Which place is cheaper, Jaco or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Jaco?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Jaco can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Buenos Aires, Argentina or Jaco?
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires, federal capital of Argentina, also known as "The City of Tango", is best known for its energetic and unpredictable character. Like a restless child, Buenos Aires is a dynamic and modern city full of surprises. While its French-style palaces, rooftop restaurants, wide avenues and green plazas resemble European-style architecture, Buenos Aires preserves its musical, literary and culinary traditions. You can't miss dining in front of a Tango show, walking around the colourful streets of La Boca and visiting the renowned Recoleta Cemetery, designed by Argentina's most important architects and home to hundreds of illustrious corpses.
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 Buenos Aires, The Best 2-Week Tours from Buenos Aires, The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.
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Buenos Aires, Argentina Prices
Argentina PricesJaco Prices
Costa Rica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $56Jaco $133
The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $56, 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina and Jaco in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBuenos Aires, Argentina $40Jaco $75
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBuenos Aires, Argentina $80Jaco $150
Compare Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Jaco
Looking for a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina 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: Jaco Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $2.09Jaco -
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Buenos Aires HTL-APT (EZE): $109
- Transfer from Buenos Aires Int Airport (EZE) to Buenos Aires Port: $72
- Transfer from Buenos Aires Cruise Terminal to International Airport (EZE): $130
- Transfer Van 6 pax Airport Pistarini Buenos Aires to Hotel Port: $170
- Transfer Buenos Aires International Airport (EZE) to Downtown Hotel: $115
- Transfer Airports-Cruise Port: $190
- Temaiken Biopark Tour with Transfer Included: $95
- Tango Show in Tango Porteño - no transfers -: $47
- Tango Show La Ventana only show exclusive with transfer: $96
- Tango Show El Querandí No Transfers: $78
- Small group local Tango milonga with lesson and transfers: $102
- Roundtrip Private Transfer from Buenos Aires Airport (EZE): $53
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaco
Also for Jaco, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Jaco to Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) - Departure Private Transfer: $141
- Jaco/Monteverde to Liberia Airport (LIR) - Departure Transfer: $200
- One-Way Private Transfer from Jaco to Juan Santa Maria Airport: $175
- One-Way Private Transfer from Quepos - Manuel Antonio to Uvita: $249
- Private Transfer SJO Airport to Jaco & Los Sueños – Safe Reliable: $80
- Private Transfer between SJO Airport, Jaco Beach and OTHERS: $160
- Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Cobano Puntarenas: $63
- Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Jaco Beach Puntarenas: $72
- Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Playa Jaco Puntarenas: $72
- Private transfer from Jaco Beach to Hotels in San Jose or the Airport: $219
Is it cheaper to fly into Buenos Aires, Argentina or Jaco?
Prices for flights to both Jaco and Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $7.55Jaco $40
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Piazzolla Tango Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $35
- Tango Show at Tango Porteño with Optional Dinner: $37
- Señor Tango Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $38
- BA: Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Palermo: $39
- Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $39
- Madero Tango Dance Show with Dinner on Demand: $42
- BA: Premium Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Experience in Palermo: $43
- Buenos Aires Family Empanada Cooking Class Kids Take the Lead: $44
- Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $45
- Señor Tango Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $45
- Early Tango Dinner Show with Optional Traditional Bus Transfer: $46
- El Viejo Almacen Tango Show with Optional Dinner: $47
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$4.39
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Tsunami Sushi Dinner$20
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Taco Bar Dinner$10
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Pizza & Smoothie Lunch$7.02
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Ice Cream$6.58
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Breakfast Taco Bar$3.72
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Fruit Plate$3.29
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jaco
For Jaco, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Night Jungle Tour with Dinner (Rainmaker Park): $65
- 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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $30Jaco $67
Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Único tour sobre la Historia del Tango (sin mitos): $60
- "SAILING TOUR: Tango and Choripan (typical Argentine food): $300
- 1-Hour Catamaran Cruise in the Tiger Delta: $20
- 2 Hour Tour in Buenos Aires Parisina: $43
- 2 Hours Football and Street Art Walking Tour in Buenos Aires: $30
- 3 hours Private La Boca Street Art Walking Tour: $160
- 5 Stops Walking Tour of Buenos Aires hidden Wineries: $82
- @argentinahighlights City LGBTQ tour: $150
- A Back-Street Beer Brewing Tour of Buenos Aires: $165
- Argentine Asado by Maru. Private experience in Buenos Aires: $140
- Argentine Football Graffiti of Messi and Maradona Tour: $120
- Argentine Women Bike Tour: $45
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$11
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Surf Lesson$55
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Bike Rental$11
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Tortuga Island Tour$109
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Massage$49
Tours and Activities in Jaco
For Jaco, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Jaco Beach: Downtown Walking Tour with Local American Guide: $9.00
- Carara National Park Guided Tour: $35
- Jungle Crocodile Safari: Tarcoles River Crocodile Tour: $40
- Crocodile River Adventure Tour in Costa Rica: $45
