A Travel Price Comparison for Costa Rica Quepos vs. Jaco for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Quepos 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 Quepos and Jaco can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Quepos or Jaco?

Quepos

Quepos is both a district and the capital of Aguirre canton in the Puntareanas Province of Costa Rica. The town is quite small, and the district has a population of about 22,000 people. Quepos is a popular tourist destination in Costa Rica due to its close proximity to Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific Coast. The town's economy is centered around tourism and there is no shortage of bars and restaurants in the area. The town also has a lively nightlife for such a small community.

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 Wildlife Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Costa Rica, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Costa Rica, and The Best Adventure Tours to Costa Rica.


Which place is cheaper, Jaco or Quepos?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Quepos is $118, 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 Quepos and Jaco in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Quepos $77
    Jaco $68
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Quepos $154
    Jaco $136
Compare Hotels in Quepos and Jaco

Looking for a hotel in Quepos 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.

Hotels in Quepos


Hotels in Jaco


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: Quepos Hotel Prices and Jaco Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Quepos $9.59
    Jaco -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Quepos

Also for Quepos, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer from Quepos Cruise Port to Juan Santamaria Airport (SJO): $73
  • Transfer TO or FROM Manuel Antonio, Quepos to SJO Airport - Private (ONE WAY): $105
  • Shuttle Transfer from Manuel Antonio to San Jose: $60
  • Private transfer from SJ Airport to Manuel Antonio and vice versa: $230
  • Private transfer from Manuel Antonio Quepos to Hotels in San Jose or the Airport: $269
  • Private Transfer from Quepos Cruise Port to San Jose City Hotels: $91
  • Private Transfer from Quepos Cruise Port to Liberia City Hotels: $88
  • Private Transfer from Manuel Antonio to SJO Airport or Hotels: $230
  • Private Transfer from Manuel Antonio to Nauyaca Waterfalls (Round Trip): $199
  • Private Transfer From San Jose Airport To Manuel Antonio Beach: $125
  • Private Transfer - San Jose Airport & Manuel Antonio/Quepos : $300
  • One-Way Private Transfer from Uvita to Quepos - Manuel Antonio: $140

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaco

Also for Jaco, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer to Jaco beach from San José or the airport one way: $245
  • Transfer Private From Jaco to San José or Airport up to 5 passengers (one way) : $245
  • Transfer FROM Jaco Beach TO SJO Airport OR RETURN (One Way): $78
  • Private transfer from Jaco Beach to Hotels in San Jose or the Airport: $219
  • Jaco or Playa Hermosa: Transfer to San Jose or Alajuela: $173
  • From Tortuga Island Boat Tour with Lunch and Transfer: $135

Is it cheaper to fly into Quepos or Jaco?

Prices for flights to both Jaco and Quepos 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
    Quepos $30
    Jaco $21
Typical Food Prices in Quepos

For Quepos, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch
    $15
  • Seafood Dinner (for 1)
    $20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Quepos

For Quepos, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Night Jungle Tour with Dinner (Rainmaker Park): $59
  • Cooking Class in Manuel Antonio with Medicinal Plants Garden Visit: $77
  • Night Mangrove Safari Boat Tour with Dinner | Manuel Antonio: $79

Typical Food Prices in Jaco

For Jaco, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Hermosa BeachLlunch
    $3.95
  • Tsunami Sushi Dinner
    $18
  • Taco Bar Dinner
    $9.03
  • Pizza & Smoothie Lunch
    $6.33
  • Ice Cream
    $5.93
  • Breakfast Taco Bar
    $3.35
  • Fruit Plate
    $2.97

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jaco

For Jaco, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Taste of Costa Rica: Traditional Food Tour in Jacó: $87
  • Traditional Costa Rican cooking class and meal with a modern twist: $136
  • Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, Hot Springs Combo Tour with Lunch & Dinner: $195

