Which place is cheaper, Manaus or Jaco?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Jaco or Manaus?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Jaco or Manaus, 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 Manaus?
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.
Manaus
Manaus is a Brazilian city, capital of the state of Amazonas, and is located on the Rio Negro a few miles before it meets the Rio Solimões to form the Amazon River. The city is a major departure point for those visiting the Amazon Rainforest, though there are a few sights worth seeing within the city itself as well.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil, and The Best Wildlife Tours to Brazil.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayJaco $104Manaus $59
The average daily cost (per person) in Jaco is $104, while the average daily cost in Manaus is $59. 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 Manaus in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personJaco $67Manaus $42
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJaco $134Manaus $84
Compare Hotels in Jaco and Manaus
Looking for a hotel in Jaco or Manaus? 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 Manaus Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Jaco -Manaus $7.94
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manaus
Also for Manaus, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfers from the airport to any place in Manaus City: $40
- Transfer from Manaus Airport to Manaus City: $40
- Transfer Privativo 24h aeroporto -> hotel em Manaus: $18
- Shared Round-Trip Transfer: Eduardo Gomes International Airport: $72
- Serviço de transfer privativo do Porto -> aeroporto de Mana: $20
- Private Transfer 24h Airport to Hotel in Manaus: $15
- Private Transfer - Airport - Hotel / Hotel - Airport: $35
- Private 24-hour transfer from the Hotel to the Airport in Manaus: $16
- Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) to Manaus -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $46
- Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) to Manaus - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
- Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) to Manaus - Arrival Private Transfer: $21
- Manaus to Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $23
Is it cheaper to fly into Jaco or Manaus?
Prices for flights to both Manaus 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 $21Manaus $12
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 Manaus
For Manaus, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Folklore Amazonian Dinner Show: $42
- Food Tour: $50
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Jaco $60Manaus -
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
Tours and Activities in Manaus
For Manaus, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Adventure: 4-hour hike in the Amazon rainforest: $150
- Amazon Experience: meet a native village and swim with porpoises: $80
- Amazon Jungle Experience with Overnight: $300
- Amazon Jungle: 3- or 4-Day Tour at Ipanema River Guest House: $200
- Amazon Negro River Half-Day Expedition Tour: $55
- Amazon Private Safari by Tuhiri Eco Tour - Leaving Manaus: $199
- Amazon River Stand Up Paddling Tour: $124
- Amazon and Negro Rivers Experience with Night Exploration Tour: $300
- City Tour Plus Amazon River Tour: $100
- City Tour in Manaus at Teatro Amazonas and Praça da Matriz: $50
- City Tour no Centro Histórico de Manaus com um fotógrafo: $91
- From Manaus Cruise Terminal: Amazon Rainforest Highlights: $150
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayJaco $32Manaus $2.84
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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jaco and Manaus, we can see that Jaco is more expensive. And not only is Manaus much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Jaco is in Central America and Manaus 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 Manaus would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Manaus 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 Manaus.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Jaco Expensive? and Is Manaus Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Jaco or Manaus?
Manaus has a larger population, and is about 390 times larger than the population of Jaco. When comparing the sizes of Jaco and Manaus, 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 Manaus?
Manaus 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 Manaus in the Summer?
Both Manaus 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 July, Jaco is generally around the same temperature as Manausin January. Daily temperatures in Jaco average around 28°C (82°F), and Manaus fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
Jaco usually receives more sunshine than Manaus during summer. Jaco gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Manaus receives 114 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Manaus. It's quite rainy in Jaco. In July, Jaco usually receives less rain than Manausin January. Jaco gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Manaus receives 264 mm (10.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryJaco 28°C (82°F)Manaus 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Jaco or Manaus in the Autumn?
Both Manaus 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.
Jaco is around the same temperature as Manaus in the autumn. The daily temperature in Jaco averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Manaus fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in April.
In the autumn, Jaco often gets more sunshine than Manausin April. Jaco gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Manaus receives 112 hours of full sun.
Manaus gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Jaco. Jaco usually gets less rain in October than Manausin April. Jaco gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while Manaus receives 311 mm (12.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilJaco 27°C (81°F)Manaus 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Jaco or Manaus in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Jaco and Manaus. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jaco year-round.
In the winter, Jaco is around the same temperature as Manaus. Typically, the winter temperatures in Jaco in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Manaus averages at about 28°C (82°F)in July.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Manaus this time of the year. In Jaco, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jaco usually receives more sunshine than Manaus during winter. Jaco gets 264 hours of sunny skies, while Manaus receives 214 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Jaco usually receives less rain than Manausin July. Jaco gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Manaus receives 85 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyJaco 27°C (81°F)Manaus 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Jaco or Manaus in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Jaco as well as Manaus. Jaco attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Jaco is generally around the same temperature as Manausin October. Daily temperatures in Jaco average around 29°C (85°F), and Manaus fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jaco this time of the year. In the spring, Jaco often gets more sunshine than Manausin October. Jaco gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Manaus receives 171 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Manaus. Jaco usually gets less rain in April than Manausin October. Jaco gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Manaus receives 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberJaco 29°C (85°F)Manaus 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Manaus and Jaco
| Jaco | Manaus | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 264 mm (10.4 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 290 mm (11.4 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 311 mm (12.3 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 279 mm (11 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 174 mm (6.8 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 220 mm (8.6 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.