A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Jaco vs. Toronto for Nightlife, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Jaco or Toronto?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Jaco or Toronto, 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.

Jaco

Jaco is a laid back, popular, and touristy town. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Jaco travel costs.

Toronto

Toronto is a vibrant, cultural, and diverse city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Toronto travel costs.

Jaco and Toronto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jaco or Toronto?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Toronto than Jaco, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Toronto is better known for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Jaco is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling and beaches. Jaco is more touristy than Toronto and is known for its surfing, nightlife, and beaches. Toronto is well known for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population. Also, Toronto is famous for the CN Tower.

How is Jaco different from Toronto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Toronto and Jaco. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Jaco or Toronto?

Toronto is a world-class destination for its museums and history. However, Jaco is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Toronto has many famous sights for visitors. The city is filled with landmarks and museums such as the CN Tower and the Royal Ontario Museum. Ripley's Aquarium is a highlight for many visitors. It's near the CN Tower and has an underwater tunnel. The city is also filled with art galleries and cultural sights. Another must is a visit to Casa Loma and, of course, the Toronto Zoo.

Jaco offers a few options for museum-goers. Most people spend their time outside or partying while they're in town.

Is the Food Better in Jaco or Toronto? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Toronto is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Jaco is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Toronto has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The food scene is as diverse as the city itself. You'll find classic Canadian favorites like peameal bacon sandwiches and beavertails, as well as almost any international cuisine you could want. Make sure you try the dim sum, roti, and street hot dogs.

Jaco offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There's a range of restaurants around town that include hamburger joints, pizza shops, and other casual favorites. You'll find a variety of options along the main strip as well.

Is Jaco or Toronto Better for Nightlife?

The first-rate nightlife scene is relatively similar in Jaco and Toronto.

People head to Jaco just to party. What was once a quiet surfing town is now one of the most famous party destinations in Costa Rica. There are a constantly growing number of bars and clubs around town and you'll find tons of young tourists and backpackers looking for a party.

The nightlife in Toronto is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It's a diverse nightlife scene, with upscale lounges, dive bars, live music, and high energy nightclubs. Popular areas for nightlife include King Street, the Ossington Strip, College Street, and Kensington Market.

Is Jaco or Toronto Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Jaco is a town with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Toronto is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Jaco. You can't really snorkel at Jaco Beach because of the waves and water conditions, but there are a number of snorkeling tours that leave from town and take you to better spots.

Toronto is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Jaco or Toronto Better for Beaches?

Jaco is a town with good options for its beaches. However, Toronto is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Jaco. Jaco Beach is a great spot for swimming and surfing. It's lost some of its original charm, but there's still golden sand and nearby horseback riding.

Toronto is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Jaco or Toronto?

Toronto is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Jaco is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Toronto specifically to go shopping. Shopping is huge here, with plenty of options available that range from large malls to vintage stores or flea markets. Eaton Center on Yonge Street is a major shopping area. Yonge Street is also home to more than 600 retail stores.

Jaco is a great destination for shopping. Many of the shops are found along the main street. There are a number of souvenir stores and a few art galleries that are worth checking out.

Is Jaco or Toronto Better for Families?

Toronto is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Jaco is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Toronto. Kids will enjoy the city's many family-friendly museums like the Royal Ontario Museum or the Ontario Science Center. Younger kids will have fun playing at the Centreville Theme Park while all ages will love a day at Canada's Wonderland. Black Creek Pioneer Village is a highlight for many families as well.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Jaco. Nearby you'll find horseback riding, monkey tours, and other fun kid-friendly activities. Kids will enjoy the beaches in the area as well.

Is Jaco or Toronto Better for Couples?

Toronto is a very popular place for couples. Also, Jaco is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Toronto makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This city is full of energy, and couples can enjoy amazing meals, impressive shows, and romantic outings. You can picnic at a park or check out the view from CN Tower. There are also dinner cruises and live theater.

