A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers The Hague vs. Quepos for Couples, Backpackers, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit The Hague 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 The Hague and Quepos can help you decide which place is right for you.

The Hague

The Hague is a international, bustling, and diverse city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and shopping. See The Hague travel costs.

Quepos

Quepos is a local, laid-back, and relaxed town. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping. See Quepos travel costs.

The Hague and Quepos: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in The Hague or Quepos?

Visitors will usually find more to do in The Hague than Quepos, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. The Hague is better known for its food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Quepos is more popular for its museums and attractions, resorts, and beaches. Quepos is more touristy than The Hague and is known for its big game sport fishing. The Hague is well known for its large international population and its roll in international politics and diplomacy. Also, The Hague is famous for The Peace Palace.

How is The Hague different from Quepos?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in The Hague or Quepos?

The Hague
Quepos

Quepos is not a good area for its museums and history. However, The Hague does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Quepos. You won't find much as far as museums go around town.

The Hague does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in The Hague or Quepos? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

The Hague
Quepos

The Hague is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Quepos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The Hague has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city has a diverse population and the large number of ethnic restaurants reflects that.

Quepos offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a mix of cafes, fine dining, and seafood restaurants in the area. You can get traditional Costa Rican dishes as well as a more international flavor depending on your preference.

Is The Hague or Quepos Better for Nightlife?

The Hague
Quepos

The Hague is a very popular place for its evening party scene. Also, Quepos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

The Hague has a large number of nightlife venues. Many of the city's restaurants turn into clubs at night. Head to The Grote Markt for some of the most energetic nightlife.

Quepos has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find a few bars and clubs around town, but it is a small town and the selection can be limited.

Is The Hague or Quepos Better for Music?

The Hague
Quepos

The Hague is a very popular place for its music scene. However, Quepos is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in The Hague while you're in town. There's an active music scene here and the city actually played an active role in the development and popularity of electronic music.

Quepos is not a live music destination.


Is The Hague or Quepos Better for Resorts?

The Hague
Quepos

Quepos is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, The Hague is not a resort destination.

Quepos has a few resort options worth checking out. It's a fishing town with a local vibe, so you'll likely want to stay outside of town if you're looking for an upscale resort.

The Hague is not a resort destination.

Is The Hague or Quepos Better for Beaches?

The Hague
Quepos

Quepos is very good for its beaches. However, The Hague is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Quepos to enjoy the beach. If you want to be close to the beach, you'll do better to stay at nearby Manuel Antonio. Quepos does have a waterfront and access to deep sea fishing.

The Hague is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in The Hague or Quepos?

The Hague
Quepos

The Hague is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Quepos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in The Hague. There's a dynamic shopping scene with indoor malls, outdoor markets, and a number of neighborhoods that have shops that sell eclectic items.

Quepos is a great destination for shopping. You'll find boutique shops around town that sell everything from clothing to art.


Is The Hague or Quepos Better for Families?

The Hague
Quepos

Quepos is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Quepos is a very family-friendly destination. Most of the beaches are kid-friendly and the children will love the wildlife. You'll also find zipline tours in the area as well as canopy walks.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in The Hague. This city has a bit more of a family-friendly vibe than nearby Amsterdam. Kids enjoy exploring by bike or heading to the Scheveningen Beach Resort.

Is The Hague or Quepos Better for Couples?

The Hague
Quepos

Quepos is an amazing town to visit for romance. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Quepos has plenty to offer. The beaches and resorts make this a favorite honeymoon destination for couples. There are many great restaurants and plenty of activities like horseback riding or surfing nearby.

The Hague makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can enjoy the diverse restaurants and the busting atmosphere that the city offers.

Is The Hague or Quepos Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

The Hague
Quepos

Quepos is an amazing town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Quepos. It's one of the more popular destinations in Costa Rica, so you'll find plenty of hostels and other backpackers to hang out with.

It's common for backpackers to visit The Hague. While most backpackers head to the more popular city of Amsterdam, The Hague has a fun atmosphere with a diversity of activities and restaurants.


Is The Hague or Quepos Better for Students?

The Hague
Quepos

The Hague is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Quepos is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit The Hague. This is a very popular study abroad destination so you'll find plenty of international students living here. It's an internationally oriented city so everyone feels right at home.

Quepos is not popular with students.

Is The Hague or Quepos Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

The Hague
Quepos

The Hague is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Quepos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in The Hague can get you to most places easily. There are bus and tram lines throughout the city.

You'll find some public transit in Quepos, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are a number of buses that pass through town. There are also buses that travel between Quepos and Manuel Antonio.

