Which place is cheaper, Jaco or San Jose?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit San Jose or Jaco?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Jose or Jaco, 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: San Jose or Jaco?
San Jose
San Jose is the capital city of Costa Rica and is likely to be your first and last stop in a visit to the country. The city is situated in the Central Valley and is surrounded by beautiful mountains and valleys, making for a beautiful flight in. The city has an elevation of 1200 meters and sits on a plateau with a beautiful backdrop of lush green forest. Half of the people in Costa Rica reside in the country's capital city. You are likely to stay only a day or two, but there are a handful of things to do and see including museums and markets. You will also find many embassies, as well as the University of Costa Rica in San Jose.
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, The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica, The Best G Adventures Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Costa Rica.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySan Jose $90Jaco $104
The average daily cost (per person) in San Jose is $90, 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 San Jose and Jaco in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Jose $49Jaco $67
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Jose $98Jaco $134
Compare Hotels in San Jose and Jaco
Looking for a hotel in San Jose 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: San Jose Hotel Prices and Jaco Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Jose $19Jaco -
Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Jose
Some typical examples of transportation costs in San Jose are as follows:
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Taxi from SJO$25
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Local Bus$2.72
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Jose
Also for San Jose, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfers to Occidental Papagayo - Secrets Resort, Round-Trip: $130
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from SanJose Juan Santamaría Airport to SanJose City: $39
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from SanJose City to SanJose Juan Santamaría Airport: $39
- Transfer from San Jose Airport CR (SJO) to Arenal La Fortuna Hotels: $189
- Transfer from SJO Airport to Jaco or vice versa: $125
- Transfer TO & FROM SJO Airport to Esterillos - Bejuco Not Shared.: $180
- Transfer SJO Airport to Hotels nearby or Vice versa Private 6 PAX: $45
- Transfer From San Jose to Puerto Viejo: $80
- Shuttle & transfer rides to Jaco beach: $137
- Shared transfer to Manuel Antonio: $70
- San Jose to Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) – Departure Private Transfer: $31
- San Jose Juan Santamaria Airport (SJO) to Monteverde- Roundtrip Private Transfer: $174
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
- Private Transfer - San Jose Airport & Los Sueños Resort/Marriot : $200
- Jaco/Monteverde to Liberia Airport (LIR) - Departure Transfer : $90
- 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 San Jose or Jaco?
Prices for flights to both Jaco and San Jose 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 daySan Jose $18Jaco $21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Jose
For San Jose, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Bites and Sights: Walking Food Tour in San Jose : $34
- Tropical Cooking Classes: $52
- San Jose By Night Tour: Farm to Table Dinner & Cocktails Classes: $57
- San Jose Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour and visit Gold Museum : $60
- Explore San Jose By Night: Food and Culture Tour with Local Dinner: $67
- Half-Day San Jose Evening Bus Tour with Dinner and Pickup: $76
- Private Authentic Food Tour in San José: $84
- Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner: $179
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.San Jose $21Jaco $60
Tours and Activities in San Jose
For San Jose, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Explore San Jose on Foot: Food Delights and Sights Tour: $39
- Poas Volcano National Park Tour and Bird watching in Costa Rica: $205
- 2-Hour Orosi Nocturnal Tour: $33
- 3 in 1 Eco Tour Rain Forest Aerial Tram, River Cruise & Nature Walk Private Tour: $299
- 6 in 1 RainForest Adventure From San Jose: $189
- A taste of Aquiares - 2 hours Coffee Tour: $42
- AERIAL TRAM TOUR - HALF DAY PASS Rainforest Adventures Braulio Ca: $78
- AWA Water Museum - Waterfall Adventure (Organic Food Experience): $98
- Arenal Volcano & Baldi Hot Springs one day tour from San Jose: $199
- Arenal Volcano Eco Tour & Baldi Hot Springs Private Tour from San Jose: $285
- Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose: $159
- Arenal Volcano Hike and Hot Springs Tour from San Jose: $142
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 & 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 Private Ranch Experience in Quebrada Amarilla: $120
- 2 Hours Private Guided Hiking Experience to El Miro in Jaco: $35
- 2 hour Double ATV Tour + Waterfalls in Jaco Beach : $99
- 3-Hour ATV Jungle Waterfall Adventure: $95
- 3-Hour Private Guided Experience of 7 Course Contemporary Indian Tasting Menu: $225
- 3.000 ft Private Paragliding Experience in Costa Rica: $290
- 4x4 Happy Jungle Booze Cruise: $115
- 5 Hour Off-Road ATV+ Zipline+ Waterfall Rappelling+ Tractor Jungle Tour: $160
- ATV Tour in Jaco Beach, enjoy Jungle, River, and Beach - No large groups: $68
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySan Jose $17Jaco $32
Sample the Local Flavors in San Jose
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Jose:
- Bar Crawl in Downtown San Jose: $38
- Wine Tour and Tasting: $85
- Bar Crawl in San Jose in a Deluxe Party Bus: $100
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 comparing the travel costs between San Jose and Jaco, we can see that Jaco 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 San Jose Expensive? and Is Jaco Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, San Jose or Jaco?
San Jose has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Jaco. When comparing the sizes of San Jose 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 San Jose 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 San Jose or Jaco in the Summer?
Both Jaco and San Jose are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Jose 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 San Jose. In July, San Jose usually receives around the same amount of rain as Jaco. San Jose gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
San Jose usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Jaco during summer. San Jose gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Jaco receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, San Jose is generally around the same temperature as Jaco. Daily temperatures in San Jose average around 28°C (82°F), and Jaco fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySan Jose 28°C (82°F)Jaco 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit San Jose or Jaco in the Autumn?
Both Jaco and San Jose during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to San Jose 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 San Jose. San Jose usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Jaco. San Jose gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, San Jose often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Jaco. San Jose gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jaco receives 169 hours of full sun.
San Jose is around the same temperature as Jaco in the autumn. The daily temperature in San Jose averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Jaco fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSan Jose 27°C (81°F)Jaco 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit San Jose or Jaco in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both San Jose and Jaco. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round. Jaco attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, San Jose usually receives around the same amount of rain as Jaco. San Jose 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 San Jose, it's very sunny this time of the year. San Jose usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Jaco during winter. San Jose gets 264 hours of sunny skies, while Jaco receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.
In the winter, San Jose is around the same temperature as Jaco. Typically, the winter temperatures in San Jose in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Jaco averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySan Jose 27°C (81°F)Jaco 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit San Jose or Jaco in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to San Jose as well as Jaco. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jaco throughout the year.
San Jose usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Jaco. San Jose 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 San Jose this time of the year. In the spring, San Jose often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Jaco. San Jose gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jaco receives 255 hours of full sun.
In April, San Jose is generally around the same temperature as Jaco. Daily temperatures in San Jose average around 29°C (85°F), and Jaco fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSan Jose 29°C (85°F)Jaco 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Jaco and San Jose
| San Jose | 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) |
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.