Which place is cheaper, Tamarindo or Fortaleza?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Fortaleza or Tamarindo?
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 Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo?
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.
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 Brazil, The Best Eco Tours in Brazil, The Best Luxury Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFortaleza $69Tamarindo $121
The average daily cost (per person) in Fortaleza is $69, 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 Fortaleza and Tamarindo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFortaleza $30Tamarindo $50
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFortaleza $60Tamarindo $100
Compare Hotels in Fortaleza and Tamarindo
Looking for a hotel in Fortaleza 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: Fortaleza Hotel Prices and Tamarindo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Fortaleza $21Tamarindo $69
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
- Transfer to Beach Park: $12
- Beach Park Round-Trip Transfer: $13
- Beach Park Transfer from Fortaleza: $16
- Pinto Martins Airport (FOR) to Fortaleza-Arrival Private Transfer: $16
- Fortaleza Airport (FOR) to Fortaleza - Arrival Private Transfer: $16
- Roundtrip transfer from Pinto Martins Airport to Hotels in Fortaleza: $18
- Private transfer: Fortaleza International Airport (FOR) to Fortaleza: $26
- Transfer from Fortaleza to Jericoacoara: $29
- Fortaleza to/from Jericoacoara Transfer: $29
- Private Transfer Airport to/from City Hotels: $32
- Fortaleza Airport (FOR) to Fortaleza Round-Trip Private Transfer: $33
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 Liberia Airport (LIR) to Westin Conchal Hotel: $270
- Private Round Trip Transfer: From Liberia Airport To Reserva Conchal: $270
- Round Trip Shuttle Transfer From Liberia Airport To Four Seasons Papagayo: $265
- Round Trip Transfer From Liberia Airport To Secrets Papagayo: $250
- Round Trip Transfer Liberia Airport (LIR) to Andaz Papagayo Resort: $201
- Private Liberia airport transfer: $200
- Round Trip Transfer Liberia Airport (LIR) to Four Seasons Resort: $200
- Transfer To/From Liberia Airport To/ From JW Marriott Guanacaste: $195
- Private Round Trip Transfer: From Liberia Airport To Secrets Papagayo: $188
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To JW Marriott Guanacaste: $185
Is it cheaper to fly into Fortaleza or Tamarindo?
Prices for flights to both Tamarindo 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
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Food Meals for one dayFortaleza $24Tamarindo $32
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
- Traditional Cooking Class In Tamarindo: $95
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Fortaleza $15Tamarindo $17
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
- Águas Belas Tour: $15
- Cumbuco Beach with City Tour from Fortaleza: $16
- Lagoinha Beach Tour: $17
- Tour 3 beaches in 1 day: $18
- Canoe Quebrada Full Day Tour - Departure from Fortaleza by Vitorino Turismo: $19
- The colorful sands of Morro Branco beach - Full Day Tour: $22
- Tour 3 Beaches in 1 day (Morro Branco, Praia das Fontes and Canoa Quebrada): $22
- Historical and Cultural City Tour of Fortaleza: $24
- Jericoacoara Tour in a Full Day - Leaving Fortaleza by Girafatur: $25
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: $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
- 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 Adventure Day Tour: $300
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFortaleza $9.97Tamarindo $14
Sample the Local Flavors in Tamarindo
Also in Tamarindo, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Tamarindo Bar Crawl Experience: $25
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fortaleza and Tamarindo, we can see that Tamarindo 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 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 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 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 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 Tamarindo Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Fortaleza or Tamarindo?
Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza or Tamarindo in the Summer?
Both Tamarindo and Fortaleza during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tamarindo year-round.
Fortaleza is around the same temperature as Tamarindo in the summer. The daily temperature in Fortaleza averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Tamarindo fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in July.
It's quite sunny in Fortaleza. In the summer, Fortaleza often gets more sunshine than Tamarindoin July. Fortaleza gets 221 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Fortaleza. Fortaleza usually gets less rain in January than Tamarindoin July. Fortaleza gets 119 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyFortaleza 28°C (82°F)Tamarindo 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Fortaleza or Tamarindo in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Fortaleza and Tamarindo. Tamarindo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the autumn, Fortaleza is around the same temperature as Tamarindo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Fortaleza in April average around 27°C (80°F), and Tamarindo averages at about 27°C (81°F)in October.
Fortaleza usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Tamarindo during autumn. Fortaleza gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Tamarindo receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Tamarindo 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 Tamarindoin October. Fortaleza gets 356 mm (14 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberFortaleza 27°C (80°F)Tamarindo 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Fortaleza or Tamarindo in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Fortaleza as well as Tamarindo. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tamarindo throughout the year.
In July, Fortaleza is generally around the same temperature as Tamarindoin January. Daily temperatures in Fortaleza average around 26°C (79°F), and Tamarindo fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tamarindo. 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 Tamarindoin January. Fortaleza gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tamarindo receives 264 hours of full sun.
Fortaleza usually gets more rain in July than Tamarindoin January. Fortaleza gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryFortaleza 26°C (79°F)Tamarindo 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Fortaleza or Tamarindo in the Spring?
Both Tamarindo and Fortaleza 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.
Fortaleza is around the same temperature as Tamarindo in the spring. The daily temperature in Fortaleza averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Tamarindo fluctuates around 29°C (85°F)in April.
It's quite sunny in Tamarindo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fortaleza. Fortaleza usually receives more sunshine than Tamarindo during spring. Fortaleza gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Tamarindo receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.
In October, Fortaleza usually receives less rain than Tamarindoin April. Fortaleza gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilFortaleza 28°C (82°F)Tamarindo 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Tamarindo and Fortaleza
| Fortaleza | Tamarindo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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) |
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.