Which place is cheaper, Jaco or Port-of-Spain?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Port-of-Spain or Jaco?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Port-of-Spain and Jaco can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Port-of-Spain or Jaco?
Port-of-Spain
Located on the northwest coast of Trinidad island, Port of Spain is the capital of the Caribbean island nation Trinidad & Tobago. It is a hub of activity, especially during the celebration of Carnival for which the island nation is famous.
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 Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPort-of-Spain $174Jaco $104
The average daily cost (per person) in Port-of-Spain is $174, 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 Port-of-Spain and Jaco in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPort-of-Spain $80Jaco $67
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPort-of-Spain $160Jaco $134
Compare Hotels in Port-of-Spain and Jaco
Looking for a hotel in Port-of-Spain 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: Port-of-Spain Hotel Prices and Jaco Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Port-of-Spain $49Jaco -
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaco
Also for Jaco, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Tortuga Island Boat Tour with Lunch and Transfer: $135
- Jaco or Playa Hermosa: Transfer to San Jose or Alajuela: $173
- Jaco/Monteverde to Liberia Airport (LIR) - Departure Transfer : $90
- Private Transfer - San Jose Airport & Los Sueños Resort/Marriot : $200
- Private transfer from Jaco Beach to Hotels in San Jose or the Airport: $219
- Transfer FROM Jaco Beach TO SJO Airport OR RETURN (One Way): $70
- 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
Is it cheaper to fly into Port-of-Spain or Jaco?
Prices for flights to both Jaco and Port-of-Spain 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 dayPort-of-Spain $54Jaco $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.Port-of-Spain $59Jaco $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 Crocodile Safari and Bird Watching Tour: $35
- Crocodile Man Tour THE ORIGINAL: $40
- Jason Crocodile Tours: $40
- Jaco Beach: 2-Hour Chocolate Experience Tour: $43
- Horseback Riding Pacific Experience in Tarcoles Garabito: $47
- 2 Hours Private Guided Hiking Experience to El Miro in Jaco: $50
- From Canopy Tour in Hacienda Nosavar: $50
- Guided visit to Carara National Park (Ticket included): $50
- "Miro Jaco" & Jaco Beach Horseback Tour: $59
- Jaco Horse Tours: $60
- Chocolate Experience: $62
- Jaco Horseback Riding Adventure Tours: $64
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPort-of-Spain $22Jaco $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 Port-of-Spain and Jaco, we can see that Port-of-Spain is more expensive. And not only is Jaco much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Port-of-Spain is in Caribbean Islands 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 Jaco would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Jaco 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 Port-of-Spain would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Port-of-Spain than you might in Jaco.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Port-of-Spain Expensive? and Is Jaco Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Port-of-Spain or Jaco?
Port-of-Spain has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Jaco. When comparing the sizes of Port-of-Spain 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 Port-of-Spain or Jaco?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Port-of-Spain or Jaco in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Port-of-Spain as well as Jaco. Port-of-Spain 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. Port-of-Spain receives a lot of rain in the summer. Port-of-Spain usually gets more rain in July than Jaco. Port-of-Spain gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Port-of-Spain this time of the year. In the summer, Port-of-Spain often gets more sunshine than Jaco. Port-of-Spain gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jaco receives 164 hours of full sun.
Port-of-Spain is around the same temperature as Jaco in the summer. The daily temperature in Port-of-Spain averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Jaco fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPort-of-Spain 27°C (81°F)Jaco 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Port-of-Spain or Jaco in the Autumn?
Both Jaco and Port-of-Spain are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Port-of-Spain throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Jaco because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Jaco. It's quite rainy in Port-of-Spain. In October, Port-of-Spain usually receives less rain than Jaco. Port-of-Spain gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Port-of-Spain. Port-of-Spain usually receives more sunshine than Jaco during autumn. Port-of-Spain gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Jaco receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In the autumn, Port-of-Spain is around the same temperature as Jaco. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Port-of-Spain in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Jaco averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPort-of-Spain 27°C (81°F)Jaco 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Port-of-Spain or Jaco in the Winter?
Both Jaco and Port-of-Spain during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Port-of-Spain because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jaco year-round.
Port-of-Spain usually gets more rain in January than Jaco. Port-of-Spain gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Jaco, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Port-of-Spain. In the winter, Port-of-Spain often gets less sunshine than Jaco. Port-of-Spain gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jaco receives 264 hours of full sun.
In January, Port-of-Spain is generally around the same temperature as Jaco. Daily temperatures in Port-of-Spain average around 26°C (78°F), and Jaco fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPort-of-Spain 26°C (78°F)Jaco 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Port-of-Spain or Jaco in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Port-of-Spain and Jaco. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Port-of-Spain year-round. Jaco attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Port-of-Spain usually receives more rain than Jaco. Port-of-Spain gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jaco this time of the year. In Port-of-Spain, it's very sunny this time of the year. Port-of-Spain usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Jaco during spring. Port-of-Spain gets 238 hours of sunny skies, while Jaco receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.
Port-of-Spain is around the same temperature as Jaco in the spring. The daily temperature in Port-of-Spain averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Jaco fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPort-of-Spain 27°C (81°F)Jaco 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Jaco and Port-of-Spain
| Port-of-Spain | Jaco | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (78°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (80°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 252 mm (9.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 225 mm (8.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 203 mm (8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 199 mm (7.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 155 mm (6.1 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.