Which place is cheaper, Tamarindo or Jaco?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Jaco or Tamarindo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Jaco or Tamarindo, 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 Tamarindo?
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.
Tamarindo
Tamarindo is a small beach town in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica on the Pacific Coast. This town is usually sought out by surfers, fishers, couples, and families. There are delicious restaurants, beautiful beaches, and friendly Tico's and Tica's (local Costa Rican nicknames) everywhere.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica, The Best G Adventures Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Costa Rica.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayJaco $104Tamarindo $121
The average daily cost (per person) in Jaco is $104, while the average daily cost in Tamarindo is $121. 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 Tamarindo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personJaco $67Tamarindo $50
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJaco $134Tamarindo $100
Compare Hotels in Jaco and Tamarindo
Looking for a hotel in Jaco or Tamarindo? 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 Tamarindo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Jaco -Tamarindo $69
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaco
Also for Jaco, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shuttle & transfer rides to SJO Airport Costa Rica: $55
- Transfer FROM Jaco Beach TO SJO Airport OR RETURN (One Way): $70
- Arrival Transfer Barcelo Tambor to Juan Santamaria Airport SJO : $82
- 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 Tamarindo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tamarindo:
- Transfer from Westin Conchal Hotel to Liberia Airport (LIR): $140
- Transfer from JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa to Liberia Airport (LIR): $148
- Transfer from Four Seasons Resort to Liberia Airport (LIR): $120
- Transfer To/From Liberia Airport To/ From JW Marriott Guanacaste: $195
- Transfer Service From Liberia Airport To Reserva Conchal: $143
- Transfer Service From Liberia Airport To Planet Hollywood Costa Rica: $92
- Transfer Service From Liberia Airport To Golfo de Papagayo: $115
- Transfer Service From Liberia Airport To Four Seasons Papagayo: $98
- Transfer From Liberia Airport To Hacienda Pinilla Guanacaste: $175
- Transfer From Liberia Airport To Casa Chameleon At Las Catalinas: $165
- Transfer to Liberia or LIR Airport: $120
- Transfer to La Fortuna de Arenal: $307
Is it cheaper to fly into Jaco or Tamarindo?
Prices for flights to both Tamarindo 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 $21Tamarindo $32
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 Tamarindo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Tamarindo.
- Traditional Cooking Class In Tamarindo: $95
- Traditional Cooking Class In Tamarindo: $95
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Jaco $60Tamarindo $17
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
- Jaco Horse Tours: $60
- Chocolate Experience: $62
- Jaco Horseback Riding Adventure Tours: $64
- 2-hour Adventure Canopy and High Ropes Course: $65
Tours and Activities in Tamarindo
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tamarindo are as follows:
- ATV adventure from Riu, Secrets and papagayo: $90
- Ecologic farming Sloth tour Hiking & Chocolate -Coffee tour: $233
- Premium Tour: Rincón de la Vieja Volcano Adventure Combo Tour: $220
- Premium Tour: Rincón de la Vieja Volcano and Waterfall Hiking: $170
- Premium Tour:Sloths and Río Celeste y Cortez Waterfalls (Tenorio Volcano Park): $220
- Private ATV or Buggy Tour from Riu Hotels: $85
- Wildlife Tour at Palo Verde National Park: $199
- 1,5 Hours Private Horseback Riding Tour in Playa Conchal: $80
- 2-Hour Guided Tour by ATV near Playa Conchal: $130
- 3-in-1 Rincon de la Vieja National Park Nature Day Tour: $300
- 5-Hour Guided Sunset Boat Tour in Tamarindo Costa Rica: $95
- 5-in-1 Rincon de la Vieja National Park Buena Vista Eco Adventure Day Tour: $300
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayJaco $32Tamarindo $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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jaco and Tamarindo, we can see that Tamarindo is more expensive. And not only is Jaco much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Jaco would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Jaco 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 Tamarindo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tamarindo than you might in Jaco.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Jaco Expensive? and Is Tamarindo Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Jaco or Tamarindo?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Jaco or Tamarindo in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Jaco as well as Tamarindo. Jaco attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tamarindo throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Tamarindo. Jaco receives a lot of rain in the summer. Jaco usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Tamarindo. Jaco gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, Jaco often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tamarindo. Jaco gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tamarindo receives 164 hours of full sun.
In July, Jaco is generally around the same temperature as Tamarindo. Daily temperatures in Jaco average around 28°C (82°F), and Tamarindo fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyJaco 28°C (82°F)Tamarindo 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Jaco or Tamarindo in the Autumn?
Both Tamarindo and Jaco are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jaco throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Tamarindo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Tamarindo. It's quite rainy in Jaco. In October, Jaco usually receives around the same amount of rain as Tamarindo. Jaco gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Jaco usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Tamarindo during autumn. Jaco gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Tamarindo receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Jaco is around the same temperature as Tamarindo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Jaco averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Tamarindo fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberJaco 27°C (81°F)Tamarindo 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Jaco or Tamarindo in the Winter?
Both Tamarindo 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tamarindo year-round.
Jaco usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Tamarindo. Jaco gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Tamarindo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Jaco. In the winter, Jaco often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tamarindo. Jaco gets 264 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tamarindo receives 264 hours of full sun.
In the winter, Jaco is around the same temperature as Tamarindo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Jaco in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Tamarindo averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryJaco 27°C (81°F)Tamarindo 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Jaco or Tamarindo in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Jaco and Tamarindo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jaco year-round. Tamarindo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Jaco usually receives around the same amount of rain as Tamarindo. Jaco gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tamarindo this time of the year. In Jaco, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jaco usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Tamarindo during spring. Jaco gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Tamarindo receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Jaco is generally around the same temperature as Tamarindo. Daily temperatures in Jaco average around 29°C (85°F), and Tamarindo fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilJaco 29°C (85°F)Tamarindo 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Tamarindo and Jaco
| Jaco | Tamarindo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 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.