A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Liberia vs. Cordoba for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Liberia or Cordoba?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Liberia and Cordoba. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Liberia or Cordoba?

Liberia

Liberia is a town in northwestern Costa Rica. It is the capital of the Guanacaste province, which is about 140 miles away from Costa Rica's capital, San Jose. The town has a population of about 56,000 and is one of the tourism centers of the country.

Cordoba

Cordoba is the capital of the Cordoba province and the second largest city in all of Argentina. The city is in a beautiful setting surrounded by valleys and hills. Within the city you will find many colonial buildings and beautiful architecture. Cordoba also has many universities and scientific institutes, giving it the nickname "La Docta." Because of the large number of students, Cordoba's population is young and active, which keeps the atmosphere light and fun.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Eco Tours in Costa Rica, The Best Adventure Tours to Argentina, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Argentina.


Which place is cheaper, Cordoba or Liberia?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Liberia is $112, while the average daily cost in Cordoba is $8.40. 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 Liberia and Cordoba in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Liberia $60
    Cordoba $3.05
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Liberia $120
    Cordoba $6.10
Compare Hotels in Liberia and Cordoba

Looking for a hotel in Liberia or Cordoba? 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.

Hotels in Liberia


Hotels in Cordoba


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: Liberia Hotel Prices and Cordoba Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Liberia $43
    Cordoba $2.08
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Liberia

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Liberia are as follows:


  • Bike Rental
    $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Liberia

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Liberia:

  • Transfer Dreams Las Mareas from Airports ROUND TRIP: $300
  • Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Santa Teresa: $300
  • Punta Islita Hotel to/from Liberia Airport - Shuttle & Transfers Service: $279
  • Liberia Airport (LIR)to Malpais / Montezuma - Raund-Trip Transfer: $272
  • Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Nosara: $250
  • Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Dreams Las Mareas: $245
  • One-Way Private Transfer from Liberia Guanacaste Airport to La Fortuna (Arenal): $241
  • Transfer Service From Liberia Airport To Dreams Las Mareas, Costa Rica: $240
  • Private Transfer from Liberia Airport (LIR) to Arenal / La Fortuna : $232
  • Transfers Tamarindo Diria or Occidental Tamarindo, Round Trip.: $230
  • Private Transfer Service From Liberia Airport To Dreams Las Mareas - Costa Rica: $215
  • Private Transfer Ato Lir - JW Marriott Standar: $210

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cordoba

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cordoba are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $0.01

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cordoba

Also for Cordoba, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer in private minivan from Cordoba to Ingeniero Ambrosio Taravella Airport: $61

Is it cheaper to fly into Liberia or Cordoba?

Prices for flights to both Cordoba and Liberia 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Liberia $21
    Cordoba $3.83
Typical Food Prices in Liberia

Some typical examples of dining costs in Liberia are as follows:


  • Snacks
    $1.97
  • Lunch at The Shack (for 1)
    $4.95
  • Lunch
    $11
  • Coffee & Tres Leches (for 2)
    $14
  • Ginger Ale
    $1.28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Liberia

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Liberia.

  • 2-Hour Cooking Class in Nosara : $65
  • Private Local Cooking Class in Nosara: $85
  • Private Sunset Dinner at the Beach with Chef : $190

Typical Food Prices in Cordoba

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Cordoba:


  • Empanadas
    $0.01
  • Sandwich
    $0.00
  • Ice Cream
    $0.00

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Liberia $25
    Cordoba $1.88

Tours and Activities in Liberia

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Liberia are as follows:

  • ATV Tour Guanacaste the Beach Excursion & Trail: $110
  • Llanos de Cortez Safari and Waterfall Tour: $190
  • Mega Combo Adventure: $195
  • Nicaragua one day tour from Costa Rica, Discover it: $250
  • (Private) La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike: $41
  • 2 Hour ATV Private Tour in Costa Rica: $81
  • 2 In 1 Jet Sky & Buggy Private Tour: $300
  • 2-Hours UTV Tour: $110
  • 3 Hour ATV Adventure Tour in El Jobo: $130
  • 4 Tours in 1 Action Package - Playa del Coco area: $170
  • 5 in 1 sloth, Rainforest, waterfalls, hanging bridges, volcanic activity tour.: $285
  • 6 Hours Guanacaste Cultural and Local Farm Experience: $77

Tours and Activities in Cordoba

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cordoba.

