A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Salto vs. Liberia for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Salto or Liberia?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salto or Liberia, 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: Salto or Liberia?

Salto

Salto is in the citrus growing region of Northern Interior Uruguay, on the east bank of the Rio Uruguay. It is closely connected to the neighboring Argentinian city of Concordia that lies across the river on the western bank. Salto is Uruguay's second-largest city and the most northerly crossing point to Argentina. Salto is a very picturesque city that has a relaxing feel the entire year. However, people mostly come here for the nearby hot springs and the recreation area above the enormous Salto Grande hydroelectric dam.

Liberia

Liberia is a town in northwestern Costa Rica. It is the capital of the Guanacaste province, which is about 140 miles away from Costa Rica's capital, San Jose. The town has a population of about 56,000 and is one of the tourism centers of the country.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Eco Tours in Costa Rica.


Which place is cheaper, Liberia or Salto?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Salto is $71, while the average daily cost in Liberia is $112. 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 Salto and Liberia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Salto $30
    Liberia $60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Salto $60
    Liberia $120
Compare Hotels in Salto and Liberia

Looking for a hotel in Salto or Liberia? 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 Salto


Hotels in Liberia


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: Salto Hotel Prices and Liberia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Salto $22
    Liberia $43

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Liberia

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Liberia are as follows:


  • Bike Rental
    $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Liberia

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Liberia:

  • Airport transfer Liberia from and to Tamarindo (One way) : $113
  • Costa Rica Private Airport Transfer : $6.00
  • Departure Private Transfer Arenal to San Jose Airport by Minivan: $177
  • Direct Transfer Liberia Airport to Guanacaste Hotels: $35
  • GUANACASTE COSTA RICA Airport Transfers | Shuttle Service: $62
  • Guanacaste Airport Transfer to Playa Tamarindo: $105
  • Guanacaste Airport: Transfer to/from Papagayo Hyatt Hotel: $76
  • Liberia Airport (LIR) Peñas Blancas - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $76
  • Liberia Airport (LIR) to Flamingo/Tamarindo - Round-Trip Transfer: $76
  • Liberia Airport (LIR) to Jaco / Monteverde - Round-Trip Transfer : $179
  • Liberia Airport (LIR) to Jaco/Monteverde Arrival Private Transfer: $89
  • Liberia Airport (LIR) to Peñas Blancas - Arrival Private Transfer: $38

Is it cheaper to fly into Salto or Liberia?

Prices for flights to both Liberia and Salto 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
    Salto $25
    Liberia $21

Typical Food Prices in Liberia

Some typical examples of dining costs in Liberia are as follows:


  • Snacks
    $1.97
  • Lunch at The Shack (for 1)
    $4.95
  • Lunch
    $11
  • Coffee & Tres Leches (for 2)
    $14
  • Ginger Ale
    $1.28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Liberia

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

  • 2-Hour Cooking Class in Nosara : $65
  • Private Local Cooking Class in Nosara: $85
  • Private Sunset Dinner at the Beach with Chef : $190

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Salto $18
    Liberia $25

Tours and Activities in Liberia

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

  • (Private) La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike: $41
  • La Leona Waterfall: Private tour in Rincon de la Vieja!: $43
  • Night Tour in Nuevo Arenal: $43
  • Bird-Watching and Wildlife Tour: $43
  • La Leona waterfall adventure hike half day : $45
  • La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike (Private Tour): $45
  • Skip the Line: Diamante Eco Adventure Park: Animal Sanctuary Discovery Ticket: $49
  • Zip-line Adventure: $53
  • Horseback Riding Tour: $59
  • Rincón de la Vieja Bird-Watching Tour: $62
  • Zipline at Skyline Canopy Tour Guanacaste Costa Rica: $65
  • From Tubing Adventure at Rio Negro: $65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Salto $13
    Liberia $13


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Salto and Liberia, we can see that Liberia is more expensive. And not only is Salto much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Salto is in South America and Liberia 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 Salto would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Salto 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 Liberia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Liberia than you might in Salto.

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


Which is Bigger, Salto or Liberia?

Salto has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Liberia. When comparing the sizes of Salto and Liberia, 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 Salto or Liberia?

Salto has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Liberia experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Salto or Liberia in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Salto and Liberia. Liberia attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the summer, Salto is cooler than Liberia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Salto in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Liberia averages at about 28°C (82°F)in July.

In Salto, it's very sunny this time of the year. Salto usually receives more sunshine than Liberia during summer. Salto gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Liberia receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.

Liberia receives a lot of rain in the summer. Salto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Salto usually receives less rain than Liberiain July. Salto gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Liberia receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Salto 25°C (77°F) 
    Liberia 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Salto or Liberia in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Salto as well as Liberia. The warm climate attracts visitors to Liberia throughout the year.

In April, Salto is generally cooler than Liberiain October. Daily temperatures in Salto average around 19°C (65°F), and Liberia fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In the autumn, Salto often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Liberiain October. Salto gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Liberia receives 169 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Liberia. Salto receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Salto usually gets less rain in April than Liberiain October. Salto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Liberia receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to April in Liberia is the dry season. April to December in Liberia is the rainy season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Salto 19°C (65°F) 
    Liberia 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Salto or Liberia in the Winter?

Both Liberia and Salto are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Liberia because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Salto is much colder than Liberia in the winter. The daily temperature in Salto averages around 12°C (54°F) in July, and Liberia fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Liberia. Salto usually receives less sunshine than Liberia during winter. Salto gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Liberia receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Salto usually receives more rain than Liberiain January. Salto gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Liberia receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Salto 12°C (54°F) 
    Liberia 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Salto or Liberia in the Spring?

Both Liberia and Salto during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Liberia year-round.

In the spring, Salto is much colder than Liberia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Salto in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Liberia averages at about 29°C (85°F)in April.

In Liberia, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Salto. In the spring, Salto often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Liberiain April. Salto gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Liberia receives 255 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Salto. Salto usually gets more rain in October than Liberiain April. Salto gets 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Liberia receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year. December to April is the dry season in Liberia. April to December is the rainy season in Liberia.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Salto 18°C (64°F) 
    Liberia 29°C (85°F)

Typical Weather for Liberia and Salto

Salto Liberia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 127 mm (5 in) 28°C (83°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 22°C (71°F) 155 mm (6.1 in) 29°C (84°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Apr 19°C (65°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 29°C (85°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 29°C (83°F) 226 mm (8.9 in)
Jun 12°C (54°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 226 mm (8.9 in)
Jul 12°C (54°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Aug 13°C (56°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 289 mm (11.4 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 328 mm (12.9 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 254 mm (10 in)
Nov 20°C (69°F) 127 mm (5 in) 27°C (81°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
Dec 23°C (74°F) 119 mm (4.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)