Which place is cheaper, Valdivia or Liberia?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Liberia or Valdivia?
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 Valdivia. 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 Valdivia?
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.
Valdivia
Valdivia is a vibrant university city situated in southern Chile. It sits at the meeting point of three rivers in the aptly named Region de Los Rios (The Rivers Region) and is approximately 200 kilometers from both Temuco and Puerto Montt. Due to a large student population, Valdivia boasts a youthful and energetic vibe that is visible in its many bars, cafes and restaurants. The city is also known for having one of Chile's best craft beer cultures, which had its early beginnings when German settlers arrived in the 1840s. The rivers, nearby Pacific coastline and wetlands offer plenty for lovers of the outdoors, too.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Eco Tours in Costa Rica, The Best 10-Day Tours in Chile, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLiberia $112Valdivia $69
The average daily cost (per person) in Liberia is $112, while the average daily cost in Valdivia is $69. 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 Valdivia in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLiberia $60Valdivia $40
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLiberia $120Valdivia $80
Compare Hotels in Liberia and Valdivia
Looking for a hotel in Liberia or Valdivia? 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 Valdivia Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Liberia $43Valdivia $8.08
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valdivia
Also for Valdivia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Valdivia Airport Private Transfer: $52
Is it cheaper to fly into Liberia or Valdivia?
Prices for flights to both Valdivia 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 $21Valdivia $21
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
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Liberia $25Valdivia $13
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 Valdivia
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Valdivia.
- Valdivia SUP Cruises for 6 People with Transportation Included: $35
- Sightseeing Tour in Valdivia : $76
- Private City Tour: $90
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayLiberia $13Valdivia $4.79
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Liberia and Valdivia, we can see that Liberia is more expensive. And not only is Valdivia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Liberia is in Central America and Valdivia 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 Valdivia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Valdivia 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 Valdivia.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Liberia Expensive? and Is Valdivia Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Liberia or Valdivia?
Valdivia has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Liberia. When comparing the sizes of Liberia and Valdivia, 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 Valdivia?
Valdivia 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 Valdivia in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Liberia as well as Valdivia. Liberia attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Liberia is much warmer than Valdivia in the summer. The daily temperature in Liberia averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Valdivia fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in January.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valdivia. In the summer, Liberia often gets less sunshine than Valdiviain January. Liberia gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valdivia receives 296 hours of full sun.
Liberia receives a lot of rain in the summer. Liberia usually gets more rain in July than Valdiviain January. Liberia gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryLiberia 28°C (82°F)Valdivia 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Liberia or Valdivia in the Autumn?
Both Valdivia 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 Valdivia. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Liberia in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Valdivia averages at about 11°C (52°F)in April.
Liberia usually receives more sunshine than Valdivia during autumn. Liberia gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Valdivia receives 132 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Valdivia. It's quite rainy in Liberia. In October, Liberia usually receives more rain than Valdiviain April. Liberia gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 133 mm (5.2 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 AprilLiberia 27°C (81°F)Valdivia 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Liberia or Valdivia in the Winter?
Both Valdivia 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 much warmer than Valdiviain July. Daily temperatures in Liberia average around 27°C (81°F), and Valdivia fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).
It's quite sunny in Liberia. In the winter, Liberia often gets more sunshine than Valdiviain July. Liberia gets 264 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valdivia receives 66 hours of full sun.
Valdivia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Liberia usually gets less rain in January than Valdiviain July. Liberia gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 312 mm (12.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyLiberia 27°C (81°F)Valdivia 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Liberia or Valdivia in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Liberia and Valdivia. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Liberia year-round.
Liberia is much warmer than Valdivia in the spring. The daily temperature in Liberia averages around 29°C (85°F) in April, and Valdivia fluctuates around 11°C (52°F)in October.
In Liberia, it's very sunny this time of the year. Liberia usually receives more sunshine than Valdivia during spring. Liberia gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Valdivia receives 198 hours of full sun in the spring.
Valdivia receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Liberia usually receives less rain than Valdiviain October. Liberia gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 109 mm (4.3 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 OctoberLiberia 29°C (85°F)Valdivia 11°C (52°F)
Typical Weather for Valdivia and Liberia
| Liberia | Valdivia | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 297 mm (11.7 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 312 mm (12.3 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 247 mm (9.7 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 63 mm (2.5 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.