Which place is cheaper, La Fortuna or Liberia?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Liberia or La Fortuna?
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 La Fortuna. 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 La Fortuna?
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.
La Fortuna
La Fortuna is in San Carlos, in the province of Alajuela. It is the closest town to Arenal Volcano, and the area is often simply refered to as Arenal. The volcano itself is active and has been constantly erupting since 1968. It erupts on average 41 times a day. This area of northern Costa Rica is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the country.
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.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLiberia $112La Fortuna $104
The average daily cost (per person) in Liberia is $112, while the average daily cost in La Fortuna 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 La Fortuna in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLiberia $60La Fortuna $51
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLiberia $120La Fortuna $102
Compare Hotels in Liberia and La Fortuna
Looking for a hotel in Liberia or La Fortuna? 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 La Fortuna Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Liberia $43La Fortuna $21
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:
- Costa Rica Private Airport Transfer : $6.00
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport to Riu Hotel and Vice Versa: $15
- Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Riu Guanacaste: $17
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport to Riu Guanacaste: $18
- Private or VIP Transfer: Liberia Airport to RIU Hotels & More: $19
- Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Peñas Blancas Nicaragua: $26
- Direct Transfer Liberia Airport to Guanacaste Hotels: $35
- Liberia Airport (LIR) to Flamingo/Tamarindo - Arrival Transfer: $38
- 1-Way Transfer from Guanacaste Airport to Papagayo: $42
- Private Round-Trip Transfer: Liberia Airport to Tamarindo/Westin: $44
- Transfers from Liberia Airport: $60
- Liberia Airport (LIR) to Playa Grande Round-Trip Private Transfer: $61
Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Fortuna
Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Fortuna:
- La Fortuna or Monteverde: One-Way Boat Transfer: $39
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport to Arenal La Fortuna: $42
- Transfer From Liberia Airport To Arenal La Fortuna San Carlos: $42
- White Water Tubing Tour with Guide and Transfers: $55
- Scenic Transfer to Monteverde via Arenal Lake: $56
- One-Way Transfer from La Fortuna to Monteverde through Arenal Lake: $57
- Arenal lake boat transfer from to Monteverde from La Fortuna: $60
- Arenal La Fortuna to Liberia Airport (LIR) - Departure Transfer : $63
- Sloth Watching Tour with Transfer and Snacks: $68
- La Fortuna de Arenal: Transfer to Liberia or LIR Airport: $70
- Private Transfer from La Fortuna to Juan Santa Maria Airport: $85
- From Lake Arenal Kayaking Trip with Transfer: $90
Is it cheaper to fly into Liberia or La Fortuna?
Prices for flights to both La Fortuna 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 dayLiberia $21La Fortuna $27
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.
- Private Sunset Dinner at the Beach with Chef : $190
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Fortuna
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in La Fortuna.
- Skip the Line: Mineral Hot Springs Full Day Ticket w/ Optional Lunch or Dinner: $42
- Organic Farm Visit & Farm-to-Table Cooking Class: $45
- Farm-To-Table Cooking Class : $45
- Cooking Class and Sugar Cane Experience: $45
- Typical Costa Rican Cooking Classes in La Fortuna: $48
- Costa Rica Cooking, El Fogon de Chela: $50
- Costa Rican cuisine Cooking Class at Rancho Don Lelo: $60
- Cooking Class "Cook Like a Local" La Fortuna: $63
- Rainforest Night Walk and Authentic Costa Rican Dinner from La Fortuna: $65
- 3-Hour Costa Rican Cooking Class with Dinner: $68
- Private typical cooking class with a Costa Rican family: $70
- Cooking and Salsa Dance Lesson Combo : $74
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Liberia $25La Fortuna $44
Tours and Activities in Liberia
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Liberia are as follows:
- La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike (Group Tour) : $35
- La Leona Waterfall: Private tour in Rincon de la Vieja!: $43
- Bird-Watching and Wildlife Tour: $43
- Night Tour in Nuevo Arenal: $43
- La Leona waterfall adventure hike half day : $45
- Private La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike: $45
- La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike (Private Tour): $45
- Skip the Line: Diamante Eco Adventure Park: Animal Sanctuary Discovery Ticket: $49
- Zip-line Adventure: $53
- Rincón de la Vieja Bird-Watching Tour: $62
- From Tubing Adventure at Rio Negro: $65
- Ponderosa Adventure Park Admission Ticket: $65
Tours and Activities in La Fortuna
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for La Fortuna are as follows:
- Skip-the-Line La Fortuna Waterfall Admission Ticket: $20
- Two Destinations Tour - La Fortuna Top Destinations : $20
- Arenal Volcano Hike Experience (not guide included): $23
- Sloth Tour: $30
- Rainforest Chocolate Tour from La Fortuna: $30
- 1-Hour Private Sloth Tour in the Rainforest from Costa Rica: $30
- Don Olivo Chocolate Tour: $30
- Rainforest Chocolate Tour: $30
- arenal fortuna city tour: $30
- Organic chocolate tour : $31
- Místico Arenal Hanging Bridges Admission Ticket: $32
- Ticket to Rio Celeste Waterfall & Tenorio Volcano National Park: $32
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayLiberia $13La Fortuna $11
When comparing the travel costs between Liberia and La Fortuna, 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 La Fortuna Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Liberia or La Fortuna?
Liberia has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of La Fortuna. When comparing the sizes of Liberia and La Fortuna, 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 La Fortuna?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Liberia or La Fortuna in the Summer?
Both La Fortuna and Liberia are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Liberia throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to La Fortuna because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in La Fortuna. It's quite rainy in Liberia. In July, Liberia usually receives around the same amount of rain as La Fortuna. Liberia gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Liberia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as La Fortuna during summer. Liberia gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while La Fortuna receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.
In the summer, Liberia is around the same temperature as La Fortuna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Liberia in July average around 28°C (82°F), and La Fortuna averages at about 28°C (82°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyLiberia 28°C (82°F)La Fortuna 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Liberia or La Fortuna in the Autumn?
Both La Fortuna and Liberia during the autumn 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 La Fortuna year-round.
December to April is the dry season in Liberia. April to December is the rainy season in Liberia. La Fortuna 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 October as La Fortuna. Liberia gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Liberia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as La Fortuna. Liberia gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Fortuna receives 169 hours of full sun.
In October, Liberia is generally around the same temperature as La Fortuna. Daily temperatures in Liberia average around 27°C (81°F), and La Fortuna fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLiberia 27°C (81°F)La Fortuna 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Liberia or La Fortuna in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Liberia and La Fortuna. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Liberia year-round. La Fortuna attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Liberia usually receives around the same amount of rain as La Fortuna. Liberia gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Fortuna 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 La Fortuna during winter. Liberia gets 264 hours of sunny skies, while La Fortuna receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.
Liberia is around the same temperature as La Fortuna in the winter. The daily temperature in Liberia averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and La Fortuna fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLiberia 27°C (81°F)La Fortuna 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Liberia or La Fortuna in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Liberia as well as La Fortuna. Liberia attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to La Fortuna throughout the year.
Also, December to April in Liberia is the dry season. April to December in Liberia is the rainy season. Liberia usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as La Fortuna. Liberia gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Fortuna. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Liberia this time of the year. In the spring, Liberia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as La Fortuna. Liberia gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Fortuna receives 255 hours of full sun.
In the spring, Liberia is around the same temperature as La Fortuna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Liberia in April average around 29°C (85°F), and La Fortuna averages at about 29°C (85°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilLiberia 29°C (85°F)La Fortuna 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for La Fortuna and Liberia
| Liberia | La Fortuna | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.