Which place is cheaper, Jaco or Liberia?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Liberia or Jaco?
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 Jaco. 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 Jaco?
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.
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 Adventure Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Eco Tours in Costa Rica, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Costa Rica, and The Best Jungle Trekking Tours in Costa Rica.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLiberia $112Jaco $104
The average daily cost (per person) in Liberia is $112, 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 Liberia and Jaco in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLiberia $60Jaco $67
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLiberia $120Jaco $134
Compare Hotels in Liberia and Jaco
Looking for a hotel in Liberia 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: Liberia Hotel Prices and Jaco Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Liberia $43Jaco -
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Liberia
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Liberia are as follows:
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Bike Rental$25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Liberia
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Liberia:
- Transfers from Liberia Airport: $60
- Transfer from Playa Hermosa to Liberia Airport (LIR): $85
- Transfer from Liberia Airport (LIR) to Riu Guanacaste Hotel in Guanacaste: $85
- Transfer from Liberia Airport (LIR) to Playas del Coco Guanacaste: $85
- Transfer from Liberia Airport (LIR) to Planet Hollywood Beach Resort: $91
- Transfer from Liberia Airport (LIR) to El Mangroove Hotel: $85
- Transfer from Liberia Airport (LIR) to Dreams Las Mareas Hotel: $149
- Transfer from El Mangroove Hotel to Liberia Airport (LIR): $94
- Transfer from Bosque del Mar Hotel to Liberia Airport (LIR): $85
- Transfer Service From Liberia Airport To Dreams Las Mareas, Costa Rica: $240
- Transfer Riu Palace and Guanacaste Round-Trip: $160
- Transfer Liberia Airport to Planet Hollywood or Andaz Papagayo, ROUND TRIP.: $176
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Liberia or Jaco?
Prices for flights to both Jaco 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
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Food Meals for one dayLiberia $21Jaco $21
Typical Food Prices in Liberia
Some typical examples of dining costs in Liberia are as follows:
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Snacks$1.97
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Lunch at The Shack (for 1)$4.95
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Lunch$11
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Coffee & Tres Leches (for 2)$14
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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.
- Private Sunset Dinner at the Beach with Chef : $190
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.Liberia $25Jaco $60
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
- Birdwatching Experience private tour : $275
- Llanos de Cortez Safari and Waterfall Tour: $190
- Mega Combo Adventure: $195
- Nicaragua one day tour from Costa Rica, Discover it: $250
- 2 Hour ATV Private Tour in Costa Rica: $81
- 2-Hours UTV Tour: $110
- 3 Hour ATV Adventure Tour in El Jobo: $120
- 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
- 7 Hour Private Tour in Palo Verde National Park with Pickup: $120
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLiberia $13Jaco $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 comparing the travel costs between Liberia and Jaco, we can see that Liberia is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Central America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Liberia Expensive? and Is Jaco Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Liberia or Jaco?
Liberia has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Jaco. When comparing the sizes of Liberia 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 Liberia 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 Liberia or Jaco in the Summer?
Both Jaco and Liberia during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Liberia because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jaco year-round.
Jaco gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Liberia. Liberia usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Jaco. Liberia gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, Liberia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Jaco. Liberia gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jaco receives 164 hours of full sun.
In July, Liberia is generally around the same temperature as Jaco. Daily temperatures in Liberia average around 28°C (82°F), and Jaco fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLiberia 28°C (82°F)Jaco 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Liberia or Jaco in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Liberia and Jaco. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Liberia year-round. Jaco attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
December to April in Liberia is the dry season. Also, April to December is the rainy season in Liberia. Jaco receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Liberia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Liberia usually receives around the same amount of rain as Jaco. Liberia gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Liberia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Jaco during autumn. Liberia gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Jaco receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Liberia is around the same temperature as Jaco in the autumn. The daily temperature in Liberia averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Jaco fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLiberia 27°C (81°F)Jaco 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Liberia or Jaco in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Liberia as well as Jaco. Liberia attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jaco throughout the year.
Liberia usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Jaco. Liberia gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jaco. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Liberia this time of the year. In the winter, Liberia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Jaco. Liberia gets 264 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jaco receives 264 hours of full sun.
In the winter, Liberia is around the same temperature as Jaco. Typically, the winter temperatures in Liberia in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Jaco averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLiberia 27°C (81°F)Jaco 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Liberia or Jaco in the Spring?
Both Jaco and Liberia are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Liberia throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Jaco because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Liberia is December to April. The rainy season in Liberia is April to December. In April, Liberia usually receives around the same amount of rain as Jaco. Liberia gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in Jaco. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Liberia. Liberia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Jaco during spring. Liberia gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Jaco receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Liberia is generally around the same temperature as Jaco. Daily temperatures in Liberia average around 29°C (85°F), and Jaco fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLiberia 29°C (85°F)Jaco 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Jaco and Liberia
| Liberia | Jaco | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.