Which place is cheaper, Jaco or San Juan del Sur?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit San Juan del Sur or Jaco?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for San Juan del Sur and Jaco. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: San Juan del Sur or Jaco?
San Juan del Sur
San Juan del Sur is a popular port destination on the Pacific coast of southwest Nicaragua. The town was once a quaint fishing village but has grown into a tourist town with activities for visitors that include surfing, fishing, and, of course, partying. The town has a population of just over 15,000, most of whom are either fishermen or involved in the tourism industry. There is also a large expat community from the United States, Canada, and Europe.
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 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.
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San Juan del Sur Prices
Nicaragua PricesJaco Prices
Costa Rica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySan Juan del Sur $72Jaco $131
The average daily cost (per person) in San Juan del Sur is $72, while the average daily cost in Jaco is $131. 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 Juan del Sur and Jaco in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Juan del Sur $26Jaco $74
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Juan del Sur $52Jaco $148
Compare Hotels in San Juan del Sur and Jaco
Looking for a hotel in San Juan del Sur 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 Juan del Sur Hotel Prices and Jaco Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Juan del Sur $18Jaco -
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan del Sur
Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Juan del Sur:
- Granada: One way shared transfer to San Juan del Sur: $39
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaco
Also for Jaco, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Jaco / Los Sueños Marriott Hotels to SJO Airport Private Transfer: $140
- Jaco to Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) - Departure Private Transfer: $142
- Jaco/Monteverde to Liberia Airport (LIR) - Departure Transfer: $201
- One-Way Private Transfer from Jaco to Juan Santa Maria Airport: $175
- One-Way Private Transfer from Quepos - Manuel Antonio to Uvita: $249
- Private Transfer - San Jose Airport & Los Sueños Resort/Marriot: $204
- Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Cobano Puntarenas: $63
- Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Jaco Beach Puntarenas: $72
- Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Playa Jaco Puntarenas: $72
- Private transfer from Jaco Beach to Hotels in San Jose or the Airport: $219
- Shuttle & transfer rides to SJO Airport Costa Rica: $155
Is it cheaper to fly into San Juan del Sur or Jaco?
Prices for flights to both Jaco and San Juan del Sur 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 Juan del Sur $32Jaco $40
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Juan del Sur
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in San Juan del Sur.
- Mombacho Volcano Adventure Tour with Dinner: $235
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$4.34
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Tsunami Sushi Dinner$19
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Taco Bar Dinner$9.92
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Pizza & Smoothie Lunch$6.95
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Ice Cream$6.51
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Breakfast Taco Bar$3.68
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Fruit Plate$3.26
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jaco
For Jaco, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Night Jungle Tour with Dinner (Rainmaker Park): $65
- Night Walk Tour and Jungle Dinner in Jaco: $89
- Taste of Costa Rica: Traditional Food Tour in Jaco: $99
- TICO Private Walking Food Tour: $107
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.San Juan del Sur $15Jaco $66
Tours and Activities in San Juan del Sur
Here are a few actual costs in San Juan del Sur for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- ATV Adventure Tour in San Juan del Sur, NICARAGUA: $145
- Catamaran Cruise with Meals in San Juan del Sur: $220
- Horse Riding Adventure: $295
- Kayak and Paddle Boarding Adventure in San Juan del Sur: $105
- La Flor Beach Natural Reserve Bus Tour: $80
- Masaya Volcano Tour in Nicaragua: $130
- Mombacho Volcano Hike and Ziplining Adventure from San Juan del Sur: $159
- Private Tour to Granada Colonial City and 365 Islets: $285
- Relaxed Coastal Boat Tour in San Juan del Sur: $250
- SJDS PORT EXCURSION: Zipline and Adventure Park: $150
- San Juan del Sur Shore Excursion: Private Masaya Volcano and Catarina Tour: $201
- Scenic ATV Adventure for Two in San Juan del Sur: $270
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$11
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Surf Lesson$54
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Bike Rental$11
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Tortuga Island Tour$108
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Massage$49
Tours and Activities in Jaco
For Jaco, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Cold Plunge Experience in Jaco: $35
- Jungle Crocodile Safari and Bird Watching tour/Tarcoles River CR: $40
- Adventure in the jungle river and crocodiles: $45
- Tarcoles River Crocodile Adventure Tour: $45
- Jurassic Park Adventure - HIKE -10 Waterfalls + Pools & Much More: $50
- Chocolate Experience in Jaco Beach and Los Suenos: $50
- Exclusive Massage Experience in Playa Jaco Costa Rica: $59
