Which place is cheaper, Jaco or Leon?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Leon or Jaco?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Leon and Jaco can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Leon or Jaco?
Leon
Leon is one of the oldest city's in Nicaragua and you can see hints of its colonial past in the architecture around town. Tourism is not a major part of the economy in Leon, but the city is gaining popularity with budget travelers and backpackers and more recently tour groups are including Leon in their itinerary.
With a population of just over 200,000, Leon is the second largest city in Nicaragua, after Managua. During the university season the population grows dramatically as there is a heavy presence of students in Leon. It is a popular university town, and this young population gives the city plenty of energy and entertainment.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLeon $59Jaco $104
The average daily cost (per person) in Leon is $59, while the average daily cost in Jaco is $104. 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 Leon and Jaco in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLeon $16Jaco $67
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLeon $32Jaco $134
Compare Hotels in Leon and Jaco
Looking for a hotel in Leon or Jaco? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Leon $1.51Jaco -
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaco
Also for Jaco, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Tortuga Island Boat Tour with Lunch and Transfer: $135
- Jaco or Playa Hermosa: Transfer to San Jose or Alajuela: $173
- Jaco/Monteverde to Liberia Airport (LIR) - Departure Transfer : $90
- 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 FROM Jaco Beach TO SJO Airport OR RETURN (One Way): $78
- 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
Is it cheaper to fly into Leon or Jaco?
Prices for flights to both Jaco and Leon 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 dayLeon $12Jaco $21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Leon
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Leon.
- Tlakualli Food Tour: $19
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Leon $5.81Jaco $60
Tours and Activities in Leon
Here are a few actual costs in Leon for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 6 Hours Sunset Private Guided Tour of Telica Volcano in León: $163
- A Stroll Through León’s Enchanting Streets: Romantic Walking Tour: $224
- Half Day Private Tour of Cerro Negro's Volcano Boarding: $35
- Half-Day Leon City Tour: $135
- Hike El Hoyo Volcano "Private Tour" : $67
- Horseback Riding Private Tour : $103
- Kayak Private tour at Juan Venado Island: $92
- Leon City Walking Private Tour : $48
- Old Leon and Asososca Lagoon Private Tour: $82
- Rum Tour & Chorotega Museum Experience: $62
- Somoto Canyon "Private Tour from Leon" : $154
- Telica Sunset Tour : $93
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:
- Guided Walking Street Art & Graffiti Tour in Jaco Costa Rica : $30
- Jungle Crocodile Safari and Bird Watching Tour: $35
- 2 Hours Private Guided Hiking Experience to El Miro in Jaco: $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
- Guided visit to Carara National Park (Ticket included): $50
- From Canopy Tour in Hacienda Nosavar: $50
- Jaco Horseback Riding Adventure Tours: $59
- Jaco Horse Tours: $60
- Chocolate Experience: $62
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLeon $3.53Jaco $32
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 Leon and Jaco, we can see that Jaco is more expensive. And not only is Leon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Leon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Leon 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 Leon.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Leon Expensive? and Is Jaco Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Leon or Jaco?
Leon has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Jaco. When comparing the sizes of Leon and Jaco, 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 Leon or Jaco?
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 Leon or Jaco in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Leon as well as Jaco. Leon attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jaco throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Jaco. Leon receives a lot of rain in the summer. Leon usually gets less rain in July than Jaco. Leon gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, Leon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Jaco. Leon gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jaco receives 164 hours of full sun.
In July, Leon is generally around the same temperature as Jaco. Daily temperatures in Leon average around 27°C (81°F), and Jaco fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLeon 27°C (81°F)Jaco 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Leon or Jaco in the Autumn?
Both Jaco and Leon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Leon throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Jaco because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Jaco. It's quite rainy in Leon. In October, Leon usually receives less rain than Jaco. Leon gets 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Leon usually receives more sunshine than Jaco during autumn. Leon gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Jaco receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Leon is around the same temperature as Jaco in the autumn. The daily temperature in Leon averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Jaco fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLeon 27°C (81°F)Jaco 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Leon or Jaco in the Winter?
Both Jaco and Leon during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Leon because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jaco year-round.
Leon usually gets less rain in January than Jaco. Leon gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Jaco, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Leon. In the winter, Leon often gets less sunshine than Jaco. Leon gets 244 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jaco receives 264 hours of full sun.
In the winter, Leon is around the same temperature as Jaco. Typically, the winter temperatures in Leon in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Jaco averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLeon 26°C (79°F)Jaco 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Leon or Jaco in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Leon and Jaco. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Leon year-round. Jaco attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Leon usually receives less rain than Jaco. Leon gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jaco this time of the year. In Leon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Leon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Jaco during spring. Leon gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Jaco receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Leon is generally around the same temperature as Jaco. Daily temperatures in Leon average around 29°C (84°F), and Jaco fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLeon 29°C (84°F)Jaco 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Jaco and Leon
| Leon | Jaco | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 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.