A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Fortaleza vs. Liberia for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Fortaleza or Liberia?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Fortaleza and Liberia 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: Fortaleza or Liberia?

Fortaleza

A major city on Brazil's northeastern coast and the capital city of Ceara state, Fortaleza is best characterized by its city landscape lined with beaches and palm trees. It also features some great seafood as well as long-standing folk traditions in culture and dance.

Liberia

Liberia is a town in northwestern Costa Rica. It is the capital of the Guanacaste province, which is about 140 miles away from Costa Rica's capital, San Jose. The town has a population of about 56,000 and is one of the tourism centers of the country.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Brazil, The Best Budget Tours to Brazil, The Best Adventure Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Eco Tours in Costa Rica.


Which place is cheaper, Liberia or Fortaleza?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Fortaleza is $69, while the average daily cost in Liberia is $112. 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 Fortaleza and Liberia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Fortaleza $30
    Liberia $60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Fortaleza $60
    Liberia $120
Compare Hotels in Fortaleza and Liberia

Looking for a hotel in Fortaleza or Liberia? 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.

Hotels in Fortaleza


Hotels in Liberia


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: Fortaleza Hotel Prices and Liberia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Fortaleza $21
    Liberia $43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fortaleza

Also for Fortaleza, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer leaving from the Fortaleza waterfront to Beach Park: $8.97
  • Shared Airport Transfer to Fortaleza Hotels: $9.58
  • Transfer to Beach Park: $12
  • Beach Park Round-Trip Transfer: $13
  • Fortaleza to Pinto Martins Airport (FOR) - Departure Transfer: $16
  • Pinto Martins Airport (FOR) to Fortaleza-Arrival Private Transfer: $16
  • Beach Park Transfer from Fortaleza: $16
  • Fortaleza Airport (FOR) to Fortaleza - Arrival Private Transfer: $16
  • Roundtrip transfer from Pinto Martins Airport to Hotels in Fortaleza: $18
  • Private Transfer from Fortaleza (FOR) Airport to Fortaleza City: $25
  • Private transfer: Fortaleza International Airport (FOR) to Fortaleza: $26
  • Transfer from Fortaleza to Jericoacoara: $29

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Liberia

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Liberia are as follows:


  • Bike Rental
    $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Liberia

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Liberia:

  • Transfer Dreams Las Mareas from Airports ROUND TRIP: $300
  • Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Santa Teresa: $300
  • Punta Islita Hotel to/from Liberia Airport - Shuttle & Transfers Service: $279
  • Liberia Airport (LIR)to Malpais / Montezuma - Raund-Trip Transfer: $272
  • Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Nosara: $250
  • Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Dreams Las Mareas: $245
  • One-Way Private Transfer from Liberia Guanacaste Airport to La Fortuna (Arenal): $241
  • Transfer Service From Liberia Airport To Dreams Las Mareas, Costa Rica: $240
  • Private Transfer from Liberia Airport (LIR) to Arenal / La Fortuna : $232
  • Transfers Tamarindo Diria or Occidental Tamarindo, Round Trip.: $230
  • Private Transfer Service From Liberia Airport To Dreams Las Mareas - Costa Rica: $215
  • Private Transfer Ato Lir - JW Marriott Standar: $210

Is it cheaper to fly into Fortaleza or Liberia?

Prices for flights to both Liberia and Fortaleza 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 day
    Fortaleza $24
    Liberia $21

Typical Food Prices in Liberia

Some typical examples of dining costs in Liberia are as follows:


  • Snacks
    $1.97
  • Lunch at The Shack (for 1)
    $4.95
  • Lunch
    $11
  • Coffee & Tres Leches (for 2)
    $14
  • Ginger Ale
    $1.28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Liberia

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Liberia.

  • 2-Hour Cooking Class in Nosara : $65
  • Private Local Cooking Class in Nosara: $85
  • Private Sunset Dinner at the Beach with Chef : $190

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Fortaleza $15
    Liberia $25

Tours and Activities in Fortaleza

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Fortaleza.

