Which place is cheaper, Liberia or Granada?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Granada or Liberia?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Granada and Liberia. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Granada or Liberia?
Granada
Granada is Nicaragua's oldest colonial city, and arguably, the most beautiful city in the country. It sits on the northern edge of Lake Nicaragua (Lago Cocibolca) and has many beautifully colored buildings and nice churches. The city's beauty and colonial architecture, along with its relative safety and accessibility, make it one of Nicaragua's top tourist destinations. The city has long been a center for commerce, but today its economy depends heavily on tourism. The city is the sixth largest in Nicaragua and a real estate boom in the early 2000's brought a large number of expats to the town.
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 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, The Best Adventure Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Eco Tours in Costa Rica.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGranada $40Liberia $112
The average daily cost (per person) in Granada is $40, 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 Granada and Liberia in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGranada $17Liberia $60
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGranada $34Liberia $120
Compare Hotels in Granada and Liberia
Looking for a hotel in Granada 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.
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: Granada Hotel Prices and Liberia Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Granada $8.57Liberia $43
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Granada
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Granada:
- One-Way Private Transfer From/To Airport or Hotels in Granada: $80
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:
- Costa Rica Private Airport Transfer : $6.00
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport to Riu Hotel and Vice Versa: $15
- Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Riu Guanacaste: $17
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport to Riu Guanacaste: $18
- Private or VIP Transfer: Liberia Airport to RIU Hotels & More: $19
- Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Peñas Blancas Nicaragua: $26
- Direct Transfer Liberia Airport to Guanacaste Hotels: $35
- Liberia Airport (LIR) to Flamingo/Tamarindo - Arrival Transfer: $38
- 1-Way Transfer from Guanacaste Airport to Papagayo: $42
- Private Round-Trip Transfer: Liberia Airport to Tamarindo/Westin: $44
- Transfers from Liberia Airport: $60
- Liberia Airport (LIR) to Playa Grande Round-Trip Private Transfer: $61
Is it cheaper to fly into Granada or Liberia?
Prices for flights to both Liberia and Granada 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 dayGranada $14Liberia $21
Typical Food Prices in Granada
Some typical examples of dining costs in Granada are as follows:
-
Pizza$2.29
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.
- Private Sunset Dinner at the Beach with Chef : $190
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Granada $10Liberia $25
Typical Entertainment Prices in Granada
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Granada are as follows:
-
Lago de Nicaragua Boat Tour$8.17
Tours and Activities in Granada
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Granada are as follows:
- Granada Kayak Tour: $30
- Colonial Granada Horse Carriage & Walking Tour: $35
- Paddle Boarding and Meditation Wellness Experience in Las Isletas: $39
- Las Isletas: Kayak Tour: $39
- Granada City Tour: $40
- Granada's City Tour: $40
- Las Isletas: Boat Tour: $45
- Masaya Night Tour Minimum 2 People from Granada: $45
- Las Isletas 2-Hour Kayak Adventure in Granada with Pickup: $48
- City Walking Tour and Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride: $50
- Full-Day Tour: Masaya Volcano, Art Market and White Villages: $60
- Experience Granadas Best Sights Carriage ride + Local Guide: $65
Tours and Activities in Liberia
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Liberia are as follows:
- La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike (Group Tour) : $35
- La Leona Waterfall: Private tour in Rincon de la Vieja!: $43
- Bird-Watching and Wildlife Tour: $43
- Night Tour in Nuevo Arenal: $43
- La Leona waterfall adventure hike half day : $45
- Private La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike: $45
- La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike (Private Tour): $45
- Skip the Line: Diamante Eco Adventure Park: Animal Sanctuary Discovery Ticket: $49
- Zip-line Adventure: $53
- Rincón de la Vieja Bird-Watching Tour: $62
- From Tubing Adventure at Rio Negro: $65
- Ponderosa Adventure Park Admission Ticket: $65
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayGranada $7.50Liberia $13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Granada
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Granada:
-
Tequila$1.36
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Granada and Liberia, we can see that Liberia is more expensive. And not only is Granada much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Granada would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Granada 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 Granada.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Granada Expensive? and Is Liberia Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Granada or Liberia?
Granada has a larger population, and is about 97% larger than the population of Liberia. When comparing the sizes of Granada 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 Granada or Liberia?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Granada or Liberia in the Summer?
Both Liberia and Granada are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Granada throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Liberia because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Liberia. It's quite rainy in Granada. In July, Granada usually receives less rain than Liberia. Granada gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Liberia receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Granada usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Liberia during summer. Granada gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Liberia receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.
In the summer, Granada is around the same temperature as Liberia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Granada in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Liberia averages at about 28°C (82°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyGranada 27°C (81°F)Liberia 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Granada or Liberia in the Autumn?
Both Liberia and Granada during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Granada because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Liberia year-round.
December to April is the dry season in Liberia. April to December is the rainy season in Liberia. Liberia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Granada. Granada usually gets less rain in October than Liberia. Granada gets 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Liberia receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Granada often gets more sunshine than Liberia. Granada gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Liberia receives 169 hours of full sun.
In October, Granada is generally around the same temperature as Liberia. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 27°C (81°F), and Liberia fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGranada 27°C (81°F)Liberia 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Granada or Liberia in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Granada and Liberia. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Granada year-round. Liberia attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Granada usually receives less rain than Liberia. Granada gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Liberia receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Liberia this time of the year. In Granada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Granada usually receives less sunshine than Liberia during winter. Granada gets 244 hours of sunny skies, while Liberia receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.
Granada is around the same temperature as Liberia in the winter. The daily temperature in Granada averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Liberia fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGranada 26°C (79°F)Liberia 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Granada or Liberia in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Granada as well as Liberia. Granada attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Liberia throughout the year.
Also, December to April in Liberia is the dry season. April to December in Liberia is the rainy season. Granada usually gets less rain in April than Liberia. Granada gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Liberia receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Liberia. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Granada this time of the year. In the spring, Granada often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Liberia. Granada gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Liberia receives 255 hours of full sun.
In the spring, Granada is around the same temperature as Liberia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Granada in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Liberia averages at about 29°C (85°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilGranada 29°C (84°F)Liberia 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Liberia and Granada
| Granada | Liberia | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 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.