Which place is cheaper, Tamarindo or Belize City?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Belize City or Tamarindo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Belize City or Tamarindo? 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 Tamarindo?
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.
Tamarindo
Tamarindo is a small beach town in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica on the Pacific Coast. This town is usually sought out by surfers, fishers, couples, and families. There are delicious restaurants, beautiful beaches, and friendly Tico's and Tica's (local Costa Rican nicknames) everywhere.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Belize, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Belize, The Best Luxury Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBelize City $88Tamarindo $121
The average daily cost (per person) in Belize City is $88, while the average daily cost in Tamarindo is $121. 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 Tamarindo in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBelize City $49Tamarindo $50
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBelize City $98Tamarindo $100
Compare Hotels in Belize City and Tamarindo
Looking for a hotel in Belize City or Tamarindo? 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 Tamarindo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Belize City $5.82Tamarindo $69
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Belize City
Also for Belize City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Philip Goldson Airport BZE to Belize Arrival Private Transfer: $23
- Belize City to Philip Goldson Airport BZE Departure Transfer: $23
- Belize city water taxi terminal to Airport transfer: $30
- We do transfers from airport to any where in Belize.: $49
- Transfer Belize city to bacalar: $50
- Private Transfer from Belize City Port to Belize Airport (BZE): $60
- Belize: Belize City to/from San Ignacio Shuttle Transfer: $68
- Belize City to/from Placencia/Hopkins Shuttle Transfer: $113
- Private Transfer from Belize City and Airport to Placencia: $160
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tamarindo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tamarindo:
- Transfer from Westin Conchal Hotel to Liberia Airport (LIR): $140
- Transfer from JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa to Liberia Airport (LIR): $148
- Transfer from Four Seasons Resort to Liberia Airport (LIR): $120
- Transfer To/From Liberia Airport To/ From JW Marriott Guanacaste: $195
- Transfer Service From Liberia Airport To Reserva Conchal: $143
- Transfer Service From Liberia Airport To Planet Hollywood Costa Rica: $92
- Transfer Service From Liberia Airport To Golfo de Papagayo: $115
- Transfer Service From Liberia Airport To Four Seasons Papagayo: $98
- Transfer From Liberia Airport To Hacienda Pinilla Guanacaste: $175
- Transfer From Liberia Airport To Casa Chameleon At Las Catalinas: $165
- Transfer to Liberia or LIR Airport: $120
- Transfer to La Fortuna de Arenal: $307
Is it cheaper to fly into Belize City or Tamarindo?
Prices for flights to both Tamarindo 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
-
Food Meals for one dayBelize City $27Tamarindo $32
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tamarindo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Tamarindo.
- Traditional Cooking Class In Tamarindo: $95
- Traditional Cooking Class In Tamarindo: $95
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Belize City $29Tamarindo $17
Tours and Activities in Belize City
For Belize City, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Belize City Tour: $40
- Belizean Bits & Bites Food Tastings and City Tour in Belize: $50
- Hassle free Cave Tubing Adventure from Belize City with Lunch: $55
- Charlie's Cave Tubing Tour for cruisers (lunch included): $65
- Second largest Barrier Reef Adventure Snorkeling: $70
- Guided Cave Kayaking Tour with Pickup: $77
- Altun Ha Mayan Ruins and River Wallace and Manatee Watch Tour: $85
- Cave Tubing Experience from Belize City: $85
- Altun Ha Mayan Site tour from Belize City: $85
- Half-Day Altun Ha Temple & Belize City Tour: $86
- "Taste Bud EXPLOSION" Food Tasting City Tour : $89
- Turtle Garden Snorkeling Tour and Island Break : $90
Tours and Activities in Tamarindo
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tamarindo are as follows:
- ATV adventure from Riu, Secrets and papagayo: $90
- Ecologic farming Sloth tour Hiking & Chocolate -Coffee tour: $233
- Premium Tour: Rincón de la Vieja Volcano Adventure Combo Tour: $220
- Premium Tour: Rincón de la Vieja Volcano and Waterfall Hiking: $170
- Premium Tour:Sloths and Río Celeste y Cortez Waterfalls (Tenorio Volcano Park): $220
- Private ATV or Buggy Tour from Riu Hotels: $85
- Wildlife Tour at Palo Verde National Park: $199
- 1,5 Hours Private Horseback Riding Tour in Playa Conchal: $80
- 2-Hour Guided Tour by ATV near Playa Conchal: $130
- 3-in-1 Rincon de la Vieja National Park Nature Day Tour: $300
- 5-Hour Guided Sunset Boat Tour in Tamarindo Costa Rica: $95
- 5-in-1 Rincon de la Vieja National Park Buena Vista Eco Adventure Day Tour: $300
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayBelize City $12Tamarindo $14
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Belize City and Tamarindo, we can see that Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Belize City or Tamarindo?
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 Belize City or Tamarindo in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Belize City as well as Tamarindo. Belize City attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tamarindo throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Tamarindo. Belize City receives a lot of rain in the summer. Belize City usually gets more rain in July than Tamarindo. Belize City gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Belize City this time of the year. In the summer, Belize City often gets more sunshine than Tamarindo. Belize City gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tamarindo receives 164 hours of full sun.
In July, Belize City is generally around the same temperature as Tamarindo. Daily temperatures in Belize City average around 28°C (82°F), and Tamarindo fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyBelize City 28°C (82°F)Tamarindo 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Belize City or Tamarindo in the Autumn?
Both Tamarindo and Belize City are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Belize City throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Tamarindo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Tamarindo. It's quite rainy in Belize City. In October, Belize City usually receives around the same amount of rain as Tamarindo. Belize City gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Belize City usually receives more sunshine than Tamarindo during autumn. Belize City gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Tamarindo receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Belize City is around the same temperature as Tamarindo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Belize City averages around 26°C (80°F) in October, and Tamarindo fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBelize City 26°C (80°F)Tamarindo 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Belize City or Tamarindo in the Winter?
Both Tamarindo and Belize City during the winter 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 Tamarindo year-round.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Belize City. Belize City usually gets more rain in January than Tamarindo. Belize City gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Tamarindo, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Belize City often gets less sunshine than Tamarindo. Belize City gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tamarindo receives 264 hours of full sun.
In the winter, Belize City is cooler than Tamarindo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Belize City in January average around 24°C (74°F), and Tamarindo averages at about 27°C (81°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBelize City 24°C (74°F)Tamarindo 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Belize City or Tamarindo in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Belize City and Tamarindo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Belize City year-round. Tamarindo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Belize City usually receives more rain than Tamarindo. Belize City gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tamarindo this time of the year. In Belize City, it's very sunny this time of the year. Belize City usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Tamarindo during spring. Belize City gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Tamarindo receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Belize City is generally around the same temperature as Tamarindo. Daily temperatures in Belize City average around 27°C (80°F), and Tamarindo fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilBelize City 27°C (80°F)Tamarindo 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Tamarindo and Belize City
| Belize City | Tamarindo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.