  • Full Day Tour to Cumbuco From Fortaleza: $11
  • Cumbuco Beach Tour: $12
  • 3 Beaches in 1 Day Tour Leaving Fortaleza: $13
  • Lagoinha Beach Tour: $14
  • Águas Belas Tour: $15
  • Cumbuco Beach with City Tour from Fortaleza: $16
  • Lagoinha Beach Tour: $17
  • Tour 3 beaches in 1 day: $18
  • One Day Bus Tour of Fortaleza and Cumbuco Beach: $18
  • Canoe Quebrada Full Day Tour - Departure from Fortaleza by Vitorino Turismo: $19
  • Canoa Quebrada Beach Tour with Nettour: $20
  • The colorful sands of Morro Branco beach - Full Day Tour: $22

Tours and Activities in Liberia

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Liberia are as follows:

  • ATV Tour Guanacaste the Beach Excursion & Trail: $110
  • Llanos de Cortez Safari and Waterfall Tour: $190
  • Mega Combo Adventure: $195
  • Nicaragua one day tour from Costa Rica, Discover it: $250
  • (Private) La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike: $41
  • 2 Hour ATV Private Tour in Costa Rica: $81
  • 2 In 1 Jet Sky & Buggy Private Tour: $300
  • 2-Hours UTV Tour: $110
  • 3 Hour ATV Adventure Tour in El Jobo: $130
  • 4 Tours in 1 Action Package - Playa del Coco area: $170
  • 5 in 1 sloth, Rainforest, waterfalls, hanging bridges, volcanic activity tour.: $285
  • 6 Hours Guanacaste Cultural and Local Farm Experience: $77

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Fortaleza $9.97
    Liberia $13


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fortaleza and Liberia, we can see that Liberia is more expensive. And not only is Fortaleza much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Fortaleza is in South America and Liberia 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 Fortaleza would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Fortaleza 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 Liberia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Liberia than you might in Fortaleza.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Fortaleza Expensive? and Is Liberia Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Fortaleza or Liberia?

Fortaleza has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Liberia. When comparing the sizes of Fortaleza and Liberia, 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 Fortaleza or Liberia?

Fortaleza has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Liberia experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Fortaleza or Liberia in the Summer?

Both Liberia and Fortaleza during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Liberia year-round.

In January, Fortaleza is generally around the same temperature as Liberiain July. Daily temperatures in Fortaleza average around 28°C (82°F), and Liberia fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It's quite sunny in Fortaleza. In the summer, Fortaleza often gets more sunshine than Liberiain July. Fortaleza gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Liberia receives 164 hours of full sun.

Liberia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Fortaleza. Fortaleza usually gets less rain in January than Liberiain July. Fortaleza gets 119 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Liberia receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Fortaleza 28°C (82°F) 
    Liberia 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Fortaleza or Liberia in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Fortaleza and Liberia. Liberia attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Fortaleza is around the same temperature as Liberia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Fortaleza averages around 27°C (80°F) in April, and Liberia fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in October.

Fortaleza usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Liberia during autumn. Fortaleza gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Liberia receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Liberia receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Fortaleza gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Fortaleza usually receives more rain than Liberiain October. Fortaleza gets 356 mm (14 in) of rain, while Liberia receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn. December to April in Liberia is the dry season. Also, April to December is the rainy season in Liberia.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Fortaleza 27°C (80°F) 
    Liberia 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Fortaleza or Liberia in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Fortaleza as well as Liberia. The warm climate attracts visitors to Liberia throughout the year.

In the winter, Fortaleza is around the same temperature as Liberia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Fortaleza in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Liberia averages at about 27°C (81°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Liberia. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fortaleza this time of the year. In the winter, Fortaleza often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Liberiain January. Fortaleza gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Liberia receives 264 hours of full sun.

Fortaleza usually gets more rain in July than Liberiain January. Fortaleza gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Liberia receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Fortaleza 26°C (79°F) 
    Liberia 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Fortaleza or Liberia in the Spring?

Both Liberia and Fortaleza are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Liberia because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In October, Fortaleza is generally around the same temperature as Liberiain April. Daily temperatures in Fortaleza average around 28°C (82°F), and Liberia fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

It's quite sunny in Liberia. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fortaleza. Fortaleza usually receives more sunshine than Liberia during spring. Fortaleza gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Liberia receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Fortaleza usually receives less rain than Liberiain April. Fortaleza gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Liberia receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Liberia is December to April. The rainy season in Liberia is April to December.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Fortaleza 28°C (82°F) 
    Liberia 29°C (85°F)

Typical Weather for Liberia and Fortaleza

Fortaleza Liberia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 119 mm (4.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 205 mm (8.1 in) 28°C (83°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 27°C (80°F) 323 mm (12.7 in) 29°C (84°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 356 mm (14 in) 29°C (85°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
May 27°C (80°F) 256 mm (10.1 in) 29°C (83°F) 226 mm (8.9 in)
Jun 26°C (80°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 226 mm (8.9 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 289 mm (11.4 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 328 mm (12.9 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 254 mm (10 in)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
Dec 28°C (82°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)