A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sydney vs. Jaco for Nightlife, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Sydney or Jaco?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sydney 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.

Sydney

Sydney is a glamorous , diverse, and energetic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, Sydney attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Sydney travel costs.

Jaco

Jaco is a touristy, laid back, and popular town. Other popular activities here include shopping, nightlife, and food. See Jaco travel costs.

Sydney and Jaco: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sydney or Jaco?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sydney. Although Sydney and Jaco are popular destinations, Sydney has more sights and attractions for tourists. Jaco is more touristy than Sydney and is popular for its surfing, nightlife, and beaches. Sydney is famous for its iconic buildings, world-renowned beaches, colorful nightlife, and cosmopolitan restaurants. It is also well known for the Sydney Opera House.

How is Sydney different from Jaco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Jaco and Sydney. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Sydney or Jaco?

Sydney is a world-class destination for its museums and history. However, Jaco is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Sydney has many famous sights for visitors. The city is filled with iconic and world famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There's also the famous Royal Botanic Garden and the Sydney Tower Eye.

Jaco offers a few options for museum-goers. Most people spend their time outside or partying while they're in town.

Is the Food Better in Sydney or Jaco? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sydney is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Jaco is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Sydney has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are international restaurants offering impressive dishes from around the world. You'll also find some local Australian favorites around town. Seafood is abundant, as are a number of Asian cuisines. Barramundi is a local fish that you'll find on many menus. Oysters, prawns, and John Dory (a local fish) are also popular.

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.

Is Sydney or Jaco Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Sydney and Jaco.

The nightlife in Sydney is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city is filled with nightclubs and DJ hosted dance parties. There's a huge young crowd that brings together residents, students, and backpackers in a vibrant nightlife scene. Some of the best areas for nightlife are Kings Cross, Oxford Street, Surry Hills or Darling Harbour.

Jaco is a world class party destination. 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.

Is Sydney or Jaco Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

You'll find nice snorkeling or scuba diving in both Sydney and Jaco.

Sydney has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There's some good snorkeling and diving nearby with a diversity of marine life and interesting ecosystems. Some of the best snorkeling spots are at Palm Beach, Shelly Beach, and Clifton Gardens.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life 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.

Is Sydney or Jaco Better for Beaches?

Sydney is a world-class destination for the beach. Also, Jaco is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

The beaches in Sydney are among the best in the world. There are more than 100 beaches near the city with everything from hidden coves to world famous destinations. Bondi Beach is the most famous beach in town and it has all of the tourist sights and activities that you could need. Surfers often head to Bronte Beach, which isn't too far away. Divers and snorkelers love Gordons Bay. Manly is also a nearby suburb with family-friendly beaches that can be reached by ferry.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Jaco. 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.

Is Sydney or Jaco Better for Hiking?

Sydney is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Jaco is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Sydney. The city offers a number of coastal and inland trails that are easily accessible from town. There are short paths as well as multi-day routes not far and pass by stunning landscapes and viewpoints.

Jaco is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sydney or Jaco?

Sydney 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 Sydney specifically to go shopping. There's a wonderful mix of shopping streets, modern malls, and boutique vendors who sell local fashions. For souvenirs or local art, go to The Rocks, which is not far from Sydney Opera House. The Queen Victoria Building and Strand Arcade are also popular shopping areas.

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.

Is Sydney or Jaco More Beautiful?

Sydney is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Jaco is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Sydney attracts visitors from all around. The waterfront setting and grand buildings make this a truly beautiful city. It also has a lot of natural beauty with impressive beaches and nice green spaces.

Jaco is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Sydney or Jaco Better for Families?

Sydney is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Jaco is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Sydney is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The city has great beaches where kids can learn to surf, zoos and aquariums with local wildlife, and outdoor activities that take advantage of the city's waterfront location. There's everything from whale watching to visiting the Olympic Park, all of which will fascinate kids of all ages.

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.

Is Sydney or Jaco Better for Couples?

Sydney is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Jaco is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Sydney has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's a romantic city that's filled with iconic landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. There are also award winning restaurants and world class beaches. Wander around the botanical gardens or take a sailing cruise on the harbor. There is an endless supply of romantic activities to choose from.

