Which place is cheaper, Cordoba or Jaco?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Jaco or Cordoba?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Jaco or Cordoba, 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 Cordoba?
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.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica, The Best Adventure Tours to Argentina, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Argentina.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayJaco $104Cordoba $8.40
The average daily cost (per person) in Jaco is $104, while the average daily cost in Cordoba is $8.40. 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 Cordoba in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personJaco $67Cordoba $3.05
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJaco $134Cordoba $6.10
Compare Hotels in Jaco and Cordoba
Looking for a hotel in Jaco or Cordoba? 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 Cordoba Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Jaco -Cordoba $2.08
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaco
Also for Jaco, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer Private From Jaco to San José or Airport up to 5 passengers (one way) : $245
- Transfer to Jaco beach from San José or the airport one way: $245
- 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 or Playa Hermosa: Transfer to San Jose or Alajuela: $173
- From Tortuga Island Boat Tour with Lunch and Transfer: $135
- Jaco/Monteverde to Liberia Airport (LIR) - Departure Transfer : $90
- Transfer FROM Jaco Beach TO SJO Airport OR RETURN (One Way): $70
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Jaco or Cordoba?
Prices for flights to both Cordoba 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
-
Food Meals for one dayJaco $21Cordoba $3.83
Typical Food Prices in Jaco
For Jaco, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Hermosa BeachLlunch$3.94
-
Tsunami Sushi Dinner$18
-
Taco Bar Dinner$9.01
-
Pizza & Smoothie Lunch$6.31
-
Ice Cream$5.92
-
Breakfast Taco Bar$3.34
-
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 Cordoba
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Cordoba:
-
Empanadas$0.01
-
Sandwich$0.00
-
Ice Cream$0.00
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Jaco $60Cordoba $1.88
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jaco
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Jaco's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
Dance Class$9.82
-
Surf Lesson$49
-
Bike Rental$9.82
-
Tortuga Island Tour$98
-
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
Tours and Activities in Cordoba
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cordoba.
- Alta Gracia: Unveiling Cordoba's Cultural Heritage Tour: $48
- Córdoba CityTour FULLDAY x 2 pax: $60
- Córdoba: Villa Carlos Paz Tour: $59
- Caroya WineTour x 2 Pax: $60
- Cordoba City Tour: $50
- Cordoba City Tour with Optional Jesuitic Square: $60
- Cordoba Cumbrecita Tour with Spanish Speaking Guide: $88
- Cordoba Jesuit Legacy Tour: $87
- Cumbrecita Tour: $88
- El Inicio WineTour x 2 Pax (History and Wines): $85
- Exploring Villa Carlos Paz: Guided Sightseeing Tour: $50
- Full Day Jesuit Legacy Tour from Cordoba: $80
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayJaco $32Cordoba $1.48
Typical Alcohol Prices in Jaco
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Jaco:
-
Wine$15
-
Night at the Bar$27
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 Jaco and Cordoba, we can see that Jaco is more expensive. And not only is Cordoba much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Jaco is in Central America and Cordoba 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 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 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 Cordoba.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Jaco Expensive? and Is Cordoba Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Jaco or Cordoba?
Cordoba has a larger population, and is about 350 times larger than the population of Jaco. When comparing the sizes of Jaco and Cordoba, 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 Cordoba?
Cordoba has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Jaco experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Jaco or Cordoba in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Jaco and Cordoba. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jaco year-round.
In the summer, Jaco is much warmer than Cordoba. Typically, the summer temperatures in Jaco in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Cordoba averages at about 10°C (50°F)in January.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cordoba this time of the year. Jaco usually receives less sunshine than Cordoba during summer. Jaco gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Cordoba receives 277 hours of full sun in the summer.
Jaco gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Jaco usually receives more rain than Cordobain January. Jaco gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryJaco 28°C (82°F)Cordoba 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Jaco or Cordoba in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Jaco as well as Cordoba. Jaco attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Jaco is generally much warmer than Cordobain April. Daily temperatures in Jaco average around 27°C (81°F), and Cordoba fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
In the autumn, Jaco often gets less sunshine than Cordobain April. Jaco gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cordoba receives 196 hours of full sun.
Jaco receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Jaco usually gets more rain in October than Cordobain April. Jaco gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilJaco 27°C (81°F)Cordoba 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Jaco or Cordoba in the Winter?
Both Cordoba and Jaco are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jaco throughout the year.
Jaco is around the same temperature as Cordoba in the winter. The daily temperature in Jaco averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Cordoba fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in July.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jaco. Jaco usually receives more sunshine than Cordoba during winter. Jaco gets 264 hours of sunny skies, while Cordoba receives 189 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Jaco usually receives less rain than Cordobain July. Jaco gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyJaco 27°C (81°F)Cordoba 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Jaco or Cordoba in the Spring?
Both Cordoba and Jaco during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Jaco because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the spring, Jaco is much warmer than Cordoba. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jaco in April average around 29°C (85°F), and Cordoba averages at about 19°C (66°F)in October.
In Cordoba, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Jaco. In the spring, Jaco often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cordobain October. Jaco gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cordoba receives 243 hours of full sun.
Jaco usually gets less rain in April than Cordobain October. Jaco gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberJaco 29°C (85°F)Cordoba 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Cordoba and Jaco
| Jaco | Cordoba | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 70 mm (2.8 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.