Jaco is a nice destination for couples. It's one of the more touristy parts of Costa Rica, but if you enjoy surfing and beach life, then you'll find a lot to do in the area.

Is Jaco or Toronto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jaco and Toronto are both high quality destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Jaco. It's a touristy town with a bit of a party reputation. There are plenty of hostels and other backpackers around so you shouldn't have trouble meeting people.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Toronto. There are a number of hostels around town and there's often a good crowd of backpackers.

Is Jaco or Toronto Better for Students?

Toronto is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Jaco is not popular with students.

Toronto is a great destination for students. The city has a good number of universities that attract students from around the globe. This is a very livable city with a lot of diversity and plenty of entertainment options.

Jaco is not popular with students.

Is Jaco or Toronto Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Toronto is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Jaco is lacking in good options for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Toronto can get you around easily. Union Station is the hub of the city's transportation system, which includes subways, buses and streetcars.

Public transit is generally limited in Jaco. Most people walk or get around by bicycle.

Is Jaco or Toronto a more walkable city?

Jaco and Toronto are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Jaco is a very walkable destination. The town is compact and walkable. You'll find many of the restaurants and shops along the main street, and it's easy to reach the beach on foot.

Toronto is very walkable. It's a pedestrian-friendly city that is great for exploring on foot. The waterfront area has a walkway and there are cycling trails around town as well.

For even more information, also check out Is Jaco Worth Visiting? and Is Toronto Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toronto or Jaco?

How long in Jaco or Toronto?

Both Jaco and Toronto have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Toronto than in Jaco. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Jaco, and 3-7 days is enough time in Toronto.

Families should spend more time in Toronto than Jaco. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Toronto, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Toronto than Jaco. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Toronto that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Toronto than Jaco if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Toronto.

One day in Jaco or Toronto?

In Jaco, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Toronto is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Jaco or Toronto?

In Jaco, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Toronto is a fun place to experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Jaco or Toronto?

Jaco is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Toronto is a diverse big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Jaco or Toronto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Jaco. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Jaco. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Toronto is a diverse city where you can fill many days. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jaco and Toronto, we can see that Toronto is more expensive. And not only is Jaco much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Jaco is in Central America and Toronto is in North 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 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 Toronto would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Toronto 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 Toronto Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Jaco or Toronto?

Toronto has a larger population, and is about 1130 times larger than the population of Jaco. When comparing the sizes of Jaco and Toronto, 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 Toronto?

Toronto 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 Toronto in the Summer?

Both Toronto and Jaco are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jaco throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Toronto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Jaco is a little warmer than Toronto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Jaco in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Toronto averages at about 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Toronto. Jaco usually receives less sunshine than Toronto during summer. Jaco gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 281 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Jaco. In July, Jaco usually receives more rain than Toronto. Jaco gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Jaco or Toronto in the Autumn?

Both Toronto 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. Also, many visitors come to Toronto in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Jaco is generally much warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Jaco average around 27°C (81°F), and Toronto fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Jaco often gets more sunshine than Toronto. Jaco gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 153 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Jaco. Jaco usually gets more rain in October than Toronto. Jaco gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year. November to May is the dry season in Jaco. Also, June to October in Jaco is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Jaco or Toronto in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Jaco and Toronto. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jaco year-round. Also, most visitors come to Toronto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Toronto can be very cold during winter. Jaco is much warmer than Toronto in the winter. The daily temperature in Jaco averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Toronto fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

In Jaco, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jaco usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during winter. Jaco gets 264 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 87 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Jaco usually receives less rain than Toronto. Jaco gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Jaco or Toronto in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Jaco as well as Toronto. Jaco attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Toronto because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Jaco is much warmer than Toronto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jaco in April average around 29°C (85°F), and Toronto averages at about 7°C (44°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 Toronto. Jaco gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 179 hours of full sun.

Jaco usually gets less rain in April than Toronto. Jaco gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to May in Jaco is the dry season. Also, the hurricane season in Jaco is June to October.

Typical Weather for Toronto and Jaco