A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Auckland vs. Quepos for Couples, Backpackers, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Auckland or Quepos?

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 Auckland and Quepos can help you decide which place is right for you.

Auckland

Auckland is a adrenaline-filled, thrill-seeking, and cosmopolitan city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Auckland travel costs.

Quepos

Quepos is a laid-back, relaxed, and local town. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping. See Quepos travel costs.

Auckland and Quepos: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Auckland or Quepos?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Auckland. Although Auckland and Quepos are both popular with visitors, Auckland has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Auckland is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Quepos is known for its resorts. Auckland is more touristy than Quepos and is known for its waterfront setting, diverse beaches, and active and adrenaline-filled environment. It is also home to the Sky Tower. Quepos is popular for its big game sport fishing.

How is Auckland different from Quepos?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Quepos and Auckland. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Auckland or Quepos?

Auckland is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Quepos is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Auckland specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The waterfront is filled with sights for tourists, and many of the city's attractions are geared towards thrill seekers. The Sky Tower is a popular landmark with its Sky Walk and Sky Jump. There are also many thrilling experiences that you can have along the Harbour Bridge. For museums, head to the New Zealand Maritime Museum, the Auckland Art Gallery, or the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

Quepos offers a few options for museum-goers. You won't find much as far as museums go around town.

Is the Food Better in Auckland or Quepos? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Auckland is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Quepos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Auckland has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city has a diverse selection of restaurants, but you'll also find many places that highlight local ingredients such as seafood and lamb. You'll often find the standard dishes such as fish and chips, oysters, and green-lipped mussels on the menus.

Quepos offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a mix of cafes, fine dining, and seafood restaurants in the area. You can get traditional Costa Rican dishes as well as a more international flavor depending on your preference.

Is Auckland or Quepos Better for Nightlife?

Auckland is a very popular place for its evening party scene. Also, Quepos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Auckland has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and there are many bars and clubs that you can explore in the evening. Some of the best nightlife options are found in the vibrant Britomart precinct and around the trendy Ponsonby Road. Other popular areas include Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter.

Quepos has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find a few bars and clubs around town, but it is a small town and the selection can be limited.

Is Auckland or Quepos Better for Resorts?

Quepos is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Auckland is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Quepos offers a few options. It's a fishing town with a local vibe, so you'll likely want to stay outside of town if you're looking for an upscale resort.

Auckland is not a resort destination.

Is Auckland or Quepos Better for Beaches?

Auckland is a very popular place for the beach. Also, Quepos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Auckland is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. You don't have to head too far from the city to find some impressive beaches that are diverse and beautiful. There are beaches that are secluded and private as well as more lively beaches with all of the amenities and activities that you might want.

Quepos has a beach worth visiting. If you want to be close to the beach, you'll do better to stay at nearby Manuel Antonio. Quepos does have a waterfront and access to deep sea fishing.

Is Auckland or Quepos Better for Hiking?

Auckland is very good for its hiking trails. However, Quepos is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Auckland. Locals love to get outdoors, and you'll find many local hikes in the area. There are easy paths that are family-friendly and perfect for a stroll, as well as longer stretches that present more of a challenge.

Quepos is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Auckland or Quepos?

Auckland is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Quepos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Auckland. The city centre is cosmopolitan and full of diverse shopping venues that sell international brands as well as local designers. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Britomart, High Street, and Queen Street.

Quepos is a great destination for shopping. You'll find boutique shops around town that sell everything from clothing to art.

Is Auckland or Quepos Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Auckland or Quepos.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Auckland is very family-friendly. There's a big focus on getting kids outside in the city, so you'll find many outdoor parks and play spaces. Popular activities for families include visiting the Huia Lodge Discovery Centre, going to the Museum of Transport and Technology, and wandering through the botanical garden.

Quepos is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Most of the beaches are kid-friendly and the children will love the wildlife. You'll also find zipline tours in the area as well as canopy walks.

Is Auckland or Quepos Better for Couples?

Quepos is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Quepos has plenty to offer. The beaches and resorts make this a favorite honeymoon destination for couples. There are many great restaurants and plenty of activities like horseback riding or surfing nearby.

Couples visit Auckland frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many romantic restaurants in the city, as well as spas, cocktail bars, and evening venues. Couples will also enjoy one of the many thrill-seeking activities that New Zealand is famous for.

