Which place is cheaper, Jaco or Seoul?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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 Seoul and Jaco can help you decide which place is right for you.
Seoul is a bustling, modern, and high energy city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music. See Seoul travel costs.
Jaco is a popular, touristy, and laid back town. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife. See Jaco travel costs.
Tourists will generally find more to do in Seoul. Although Seoul and Jaco are both popular with visitors, Seoul has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Seoul is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Jaco is known for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Jaco is more touristy than Seoul and is popular for its surfing, nightlife, and beaches. Seoul is popular for its shopping malls, colorful street markets, beautiful parks, and vibrant energy. It is also home to Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Jaco and Seoul. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Seoul is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Jaco is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.
With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Seoul can be an interesting and educational experience. The museums and landmarks are diverse, with notable sights including N Seoul Tower, the Bukchon Hanok Traditional Village, and the National Museum of Korea.
Jaco offers a few options for museum-goers. Most people spend their time outside or partying while they're in town.
Seoul is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Jaco is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.
Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Seoul is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Food is a cultural obsession here, and you'll find everything from world class street food to award winning restaurants. The dishes are so much more diverse than Korean barbecue and kimchi. Many dishes are very spicy, with popular local foods including gamjatang (pork and potato soup) and jeon (savory pancakes).
Jaco offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There's a range of restaurants around town that include hamburger joints, pizza shops, and other casual favorites. You'll find a variety of options along the main strip as well.
Jaco is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, Seoul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.
Jaco is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. What was once a quiet surfing town is now one of the most famous party destinations in Costa Rica. There are a constantly growing number of bars and clubs around town and you'll find tons of young tourists and backpackers looking for a party.
Seoul has a large number of nightlife venues. This is definitely a work hard/play hard city, with locals working long hours during the day and then partying hard late into the night. The nightlife scene is strong both during the week and on weekends. There are bars, clubs, and lounges that are frequented by locals and tourists alike.
Seoul is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Jaco is not a live music destination.
Seoul has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. K-pop has put the city on the map for music, but you'll actually find a wide range of genres here including rock music and electronic dance music.
Jaco is not a live music destination.
Jaco is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Seoul is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Jaco. You can't really snorkel at Jaco Beach because of the waves and water conditions, but there are a number of snorkeling tours that leave from town and take you to better spots.
Seoul is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Jaco is very good for the beach. However, Seoul is not a beach destination.
Many people head to Jaco to enjoy the beach. Jaco Beach is a great spot for swimming and surfing. It's lost some of its original charm, but there's still golden sand and nearby horseback riding.
Seoul is not a beach destination.
Seoul is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Jaco is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.
Many people travel to Seoul specifically to go shopping. This bustling city offers traditional local items as well as Korean cosmetics and trendy fashion. Although shopping malls are spread throughout the city, some of the most popular shopping areas are found around Myeong-dong and Dongdaemun.
Jaco is a great destination for shopping. Many of the shops are found along the main street. There are a number of souvenir stores and a few art galleries that are worth checking out.
Seoul is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Jaco is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.
You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Seoul. The city has a wide range of kid-friendly activities, ranging from the easy choices like amusement parks and children's museums, to the less obvious like kid-friendly cafes and markets. There are many entertainment options packed into a small space, so kids and adults alike will stay entertained.
You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Jaco. Nearby you'll find horseback riding, monkey tours, and other fun kid-friendly activities. Kids will enjoy the beaches in the area as well.
Seoul is a very popular place for couples. Also, Jaco is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.
Seoul makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples enjoy the beautiful viewpoints, outdoor parks, and diverse restaurants. There are also many beautiful luxury hotels where couples can enjoy a romantic getaway.
Jaco is a nice destination for couples. It's one of the more touristy parts of Costa Rica, but if you enjoy surfing and beach life, then you'll find a lot to do in the area.
Jaco is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Seoul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.
Jaco is a great town to visit for backpackers. It's a touristy town with a bit of a party reputation. There are plenty of hostels and other backpackers around so you shouldn't have trouble meeting people.
It's common for backpackers to visit Seoul. The city isn't the most popular among backpackers, but those who visit will enjoy exploring a fascinating culture and delicious cuisine. Because it's a large city, you'll find a diversity of accommodation options including some budget-friendly hostels and hotels.
Seoul is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Jaco is not popular with students.
Seoul is a great city to visit as a student. Many international students head to Seoul National University, which has an excellent academic reputation. The city is also fun and energetic, so everyone will be entertained.