Is The Hague or Quepos a more walkable city?

The Hague
Quepos

The Hague and Quepos are notable when it comes to walkability.

The Hague is somewhat walkable. There are a number of walk tours through the city center.

Quepos is a somewhat walkable place. It is a relatively walkable town.


For even more information, also check out Is The Hague Worth Visiting? and Is Quepos Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Quepos or The Hague?

How long in The Hague or Quepos?

It's fun to spend time in either The Hague or Quepos. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Quepos due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for The Hague, and 2-4 days is enough time in Quepos.

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

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


  • How many days in The Hague or Quepos? Ideal Length of Stay
    The Hague 1-3 
    Quepos 2-4

One day in The Hague or Quepos?

The Hague is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find food and shopping around the town of Quepos. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in The Hague or Quepos?

The Hague is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the relaxed destination of Quepos. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in The Hague or Quepos?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in The Hague. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the relaxed town of Quepos. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in The Hague or Quepos?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the international big city of The Hague. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Quepos is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Netherlands, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands, The Best Wildlife Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Costa Rica.


Which place is cheaper, Quepos or The Hague?

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 The Hague is €218, while the average daily cost in Quepos is €136. 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 The Hague and Quepos in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    The Hague 104
    Quepos 75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    The Hague 208
    Quepos 150
Compare Hotels in The Hague and Quepos

Looking for a hotel in The Hague 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 The Hague


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: The Hague Hotel Prices and Quepos Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    The Hague 19
    Quepos 9.32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in The Hague

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

  • The Hague to Amsterdam Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $172
  • The Hague and Delft: Private Half-Day Tour with Transfer: $223
  • Rotterdam & Delft: Private Tour with Cube House and Transfer: $223
  • Private direct transfer from The Hague to Utrecht: $165
  • Private direct transfer from The Hague to Arnhem: $287
  • Private Transfer: Amsterdam Airport to The Hague (Den Haag): $120
  • Private Transfer from The Hague to Amsterdam: $161
  • Private Transfer from The Hague City to Schiphol Airport: $153
  • Private Transfer From The Hague Hotels to Amsterdam Cruise Port: $172
  • Private Tour of The Hague and Gouda including Transfer: $258
  • Private Tour of Delft and Gouda including Transfer: $259
  • Private Direct Transfer from The Hague to Amsterdam: $182

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Quepos

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

  • Transfer from Quepos Cruise Port to Juan Santamaria Airport (SJO): $163
  • Transfer from Manuel Antonio to SJO Airport and surroundings: $229
  • Puntarenas city to Juan Santamaria Intl Airport(SJO)-Departure Private Transfer: $103
  • Private Transfer: SJO Airport to or from Manuel Antonio Quepos: $235
  • Private Transfer from Quepos Port to Liberia Int Airport (LIR): $255
  • Private Transfer from Quepos Cruise Port to San Jose City Hotels: $204
  • Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Manuel Antonio: $88
  • Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Manuel Antonio: $88
  • Private Transfer FROM or TO Manuel Antonio - Sierpe: $209
  • Private One Way Transfer from Manuel Antonio to San José (Airport SJO): $110
  • Private One Way Transfer from Manuel Antonio to Arenal La Fortuna: $195
  • Private Airport Transfer to Manuel Antonio: $250

Is it cheaper to fly into The Hague or Quepos?

Prices for flights to both Quepos and The Hague 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
    The Hague 95
    Quepos 50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in The Hague

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

  • The Hague Food Tour: $69
  • Small-Group Food Tour Scheveningen Beachside in The Hague: $76
  • Private Indian Cooking Experience in Netherlands: $88
  • The Hague Street Food Tour 7 Stops with Flavors and Stories: $100
  • The Hague Walking Food Tour: $104
  • Walking Delft Food Tour: $104

Typical Food Prices in Quepos

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


  • Lunch
    14
  • Seafood Dinner (for 1)
    19

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 and Medical Plants Garden: $77
  • Night Mangrove Safari Boat Tour with Dinner | Manuel Antonio: $79
  • Local Flavor Cooking Experience: $96
  • Cooking Class & Medicinal Plants Garden Manuel Antonio: $97

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    The Hague 34
    Quepos 17