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.

Is Sydney or Jaco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sydney is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Jaco is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Sydney, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. It's popular for its adventure sports, active beaches, and vibrant nightlife. While it's not a particularly cheap city to visit, there are plenty of hostels around town and no shortage of backpackers to hang out with.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Jaco. 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.

Is Sydney or Jaco Better for Students?

Sydney is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Jaco is not popular with students.

Sydney is a great destination for students. Students love the energy and plethora of outdoor activities in this beautiful city. Many international students come not only for the excellent universities but also for the diverse environment and many things to do.

Jaco is not popular with students.

Is Sydney or Jaco Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sydney 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 Sydney can get you around easily. There are a variety of types of public transit in town including buses, trains, ferries and light rail.

Public transit is generally limited in Jaco. Most people walk or get around by bicycle.

Is Sydney or Jaco a more walkable city?

Sydney and Jaco both are superb when exploring on foot.

Sydney is a very walkable destination. The city center and nearby suburbs are relatively easy to walk around. On the western side of the city, the suburbs are much less walkable.

Jaco is very walkable. 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 Sydney Worth Visiting? and Is Jaco Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Jaco or Sydney?

How long in Sydney or Jaco?

It's fun to spend time in either Sydney or Jaco. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Sydney due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Sydney, and 3-4 days is enough time in Jaco.

Families should spend more time in Sydney than Jaco. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Sydney, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Sydney than Jaco. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Sydney that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sydney than Jaco 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 Sydney.

One day in Sydney or Jaco?

Sydney is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Jaco. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Sydney or Jaco?

Sydney is a fun place to experience. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

Jaco is a great place to explore. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Sydney or Jaco?

Sydney is a diverse big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Jaco. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Sydney or Jaco?

Sydney is a glamorous city where you can fill many days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the laid back destination of Jaco. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Australia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia, The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Sydney or Jaco?

Sydney has a larger population, and is about 1080 times larger than the population of Jaco. When comparing the sizes of Sydney 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 Sydney or Jaco?

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

Should I visit Sydney or Jaco in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sydney as well as Jaco. The summer months attract visitors to Sydney because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jaco throughout the year.

Sydney is cooler than Jaco in the summer. The daily temperature in Sydney averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Jaco fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in July.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sydney this time of the year. In the summer, Sydney often gets more sunshine than Jacoin July. Sydney gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jaco receives 164 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Jaco. Sydney receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sydney usually gets less rain in January than Jacoin July. Sydney gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sydney or Jaco in the Autumn?

Both Jaco and Sydney are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Sydney this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Jaco because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the autumn, Sydney is cooler than Jaco. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sydney in April average around 19°C (65°F), and Jaco averages at about 27°C (81°F)in October.

Sydney usually receives more sunshine than Jaco during autumn. Sydney gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Jaco receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Jaco. It's quite rainy in Sydney. In April, Sydney usually receives less rain than Jacoin October. Sydney gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Jaco is November to May. June to October in Jaco is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Sydney or Jaco in the Winter?

Both Jaco and Sydney during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Sydney for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jaco year-round.

In July, Sydney is generally much colder than Jacoin January. Daily temperatures in Sydney average around 12°C (53°F), and Jaco fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In Jaco, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sydney. In the winter, Sydney often gets less sunshine than Jacoin January. Sydney gets 208 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jaco receives 264 hours of full sun.

Sydney usually gets more rain in July than Jacoin January. Sydney gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sydney or Jaco in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sydney and Jaco. Many visitors come to Sydney in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Jaco attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Sydney is much colder than Jaco in the spring. The daily temperature in Sydney averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Jaco fluctuates around 29°C (85°F)in April.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jaco this time of the year. In Sydney, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sydney usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Jaco during spring. Sydney gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Jaco receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Sydney usually receives more rain than Jacoin April. Sydney gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring. November to May in Jaco is the dry season. The hurricane season in Jaco is June to October.

Typical Weather for Jaco and Sydney