Guatemala: $65
- Cooking Class With Local Family: $70
- Private Cooking Class of Typical Guatemalan Dishes: $70
- Antigua: Cooking Class With Wine, Transfer & Vegan Option: $72
- Antigua: Cooking Class with Local Family: $75
- Cooking Classes and Jade Workshops: $75
Typical Food Prices in Jaco
For Jaco, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Hermosa BeachLlunch$4.34
-
Tsunami Sushi Dinner$19
-
Taco Bar Dinner$9.92
-
Pizza & Smoothie Lunch$6.95
-
Ice Cream$6.51
-
Breakfast Taco Bar$3.68
-
Fruit Plate$3.26
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: $195
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Antigua Guatemala $15Jaco $66
Tours and Activities in Antigua Guatemala
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Antigua Guatemala.
- ¡Pacaya Volcano Tour from Antigua!: $100
- 2 - Days : Tour to Acatenango Volcano from Antigua: $150
- 2-Day Kayak and Hike Adventure Package from Antigua: $219
- 2-Day, 1-Night Tour of Volcano Acatenango from Antigua: $92
- 2in1 Tour: Avocado Farm + Private Tour in Antigua Guatemala: $220
- 3-Hour Chateau Defay Vineyard Tour in Central America: $170
- 4 Hour Colonial Experience in Antigua Guatemala: $35
- 4-Hour Colonial Experience in Antigua Guatemala: $25
- 4WD Acatenango Volcano Tour & Fuego / All Inclusive !: $400
- 4WD experience to Acatenango Volcano/Fuego Volcano from Antigua: $333
- 4x4 Acatenango Volcano and Fuego Vistas 2 Day Shared Tour: $260
- 4x4 tour from Antigua with a night camp in front of the Fuego volcano: $1,300
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$54
-
Bike Rental$11
-
Tortuga Island Tour$108
-
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 hour Double ATV Tour + Waterfalls in Jaco Beach: $99
- 3-Hour ATV Jungle Waterfall Adventure: $105
- 3-Hour Private Guided Experience of 7 Course Contemporary Indian Tasting Menu: $225
- 4 Hours ATV and Waterfall Tour at Quebrada Ganado: $150
- 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
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayAntigua Guatemala $12Jaco $35
Sample the Local Flavors in Antigua Guatemala
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Antigua Guatemala:
- Antigua Bar Crawl: $26
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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Antigua Guatemala and Jaco, we can see that Jaco is more expensive. And not only is Antigua Guatemala much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Antigua Guatemala would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Antigua Guatemala 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 Antigua Guatemala.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Antigua Guatemala Expensive? and Is Jaco Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Antigua Guatemala or Jaco?
Antigua Guatemala has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Jaco. When comparing the sizes of Antigua Guatemala 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.
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.