Tours and Activities in The Hague

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

  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour of The Hague’s Historical Center: $9.99
  • Charms of dutch heritage : Delft Private Walking Tour: $229
  • Dahlia Bicycle Tour Exploring Dahlias and Windmills: $50
  • Delft 2-Hour Walking Tour | Discover The City With A Local: $3.52
  • Delft Family Delights Historic Walking Tour: $229
  • Delft Self Guided Walking Tour and City Exploration Game: $9.37
  • Delft Self-Guided Detective Mystery Game Tour: $23
  • Delft's Local Bites and Stories: A Self-Guided Tour: $9.99
  • Delft: Private Walking Tour and Royal Delft Factory: $199
  • Discover Delft with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $32
  • Discover Delft's Golden Age: A Self-Guided Tour: $12
  • Drive it yourself electric Dune & Summer Flower GPS audio tour: $104

Tours and Activities in Quepos

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

  • 2-Hour Damas Mangrove Kayak Tour from Quepos – Wildlife: $65
  • 2-Hour Kayak Tour in Quepos Mangroves – See Monkeys & Lunch: $77
  • ATV Tour Half Day Trip From Manuel Antonio: $134
  • All Inclusive Catamaran Eco Adventure from Manuel Antonio: $86
  • All Inclusive Nauyaca Waterfalls Adventure: $150
  • All Inclusive Zip line & Catamaran Eco Adventure: $170
  • All-Inclusive Jungle Night Tour: $59
  • Barista Experience Workshop: $120
  • Barista Experience Workshop: $120
  • Barista Experience Workshop: $120
  • Barista Experience Workshop: $120
  • Birding at El Rey. (Marshes,rice fields,canals) Private Birding Tour: $120

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    The Hague 30
    Quepos 14

Sample the Local Flavors in The Hague

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in The Hague:

  • Pub Crawl with Free Drinks and Entrance: $41
  • The Hague Pub Crawl: Play, Explore, Enjoy!: $279


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between The Hague and Quepos, we can see that The Hague is more expensive. And not only is Quepos much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since The Hague 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 The Hague would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in The Hague 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 The Hague Expensive? and Is Quepos Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, The Hague or Quepos?

The Hague has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Quepos. When comparing the sizes of The Hague 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 The Hague or Quepos?

The Hague 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 The Hague or Quepos in the Summer?

Both Quepos and The Hague are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to The Hague because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Quepos because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In July, The Hague is generally much colder than Quepos. Daily temperatures in The Hague average around 17°C (62°F), and Quepos fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in The Hague. The Hague usually receives more sunshine than Quepos during summer. The Hague gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Quepos receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Quepos. In July, The Hague usually receives less rain than Quepos. The Hague gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    The Hague 17°C (62°F) 
    Quepos 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit The Hague or Quepos in the Autumn?

Both Quepos and The Hague during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to The Hague this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Quepos year-round.

The Hague is much colder than Quepos in the autumn. The daily temperature in The Hague averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Quepos fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In the autumn, The Hague often gets less sunshine than Quepos. The Hague gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Quepos receives 169 hours of full sun.

Quepos gets a good bit of rain this time of year. The Hague usually gets less rain in October than Quepos. The Hague gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year. December to April is the dry season in Quepos. Keep in mind that May to November is the hurricane season in Quepos.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    The Hague 11°C (51°F) 
    Quepos 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit The Hague or Quepos in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both The Hague and Quepos. Many travelers come to The Hague for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Quepos attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Be prepared for some very cold days in The Hague. In the winter, The Hague is much colder than Quepos. Typically, the winter temperatures in The Hague in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Quepos averages at about 27°C (81°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Quepos this time of the year. The Hague usually receives less sunshine than Quepos during winter. The Hague gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Quepos receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, The Hague usually receives more rain than Quepos. The Hague gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    The Hague 2°C (36°F) 
    Quepos 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit The Hague or Quepos in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to The Hague as well as Quepos. Many visitors come to The Hague in the spring for the activities around the city. The warm climate attracts visitors to Quepos throughout the year.

In April, The Hague is generally much colder than Quepos. Daily temperatures in The Hague average around 8°C (46°F), and Quepos fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Quepos. In the spring, The Hague often gets less sunshine than Quepos. The Hague gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Quepos receives 255 hours of full sun.

The Hague usually gets more rain in April than Quepos. The Hague gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 28 mm (1.1 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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    The Hague 8°C (46°F) 
    Quepos 29°C (85°F)

Typical Weather for Quepos and The Hague

The Hague Quepos
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 28°C (83°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 29°C (84°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in) 29°C (85°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 29°C (83°F) 226 mm (8.9 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 226 mm (8.9 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in) 28°C (82°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 289 mm (11.4 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 328 mm (12.9 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 254 mm (10 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
Dec 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)