A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tampere vs. Quepos for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Tampere or Quepos?

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

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 Tampere and Quepos can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Tampere or Quepos?

Tampere

Tampere is a city in southern Finland. It sits between Nasijarvi Lake and Pyhajarvi Lake, with the Tammerkoski rapids in between. It is one of the larger Finnish cities, with more than 200,000 inhabitants, but Tampere has managed to keep the small town feel. The city center is compact in size, and the atmosphere is friendly and casual. The city is located on a scenic spot on a narrow isthmus. The Tammerkoski rapids and their riverbanks form the backdrop for the old industrial buildings, and ridges formed thousands of years ago by ancient seas and retreating ice offer fantastic views over the two lakes. Original architecture and innovative urban development blend together to please both viewers and users of the built environment. Enjoy the surrounding lakes on peaceful rowboat trips or on cruises on larger vessels, or concentrate on the urban sights from a sightseeing bus. Regenerated industrial buildings now house quirky museums, enticing shops, pubs, cinemas and cafes. Tampere has a down-to-earth vitality that makes it a favorite for many visitors.

Quepos

Quepos is both a district and the capital of Aguirre canton in the Puntareanas Province of Costa Rica. The town is quite small, and the district has a population of about 22,000 people. Quepos is a popular tourist destination in Costa Rica due to its close proximity to Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific Coast. The town's economy is centered around tourism and there is no shortage of bars and restaurants in the area. The town also has a lively nightlife for such a small community.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Finland, The Best Budget Tours to Finland, The Best Wildlife Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Costa Rica.


Which place is cheaper, Quepos or Tampere?

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 Tampere is €172, while the average daily cost in Quepos 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 Tampere and Quepos in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tampere 80
    Quepos 65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tampere 160
    Quepos 130
Compare Hotels in Tampere and Quepos

Looking for a hotel in Tampere or Quepos? 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.

Hotels in Tampere


Hotels in Quepos


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: Tampere Hotel Prices and Quepos Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tampere 59
    Quepos 8.18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tampere

Also for Tampere, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Tampere Private Transfer from Tampere city centre to Tampere airport: $96

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Quepos

Also for Quepos, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer from Manuel Antonio to SJO Airport and surroundings : $229
  • Private One Way Transfer from Manuel Antonio to San José (Airport SJO): $220
  • Private Transfer: SJO Airport to Manuel Antonio with Scenic Stop.: $203
  • Private Transfer: SJO Airport to/from Manuel Antonio (One Way): $99

Is it cheaper to fly into Tampere or Quepos?

Prices for flights to both Quepos and Tampere 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Tampere 57
    Quepos 44

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tampere

For Tampere, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Tampere Food Tour Local Tastings, Meal & Rooftop City Views: $107

Typical Food Prices in Quepos

For Quepos, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch
    13
  • Seafood Dinner (for 1)
    17

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Quepos

For Quepos, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Cooking Class in Manuel Antonio with Medicinal Plants Garden Visit: $77
  • Cooking Class & Medicinal Plants Garden Manuel Antonio: $77
  • Night Mangrove Safari Boat Tour with Dinner | Manuel Antonio: $79
  • Local Flavor Cooking Experience: $81

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tampere 24
    Quepos 15

Tours and Activities in Tampere

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tampere.

  • Tampere Scenic Bike Tour with Sauna and Local Flavors: $107

Tours and Activities in Quepos

For Quepos, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 10 in 1 Tour! Zip Lines, Rappels, Tarzan Swing, Waterfalls & More: $158
  • 2-3-Hour Manuel Antonio Park Nature Guided Tour: $28
  • 2-Hour Kayak Tour in Quepos Mangroves – See Monkeys & Sloths: $65
  • ATV Tour Half Day Trip From Manuel Antonio: $93
  • All Inclusive Catamaran Eco Adventure from Manuel Antonio: $88
  • All-Inclusive Catamaran Eco Adventure with Lunch: $93
  • All-Inclusive Full day Waterfall Adventure: $117
  • All-Inclusive Jungle Night Tour: $59
  • Canopy Tour From Manuel Antonio: $121
  • Catamaran Adventure From Manuel Antonio: $121
  • Catamaran Cruise from Manuel Antonio with Snorkeling: $98
  • Chocolate Experience, Waterfall and Cultural Lunch in local home.: $135

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tampere 10
    Quepos 13


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

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


Which is Bigger, Tampere or Quepos?

Tampere has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Quepos. When comparing the sizes of Tampere and Quepos, 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 Tampere or Quepos?

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

Should I visit Tampere or Quepos in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tampere and Quepos. Quepos attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the summer, Tampere is much colder than Quepos. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tampere in July average around 16°C (61°F), and Quepos averages at about 28°C (82°F).

In Tampere, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tampere usually receives more sunshine than Quepos during summer. Tampere gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Quepos receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.

Quepos receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Tampere usually receives less rain than Quepos. Tampere gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tampere 16°C (61°F) 
    Quepos 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Tampere or Quepos in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tampere as well as Quepos. The warm climate attracts visitors to Quepos throughout the year.

In October, Tampere is generally much colder than Quepos. Daily temperatures in Tampere average around 5°C (42°F), and Quepos fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In the autumn, Tampere often gets less sunshine than Quepos. Tampere gets 81 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Quepos receives 169 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Quepos. Tampere usually gets less rain in October than Quepos. Tampere gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to April in Quepos is the dry season. Also, May to November in Quepos is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tampere 5°C (42°F) 
    Quepos 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Tampere or Quepos in the Winter?

Both Quepos and Tampere are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Quepos because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Tampere. Tampere is much colder than Quepos in the winter. The daily temperature in Tampere averages around -7°C (19°F) in January, and Quepos fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

It's quite sunny in Quepos. Tampere usually receives less sunshine than Quepos during winter. Tampere gets 37 hours of sunny skies, while Quepos receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tampere usually receives more rain than Quepos. Tampere gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tampere -7°C (19°F) 
    Quepos 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Tampere or Quepos in the Spring?

Both Quepos and Tampere during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Quepos year-round.

Tampere can get quite cold in the spring. In the spring, Tampere is much colder than Quepos. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tampere in April average around 3°C (38°F), and Quepos averages at about 29°C (85°F).

In Quepos, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Tampere often gets less sunshine than Quepos. Tampere gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Quepos receives 255 hours of full sun.

Tampere usually gets more rain in April than Quepos. Tampere gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year. December to April is the dry season in Quepos. Also, the hurricane season in Quepos is May to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tampere 3°C (38°F) 
    Quepos 29°C (85°F)

Typical Weather for Quepos and Tampere

Tampere Quepos
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -7°C (19°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Feb -7°C (19°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 28°C (83°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar -3°C (27°F) 25 mm (1 in) 29°C (84°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Apr 3°C (38°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 29°C (85°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
May 10°C (50°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 29°C (83°F) 226 mm (8.9 in)
Jun 15°C (58°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 226 mm (8.9 in)
Jul 16°C (61°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Aug 15°C (59°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 289 mm (11.4 in)
Sep 10°C (50°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 328 mm (12.9 in)
Oct 5°C (42°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 254 mm (10 in)
Nov 0°C (32°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
Dec -4°C (24°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)