Jaco is not popular with students.
Seoul is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Jaco is lacking in good options for its public transit.
With a huge network, the transit system in Seoul can get you around easily. The modern and clean transportation system includes both a subway and buses.
Public transit is generally limited in Jaco. Most people walk or get around by bicycle.
Seoul and Jaco both are excellent when exploring on foot.
Seoul is a very walkable city. Many neighborhoods are fun to explore on foot but do take note that parts of the city are very hilly and the weather can be bitter cold during the winter months.
Jaco is a very walkable destination. The town is compact and walkable. You'll find many of the restaurants and shops along the main street, and it's easy to reach the beach on foot.
For even more information, also check out Is Seoul Worth Visiting? and Is Jaco Worth Visiting?.
It's fun to spend time in either Seoul or Jaco. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Seoul due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Seoul, and 3-4 days is enough time in Jaco.
Families should spend more time in Seoul than Jaco. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Seoul, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Seoul than Jaco. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Seoul that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Jaco than Seoul if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Jaco.
Seoul is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.
In Jaco, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this popular destination offers. Lots of people come for the nightlife. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.
Seoul is a fun place to experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Jaco. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.
Seoul is a bustling big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.
Jaco is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Jaco. Lots of people come for the nightlife. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.
Seoul is a colorful city where you can fill many days. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.
You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the touristy destination of Jaco. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to South Korea, The Best Adventure Tours to South Korea, The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
The average daily cost (per person) in Seoul is $128, while the average daily cost in Jaco is $119. 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 Seoul and Jaco in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Seoul 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.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Seoul:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seoul:
Also for Jaco, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Jaco and Seoul 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.
Some typical examples of dining costs in Seoul are as follows:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seoul.
For Jaco, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
For Jaco, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Seoul are as follows:
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seoul are as follows:
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Jaco's activities, tours, and tickets:
For Jaco, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Also in Seoul, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Jaco:
When comparing the travel costs between Seoul and Jaco, we can see that Seoul 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. Even though Seoul is in Asia and Jaco is in Central America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Seoul Expensive? and Is Jaco Expensive?.
Seoul has a larger population, and is about 2530 times larger than the population of Jaco. When comparing the sizes of Seoul 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.
Seoul has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Jaco experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Both Jaco and Seoul during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Seoul this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jaco year-round.
In the summer, Seoul is around the same temperature as Jaco. Typically, the summer temperatures in Seoul in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Jaco averages at about 28°C (82°F).
In the summer, Seoul often gets less sunshine than Jaco. Seoul gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jaco receives 164 hours of full sun.
Jaco gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Seoul. Seoul usually gets more rain in July than Jaco. Seoul gets 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Seoul and Jaco. Many travelers come to Seoul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Jaco attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Seoul is generally much colder than Jaco. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around 15°C (59°F), and Jaco fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
In Seoul, it's very sunny this time of the year. Seoul usually receives more sunshine than Jaco during autumn. Seoul gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Jaco receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Jaco receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Seoul usually receives less rain than Jaco. Seoul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn. November to May in Jaco is the dry season. June to October is the hurricane season in Jaco.
The winter brings many poeple to Seoul as well as Jaco. Many visitors come to Seoul in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jaco throughout the year.
Seoul can get quite cold in the winter. Seoul is much colder than Jaco in the winter. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Jaco fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jaco. In the winter, Seoul often gets less sunshine than Jaco. Seoul gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jaco receives 264 hours of full sun.
Seoul usually gets more rain in January than Jaco. Seoul gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
Both Jaco and Seoul are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Seoul for the activities around the city during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Jaco because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the spring, Seoul is much colder than Jaco. Typically, the spring temperatures in Seoul in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Jaco averages at about 29°C (85°F).
It's quite sunny in Jaco. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seoul. Seoul usually receives less sunshine than Jaco during spring. Seoul gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Jaco receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Seoul usually receives more rain than Jaco. Seoul gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Jaco is November to May. June to October in Jaco is the hurricane season.
Seoul | Jaco | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | -3°C (27°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
Feb | -0°C (32°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
Mar | 6°C (42°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
May | 18°C (65°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
Jul | 26°C (78°F) | 369 mm (14.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
Aug | 26°C (80°F) | 294 mm (11.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
Sep | 22°C (71°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
Oct | 15°C (59°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
Nov | 8°C (46°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
Dec | 0°C (33°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |