A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Pedasi vs. Tamarindo for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Pedasi or Tamarindo?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Pedasi or Tamarindo, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Pedasi or Tamarindo?

Pedasi

Pedasi is in the Los Santos province of the Pacific West region of Panama. It's on the edge of the Azuero Peninsula and has a population of just over 2000 people. The town is predominantly a fishing village and is set on a beautiful, rocky coastline, making it a dramatic place to visit. The town is small, but you'll find a few restaurants around town that are worth eating at. The area is well known for having some great carnivals and most travelers visit with the plan to enjoy some sport fishing, diving, snorkeling, or surfing. There are also some great national parks and preserves nearby.

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 Budget Tours to Panama, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Panama City, The Best Luxury Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica.


Which place is cheaper, Tamarindo or Pedasi?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Pedasi is $38, 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 Pedasi and Tamarindo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pedasi $13
    Tamarindo $50
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pedasi $26
    Tamarindo $100
Compare Hotels in Pedasi and Tamarindo

Looking for a hotel in Pedasi 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.

Hotels in Pedasi


Hotels in Tamarindo


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: Tamarindo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pedasi $5.45
    Tamarindo $69

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tamarindo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tamarindo:

  • Transfer to La Fortuna de Arenal: $307
  • Round Trip Transfer Liberia Airport (LIR) to Westin Conchal Hotel: $270
  • Round Trip Shuttle Transfer From Liberia Airport To Four Seasons Papagayo: $265
  • Round Trip Transfer From Liberia Airport To Secrets Papagayo: $250
  • Round Trip Transfer Liberia Airport (LIR) to Four Seasons Resort: $200
  • Private Liberia airport transfer: $200
  • Transfer To/From Liberia Airport To/ From JW Marriott Guanacaste: $195
  • Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To JW Marriott Guanacaste: $185
  • Round Trip Transfer Liberia Airport (LIR) to Riu Guanacaste Hotel: $181
  • Transfer From Liberia Airport To Hacienda Pinilla Guanacaste: $175
  • Round Trip Transfer Liberia Airport (LIR) to Riu Guanacaste Hotel: $171
  • Round Trip Transfer Liberia Airport (LIR) to Planet Hollywood Beach Resort: $171

Is it cheaper to fly into Pedasi or Tamarindo?

Prices for flights to both Tamarindo and Pedasi 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 day
    Pedasi $18
    Tamarindo $32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tamarindo

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Tamarindo.

  • Traditional Cooking Class In Tamarindo: $95
  • Traditional Cooking Class In Tamarindo: $95

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pedasi -
    Tamarindo $17

Tours and Activities in Tamarindo

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tamarindo are as follows:

  • ATV adventure from Riu, Secrets and papagayo: $90
  • Ecologic farming Sloth tour Hiking & Chocolate -Coffee tour: $233
  • Premium Tour: Rincón de la Vieja Volcano Adventure Combo Tour: $220
  • Premium Tour: Rincón de la Vieja Volcano and Waterfall Hiking: $170
  • Premium Tour:Sloths and Río Celeste y Cortez Waterfalls (Tenorio Volcano Park): $220
  • Private ATV or Buggy Tour from Riu Hotels: $85
  • Wildlife Tour at Palo Verde National Park: $199
  • 1,5 Hours Private Horseback Riding Tour in Playa Conchal: $80
  • 2-Hour Guided Tour by ATV near Playa Conchal: $130
  • 3-in-1 Rincon de la Vieja National Park Nature Day Tour: $300
  • 5-Hour Guided Sunset Boat Tour in Tamarindo Costa Rica: $95
  • 5-in-1 Rincon de la Vieja National Park Buena Vista Eco Adventure Day Tour: $300

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pedasi $2.87
    Tamarindo $14


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pedasi and Tamarindo, we can see that Tamarindo is more expensive. And not only is Pedasi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pedasi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pedasi 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 Pedasi.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Pedasi Expensive? and Is Tamarindo Expensive?.