Is Auckland or Quepos Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Quepos is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Quepos is extremely popular for backpackers. It's one of the more popular destinations in Costa Rica, so you'll find plenty of hostels and other backpackers to hang out with.

Auckland is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Auckland is high on many backpackers' wish list, and usually they pass through the city at some point during their trip. You'll find a number of hostels in the city that are perfect for socializing and saving money.

Is Auckland or Quepos Better for Students?

Auckland is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Quepos is not popular with students.

Auckland is very popular with students. Some of the country's best universities are found in the city, many of which are popular with international students.

Quepos is not popular with students.

Is Auckland or Quepos Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find good public transit in both Auckland and Quepos.

Auckland has some public transit options. There's a mishmash of different public transit options, and trips often include a variety of modes of transport. In the city you'll find ferries, trains, and buses to help you get around.

You'll find some public transit in Quepos, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are a number of buses that pass through town. There are also buses that travel between Quepos and Manuel Antonio.

Is Auckland or Quepos a more walkable city?

Quepos is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Auckland is lacking in options for its ease of walking around.

Quepos is a somewhat walkable place. It is a relatively walkable town.

Auckland is generally not very walkable. It is a very car-centric city and it can be challenging to explore on foot alone.

For even more information, also check out Is Auckland Worth Visiting? and Is Quepos Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Quepos or Auckland?

How long in Auckland or Quepos?

It's fun to spend time in either Auckland or Quepos. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Quepos due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Auckland, and 2-4 days is enough time in Quepos.

Families should spend more time in Auckland than Quepos. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Auckland, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Auckland than Quepos if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Auckland.

One day in Auckland or Quepos?

Auckland is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The town of Quepos offers nightlife and food. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Auckland or Quepos?

Auckland is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Quepos is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Quepos, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Auckland or Quepos?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Auckland. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Quepos is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Auckland or Quepos?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the adrenaline-filled big city of Auckland. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Quepos is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Costa Rica.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Auckland and Quepos, we can see that Auckland is more expensive. And not only is Quepos much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Auckland is in Pacific and Quepos 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 Quepos would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Quepos 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 Auckland would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Auckland than you might in Quepos.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Auckland Expensive? and Is Quepos Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Auckland or Quepos?

Auckland has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Quepos. When comparing the sizes of Auckland and Quepos, 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 Auckland or Quepos?

Auckland has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Quepos experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Auckland or Quepos in the Summer?

Both Quepos and Auckland are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Auckland because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Quepos because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the summer, Auckland is cooler than Quepos. Typically, the summer temperatures in Auckland in January average around 20°C (68°F), and Quepos averages at about 28°C (82°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Auckland. Auckland usually receives more sunshine than Quepos during summer. Auckland gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Quepos receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Quepos. In January, Auckland usually receives less rain than Queposin July. Auckland gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Auckland or Quepos in the Autumn?

Both Quepos and Auckland during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Auckland this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Quepos year-round.

In April, Auckland is generally much colder than Queposin October. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 16°C (61°F), and Quepos fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In the autumn, Auckland often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Queposin October. Auckland gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Quepos receives 169 hours of full sun.

Quepos gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Auckland usually gets less rain in April than Queposin October. Auckland gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year. December to April is the dry season in Quepos. Also, May to November in Quepos is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Auckland or Quepos in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Auckland and Quepos. Many travelers come to Auckland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Quepos attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Auckland is much colder than Quepos in the winter. The daily temperature in Auckland averages around 11°C (52°F) in July, and Quepos fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Quepos this time of the year. Auckland usually receives less sunshine than Quepos during winter. Auckland gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Quepos receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.

Auckland gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Auckland usually receives more rain than Queposin January. Auckland gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Auckland or Quepos in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Auckland as well as Quepos. Many visitors come to Auckland in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. The warm climate attracts visitors to Quepos throughout the year.

In the spring, Auckland is much colder than Quepos. Typically, the spring temperatures in Auckland in October average around 14°C (58°F), and Quepos averages at about 29°C (85°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Quepos. In the spring, Auckland often gets less sunshine than Queposin April. Auckland gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Quepos receives 255 hours of full sun.

Auckland usually gets more rain in October than Queposin April. Auckland gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to April in Quepos is the dry season. Also, the hurricane season in Quepos is May to November.

Typical Weather for Quepos and Auckland