Which place is cheaper, Bogota or Jaco?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Jaco or Bogota?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Jaco or Bogota, 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: Jaco or Bogota?
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.
Bogota
Sprawling across a high altitude in the Columbian Andes region, Bogota is the capital city of Columbia. It is a mix of the old and new with century-old plazas and churches shadowed by towering skyscrapers, museums representing the history, art, and culture of the region, as well as a mix of distinct neighborhoods from quaint and historic to trendy and contemporary.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Colombia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayJaco $104Bogota $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Jaco is $104, while the average daily cost in Bogota is $53. 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 Jaco and Bogota in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personJaco $67Bogota $26
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJaco $134Bogota $52
Compare Hotels in Jaco and Bogota
Looking for a hotel in Jaco or Bogota? 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: Jaco Hotel Prices and Bogota Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Jaco -Bogota $8.77
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaco
Also for Jaco, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer to Jaco beach from San José or the airport one way: $245
- Transfer Private From Jaco to San José or Airport up to 5 passengers (one way) : $245
- Transfer FROM Jaco Beach TO SJO Airport OR RETURN (One Way): $70
- Private transfer from Jaco Beach to Hotels in San Jose or the Airport: $219
- Private Transfer - San Jose Airport & Los Sueños Resort/Marriot : $200
- Jaco/Monteverde to Liberia Airport (LIR) - Departure Transfer : $90
- Jaco or Playa Hermosa: Transfer to San Jose or Alajuela: $173
- From Tortuga Island Boat Tour with Lunch and Transfer: $135
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bogota
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bogota are as follows:
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Taxi from Airport$7.56
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Taxi Ride$0.39
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2 Bus Passes$0.89
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bogota
Also for Bogota, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer in private SUV from Bogota City - Bogota Airport (BOG): $18
- Transfer from El Dorado Airport to Hotels in Bogota (one way): $15
- Salt Cathedral Zipaquira • Premium Private Transfer: $39
- Private Visit to Zipaquira's Town & Salt Cathedral + In&Out Transfer + (6 hours): $176
- Private Transfer from the Airport to Hotels in Bogota: $12
- Private Transfer from Bogotá-El Dorado (BOG) Airport to Bogotá City: $33
- Private Transfer El Dorado Airport to Hotels in Bogotá: $20
- Private Salt Cathedral and Nemocón Salt Mines + In & out Transfer + (8 hours): $242
- Private Arrival or Departure Transfer: El Dorado Airport (One Way): $13
- Layover Bogotá Private Tour + Transfer in & Out (4 Hrs.) : $149
- El Dorado International Airport (BOG) - Private Round trip transfer Bogota: $80
- Bogotá to or from Villavieja or Tatacoa Desert Private Transfer: $167
Is it cheaper to fly into Jaco or Bogota?
Prices for flights to both Bogota and Jaco 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 dayJaco $21Bogota $14
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
Typical Food Prices in Bogota
For Bogota, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Breakfast$1.57
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Hot Dog$0.92
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bogota
For Bogota, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Peruvian cooking workshop: $26
- Bogotá Bites: Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $45
- Viejo Bogota Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $49
- PALOQUEMAO MARKET FOOD TOUR. EXOTIC FRUIT. LOCAL SNACKS. /Min 2 pax: $55
- Bogota Food Tour • Private Car • Fruits Cacao Lunch Coffee Beer: $59
- Private Colombian Cooking Class and Market Tour In Bogota: $90
- Dinner and party at Andres Carne de Res DC: $100
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Jaco $60Bogota $13
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 & River ATV Adventure, 2 hours / Jacó: $95
- Ocean views Zip Line Canopy Tour in Jaco Beach and Los Suenos : $71
- "Miro Jaco" & Jaco Beach Horseback Tour: $59
- 2 Hour ATV Jungle Adventure Jaco: $75
- 2 Hour Private Ranch Experience in Quebrada Amarilla: $120
- 2 Hours Private Guided Hiking Experience to El Miro in Jaco: $50
- 2 hour ATV Tour & Waterfalls + Chocolate Experience : $110
- 2 hour Double ATV Tour + Waterfalls in Jaco Beach : $99
- 3-Hour ATV Jungle Waterfall Adventure: $110
- 3-Hour ATV Jungle Waterfall Adventure: $95
- 4×4 Waterfalls and Jungle Experience: $80
- 4x4 Happy Jungle Booze Cruise: $115
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bogota
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Bogota's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Beer$1.31
Tours and Activities in Bogota
For Bogota, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Bogota Zipaquira Salt Cathedral Private Tour + Lunch: $80
- Express Salt Cathedral Tour• Guided Tour & Tickets • 5h: $219
- La Candelaria and Monserrate Walking Half Day Tour: $234
- Lake Guatavitá Private Day Tour: $255
- Salt Cathedral Zipaquira - Group tour and daily departure: $80
- *Private tour* to Guatavita sacred lagoon + Nemocon salt mine: $153
- 3h 30 -Hour StopOver—Walking Tour: Bogota Historical Center: $54
- 4 Hours Private Tour to Monserrate from Bogotá: $69
- 4-Hour Private Tour of Bogotá with Guide and Transportation: $77
- 4-hour Paragliding Adventure from Bogota: $170
- 5-hour Bogota Street Art Tour with transportation: $184
- 5-hour Tour through Bogotá during the stopover. Includes round-trip from airport: $160
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayJaco $32Bogota $14
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Bogota
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bogota:
- Thursday Bar Crawl in Bogotá: $25
- Friday Night Bar Crawl in Bogotá : $25
- Saturday Bar Crawl in La Candelaria, Bogotá: $25
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jaco and Bogota, we can see that Jaco is more expensive. And not only is Bogota much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Jaco is in Central America and Bogota is in South 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 Bogota would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bogota 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 Bogota.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Jaco Expensive? and Is Bogota Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Jaco or Bogota?
Bogota has a larger population, and is about 1740 times larger than the population of Jaco. When comparing the sizes of Jaco and Bogota, 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 Jaco or Bogota?
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 Jaco or Bogota in the Summer?
Both Bogota and Jaco are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jaco throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Bogota because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Jaco. In July, Jaco usually receives more rain than Bogota. Jaco gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Bogota receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In the summer, Jaco is much warmer than Bogota. Typically, the summer temperatures in Jaco in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Bogota averages at about 14°C (57°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyJaco 28°C (82°F)Bogota 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Jaco or Bogota in the Autumn?
Both Bogota and Jaco during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Jaco because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bogota year-round.
Bogota gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Jaco. Jaco usually gets more rain in October than Bogota. Jaco gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while Bogota receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In October, Jaco is generally much warmer than Bogota. Daily temperatures in Jaco average around 27°C (81°F), and Bogota fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberJaco 27°C (81°F)Bogota 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Jaco or Bogota in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Jaco and Bogota. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jaco year-round. Bogota attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Jaco usually receives less rain than Bogota. Jaco gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Bogota receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Jaco is much warmer than Bogota in the winter. The daily temperature in Jaco averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Bogota fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryJaco 27°C (81°F)Bogota 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Jaco or Bogota in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Jaco as well as Bogota. Jaco attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bogota throughout the year.
Jaco usually gets less rain in April than Bogota. Jaco gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Bogota receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the spring, Jaco is much warmer than Bogota. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jaco in April average around 29°C (85°F), and Bogota averages at about 15°C (59°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilJaco 29°C (85°F)Bogota 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Bogota and Jaco
| Jaco | Bogota | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 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.