Which place is cheaper, Jaco or Managua?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Managua or Jaco?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Managua and Jaco can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Managua or Jaco?
Managua
Managua is the capital, and largest city in Nicaragua. The economy is generally centered around the trade of coffee, cotton, and other types of agriculture. It also is a textile capital for the area. Managua is also a very reasonably priced destination in Central America. Restaurants and hotels are quite affordable and you'll find all kinds of international cuisine around the city. Transportation is also incredibly affordable and you'll find yourself pleasantly surprised at the cost of intercity bus rides.
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 Nicaragua, The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManagua $55Jaco $104
The average daily cost (per person) in Managua is $55, 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 Managua and Jaco in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManagua $23Jaco $67
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManagua $46Jaco $134
Compare Hotels in Managua and Jaco
Looking for a hotel in Managua 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: Managua Hotel Prices and Jaco Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Managua $20Jaco -
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Managua
Also for Managua, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer From Managua International Airport: $90
- San Jorge Rivas Transfer: $47
- Rivas: Managua to Rivas Airport private transfer: $75
- Private Transfer in Nicaragua: $110
- Popoyo Beach Transfer: $90
- PRIVATE San Juan Del Sur Transfer: $56
- Airport private transfer from Managua.: $25
- Managua-San juan del sur: Airport private transfer: $125
- Managua-Leon: Airport private transfer from to Managua /Leon: $85
- Managua to Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) - Departure Transfer: $33
- Managua Augusto Sandino Airport(MGA) to Managua- Arrival Transfer: $33
- Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) to Managua-Round-Trip Transfer: $65
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaco
Also for Jaco, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 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
- Private transfer from Jaco Beach to Hotels in San Jose or the Airport: $219
- Private Transfer - San Jose Airport & Los Sueños Resort/Marriot : $200
- Jaco or Playa Hermosa: Transfer to San Jose or Alajuela: $173
- From Tortuga Island Boat Tour with Lunch and Transfer: $135
- Jaco/Monteverde to Liberia Airport (LIR) - Departure Transfer : $90
- Transfer FROM Jaco Beach TO SJO Airport OR RETURN (One Way): $78
Is it cheaper to fly into Managua or Jaco?
Prices for flights to both Jaco and Managua 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 dayManagua $17Jaco $21
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.Managua $16Jaco $60
Tours and Activities in Managua
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Managua.
- 3 full days PRIVATE tour at Granada, Masaya and Leon area from Managua: $210
- Amazing Masaya Volcano at Night "Private Tour" : $75
- Between Volcanoes Tours; Granada-Masaya.: $155
- Granada Isletas and City tour: $68
- Laguna de Apoyo Day pass plus Masaya Volcano Night Tour: $60
- Leon City and Rum Tasting Tour from Managua: $215
- Managua City Tour: $88
- Managua City Tour: $84
- Managua Love Stories: A Romantic Tour: $188
- Managua Love Stories: A Walking Tour: $97
- Managua’s Historic Gems: A Cultural Walking Tour: $319
- Managua’s Historic Gems: A Cultural Walking Tour: $163
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 & River ATV Adventure, 2 hours / Jacó: $95
- Ocean views Zip Line Canopy Tour in Jaco Beach and Los Suenos : $71
- 2 Hour ATV Jungle Adventure Jaco: $75
- 2 Hour Private Ranch Experience in Quebrada Amarilla: $120
- 2 Hours Private Guided Hiking Experience to El Miro in Jaco: $35
- 2 hour Double ATV Tour + Waterfalls in Jaco Beach : $99
- 3-Hour ATV Jungle Waterfall Adventure: $95
- 3-Hour Private Guided Experience of 7 Course Contemporary Indian Tasting Menu: $225
- 3.000 ft Private Paragliding Experience in Costa Rica: $290
- 4x4 Happy Jungle Booze Cruise: $115
- 5 Hour Off-Road ATV+ Zipline+ Waterfall Rappelling+ Tractor Jungle Tour: $160
- ATV Tour in Jaco Beach, enjoy Jungle, River, and Beach - No large groups: $68
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManagua $11Jaco $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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Managua and Jaco, we can see that Jaco is more expensive. And not only is Managua much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Managua would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Managua 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 Jaco would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Jaco than you might in Managua.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Managua Expensive? and Is Jaco Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Managua or Jaco?
Managua has a larger population, and is about 240 times larger than the population of Jaco. When comparing the sizes of Managua 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 Managua or Jaco?
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 Managua or Jaco in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Managua and Jaco. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round. Jaco attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Jaco receives a lot of rain in the summer. Managua gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Managua usually receives less rain than Jaco. Managua gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Managua usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Jaco during summer. Managua gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Jaco receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Managua is generally around the same temperature as Jaco. Daily temperatures in Managua average around 27°C (81°F), and Jaco fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyManagua 27°C (81°F)Jaco 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Managua or Jaco in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Managua as well as Jaco. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jaco throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Jaco. Managua receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Managua usually gets less rain in October than Jaco. Managua gets 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Managua often gets more sunshine than Jaco. Managua gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jaco receives 169 hours of full sun.
Managua is around the same temperature as Jaco in the autumn. The daily temperature in Managua averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Jaco fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberManagua 27°C (81°F)Jaco 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Managua or Jaco in the Winter?
Both Jaco and Managua are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Jaco because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Managua usually receives less rain than Jaco. Managua gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
It's quite sunny in Jaco. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Managua. Managua usually receives less sunshine than Jaco during winter. Managua gets 244 hours of sunny skies, while Jaco receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.
In the winter, Managua is around the same temperature as Jaco. Typically, the winter temperatures in Managua in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Jaco averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryManagua 26°C (79°F)Jaco 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Managua or Jaco in the Spring?
Both Jaco and Managua during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Managua because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jaco year-round.
Managua usually gets less rain in April than Jaco. Managua gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Jaco, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Managua. In the spring, Managua often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Jaco. Managua gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jaco receives 255 hours of full sun.
In April, Managua is generally around the same temperature as Jaco. Daily temperatures in Managua average around 29°C (84°F), and Jaco fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilManagua 29°C (84°F)Jaco 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Jaco and Managua
| Managua | Jaco | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 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.