  • Traditional Córdoba CityTour x 2 Pax: $45
  • Alta Gracia: Unveiling Cordoba's Cultural Heritage Tour: $48
  • Exploring Villa Carlos Paz: Guided Sightseeing Tour: $50
  • Cordoba City Tour: $50
  • Private Cordoba City Tour: $53
  • Córdoba: Villa Carlos Paz Tour: $59
  • Cordoba City Tour with Optional Jesuitic Square: $60
  • Córdoba CityTour FULLDAY x 2 pax: $60
  • Caroya WineTour x 2 Pax: $60
  • La Cumbrecita and Villa General Belgrano Full Day Tour: $73
  • Full Day Tour to Punilla Valley from Cordoba: $75
  • Full Day Jesuit Legacy Tour from Cordoba: $80

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Liberia $13
    Cordoba $1.48

Sample the Local Flavors in Cordoba

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cordoba:

  • Full-Day Private Colonia Caroya Wine Tour from Córdoba: $120
  • Wine Tour Privado - Colonia Caroya: $130
  • Wine Tour Privado - Calamuchita: $150


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Liberia and Cordoba, we can see that Liberia is more expensive. And not only is Cordoba much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Liberia is in Central America and Cordoba 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 Cordoba would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cordoba 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 Liberia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Liberia than you might in Cordoba.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Liberia Expensive? and Is Cordoba Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Liberia or Cordoba?

Cordoba has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Liberia. When comparing the sizes of Liberia and Cordoba, 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 Liberia or Cordoba?

Cordoba has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Liberia experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Liberia or Cordoba in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Liberia as well as Cordoba. Liberia attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Liberia is much warmer than Cordoba in the summer. The daily temperature in Liberia averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Cordoba fluctuates around 10°C (50°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cordoba. In the summer, Liberia often gets less sunshine than Cordobain January. Liberia gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cordoba receives 277 hours of full sun.

Liberia receives a lot of rain in the summer. Liberia usually gets more rain in July than Cordobain January. Liberia gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Liberia 28°C (82°F) 
    Cordoba 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Liberia or Cordoba in the Autumn?

Both Cordoba and Liberia are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Liberia throughout the year.

In the autumn, Liberia is much warmer than Cordoba. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Liberia in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Cordoba averages at about 16°C (61°F)in April.

Liberia usually receives less sunshine than Cordoba during autumn. Liberia gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Cordoba receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Liberia. In October, Liberia usually receives more rain than Cordobain April. Liberia gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Liberia is December to April. The rainy season in Liberia is April to December.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Liberia 27°C (81°F) 
    Cordoba 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Liberia or Cordoba in the Winter?

Both Cordoba and Liberia during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Liberia because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In January, Liberia is generally around the same temperature as Cordobain July. Daily temperatures in Liberia average around 27°C (81°F), and Cordoba fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

It's quite sunny in Liberia. In the winter, Liberia often gets more sunshine than Cordobain July. Liberia gets 264 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cordoba receives 189 hours of full sun.

Liberia usually gets less rain in January than Cordobain July. Liberia gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Liberia 27°C (81°F) 
    Cordoba 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Liberia or Cordoba in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Liberia and Cordoba. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Liberia year-round.

Liberia is much warmer than Cordoba in the spring. The daily temperature in Liberia averages around 29°C (85°F) in April, and Cordoba fluctuates around 19°C (66°F)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cordoba this time of the year. In Liberia, it's very sunny this time of the year. Liberia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cordoba during spring. Liberia gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Cordoba receives 243 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Liberia usually receives less rain than Cordobain October. Liberia gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring. December to April in Liberia is the dry season. Also, April to December is the rainy season in Liberia.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Liberia 29°C (85°F) 
    Cordoba 19°C (66°F)

Typical Weather for Cordoba and Liberia

Liberia Cordoba
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 28°C (83°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar 29°C (84°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 14°C (57°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 29°C (85°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 226 mm (8.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 226 mm (8.9 in) 24°C (75°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 289 mm (11.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 328 mm (12.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 254 mm (10 in) 19°C (66°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 121 mm (4.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)