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Quepos $17
    Jaco $60

Tours and Activities in Quepos

For Quepos, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 10 in 1 Tour! Zip Lines, Rappels, Tarzan Swing, Waterfalls & More: $130
  • Adventure Full Day Tour from Manuel Antonio & Quepos + 2 Tours : $161
  • All Inclusive Catamaran Eco Adventure from Manuel Antonio: $83
  • All-Inclusive Catamaran Eco Adventure with Lunch: $93
  • All-Inclusive Full-Day Nauyaca Waterfall and Beach Town Tour: $142
  • All-Inclusive Jungle Night Tour: $59
  • Birding at El Rey. (Marshes,rice fields,canals) Private Birding Tour : $120
  • Birdwatching Manuel Antonio/ El Rey. (Marshes,rice fields,canals) Group Tour : $129
  • Birdwatching Tour: $120
  • Birdwatching Tour Manuel Antonio /Esquipulas Group Tour Experience: $185
  • Canopy Tour From Manuel Antonio: $116
  • Catamaran Adventure From Manuel Antonio: $116

Typical Entertainment Prices in Jaco

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Jaco's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Dance Class
    $9.85
  • Surf Lesson
    $49
  • Bike Rental
    $9.85
  • Tortuga Island Tour
    $98
  • 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
  • 2 Hour ATV Jungle Adventure Jaco: $75
  • 2 hour ATV Tour & Waterfalls + Chocolate Experience : $110
  • 3 hrs ATV Tour: $95
  • 3-Hour ATV Jungle Waterfall Adventure: $95
  • 4x4 Happy Jungle Booze Cruise: $115
  • 5 Hour Off-Road ATV+ Zipline+ Waterfall Rappelling+ Tractor Jungle Tour: $160
  • ATV Tour in Jaco: $86
  • ATV adventure 2hrs and Waterfall in Jacó: $89
  • Adventure Shore Excursion Day Trip from Puntarenas and Caldera : $161
  • Aerial Tram and Zipline Tour Jacó Rainforest Adventures: $81

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Quepos $15
    Jaco $32

Typical Alcohol Prices in Jaco

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Jaco:


  • Wine
    $15
  • Night at the Bar
    $27


When comparing the travel costs between Quepos and Jaco, we can see that Quepos is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Central America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Quepos or Jaco?

Quepos has a larger population, and is about 91% larger than the population of Jaco. When comparing the sizes of Quepos 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 Quepos or Jaco?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Quepos or Jaco in the Summer?

Both Jaco and Quepos are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Quepos 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 Quepos. In July, Quepos usually receives around the same amount of rain as Jaco. Quepos gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Quepos usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Jaco during summer. Quepos gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Jaco receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.

Quepos is around the same temperature as Jaco in the summer. The daily temperature in Quepos averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Jaco fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Quepos 28°C (82°F) 
    Jaco 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Quepos or Jaco in the Autumn?

Both Jaco and Quepos during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Quepos because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jaco year-round.

Jaco gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Quepos. Quepos usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Jaco. Quepos gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the autumn, Quepos often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Jaco. Quepos gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jaco receives 169 hours of full sun.

In the autumn, Quepos is around the same temperature as Jaco. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Quepos in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Jaco averages at about 27°C (81°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Quepos 27°C (81°F) 
    Jaco 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Quepos or Jaco in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Quepos and Jaco. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Quepos year-round. Jaco attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Quepos usually receives around the same amount of rain as Jaco. Quepos gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jaco this time of the year. In Quepos, it's very sunny this time of the year. Quepos usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Jaco during winter. Quepos gets 264 hours of sunny skies, while Jaco receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Quepos is generally around the same temperature as Jaco. Daily temperatures in Quepos average around 27°C (81°F), and Jaco fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Quepos 27°C (81°F) 
    Jaco 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Quepos or Jaco in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Quepos as well as Jaco. Quepos attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jaco throughout the year.

Quepos usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Jaco. Quepos gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jaco. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Quepos this time of the year. In the spring, Quepos often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Jaco. Quepos gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jaco receives 255 hours of full sun.

Quepos is around the same temperature as Jaco in the spring. The daily temperature in Quepos averages around 29°C (85°F) in April, and Jaco fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Quepos 29°C (85°F) 
    Jaco 29°C (85°F)

Typical Weather for Jaco and Quepos

Quepos Jaco
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Feb 28°C (83°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 28°C (83°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 29°C (84°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 29°C (84°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Apr 29°C (85°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 29°C (85°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 226 mm (8.9 in) 29°C (83°F) 226 mm (8.9 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 226 mm (8.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 226 mm (8.9 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 289 mm (11.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 289 mm (11.4 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 328 mm (12.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 328 mm (12.9 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 254 mm (10 in) 27°C (81°F) 254 mm (10 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 121 mm (4.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)