Which place is cheaper, Tamarindo or Pedasi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
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.
-
Pedasi Prices
Panama PricesTamarindo Prices
Costa Rica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPedasi $51Tamarindo $159
The average daily cost (per person) in Pedasi is $51, while the average daily cost in Tamarindo is $159. 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 personPedasi $13Tamarindo $55
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPedasi $26Tamarindo $110
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.
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 $5.43Tamarindo $76
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tamarindo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tamarindo:
- Minivan Departure Transfer Tamarindo to San Jose Airport SJO: $293
- Private Round Trip Transfer: From Liberia Airport To Secrets Papagayo: $280
- Private Round-Trip Transfer: Liberia Airport to Reserva Conchal with Free Drinks: $260
- Transfer From Liberia Airport To Casa Chameleon At Las Catalinas: $225
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To JW Marriott Guanacaste: $205
- Transfer To/From Liberia Airport To/ From JW Marriott Guanacaste: $195
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Westin Resort, Conchal, Costa Rica: $185
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Margaritaville Costa Rica: $185
- Private Transfer: Liberia Airport to JW Marriott Guanacaste: $180
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Margaritaville Resort, Costa Rica: $180
- Airport Transfer from Liberia Airport to Andaz Papagayo Hyatt (Round Trip): $180
- Private Transfer Service From Liberia Airport To Westin Resort And Spa: $180
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 dayPedasi $32Tamarindo $62
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: $99
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pedasi -Tamarindo $19
Tours and Activities in Tamarindo
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tamarindo are as follows:
- "Rio Celeste Waterfall, Cacao & Cofee tour and Sloth Adventure: $250
- 1 Full Private Tour to Arenal Volcano + Baldi Hot Springs: $183
- 1 Hour Private Horseback Riding Tour in Playa Conchal: $70
- 2 Hours ATV Off Road Tour in Guanacaste Costa Rica: $85
- 2 Hours Pura Vida ATV Adventure from Tamarindo to Playa Conchal: $180
- 2-Hour Guided Tour by ATV near Playa Conchal: $130
- 3 HOURS Coastal ATV Adventure from Tamarindo to Playa Negra: $270
- 3 Hour ATV Full Tour Off-Road Tour in Guanacaste, Costa Rica: $190
- 3 Hour ATV Secluded Beach Tour from Tamarindo, Flamingo, Conchal & Grande: $125
- 3-in-1 Rincon de la Vieja National Park Nature Day Tour: $300
- 30 Minutes Private Guided Jet Ski Tour in Conchal & Brasilito: $122
- 5 Tours in 1 – The Ultimate Volcano Adventure!: $169
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayPedasi $2.87Tamarindo $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Tamarindo
Also in Tamarindo, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Puro Vino - Tamarindo's Wine Tour Ride: $85
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?.
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.