Which place is cheaper, Tamarindo or Mazatlan?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Mazatlan or Tamarindo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Mazatlan or Tamarindo? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Mazatlan or Tamarindo?
Mazatlan
Mazatlan is located on the Pacific coast in the Mexican state of Sinaloa. The city has a population of almost 500,000, making it the second largest city in the state. It is a popular tourist destination because of its beautiful beaches and resort hotels. Most people head to Mazatlan specifically for its beaches, but the city itself is somewhat large and diverse with many different cultures and ethnicities represented. Many foreigners come here not only to vacation, but also to retire. You'll meet people from all over Europe, as well as Canada and the United States.
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 Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, The Best Luxury Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMazatlan $79Tamarindo $121
The average daily cost (per person) in Mazatlan is $79, 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 Mazatlan and Tamarindo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMazatlan $33Tamarindo $50
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMazatlan $66Tamarindo $100
Compare Hotels in Mazatlan and Tamarindo
Looking for a hotel in Mazatlan 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: Mazatlan Hotel Prices and Tamarindo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mazatlan $21Tamarindo $69
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mazatlan
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mazatlan:
- Round transfer airport to hotel in Mazatlán: $50
- Private Airport-Hotel Transfer: $119
- Mazatlan Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Mazatlan hotels: $236
- Private roundtrip airport to hotel transfer in Mazatlan: $262
- Mazatlan Intl Airport (MZT): Private Transfer to Mazatlan: $296
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tamarindo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tamarindo:
- Airport Transfer from Liberia Airport to Andaz Papagayo Hyatt (Round Trip): $163
- Flamingo/Tamarindo to Liberia Airport(LIR)- Departure Transfer: $38
- From Hotel Transfer to Liberia Guanacaste Airport: $62
- Guanacaste Airport transfer to Jw Marriott Guanacaste: $130
- Liberia Airport Private Transfer To Gulf of Papagayo Costa Rica: $125
- Liberia Airport To Tamarindo Private Transfer: $55
- Monteverde: Transfer to Tamarindo: $65
- Playa Conchal & Flamingo From Liberia Airport, Transfer Service: $168
- Playa Grande to Liberia Airport (LIR) Departure Private Transfer: $31
- Private Airport Transfer from Liberia to Tamarindo beaches Areas & surrounding : $140
- Private Liberia airport transfer: $200
- Private Transfer - Liberia Airport & Riu Hotel: $120
Is it cheaper to fly into Mazatlan or Tamarindo?
Prices for flights to both Tamarindo and Mazatlan 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 dayMazatlan $34Tamarindo $32
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mazatlan
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Mazatlan.
- Mercado walking food tour: $78
- Mazatlan routes of taste food tour: $84
- Authentic Mexican Cooking Class in Mazatlan: $84
- Tacos, Beer and Mezcal Food Tour in Mazatlan: $96
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mazatlan $9.59Tamarindo $17
Tours and Activities in Mazatlan
Here are a few actual costs in Mazatlan for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Mazatlan Sightseeing and Golden Zone: $27
- Mazatlan City Sightseeing Tour with Shopping Time and Lunch: $40
- Mazatlan Sightseeing and Shopping Tour: $40
- Mazatlan Smart Bike Tour: $40
- El Faro Lighthouse Tour with Free Digital Photos: $47
- Mazatlan - City Tour: $47
- City Tour with Tequila Tasting & Beach Hotel Day Pass Included : $49
- Grand Aquarium Ticket and City Sightseeing Tour: $57
- Sensation Splash Party All Inclusive Mazatlan Bay Cruise: $57
- Beach Activities and All Inclusive Tour: $58
- Seafront Boardwalk Beer Bike Tour: $58
- Deer Island Eco Tour with Snorkeling and Hiking: $65
Tours and Activities in Tamarindo
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tamarindo are as follows:
- Costa Rica: tour in electric car (only best view locations): $2.00
- Sea turtle watching tour near playa grande: $44
- Tamarindo Estuary Tour: $44
- Night Turtle Nesting Tour from Tamarindo: $46
- Tamarindo Birdwatching Crocodiles and Monkey Tour: $50
- ATV Beach and Mountain Tour!: $62
- Tamarindo Estuary: Howler Monkey Mangrove Kayaking Tour: $65
- Hiking Tour of La Leona Waterfall with Lunch: $65
- ATV and UTV Beach Tour from Tamarindo, Flamingo and Conchal Beach: $67
- ATV Tour through the Flamingo Potrero and Brasilito Area: $70
- Zipline Canopy Tour from Guanacaste: $70
- Tamarindo Kayaking Tour with Snorkeling at Captain Island: $75
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMazatlan $18Tamarindo $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mazatlan and Tamarindo, we can see that Tamarindo is more expensive. And not only is Mazatlan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Mazatlan is in North America and Tamarindo 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 Mazatlan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mazatlan 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 Tamarindo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tamarindo than you might in Mazatlan.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mazatlan Expensive? and Is Tamarindo Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Mazatlan or Tamarindo?
Mazatlan has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Tamarindo experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Mazatlan or Tamarindo in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Mazatlan and Tamarindo. Many travelers come to Mazatlan for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Tamarindo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Mazatlan is around the same temperature as Tamarindo in the summer. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Tamarindo fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mazatlan usually receives more sunshine than Tamarindo during summer. Mazatlan gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Tamarindo receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.
Tamarindo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Mazatlan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Mazatlan usually receives more rain than Tamarindo. Mazatlan gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMazatlan 29°C (83°F)Tamarindo 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Mazatlan or Tamarindo in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Mazatlan as well as Tamarindo. Many visitors come to Mazatlan in the autumn for the shopping scene. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tamarindo throughout the year.
In the autumn, Mazatlan is around the same temperature as Tamarindo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mazatlan in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Tamarindo averages at about 27°C (81°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mazatlan this time of the year. In the autumn, Mazatlan often gets more sunshine than Tamarindo. Mazatlan gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tamarindo receives 169 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Tamarindo. Mazatlan usually gets less rain in October than Tamarindo. Mazatlan gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMazatlan 27°C (81°F)Tamarindo 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Mazatlan or Tamarindo in the Winter?
Both Tamarindo and Mazatlan are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Mazatlan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Tamarindo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Mazatlan is generally cooler than Tamarindo. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 20°C (67°F), and Tamarindo fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It's quite sunny in Tamarindo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. Mazatlan usually receives less sunshine than Tamarindo during winter. Mazatlan gets 203 hours of sunny skies, while Tamarindo receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Mazatlan usually receives more rain than Tamarindo. Mazatlan gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMazatlan 20°C (67°F)Tamarindo 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Mazatlan or Tamarindo in the Spring?
Both Tamarindo and Mazatlan during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of the beaches. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tamarindo year-round.
Mazatlan is cooler than Tamarindo in the spring. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 22°C (72°F) in April, and Tamarindo fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
In Tamarindo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. In the spring, Mazatlan often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tamarindo. Mazatlan gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tamarindo receives 255 hours of full sun.
Mazatlan usually gets less rain in April than Tamarindo. Mazatlan gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMazatlan 22°C (72°F)Tamarindo 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Tamarindo and Mazatlan
| Mazatlan | Tamarindo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 20°C (67°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (67°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (72°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 24°C (76°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 199 mm (7.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 219 mm (8.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 227 mm (8.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 18 mm (0.7 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.