Which place is cheaper, Tamarindo or Liberia?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Liberia or Tamarindo?
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 Tamarindo. 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 Tamarindo?
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.
Tamarindo
Tamarindo is a small beach town in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica on the Pacific Coast. This town is usually sought out by surfers, fishers, couples, and families. There are delicious restaurants, beautiful beaches, and friendly Tico's and Tica's (local Costa Rican nicknames) everywhere.
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 $112Tamarindo $121
The average daily cost (per person) in Liberia is $112, while the average daily cost in Tamarindo is $121. 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 Tamarindo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLiberia $60Tamarindo $50
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLiberia $120Tamarindo $100
Compare Hotels in Liberia and Tamarindo
Looking for a hotel in Liberia or Tamarindo? 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 Tamarindo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Liberia $43Tamarindo $69
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 Tamarindo: $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 Libera/Four Seasons Guanacaste Airport: $19
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport to Tamarindo Beach: $20
- Private or VIP Transfer: Liberia Airport to JW Marriott//Pinilla: $25
- Liberia Airport (LIR) to Playa Grande - Arrival Private Transfer: $30
- Direct Transfer Liberia Airport to Guanacaste Hotels: $35
- Direct Transfer Guanacaste Hotel to Liberia Airport: $35
- Liberia Airport (LIR) to Peñas Blancas - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tamarindo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tamarindo:
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport to Hotel Riu Guanacaste: $15
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Hotel Mar Rey Tamarindo: $20
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To La Palapa In Tamarindo: $20
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Luna Llena Hotel Tamarindo: $20
- Private Transfer from Liberia/Tamarindo Guanacaste Airport: $20
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport Hotel Arco Iris Tamarindo: $20
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Best Western Tamarindo: $20
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport/Cabinas El Labrador: $21
- Private or VIP Transfer: Liberia Airport to Westin/Tamarindo: $22
- Playa Grande to Liberia Airport (LIR) Departure Private Transfer: $30
- Flamingo/Tamarindo to Liberia Airport(LIR)- Departure Transfer: $38
- Liberia Airport To Tamarindo Private Transfer: $55
Is it cheaper to fly into Liberia or Tamarindo?
Prices for flights to both Tamarindo 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 $21Tamarindo $32
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tamarindo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Tamarindo.
- Online Class on Zoom: Cooking Costa Rica Homemade Food: $35
- Traditional Cooking Class In Tamarindo: $95
- Traditional Cooking Class In Tamarindo: $95
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Liberia $25Tamarindo $17
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 (Private Tour): $45
- Private La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike: $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
- 2-Hour Horseback Riding Tour in Guanacaste: $65
- ATV Tour from Guanacaste: $65
- Zipline at Skyline Canopy Tour Guanacaste Costa Rica: $65
Tours and Activities in Tamarindo
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tamarindo are as follows:
- Tamarindo Estuary Tour: $44
- Tour of the Mangroves and Wetlands of Tamarindo by Boat: $45
- Night Turtle Nesting Tour from Tamarindo: $46
- Tamarindo Birdwatching Crocodiles and Monkey Tour: $50
- Turtle Nesting Tour: $55
- ATV Beach and Mountain Tour!: $62
- Hiking Tour of La Leona Waterfall with Lunch: $65
- UTV Side By Side Off Road Tour Tamarindo Beach & Flamingo Beach: $65
- Howler Monkey Mangrove Kayaking Tour: $65
- ATV and UTV Beach Tour from Tamarindo, Flamingo and Conchal Beach: $67
- Turtle Watching Tour: $70
- ATV Tour through the Flamingo Potrero and Brasilito Area: $70
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLiberia $13Tamarindo $14
When comparing the travel costs between Liberia and Tamarindo, we can see that Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Liberia or Tamarindo?
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 Tamarindo in the Summer?
Both Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Tamarindo. It's quite rainy in Liberia. In July, Liberia usually receives around the same amount of rain as Tamarindo. Liberia gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Liberia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Tamarindo during summer. Liberia gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Tamarindo receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.
In the summer, Liberia is around the same temperature as Tamarindo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Liberia in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Tamarindo averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLiberia 28°C (82°F)Tamarindo 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Liberia or Tamarindo in the Autumn?
Both Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo year-round.
December to April is the dry season in Liberia. April to December is the rainy season in Liberia. Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo. Liberia gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo. Liberia gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tamarindo receives 169 hours of full sun.
In October, Liberia is generally around the same temperature as Tamarindo. Daily temperatures in Liberia average around 27°C (81°F), and Tamarindo fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLiberia 27°C (81°F)Tamarindo 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Liberia or Tamarindo in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Liberia and Tamarindo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Liberia year-round. Tamarindo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Liberia usually receives around the same amount of rain as Tamarindo. Liberia gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo during winter. Liberia gets 264 hours of sunny skies, while Tamarindo receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.
Liberia is around the same temperature as Tamarindo in the winter. The daily temperature in Liberia averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Tamarindo fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLiberia 27°C (81°F)Tamarindo 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Liberia or Tamarindo in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Liberia as well as Tamarindo. Liberia attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo. Liberia gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo. 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 Tamarindo. Liberia gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tamarindo receives 255 hours of full sun.
In the spring, Liberia is around the same temperature as Tamarindo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Liberia in April average around 29°C (85°F), and Tamarindo averages at about 29°C (85°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLiberia 29°C (85°F)Tamarindo 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Tamarindo and Liberia
| Liberia | Tamarindo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.