Which place is cheaper, Manaus or Quepos?
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 Quepos or Manaus?
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 Manaus can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Quepos or Manaus?
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.
Manaus
Manaus is a Brazilian city, capital of the state of Amazonas, and is located on the Rio Negro a few miles before it meets the Rio Solimões to form the Amazon River. The city is a major departure point for those visiting the Amazon Rainforest, though there are a few sights worth seeing within the city itself as well.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Costa Rica, The Best Contiki Tours to Brazil, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil.
-
Quepos Prices
Costa Rica PricesManaus Prices
Brazil Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayQuepos $139Manaus $66
The average daily cost (per person) in Quepos is $139, while the average daily cost in Manaus is $66. 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 Manaus in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personQuepos $76Manaus $41
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomQuepos $152Manaus $82
Compare Hotels in Quepos and Manaus
Looking for a hotel in Quepos or Manaus? 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: Quepos Hotel Prices and Manaus Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Quepos $9.55Manaus $7.63
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Quepos
Also for Quepos, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Manuel Antonio to SJO Airport and surroundings : $229
- Private Transfer: SJO Airport to/from Manuel Antonio (One Way): $99
- Private Transfer: SJO Airport to Manuel Antonio with Scenic Stop.: $203
- Private One Way Transfer from Manuel Antonio to San José (Airport SJO): $220
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manaus
Also for Manaus, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer service from Iberostar (Port) to Manaus Airport: $23
- Transfer from Manaus Airport to Manaus City: $45
- Shared Round-Trip Transfer: Eduardo Gomes International Airport: $64
- Serviço de Transfer Privado 24h Aeroporto - Hotel em Manaus: $25
- Private Transfer Group 24h Hotel to Airport in Manaus: $112
- Privado Transfer Aeroporto to Hotel Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge: $171
- Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) to Manaus -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $71
- Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) to Manaus - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $109
- Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) to Manaus - Arrival Private Transfer: $36
- Manaus to Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $36
- Manaus private Airport transfer: $60
- Manaus Airport(MAO) to Manaus hotels- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $57
Is it cheaper to fly into Quepos or Manaus?
Prices for flights to both Manaus 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 dayQuepos $51Manaus $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:
- Cooking Class in Manuel Antonio with Medicinal Plants Garden Visit: $77
- Cooking Class & Medicinal Plants Garden Manuel Antonio: $77
- Night Mangrove Safari Boat Tour with Dinner | Manuel Antonio: $79
- Local Flavor Cooking Experience: $81
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manaus
For Manaus, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Folklore Amazonian Dinner Show: $42
- Food Tour: $60
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Quepos $17Manaus -
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: $158
- 2-3-Hour Manuel Antonio Park Nature Guided Tour: $28
- 2-Hour Kayak Tour in Quepos Mangroves – See Monkeys & Sloths: $65
- ATV Tour Half Day Trip From Manuel Antonio: $93
- All Inclusive Catamaran Eco Adventure from Manuel Antonio: $88
- All-Inclusive Catamaran Eco Adventure with Lunch: $93
- All-Inclusive Full day Waterfall Adventure: $117
- All-Inclusive Jungle Night Tour: $59
- Canopy Tour From Manuel Antonio: $121
- Catamaran Adventure From Manuel Antonio: $121
- Catamaran Cruise from Manuel Antonio with Snorkeling: $98
- Chocolate Experience, Waterfall and Cultural Lunch in local home.: $135
Tours and Activities in Manaus
For Manaus, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Adventure: 4-hour hike in the Amazon rainforest: $150
- Amazon Experience: Indigenous culture and nature phenomenon: $78
- Amazon Experience: meet a native village and swim with porpoises: $77
- Amazon Jungle Experience with Overnight: $300
- Amazon Jungle: 3- or 4-Day Tour at Ipanema River Guest House: $180
- Amazon Negro River Half-Day Expedition Tour: $55
- Amazon Private Safari by Tuhiri Eco Tour - Leaving Manaus: $199
- Amazon Rainforest Tour, Trails, Jungle, Caves and Waterfalls: $165
- Amazon River Safari Boat Tour- Full Day Group Tour: $70
- Amazonas: 2, 3, or 4-Day Tour: $220
- City Tour Plus Amazon River Tour: $100
- City Tour in Manaus at Teatro Amazonas and Praça da Matriz: $55
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayQuepos $15Manaus $2.72
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Quepos and Manaus, we can see that Quepos is more expensive. And not only is Manaus much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Quepos is in Central America and Manaus is in South 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 Manaus would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Manaus 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 Quepos would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Quepos than you might in Manaus.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Quepos Expensive? and Is Manaus Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Quepos or Manaus?
Manaus has a larger population, and is about 200 times larger than the population of Quepos. When comparing the sizes of Quepos and Manaus, 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 Manaus?
Manaus has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Quepos experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Quepos or Manaus in the Summer?
Both Manaus and Quepos are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Quepos throughout the year.
In July, Quepos is generally around the same temperature as Manausin January. Daily temperatures in Quepos average around 28°C (82°F), and Manaus fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
Quepos usually receives more sunshine than Manaus during summer. Quepos gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Manaus receives 114 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Manaus. It's quite rainy in Quepos. In July, Quepos usually receives less rain than Manausin January. Quepos gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Manaus receives 264 mm (10.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryQuepos 28°C (82°F)Manaus 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Quepos or Manaus in the Autumn?
Both Manaus 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.
Quepos is around the same temperature as Manaus in the autumn. The daily temperature in Quepos averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Manaus fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in April.
In the autumn, Quepos often gets more sunshine than Manausin April. Quepos gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Manaus receives 112 hours of full sun.
Manaus gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Quepos. Quepos usually gets less rain in October than Manausin April. Quepos gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while Manaus receives 311 mm (12.3 in) of rain this time of the year. December to April is the dry season in Quepos. Keep in mind that May to November is the hurricane season in Quepos.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilQuepos 27°C (81°F)Manaus 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Quepos or Manaus in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Quepos and Manaus. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Quepos year-round.
In the winter, Quepos is around the same temperature as Manaus. Typically, the winter temperatures in Quepos in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Manaus averages at about 28°C (82°F)in July.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Manaus this time of the year. In Quepos, it's very sunny this time of the year. Quepos usually receives more sunshine than Manaus during winter. Quepos gets 264 hours of sunny skies, while Manaus receives 214 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Quepos usually receives less rain than Manausin July. Quepos gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Manaus receives 85 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyQuepos 27°C (81°F)Manaus 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Quepos or Manaus in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Quepos as well as Manaus. Quepos attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Quepos is generally around the same temperature as Manausin October. Daily temperatures in Quepos average around 29°C (85°F), and Manaus fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Quepos this time of the year. In the spring, Quepos often gets more sunshine than Manausin October. Quepos gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Manaus receives 171 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Manaus. Quepos usually gets less rain in April than Manausin October. Quepos gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Manaus receives 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to April in Quepos is the dry season. Also, May to November in Quepos is the hurricane season.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberQuepos 29°C (85°F)Manaus 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Manaus and Quepos
| Quepos | Manaus | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 264 mm (10.4 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 290 mm (11.4 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 311 mm (12.3 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 279 mm (11 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 174 mm (6.8 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 220 mm (8.6 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.