Which place is cheaper, Jaco or Mar del Plata?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Mar del Plata 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 Mar del Plata and Jaco can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Mar del Plata or Jaco?
Mar del Plata
Mar del Plata is found only 404 km southeast of the city of Buenos Aires, on the Atlantic coast. Today Mar Del Plata is Argentina‘s most well known beach resort. It has successfully married the two worlds of beach and city into a fun, cosmopolitan urban center with the presence of highly developed tourist infrastructure. Founded in 1874, Mar del Plata was at first mainly an industrial and commercial center before becoming a vacation destination for Argentinians. For a peaceful trip and intimate oceanfront promenades, avoid visiting Mar del Plata during summer time, as the gorgeous arced coastline will be crawling with visitors. But the city is more than just beaches. It also offers some culture, lively nightlife, and great food.
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 Luxury Tours to Argentina, The Best Budget Tours to Argentina, 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 dayMar del Plata $8.78Jaco $104
The average daily cost (per person) in Mar del Plata is $8.78, 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 Mar del Plata and Jaco in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMar del Plata $3.15Jaco $67
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMar del Plata $6.30Jaco $134
Compare Hotels in Mar del Plata and Jaco
Looking for a hotel in Mar del Plata 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: Mar del Plata Hotel Prices and Jaco Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mar del Plata $2.50Jaco -
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): $70
Is it cheaper to fly into Mar del Plata or Jaco?
Prices for flights to both Jaco and Mar del Plata 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 dayMar del Plata $3.81Jaco $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.Mar del Plata $2.27Jaco $60
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
- "Miro Jaco" & Jaco Beach Horseback Tour: $59
- 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: $50
- 2 hour ATV Tour & Waterfalls + Chocolate Experience : $110
- 2 hour Double ATV Tour + Waterfalls in Jaco Beach : $99
- 3-Hour ATV Jungle Waterfall Adventure: $110
- 3-Hour ATV Jungle Waterfall Adventure: $95
- 4×4 Waterfalls and Jungle Experience: $80
- 4x4 Happy Jungle Booze Cruise: $115
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMar del Plata $1.78Jaco $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 Mar del Plata and Jaco, we can see that Jaco is more expensive. And not only is Mar del Plata much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Mar del Plata is in South America and Jaco is in Central 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 Mar del Plata would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mar del Plata 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 Mar del Plata.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mar del Plata Expensive? and Is Jaco Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mar del Plata or Jaco?
Mar del Plata has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Jaco. When comparing the sizes of Mar del Plata 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 Mar del Plata or Jaco?
Mar del Plata has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Jaco experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Mar del Plata or Jaco in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Mar del Plata and Jaco. Jaco attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Mar del Plata is generally cooler than Jacoin July. Daily temperatures in Mar del Plata average around 20°C (69°F), and Jaco fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
In Mar del Plata, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mar del Plata usually receives more sunshine than Jaco during summer. Mar del Plata gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Jaco receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.
Jaco receives a lot of rain in the summer. In January, Mar del Plata usually receives less rain than Jacoin July. Mar del Plata gets 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyMar del Plata 20°C (69°F)Jaco 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Mar del Plata or Jaco in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Mar del Plata as well as Jaco. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jaco throughout the year.
Mar del Plata is much colder than Jaco in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mar del Plata averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Jaco fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in October.
It's quite rainy in Jaco. Mar del Plata usually gets less rain in April than Jacoin October. Mar del Plata gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberMar del Plata 15°C (59°F)Jaco 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Mar del Plata or Jaco in the Winter?
Both Jaco and Mar del Plata are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Jaco because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the winter, Mar del Plata is much colder than Jaco. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mar del Plata in July average around 9°C (47°F), and Jaco averages at about 27°C (81°F)in January.
In July, Mar del Plata usually receives more rain than Jacoin January. Mar del Plata gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryMar del Plata 9°C (47°F)Jaco 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Mar del Plata or Jaco in the Spring?
Both Jaco and Mar del Plata during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jaco year-round.
In October, Mar del Plata is generally much colder than Jacoin April. Daily temperatures in Mar del Plata average around 13°C (56°F), and Jaco fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
In Jaco, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Mar del Plata often gets less sunshine than Jacoin April. Mar del Plata gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jaco receives 255 hours of full sun.
Mar del Plata usually gets more rain in October than Jacoin April. Mar del Plata gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilMar del Plata 13°C (56°F)Jaco 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Jaco and Mar del Plata
| Mar del Plata | Jaco | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 20°C (69°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 18°C (65°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 12°C (53°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 9°C (48°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 9°C (47°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 9°C (49°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 11°C (51°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (56°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (61°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 19°C (66°F) | 88 mm (3.5 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.