Which place is cheaper, Tamarindo or Cordoba?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Cordoba or Tamarindo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cordoba or Tamarindo, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Cordoba or Tamarindo?
Cordoba
Cordoba is the capital of the Cordoba province and the second largest city in all of Argentina. The city is in a beautiful setting surrounded by valleys and hills. Within the city you will find many colonial buildings and beautiful architecture. Cordoba also has many universities and scientific institutes, giving it the nickname "La Docta." Because of the large number of students, Cordoba's population is young and active, which keeps the atmosphere light and fun.
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 Adventure Tours to Argentina, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Argentina, The Best Luxury Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCordoba $8.40Tamarindo $121
The average daily cost (per person) in Cordoba is $8.40, 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 Cordoba and Tamarindo in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCordoba $3.05Tamarindo $50
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCordoba $6.10Tamarindo $100
Compare Hotels in Cordoba and Tamarindo
Looking for a hotel in Cordoba 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: Cordoba Hotel Prices and Tamarindo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cordoba $2.08Tamarindo $69
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cordoba
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cordoba are as follows:
-
Taxi Ride$0.01
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cordoba
Also for Cordoba, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer in private minivan from Cordoba to Ingeniero Ambrosio Taravella Airport: $61
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tamarindo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tamarindo:
- Transfer to La Fortuna de Arenal: $307
- Round Trip Transfer Liberia Airport (LIR) to JW Marriott Guanacaste: $280
- Round Trip Transfer From Liberia Airport To Secrets Papagayo: $250
- Round Trip Transfer Liberia Airport (LIR) to Andaz Papagayo Resort: $201
- Round Trip Transfer Liberia Airport (LIR) to Four Seasons Resort: $200
- Private Liberia airport transfer: $200
- Transfer To/From Liberia Airport To/ From JW Marriott Guanacaste: $195
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To JW Marriott Guanacaste: $185
- Round Trip Transfer Liberia Airport (LIR) to Riu Guanacaste Hotel: $181
- Transfer From Liberia Airport To Hacienda Pinilla Guanacaste: $175
- Round Trip Transfer Liberia Airport (LIR) to Planet Hollywood Beach Resort: $171
- Private Transfer from Intl Liberia (LIR) Airport to Papagayo beaches areas: $170
Is it cheaper to fly into Cordoba or Tamarindo?
Prices for flights to both Tamarindo and Cordoba 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 dayCordoba $3.83Tamarindo $32
Typical Food Prices in Cordoba
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Cordoba:
-
Empanadas$0.01
-
Sandwich$0.00
-
Ice Cream$0.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tamarindo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Tamarindo.
- Online Class on Zoom: Cooking Costa Rica Homemade Food: $35
- Traditional Cooking Class In Tamarindo: $95
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cordoba $1.88Tamarindo $17
Tours and Activities in Cordoba
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cordoba.
- Traditional Córdoba CityTour x 2 Pax: $45
- Alta Gracia: Unveiling Cordoba's Cultural Heritage Tour: $48
- Exploring Villa Carlos Paz: Guided Sightseeing Tour: $50
- Cordoba City Tour: $50
- Private Cordoba City Tour: $53
- Córdoba: Villa Carlos Paz Tour: $59
- Cordoba City Tour with Optional Jesuitic Square: $60
- Córdoba CityTour FULLDAY x 2 pax: $60
- Caroya WineTour x 2 Pax: $60
- La Cumbrecita and Villa General Belgrano Full Day Tour: $73
- Full Day Tour to Punilla Valley from Cordoba: $75
- Full Day Jesuit Legacy Tour from Cordoba: $80
Tours and Activities in Tamarindo
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tamarindo are as follows:
- Ecologic farming Sloth tour Hiking & Chocolate -Coffee tour: $260
- 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
- Sloth Farm Watching Tour & Amazimg Waterfall: $185
- 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 Hour ATV Secluded Beach Tour from Tamarindo, Flamingo, Conchal & Grande: $125
- 3-in-1 Rincon de la Vieja National Park Nature Day Tour: $300
- 5-Hour Guided Sunset Boat Tour in Tamarindo Costa Rica: $95
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayCordoba $1.48Tamarindo $14
Sample the Local Flavors in Cordoba
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cordoba:
- Full-Day Private Colonia Caroya Wine Tour from Córdoba: $120
- Wine Tour Privado - Colonia Caroya: $130
- Wine Tour Privado - Calamuchita: $150
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cordoba and Tamarindo, we can see that Tamarindo is more expensive. And not only is Cordoba much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cordoba is in South America and Tamarindo 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 Cordoba would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cordoba 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 Cordoba.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cordoba Expensive? and Is Tamarindo Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Cordoba or Tamarindo?
Cordoba has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Tamarindo experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Cordoba or Tamarindo in the Summer?
Both Tamarindo and Cordoba during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tamarindo year-round.
In the summer, Cordoba is much colder than Tamarindo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cordoba in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Tamarindo averages at about 28°C (82°F)in July.
It's quite sunny in Cordoba. In the summer, Cordoba often gets more sunshine than Tamarindoin July. Cordoba gets 277 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tamarindo receives 164 hours of full sun.
Tamarindo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cordoba usually gets less rain in January than Tamarindoin July. Cordoba gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyCordoba 10°C (50°F)Tamarindo 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Cordoba or Tamarindo in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cordoba and Tamarindo. Tamarindo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Cordoba is generally much colder than Tamarindoin October. Daily temperatures in Cordoba average around 16°C (61°F), and Tamarindo fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
Cordoba usually receives more sunshine than Tamarindo during autumn. Cordoba gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Tamarindo receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Tamarindo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In April, Cordoba usually receives less rain than Tamarindoin October. Cordoba gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberCordoba 16°C (61°F)Tamarindo 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Cordoba or Tamarindo in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Cordoba as well as Tamarindo. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tamarindo throughout the year.
Cordoba is around the same temperature as Tamarindo in the winter. The daily temperature in Cordoba averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Tamarindo fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in January.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tamarindo. In the winter, Cordoba often gets less sunshine than Tamarindoin January. Cordoba gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tamarindo receives 264 hours of full sun.
Cordoba usually gets more rain in July than Tamarindoin January. Cordoba gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryCordoba 27°C (81°F)Tamarindo 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Cordoba or Tamarindo in the Spring?
Both Tamarindo and Cordoba are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Tamarindo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the spring, Cordoba is much colder than Tamarindo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cordoba in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Tamarindo averages at about 29°C (85°F)in April.
It's quite sunny in Tamarindo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cordoba. Cordoba usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Tamarindo during spring. Cordoba gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Tamarindo receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.
In October, Cordoba usually receives more rain than Tamarindoin April. Cordoba gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilCordoba 19°C (66°F)Tamarindo 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Tamarindo and Cordoba
| Cordoba | Tamarindo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (50°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (52°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (57°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (57°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (52°F) | 70 mm (2.8 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.