Which place is cheaper, Jaco or Belize City?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Belize City or Jaco?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Belize City or Jaco? 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: Belize City or Jaco?
Belize City
Belize City is the largest city in Belize. It was once the capital of the country, but due to massive hurricane damage in 1961, the country decided to relocate it capital. With a population of 57,000 people, Belize City is located right at the mouth of the Haulover Creek.
This gorgeous tropical city experiences a monsoon climate – meaning there are warm and humid conditions throughout the course of the year. There is a wet season from May to January, so plan for a little bit of rain in that time.
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 G Adventures Tours to Belize, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Belize, The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBelize City $88Jaco $104
The average daily cost (per person) in Belize City is $88, while the average daily cost in Jaco is $104. 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 Belize City and Jaco in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBelize City $49Jaco $67
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBelize City $98Jaco $134
Compare Hotels in Belize City and Jaco
Looking for a hotel in Belize City 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: Belize City Hotel Prices and Jaco Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Belize City $5.82Jaco -
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Belize City
Also for Belize City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- We do transfers from airport to any where in Belize.: $49
- Transfer Belize city to bacalar: $50
- Private Transfer from Belize City and Airport to Placencia: $160
- Private Transfer from Belize City Port to Belize Airport (BZE): $60
- Philip Goldson Airport BZE to Belize Arrival Private Transfer: $23
- Belize: Belize City to/from San Ignacio Shuttle Transfer: $68
- Belize city water taxi terminal to Airport transfer: $30
- Belize City to/from Placencia/Hopkins Shuttle Transfer: $113
- Belize City to Philip Goldson Airport BZE Departure Transfer: $23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaco
Also for Jaco, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer to Jaco beach from San José or the airport one way: $245
- Transfer Private From Jaco to San José or Airport up to 5 passengers (one way) : $245
- Transfer FROM Jaco Beach TO SJO Airport OR RETURN (One Way): $70
- Shuttle & transfer rides to SJO Airport Costa Rica: $55
- Private transfer from Jaco Beach to Hotels in San Jose or the Airport: $219
- Private Transfer - San Jose Airport & Los Sueños Resort/Marriot : $200
- Jaco or Playa Hermosa: Transfer to San Jose or Alajuela: $173
- From Tortuga Island Boat Tour with Lunch and Transfer: $135
- Arrival Transfer Barcelo Tambor to Juan Santamaria Airport SJO : $82
Is it cheaper to fly into Belize City or Jaco?
Prices for flights to both Jaco and Belize City 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 dayBelize City $27Jaco $21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Belize City
For Belize City, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Altun Ha Mayan Site & Food Tour: $80
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$9.01
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Pizza & Smoothie Lunch$6.31
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Ice Cream$5.92
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Breakfast Taco Bar$3.34
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Fruit Plate$2.96
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
- Taste of Costa Rica: Traditional Food Tour in Jacó: $87
- Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, Hot Springs Combo Tour with Lunch & Dinner: $195
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Belize City $29Jaco $60
Tours and Activities in Belize City
For Belize City, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- "Taste Bud EXPLOSION" Food Tasting City Tour : $89
- Cave Tubing and Zipline Adventure from Belize City: $167
- Actun Tunichil Muknal tour from Belize City: $200
- Altun Ha Cave Tubing and Zip line Tours from Belize City: $208
- Altun Ha Mayan Ruins & Zipline Tour from Belize City All Inclusive: $170
- Altun Ha Mayan Ruins and Belize City tour: $100
- Altun Ha Mayan Ruins and River Wallace and Manatee Watch Tour: $85
- Altun Ha Mayan Site tour from Belize City: $85
- Altun Ha, Monkey Sanctuary and Rum Factory Tour from Belize City: $170
- Belize City Tour: $40
- Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Full Day Tour: $190
- Cave Tubing & Zipline Adventure Tour: $110
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$9.82
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Surf Lesson$49
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Bike Rental$9.82
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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:
- Jungle & River ATV Adventure, 2 hours / Jacó: $95
- Ocean views Zip Line Canopy Tour in Jaco Beach and Los Suenos : $71
- 2 Hour ATV Jungle Adventure Jaco: $75
- 2 Hour Private Ranch Experience in Quebrada Amarilla: $120
- 2 Hours Private Guided Hiking Experience to El Miro in Jaco: $50
- 2 hour Double ATV Tour + Waterfalls in Jaco Beach : $99
- 3-Hour ATV Jungle Waterfall Adventure: $95
- 4×4 Waterfalls and Jungle Experience: $80
- 4x4 Happy Jungle Booze Cruise: $115
- 5 Hour Off-Road ATV+ Zipline+ Waterfall Rappelling+ Tractor Jungle Tour: $160
- ATV Tour in Jaco Beach, enjoy Jungle, River, and Beach - No large groups: $68
- ATV adventure 2hrs and Waterfall in Jacó: $89
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBelize City $12Jaco $32
Sample the Local Flavors in Belize City
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Belize City:
- Belize: City Highlights Tour with Rum Distillery Visit: $49
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 Belize City and Jaco, we can see that Jaco is more expensive. And not only is Belize City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Belize City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Belize City 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 Belize City.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Belize City Expensive? and Is Jaco Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Belize City or Jaco?
Belize City has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Jaco. When comparing the sizes of Belize City 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 Belize City 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 Belize City or Jaco in the Summer?
Both Jaco and Belize City are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Belize City 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. It's quite rainy in Belize City. In July, Belize City usually receives more rain than Jaco. Belize City gets 243 mm (9.6 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 Belize City. Belize City usually receives more sunshine than Jaco during summer. Belize City gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Jaco receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.
Belize City is around the same temperature as Jaco in the summer. The daily temperature in Belize City averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Jaco fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBelize City 28°C (82°F)Jaco 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Belize City or Jaco in the Autumn?
Both Jaco and Belize City during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Belize City because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jaco year-round.
Jaco gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Belize City. Belize City usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Jaco. Belize City gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Belize City often gets more sunshine than Jaco. Belize City gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jaco receives 169 hours of full sun.
In the autumn, Belize City is around the same temperature as Jaco. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Belize City in October average around 26°C (80°F), and Jaco averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBelize City 26°C (80°F)Jaco 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Belize City or Jaco in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Belize City and Jaco. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Belize City year-round. Jaco attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Belize City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Belize City usually receives more rain than Jaco. Belize City gets 138 mm (5.4 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. Belize City usually receives less sunshine than Jaco during winter. Belize City gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Jaco receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Belize City is generally cooler than Jaco. Daily temperatures in Belize City average around 24°C (74°F), and Jaco fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBelize City 24°C (74°F)Jaco 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Belize City or Jaco in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Belize City as well as Jaco. Belize City attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jaco throughout the year.
Belize City usually gets more rain in April than Jaco. Belize City gets 52 mm (2 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 Belize City this time of the year. In the spring, Belize City often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Jaco. Belize City gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jaco receives 255 hours of full sun.
Belize City is around the same temperature as Jaco in the spring. The daily temperature in Belize City averages around 27°C (80°F) in April, and Jaco fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBelize City 27°C (80°F)Jaco 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Jaco and Belize City
| Belize City | Jaco | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (74°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (76°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (78°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 243 mm (9.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (80°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (76°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.