Which place is cheaper, Jaco or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Argentina, The Best Photography Tours in Argentina, 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 dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $10Jaco $104
The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $10, 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina and Jaco in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBuenos Aires, Argentina $4.13Jaco $67
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBuenos Aires, Argentina $8.26Jaco $134
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: Buenos Aires, Argentina Hotel Prices and Jaco Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.58Jaco -
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
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Taxi from Airport$0.13
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Local Bus$0.00
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Metro Ride$0.00
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Taxi to airport$0.03
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Taxi$0.09
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 APT-HTL (EZA): $36
- Transfer from Buenos Aires International Airport (EZE) to Cruise Terminal: $80
- Transfer from Buenos Aires Int Airport (EZE) to Buenos Aires Port: $51
- Transfer from Buenos Aires Cruise Terminal to International Airport (EZE): $80
- Transfer between airports (EZE-AEP): $75
- Transfer Buenos Aires Downtown Hotel to Domestic (AEP) or Cruise Terminal: $44
- Transfer Airports-City Tours-Connections between airports-Airport Transfers //: $110
- Tango Show La Ventana only show exclusive with transfer: $76
- Tango Porteño Show With Private Transfers From Port & Hotels In Buenos Aires: $70
- Skip the line Boca Juniors & River Plate Stadium and Museum tour with transfer: $196
- Shore Excursion: Rojo Tango Show Including Private Transfers: $250
- Roundtrip Transfer Private Vehicle Ezeiza Airport (EZE) -Buenos Aires City: $40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaco
Also for Jaco, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Tortuga Island Boat Tour with Lunch and Transfer: $135
- Jaco or Playa Hermosa: Transfer to San Jose or Alajuela: $173
- Jaco/Monteverde to Liberia Airport (LIR) - Departure Transfer : $90
- Private Transfer - San Jose Airport & Los Sueños Resort/Marriot : $200
- Private transfer from Jaco Beach to Hotels in San Jose or the Airport: $219
- Transfer FROM Jaco Beach TO SJO Airport OR RETURN (One Way): $70
- Transfer Private From Jaco to San José or Airport up to 5 passengers (one way) : $245
- Transfer to Jaco beach from San José or the airport one way: $245
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 $3.25Jaco $21
Typical Food Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
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Lunch$0.03
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Cup of Coffee$0.01
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Empandas$0.02
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Espresso$0.01
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Dinner (Pizza)$0.02
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Ice Cream$0.01
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Breakfast at Airport$0.04
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Dinner (Sandwiches)$0.01
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Sweets$0.01
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Hot Dog$0.01
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Breakfast (Take-Away)$0.01
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Lunch for 2$0.16
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Cake and Coffee$0.53
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Dinner$1.88
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Powerade$0.12
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Lunch$0.83
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Dinner$1.21
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Chocolate$3.12
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.
- 3-Hour Buenos Aires Empanadas and Alfajores Guided Cooking Class: $35
- Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $35
- Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show Ticket Including Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $39
- Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Buenos Aires: $39
- Small-Group Empanadas Cooking Class: $39
- Premium Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Experience in Buenos Aires: $39
- Tango Show and Optional Dinner at Esquina Homero Manzi: $40
- Argentinian grilled pizza class in San Telmo: $40
- Catulo Tango: Tango Show & Folklore with Optional Dinner: $40
- Tango Dinner Show Homero Manzi menu Sur: $45
- Private tour Argentinian Flavours food tours on foot : $46
- Small Group Empanadas Cooking Class & Wine Blending: $49
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.Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.34Jaco $60
Typical Entertainment Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few typical costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entry to Japanese Gardens (for 2)$0.04
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Movie Ticket$0.02
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Tango Class$0.03
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Bar entrance$0.58
Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Experience the Night of Buenos Aires with electric bikes: $59
- Premium Buenos Aires by Night Small-Group City Tour: $59
- Small Group Walking Tour: Urban Art Palermo: $50
- Small group Yerba Mate Experience with snacks: $35
- 1-hour Paramotor Experience in Buenos Aires Argentina: $100
- 2 Hours Football and Street Art Walking Tour in Buenos Aires : $30
- 3 hours Private La Boca Street Art Walking Tour: $127
- 3-Hour Private Street Art Tour in La Boca and Barraca: $45
- 4-Hour Private Night Tour of the Most Exclusive Places: $70
- 5hs Small Group City Tour of Buenos Aires (optional street food): $35
- 8 Hours Guided Bike Tour in Delta El Tigre: $140
- @argentinahighlights Private City Tour in Buenos Aires: $96
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 Crocodile Safari and Bird Watching Tour: $35
- Crocodile Man Tour THE ORIGINAL: $40
- Jason Crocodile Tours: $40
- Jaco Beach: 2-Hour Chocolate Experience Tour: $43
- Horseback Riding Pacific Experience in Tarcoles Garabito: $47
- 2 Hours Private Guided Hiking Experience to El Miro in Jaco: $50
- From Canopy Tour in Hacienda Nosavar: $50
- Guided visit to Carara National Park (Ticket included): $50
- "Miro Jaco" & Jaco Beach Horseback Tour: $59
- Jaco Horse Tours: $60
- Chocolate Experience: $62
- Jaco Horseback Riding Adventure Tours: $64
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $1.81Jaco $32
Typical Alcohol Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Buenos Aires, Argentina from other travelers:
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Beer$0.01
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Beer (0.66L)$0.02
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Cocktail$0.03
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Alcohol$0.67
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:
- Argentine Wine Tasting in Caminito with Appetizers Included: $30
- Wine tasting at the Barolo Palace: $35
- Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $38
- Wine Tasting of Argentina's Most Classic and Popular Wines: $42
- Unique Wine Tasting in a Boutique Hotel : $45
- Wine Tasting at Downtown Buenos Aires Ego Experience: $53
- Buenos Aires Small-Group Wine Tasting: $55
- Upscale Asado & Wine Tasting (BBQ): $56
- Buenos Aires Premium Wine Tasting: $58
- Wine Tasting Boutique in Buenos Aires: $62
- Argentinian Private Premium Wine Tasting Live+Guided Walking tour: $76
- Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $79
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 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.
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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.
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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.