A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Jaco vs. Easter Island for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Jaco or Easter Island?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Jaco or Easter Island, 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 Easter Island?

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.

Easter Island

Although Easter Island is considered a territory of Chile, it is actually located far out in the Pacific, almost halfway to Tahiti. Easter Island is well known, despite being one of the most isolated islands on Earth, because of the mysterious giant stone busts which date back centuries. There are 887 monumental statues, called moai, that were built by the Rapa Nui people. There remains much mystery around the historic Polynesian culture which created the stones, as well as the specific meaning for them.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Chile, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Easter Island or Jaco?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Jaco is $104, while the average daily cost in Easter Island is $80. 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 Easter Island in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jaco $67
    Easter Island $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jaco $134
    Easter Island $88
Compare Hotels in Jaco and Easter Island

Looking for a hotel in Jaco or Easter Island? 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 Jaco


Hotels in Easter Island


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jaco -
    Easter Island $2.59

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Jaco or Easter Island?

Prices for flights to both Easter Island 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 day
    Jaco $21
    Easter Island $25
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Easter Island

For Easter Island, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Dinner, Show and Traditional Curanto Te Ra'ai Cultural Experience: $120
  • Rapa Nui Dinner Show on Easter Island: $153

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jaco $60
    Easter Island $40
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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Easter Island

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Easter Island's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Bike Rental
    $8.38

Tours and Activities in Easter Island

For Easter Island, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2-Day Tour Touring the Highlights of Rapa Nui: $300
  • Half Day Private Tour: Caves and Volcanic Refuges: $170
  • 2 Day Private Tour: Rapa Nui's Cultural Heritage: $300
  • 2 Days Highlights Tour in Easter Island Moai and Nature: $210
  • 3 Hours Terevaka Horseback Private Guided Riding Tour: $180
  • Easter Island Full-Day Tour: Ahu Tongariki, Rano Raraku and Anakena Beach: $171
  • Easter Island Moai Archaeology Tour: Ahu Akivi, Ahu Tahai and Puna Pauâ Quarry.: $91
  • Poike Volcano Private Hiking Tour with Guide: $280
  • Experience Easter Island Shared Tour for Cruise Ship Passengers : $290
  • Full Day Hotu Matua Tour from Vaihu to Anakena: $70
  • Full Day Private Tour: Factory of the Moai the stone giants: $219
  • Full Day Tour - The Land of Hotu Matu´a: $177

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jaco $32
    Easter Island $5.34
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


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jaco and Easter Island, we can see that Jaco is more expensive. And not only is Easter Island much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Jaco is in Central America and Easter Island 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 Easter Island would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Easter Island 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 Easter Island.

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


Which is Bigger, Jaco or Easter Island?

Jaco has a larger population, and is about 2% larger than the population of Easter Island. When comparing the sizes of Jaco and Easter Island, 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 Easter Island?

Easter Island 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 Easter Island in the Summer?

Both Easter Island and Jaco are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jaco throughout the year.

In the summer, Jaco is a little warmer than Easter Island. Typically, the summer temperatures in Jaco in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Easter Island averages at about 24°C (74°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Easter Island. Jaco usually receives less sunshine than Easter Island during summer. Jaco gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Easter Island receives 272 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Jaco. In July, Jaco usually receives more rain than Easter Islandin January. Jaco gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Easter Island receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Jaco 28°C (82°F) 
    Easter Island 24°C (74°F)

Should I visit Jaco or Easter Island in the Autumn?

Both Easter Island 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.

In October, Jaco is generally a little warmer than Easter Islandin April. Daily temperatures in Jaco average around 27°C (81°F), and Easter Island fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In the autumn, Jaco often gets less sunshine than Easter Islandin April. Jaco gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Easter Island receives 185 hours of full sun.

Easter Island 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 Easter Islandin April. Jaco gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while Easter Island receives 121 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Jaco 27°C (81°F) 
    Easter Island 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Jaco or Easter Island in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Jaco and Easter Island. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jaco year-round.

Jaco is a little warmer than Easter Island in the winter. The daily temperature in Jaco averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Easter Island fluctuates around 18°C (65°F)in July.

In Jaco, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jaco usually receives more sunshine than Easter Island during winter. Jaco gets 264 hours of sunny skies, while Easter Island receives 148 hours of full sun in the winter.

Easter Island receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Jaco usually receives less rain than Easter Islandin July. Jaco gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Easter Island receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Jaco 27°C (81°F) 
    Easter Island 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Jaco or Easter Island in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Jaco as well as Easter Island. Jaco attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the spring, Jaco is much warmer than Easter Island. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jaco in April average around 29°C (85°F), and Easter Island averages at about 20°C (67°F)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Easter Island. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jaco this time of the year. In the spring, Jaco often gets more sunshine than Easter Islandin October. Jaco gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Easter Island receives 224 hours of full sun.

Jaco usually gets less rain in April than Easter Islandin October. Jaco gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Easter Island receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Jaco 29°C (85°F) 
    Easter Island 20°C (67°F)

Typical Weather for Easter Island and Jaco

Jaco Easter Island
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 24°C (74°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Feb 28°C (83°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Mar 29°C (84°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Apr 29°C (85°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 226 mm (8.9 in) 20°C (69°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 226 mm (8.9 in) 19°C (67°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 18°C (65°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 289 mm (11.4 in) 19°C (65°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 328 mm (12.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 254 mm (10 in) 20°C (67°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 121 mm (4.8 in) 21°C (69°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 22°C (72°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)