Which place is cheaper, La Paz or Jaco?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Jaco or La Paz?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Jaco or La Paz, 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 La Paz?
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.
La Paz
La Paz is the capital of Baja California Sur, Mexico. It has a population of about 215,000 people and is a significant commercial center for the region. The city has a good economy and a high standard of living when compared to much of Mexico. Much of the economy is focused on eco-tourism and there are many protected marine environments in the area.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica, The Best Budget Tours to Mexico, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Mexico.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayJaco $104La Paz $118
The average daily cost (per person) in Jaco is $104, while the average daily cost in La Paz is $118. 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 La Paz in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personJaco $67La Paz $52
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJaco $134La Paz $104
Compare Hotels in Jaco and La Paz
Looking for a hotel in Jaco or La Paz? 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 La Paz Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Jaco -La Paz $22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaco
Also for Jaco, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer FROM Jaco Beach TO SJO Airport OR RETURN (One Way): $70
- Jaco/Monteverde to Liberia Airport (LIR) - Departure Transfer : $90
- From Tortuga Island Boat Tour with Lunch and Transfer: $135
- Jaco or Playa Hermosa: Transfer to San Jose or Alajuela: $173
- Private Transfer - San Jose Airport & Los Sueños Resort/Marriot : $200
- Private transfer from Jaco Beach to Hotels in San Jose or the Airport: $219
- 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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Paz
Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Paz:
- Private Transfer from La Paz to Cabo San Lucas: $240
- Roundtrip Transfer to La Paz International Airport: $73
- La Paz Int. Airport (LAP): Private Transfer to La Paz hotels: $174
- La Paz Airport: Private Roundtrip Transfer to La Ventan: $259
- La Paz Airport to Costa Baja Private Roundtrip Transfer: $89
Is it cheaper to fly into Jaco or La Paz?
Prices for flights to both La Paz 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 $21La Paz $38
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Paz
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in La Paz.
- 4 Hours of Guided La Paz Street Food Tour: $81
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Jaco $60La Paz $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 Crocodile Safari and Bird Watching Tour: $35
- Crocodile Man Tour THE ORIGINAL: $40
- Jason Crocodile Tours: $40
- Jaco Beach: 2-Hour Chocolate Experience Tour: $43
- Horseback Riding Pacific Experience in Tarcoles Garabito: $47
- 2 Hours Private Guided Hiking Experience to El Miro in Jaco: $50
- From Canopy Tour in Hacienda Nosavar: $50
- Guided visit to Carara National Park (Ticket included): $50
- "Miro Jaco" & Jaco Beach Horseback Tour: $59
- Jaco Horse Tours: $60
- Chocolate Experience: $62
- Jaco Horseback Riding Adventure Tours: $64
Tours and Activities in La Paz
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for La Paz are as follows:
- 1 Day Espiritu Santo Island Wonders, Sea Lions and Paddleboard Adventure : $249
- 3 Hour La Paz Whale Shark Snorkeling Experience: $244
- Adventure to Espiritu Santo Island: Snorkel with Sea Lions and Beach: $131
- Balandra & San Rafaelito: Sightseeing & Snorkelling: $135
- Balandra Beach and City Tour: $128
- Balandra Snorkel & Sea Lion Adventure: $135
- Can-Am X3 Turbo Adventure: Cabo Desert Trails & Beach Ride: $291
- City Tour & Beaches from La Paz: $91
- Cruise Date Delight! Swim with Sea Lions! Apr-02: $186
- Espíritu Santo Island snorkel and sightseeing tour on Small Group: $167
- Espiritu Santo Island Day Tour: $170
- Espiritu Santo Island Snorkel & Sea Lion Adventure: $145
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayJaco $32La Paz $12
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
When comparing the travel costs between Jaco and La Paz, we can see that La Paz is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Jaco is in Central America and La Paz is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Jaco Expensive? and Is La Paz Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Jaco or La Paz?
La Paz has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Jaco. When comparing the sizes of Jaco and La Paz, 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 La Paz?
La Paz 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 La Paz in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Jaco as well as La Paz. Jaco attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to La Paz for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Jaco is generally around the same temperature as La Paz. Daily temperatures in Jaco average around 28°C (82°F), and La Paz fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Paz. In the summer, Jaco often gets less sunshine than La Paz. Jaco gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Paz receives 287 hours of full sun.
Jaco receives a lot of rain in the summer. Jaco usually gets more rain in July than La Paz. Jaco gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyJaco 28°C (82°F)La Paz 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Jaco or La Paz in the Autumn?
Both La Paz and Jaco are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jaco throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to La Paz in the autumn for the shopping scene.
Jaco is around the same temperature as La Paz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Jaco averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and La Paz fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
It's quite sunny in La Paz. Jaco usually receives less sunshine than La Paz during autumn. Jaco gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while La Paz receives 272 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Jaco. In October, Jaco usually receives more rain than La Paz. Jaco gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberJaco 27°C (81°F)La Paz 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Jaco or La Paz in the Winter?
Both La Paz and Jaco during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Jaco because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to La Paz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, Jaco is much warmer than La Paz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Jaco in January average around 27°C (81°F), and La Paz averages at about 18°C (65°F).
In La Paz, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Jaco. In the winter, Jaco often gets more sunshine than La Paz. Jaco gets 264 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Paz receives 200 hours of full sun.
Jaco usually gets less rain in January than La Paz. Jaco gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryJaco 27°C (81°F)La Paz 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Jaco or La Paz in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Jaco and La Paz. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jaco year-round. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to La Paz because of the beaches.
In April, Jaco is generally a little warmer than La Paz. Daily temperatures in Jaco average around 29°C (85°F), and La Paz fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Paz this time of the year. In Jaco, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jaco usually receives less sunshine than La Paz during spring. Jaco gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while La Paz receives 292 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Jaco usually receives more rain than La Paz. Jaco gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilJaco 29°C (85°F)La Paz 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for La Paz and Jaco
| Jaco | La Paz | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 30°C (87°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 21 mm (0.8 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.