- Guided visit to Carara National Park (Ticket included): $45
- Jason Crocodile Tours: $49
- Chocolate Experience in Jaco Beach and Los Suenos: $50
- Jaco Horseback Riding Adventure Tours: $59
- Guided City Bike Tour in Jaco Costa Rica: $59
- Jaco Horse Tours: $60
- Jaco Party Safari Tractor Tour with Waterfall – Day & Night: $60
- Jaco Beach Horseback Riding Tour: $60
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $9.22Jaco $36
Sample the Local Flavors in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Also in Buenos Aires, Argentina, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- BA: Small Group Wine Tasting and Blending in Palermo: $54
- Wine tasting in OASIS Palermo: $55
- Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $65
- BA: Wine tour with 5 tasting stops in the heart of Palermo: $78
- Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $85
- Malbec Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires Private Experience: $92
- Private Malbec Wine Tasting Experience in Buenos Aires: $95
- Buenos Aires Premium Wine Tasting & Gastronomy Experience: $129
- Buenos Aires Wine Tasting Tour: $129
- Upscale Asado & Wine Tasting Experience (BBQ): $150
- Bodega Gamboa Premium Wine Tasting with Lunch: $159
- Private Buenos Aires Wine Tasting Experience: $160
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$16
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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 Buenos Aires, Argentina and Jaco, we can see that Jaco is more expensive. And not only is Buenos Aires, Argentina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Buenos Aires, Argentina is in South America and Jaco 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Buenos Aires, Argentina Expensive? and Is Jaco Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Jaco?
Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 3200 times larger than the population of Jaco. When comparing the sizes of Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina or Jaco?
Buenos Aires, Argentina has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Jaco experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Jaco in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Buenos Aires, Argentina as well as Jaco. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jaco throughout the year.
In the summer, Buenos Aires, Argentina is cooler than Jaco. Typically, the summer temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Jaco averages at about 28°C (82°F)in July.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Buenos Aires, Argentina this time of the year. In the summer, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets more sunshine than Jacoin July. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jaco receives 164 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Jaco. Buenos Aires, Argentina receives a lot of rain in the summer. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets less rain in January than Jacoin July. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyBuenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F)Jaco 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Jaco in the Autumn?
Both Jaco and Buenos Aires, Argentina are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Jaco because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally much colder than Jacoin October. Daily temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 18°C (65°F), and Jaco fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more sunshine than Jaco during autumn. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Jaco receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Jaco. It's quite rainy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In April, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives less rain than Jacoin October. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Jaco is November to May. June to October is the hurricane season in Jaco.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberBuenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F)Jaco 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Jaco in the Winter?
Both Jaco and Buenos Aires, Argentina during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jaco year-round.
Buenos Aires, Argentina is much colder than Jaco in the winter. The daily temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina averages around 12°C (53°F) in July, and Jaco fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in January.
In Jaco, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets less sunshine than Jacoin January. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jaco receives 264 hours of full sun.
Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets more rain in July than Jacoin January. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryBuenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F)Jaco 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Jaco in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Jaco. Jaco attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Buenos Aires, Argentina is much colder than Jaco. Typically, the spring temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Jaco averages at about 29°C (85°F)in April.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jaco this time of the year. In Buenos Aires, Argentina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives less sunshine than Jaco during spring. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Jaco receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.
Buenos Aires, Argentina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more rain than Jacoin April. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring. November to May in Jaco is the dry season. June to October in Jaco is the hurricane season.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilBuenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F)Jaco 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Jaco and Buenos Aires, Argentina
| Buenos Aires, Argentina | Jaco | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 22°C (71°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 18°C (65°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 12°C (53°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 12°C (53°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 13°C (55°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 15°C (59°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (69°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (74°F) | 104 mm (4.1 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.