Which place is cheaper, Lima or Liberia?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Liberia or Lima?
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 Lima. 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 Lima?
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.
Lima
Lima, the capital city of Peru, is likely to be your point of entry for the country. Lima was founded in 1535 and was the seat of the Spanish rule for 300 years. It's a surprisingly modern city despite its rich history, but many beautiful churches and colonial architecture remain today. There are also large slum areas that highlight the poverty that exists in the city. The city and its surrounding metropolitan area have a population of about 8.5 million people, many of whom came from the Andes Mountains in search of work. Unfortunately the work opportunities are limited and the poverty is obvious as you arrive in Lima.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Eco Tours in Costa Rica, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLiberia $112Lima $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Liberia is $112, while the average daily cost in Lima is $77. 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 Lima in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLiberia $60Lima $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLiberia $120Lima $98
Compare Hotels in Liberia and Lima
Looking for a hotel in Liberia or Lima? 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 Lima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Liberia $43Lima $5.73
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:
- Costa Rica Private Airport Transfer : $6.00
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Papagayo Peninsula: $12
- 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 Transfer from Libera/Four Seasons Guanacaste Airport: $19
- Private or VIP Transfer: Liberia Airport to RIU Hotels & More: $19
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport to Tamarindo Beach: $20
- Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Peñas Blancas Nicaragua: $26
- Liberia Airport (LIR) to Playa Grande - Arrival Private Transfer: $31
- Direct Transfer Liberia Airport to Guanacaste Hotels: $35
- Liberia Airport (LIR) to Peñas Blancas - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$5.43
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Taxi Ride$5.43
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Short Taxi Ride$4.07
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:
- QuickLlama: Door-to-door transfer from Lima Airport to Miraflores: $5.00
- QuickLlama: Door-to-door transfer from Miraflores to Lima Airport: $5.00
- QuickLlama: Transfer from Miraflores Kennedy Park to Lima Airport: $5.00
- QuickLlama: Transfer from Lima Airport to Miraflores Kennedy Park: $5.00
- Lima Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Miraflores: $5.63
- Lima Airport: BUS Transfer to/from Lima city center: $6.00
- Private transfers from Lima Airport or to Lima Airport: $17
- Transfer from Hotel/Airbnb Miraflores/San Isidro/Barranco to Airport: $18
- Transfer from Lima city to the airport: $18
- Taxi transfers from and to the Lima Airport and Paracas Ica: $20
- Miraflores City to Lima Airport(LIM) - Departure Private Transfer: $23
- Jorge Chavez International Airport: Private Transfer: $25
Is it cheaper to fly into Liberia or Lima?
Prices for flights to both Lima 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 $21Lima $18
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.
- 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 Lima
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
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Lunch for Two$4.34
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Ice cream$3.53
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Coffee$2.99
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Donut$0.95
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.
- Lima Market Food Tour: $33
- Lima Market Food Tour: $34
- Lima Street Food Tour: $40
- Lima Food Tour: $45
- Cooking Workshop and Water Circuit Tour: $45
- Lima Street Food Tour: $45
- Street Food Tour in Miraflores District: $45
- Barranco Tour with Dinner: $47
- Bohemian tour of Barranco with Dinner: $47
- Private Cooking Class With a Local Family in Lima: $48
- Lima Night Food Tour: $48
- Lima Market Food Tour: $52
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Liberia $25Lima $8.66
Tours and Activities in Liberia
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Liberia are as follows:
- (Private) La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike: $41
- La Leona Waterfall: Private tour in Rincon de la Vieja!: $43
- Night Tour in Nuevo Arenal: $43
- Bird-Watching and Wildlife Tour: $43
- La Leona waterfall adventure hike half day : $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
- Horseback Riding Tour: $59
- Rincón de la Vieja Bird-Watching Tour: $62
- Zipline at Skyline Canopy Tour Guanacaste Costa Rica: $65
- From Tubing Adventure at Rio Negro: $65
Typical Entertainment Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lima are as follows:
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Entrance to Museo Larco (for 2)$16
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Movie Tickets$2.31
Tours and Activities in Lima
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:
- Free Walking Tour of Lima: $2.00
- Customize your trip to Peru with Lima Experience: $12
- Skip the Line: Larco Museum Admission Ticket: $13
- Skip the Line: Peruvian Regional Dances Ticket: $14
- Barranco Street Art Tour: $17
- Party tour Fridays Barranco / Saturdays Miraflores: $18
- Private Tour with guide in Museo de Arte de Lima - MALI: $20
- Guided and Private Bike Tour of Lima: $20
- Guided Walking Tour in Barranco: $20
- Lima Downtown Tour from Miraflores in 3 hrs: $21
- Historic Center Walking Tour with Pisco Sour Tasting: $25
- Costa Verde Express Tour: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLiberia $13Lima $5.63
Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:
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Bottle of Wine$7.30
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Beer$4.07
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Cocktail$3.26
Sample the Local Flavors in Lima
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:
- Gin and Rum Distillery Tour: $12
- Exclusive Pub Crawl with 10+ benefits: $18
- Party Tour in Miraflores with Bar Crawl and Drinks: $18
- Party tour in Miraflores with Bar Crawl Lima: $20
- Pub Crawl in Lima: $25
- Local Wine Tour: $50
- Ballestas Islands + Huacachina Oasis + Wine Tour !! The best price: $226
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Liberia and Lima, we can see that Liberia is more expensive. And not only is Lima much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Liberia is in Central America and Lima 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 Lima would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lima 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 Lima.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Liberia Expensive? and Is Lima Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Liberia or Lima?
Lima has a larger population, and is about 170 times larger than the population of Liberia. When comparing the sizes of Liberia and Lima, 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 Lima?
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 Lima in the Summer?
Both Lima 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 Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Liberia. In July, Liberia usually receives more rain than Lima. Liberia gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Lima receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Liberia usually receives more sunshine than Lima during summer. Liberia gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 36 hours of full sun in the summer.
Liberia is much warmer than Lima in the summer. The daily temperature in Liberia averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Lima fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLiberia 28°C (82°F)Lima 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Liberia or Lima in the Autumn?
Both Lima 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 Lima year-round.
December to April is the dry season in Liberia. April to December is the rainy season in Liberia. It rains a lot this time of the year in Liberia. Liberia usually gets more rain in October than Lima. Liberia gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while Lima receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Liberia often gets more sunshine than Lima. Liberia gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 60 hours of full sun.
In the autumn, Liberia is a little warmer than Lima. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Liberia in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Lima averages at about 19°C (66°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLiberia 27°C (81°F)Lima 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Liberia or Lima in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Liberia and Lima. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Liberia year-round. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Liberia usually receives more rain than Lima. Liberia gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Lima receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In Liberia, it's very sunny this time of the year. Liberia usually receives more sunshine than Lima during winter. Liberia gets 264 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Liberia is generally a little warmer than Lima. Daily temperatures in Liberia average around 27°C (81°F), and Lima fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLiberia 27°C (81°F)Lima 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Liberia or Lima in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Liberia as well as Lima. Liberia attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima 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 more rain in April than Lima. Liberia gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Lima receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Liberia this time of the year. In the spring, Liberia often gets more sunshine than Lima. Liberia gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 182 hours of full sun.
Liberia is a little warmer than Lima in the spring. The daily temperature in Liberia averages around 29°C (85°F) in April, and Lima fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLiberia 29°C (85°F)Lima 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Lima and Liberia
| Liberia | Lima | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.