- Guided City Bike Tour in Jaco Costa Rica: $59
- Coffee Farm Tour and Sugarcane Juicing: $60
- Personalized Beach Adventure Near Jaco: $60
- Uvita Chocolate Tour: $60
- Jaco Party Safari Tractor Tour with Waterfall – Day & Night: $60
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySan Juan del Sur $13Jaco $35
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$16
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Night at the Bar$30
Sample the Local Flavors in Jaco
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Jaco:
- Bar Crawl in Downtown Jaco: $50
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Juan del Sur and Jaco, we can see that Jaco is more expensive. And not only is San Juan del Sur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to San Juan del Sur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Juan del Sur 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 Jaco would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Jaco than you might in San Juan del Sur.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is San Juan del Sur Expensive? and Is Jaco Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, San Juan del Sur or Jaco?
San Juan del Sur has a larger population, and is about 91% larger than the population of Jaco. When comparing the sizes of San Juan del Sur 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 Juan del Sur or Jaco?
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 Juan del Sur or Jaco in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to San Juan del Sur as well as Jaco. San Juan del Sur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jaco throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Jaco. San Juan del Sur receives a lot of rain in the summer. San Juan del Sur usually gets less rain in July than Jaco. San Juan del Sur gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, San Juan del Sur often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Jaco. San Juan del Sur gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jaco receives 164 hours of full sun.
In the summer, San Juan del Sur is around the same temperature as Jaco. Typically, the summer temperatures in San Juan del Sur in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Jaco averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySan Juan del Sur 27°C (81°F)Jaco 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit San Juan del Sur or Jaco in the Autumn?
Both Jaco and San Juan del Sur are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan del Sur throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Jaco because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Jaco is November to May. June to October is the hurricane season in Jaco. It rains a lot this time of the year in Jaco. It's quite rainy in San Juan del Sur. In October, San Juan del Sur usually receives less rain than Jaco. San Juan del Sur gets 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
San Juan del Sur usually receives more sunshine than Jaco during autumn. San Juan del Sur gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Jaco receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, San Juan del Sur is generally around the same temperature as Jaco. Daily temperatures in San Juan del Sur average around 27°C (81°F), and Jaco fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSan Juan del Sur 27°C (81°F)Jaco 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit San Juan del Sur or Jaco in the Winter?
Both Jaco and San Juan del Sur during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan del Sur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jaco year-round.
San Juan del Sur usually gets less rain in January than Jaco. San Juan del Sur gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Jaco, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in San Juan del Sur. In the winter, San Juan del Sur often gets less sunshine than Jaco. San Juan del Sur gets 244 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jaco receives 264 hours of full sun.
San Juan del Sur is around the same temperature as Jaco in the winter. The daily temperature in San Juan del Sur averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Jaco fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySan Juan del Sur 26°C (79°F)Jaco 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit San Juan del Sur or Jaco in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both San Juan del Sur and Jaco. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan del Sur year-round. Jaco attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
November to May in Jaco is the dry season. June to October in Jaco is the hurricane season. In April, San Juan del Sur usually receives less rain than Jaco. San Juan del Sur gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jaco this time of the year. In San Juan del Sur, it's very sunny this time of the year. San Juan del Sur usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Jaco during spring. San Juan del Sur gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Jaco receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.
In the spring, San Juan del Sur is around the same temperature as Jaco. Typically, the spring temperatures in San Juan del Sur in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Jaco averages at about 29°C (85°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSan Juan del Sur 29°C (84°F)Jaco 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Jaco and San Juan del Sur
| San Juan del Sur | Jaco | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 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.