Which place is cheaper, Tamarindo or San Jose?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit San Jose or Tamarindo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Jose or Tamarindo, 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 Tamarindo?
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.
Tamarindo
Tamarindo is a small beach town in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica on the Pacific Coast. This town is usually sought out by surfers, fishers, couples, and families. There are delicious restaurants, beautiful beaches, and friendly Tico's and Tica's (local Costa Rican nicknames) everywhere.
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 $90Tamarindo $121
The average daily cost (per person) in San Jose is $90, while the average daily cost in Tamarindo is $121. 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 Tamarindo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Jose $49Tamarindo $50
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Jose $98Tamarindo $100
Compare Hotels in San Jose and Tamarindo
Looking for a hotel in San Jose or Tamarindo? 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 Tamarindo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Jose $19Tamarindo $69
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:
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from SanJose Juan Santamaría Airport to SanJose City: $39
- Private One-way Juan Santamaria Airport Transfer to from San Jose: $41
- Private Airport and Hotel Transfer: Alajuela and San Jose: $45
- Transfer SJO Airport to Hotels nearby or Vice versa Private 6 PAX: $45
- Private Transfer from San Jose Airport (SJO) to Puntarenas Port: $50
- Private Transfer from San Jose Airport One Way: $56
- Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) to San Jose – Round-Trip Private Transfer: $63
- Private transfer from SJO Intl Airport to downtown Hotels: $65
- Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) to Jaco - Arrival Private Transfer: $67
- Shared transfer to Manuel Antonio: $70
- San Jose Airport Private Transfer to Jacó 1 to 4 People: $72
- San Jose Juan Santamaria Airport (SJO) to Monteverde - Arrival Private Transfer: $87
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tamarindo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tamarindo:
- Transfers Riu Palace or Guanacaste from Airports Round trip: $158
- Transfer from Westin Conchal Hotel to Liberia Airport (LIR): $140
- Transfer from Riu Guanacaste Hotel to Liberia Airport (LIR): $85
- Transfer from Planet Hollywood Beach Resort to Liberia Airport (LIR): $85
- Transfer from JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa to Liberia Airport (LIR): $148
- Transfer from Four Seasons Resort to Liberia Airport (LIR): $120
- Transfer from Andaz Papagayo Resort to Liberia Airport (LIR): $115
- Transfer To/From Liberia Airport To/ From JW Marriott Guanacaste: $195
- Transfer Service Liberia Airport To Playa Grande, Guanacaste: $165
- Transfer Service From Liberia Airport to Planet Hollywood Costa Rica: $115
- Transfer Service From Liberia Airport To Westin Resort Costa Rica: $125
- Transfer Service From Liberia Airport To Riu Palace and Riu Guanacaste: $105
Is it cheaper to fly into San Jose or Tamarindo?
Prices for flights to both Tamarindo 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 $18Tamarindo $32
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
- San Jose By Night Tour: Farm to Table Dinner & Cocktails Classes: $57
- Half-Day San Jose Evening Bus Tour with Dinner and Pickup: $76
- Explore San Jose By Night: Food and Culture Tour with Local Dinner: $80
- Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner: $179
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tamarindo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Tamarindo.
- Online Class on Zoom: Cooking Costa Rica Homemade Food: $35
- Traditional Cooking Class In Tamarindo: $95
- Traditional Cooking Class In Tamarindo: $95
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.San Jose $21Tamarindo $17
Tours and Activities in San Jose
For San Jose, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Entrance Ticket to the Farm of Hacienda Orosi: $11
- Entrance ticket to the Hacienda Orosi: $21
- Hiking Experience in El Quetzal Private Reserve: $26
- Visit a Butterfly Chapel, Gardens, Coffee Tour with Typical Lunch: $30
- Private Roasting and Cupping Coffee Experience: $30
- Hacienda Alsacia Starbucks Coffe Tour: $31
- San Jose Walking Nature Tour: Sloths, Birds and Trees: $33
- Historical Tour and Old Houses by Dota: $35
- San Jose Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $35
- Skip the Line: Rescate Wildlife Rescue Centre General Admission Ticket: $35
- Corso Lecheria Tour: $40
- Zipline Tour Arenal + Indigenous culture + Thermomineral pools: $48
Tours and Activities in Tamarindo
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tamarindo are as follows:
- ATV adventure from Riu, Secrets and papagayo: $90
- Buggy - Side by Side Family Tour : $260
- Ecologic farming Sloth tour Hiking & Chocolate -Coffee tour: $233
- Premium Tour: Rincón de la Vieja Volcano Adventure Combo Tour: $220
- Premium Tour:Sloths and Río Celeste y Cortez Waterfalls (Tenorio Volcano Park): $220
- Private ATV or Buggy Tour from Riu Hotels: $85
- Wildlife Tour at Palo Verde National Park: $199
- 1,5 Hours Private Horseback Riding Tour in Playa Conchal: $80
- 2-Hour Guided Tour by ATV near Playa Conchal: $130
- 3-in-1 Rincon de la Vieja National Park Nature Day Tour: $300
- 5-Hour Guided Sunset Boat Tour in Tamarindo Costa Rica: $95
- 5-in-1 Rincon de la Vieja National Park Adventure Day Tour: $300
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySan Jose $17Tamarindo $14
Sample the Local Flavors in San Jose
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Jose:
- Wine Tour and Tasting: $85
- Bar Crawl in San Jose in a Deluxe Party Bus: $100
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Jose and Tamarindo, we can see that Tamarindo is more expensive. And not only is San Jose much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to San Jose would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Jose 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 Tamarindo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tamarindo than you might in San Jose.
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 Tamarindo Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit San Jose or Tamarindo?
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 San Jose or Tamarindo in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to San Jose as well as Tamarindo. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tamarindo throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Tamarindo. San Jose receives a lot of rain in the summer. San Jose usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Tamarindo. San Jose gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, San Jose often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tamarindo. San Jose gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tamarindo receives 164 hours of full sun.
In the summer, San Jose is around the same temperature as Tamarindo. Typically, the summer temperatures in San Jose in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Tamarindo averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySan Jose 28°C (82°F)Tamarindo 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit San Jose or Tamarindo in the Autumn?
Both Tamarindo and San Jose are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Jose throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Tamarindo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Tamarindo. It's quite rainy in San Jose. In October, San Jose usually receives around the same amount of rain as Tamarindo. San Jose gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
San Jose usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Tamarindo during autumn. San Jose gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Tamarindo receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, San Jose is generally around the same temperature as Tamarindo. Daily temperatures in San Jose average around 27°C (81°F), and Tamarindo fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSan Jose 27°C (81°F)Tamarindo 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit San Jose or Tamarindo in the Winter?
Both Tamarindo and San Jose during the winter 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 Tamarindo year-round.
San Jose usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Tamarindo. San Jose gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Tamarindo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in San Jose. In the winter, San Jose often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tamarindo. San Jose gets 264 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tamarindo receives 264 hours of full sun.
San Jose is around the same temperature as Tamarindo in the winter. The daily temperature in San Jose averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Tamarindo fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySan Jose 27°C (81°F)Tamarindo 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit San Jose or Tamarindo in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both San Jose and Tamarindo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round. Tamarindo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, San Jose usually receives around the same amount of rain as Tamarindo. San Jose gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo during spring. San Jose gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Tamarindo receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.
In the spring, San Jose is around the same temperature as Tamarindo. Typically, the spring temperatures in San Jose in April average around 29°C (85°F), and Tamarindo averages at about 29°C (85°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSan Jose 29°C (85°F)Tamarindo 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Tamarindo and San Jose
| San Jose | Tamarindo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.