Which place is cheaper, Jaco or Veracruz?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Veracruz or Jaco?
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 Veracruz and Jaco can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Veracruz or Jaco?
Veracruz
Veracruz is the name of both a state and city in the country of Mexico. Locals often call the city "Puerto" (port) in order to differentiate the city from the state. The general area runs along the Gulf of Mexico and encompasses ruins, old colonial cities, lush green mountains, and delicious seafood.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVeracruz $122Jaco $104
The average daily cost (per person) in Veracruz is $122, while the average daily cost in Jaco is $104. 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 Veracruz and Jaco in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVeracruz $54Jaco $67
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVeracruz $108Jaco $134
Compare Hotels in Veracruz and Jaco
Looking for a hotel in Veracruz 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: Veracruz Hotel Prices and Jaco Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Veracruz $28Jaco -
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Veracruz
Also for Veracruz, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer: $25
- Transfer from Veracruz Airport to Hotel in Veracruz Port: $32
- Shared Arrival Transfer: General Heriberto Jara International Airport to Veracruz Hotels: $23
- Colima Airport (CLQ) to Colima - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $28
- Colima Airport (CLQ) to Colima - Arrival Private Transfer: $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaco
Also for Jaco, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer Private From Jaco to San José or Airport up to 5 passengers (one way) : $245
- Transfer to Jaco beach from San José or the airport one way: $245
- Private transfer from Jaco Beach to Hotels in San Jose or the Airport: $219
- Private Transfer - San Jose Airport & Los Sueños Resort/Marriot : $200
- Jaco or Playa Hermosa: Transfer to San Jose or Alajuela: $173
- From Tortuga Island Boat Tour with Lunch and Transfer: $135
- Jaco/Monteverde to Liberia Airport (LIR) - Departure Transfer : $90
- Transfer FROM Jaco Beach TO SJO Airport OR RETURN (One Way): $70
Is it cheaper to fly into Veracruz or Jaco?
Prices for flights to both Jaco and Veracruz 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 dayVeracruz $50Jaco $21
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$3.94
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Tsunami Sushi Dinner$18
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Taco Bar Dinner$9.01
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Pizza & Smoothie Lunch$6.31
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Ice Cream$5.92
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Breakfast Taco Bar$3.34
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Fruit Plate$2.96
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jaco
For Jaco, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Costa Rican cooking class with cookbook author Melissa Guzman: $85
- Taste of Costa Rica: Traditional Food Tour in Jacó: $87
- Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, Hot Springs Combo Tour with Lunch & Dinner: $195
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Veracruz $15Jaco $60
Tours and Activities in Veracruz
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Veracruz.
- 1 day tour of Tlacotalpan and Alvarado from Veracruz: $102
- 3-hour tour to the San Juan de Ulúa Fortress: $25
- Adventure through the Chachalacas Beach and Dunes from Veracruz: $123
- Alvarado And Tlacotalpan Tour From Veracruz Or Boca Del Rio: $112
- Antigua and Zempoala Tour from Veracruz: $86
- Aquatico Inbursa Waterpark: Veracruz - Ticket: $27
- Catemaco And Los Tuxtlas Tour From Veracruz Or Boca Del Rio: $112
- City Tour en Veracruz y Acuario: $100
- Coffee Route, an adventure of aroma and flavor to Veracruz: $150
- From Veracruz or Boca del río: Coffee Tour in Coatepec: $96
- From Alvarado, Tlacotalpan and Agustín Lara Tour: $100
- From Catemaco, Nature, Waterfalls & Monkeys Tour: $100
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$9.82
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Surf Lesson$49
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Bike Rental$9.82
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Tortuga Island Tour$98
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Massage$44
Tours and Activities in Jaco
For Jaco, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Jungle & River ATV Adventure, 2 hours / Jacó: $95
- Ocean views Zip Line Canopy Tour in Jaco Beach and Los Suenos : $71
- "Miro Jaco" & Jaco Beach Horseback Tour: $59
- 2 Hour ATV Jungle Adventure Jaco: $75
- 2 Hour Private Ranch Experience in Quebrada Amarilla: $120
- 2 Hours Private Guided Hiking Experience to El Miro in Jaco: $50
- 2 hour ATV Tour & Waterfalls + Chocolate Experience : $110
- 2 hour Double ATV Tour + Waterfalls in Jaco Beach : $99
- 3-Hour ATV Jungle Waterfall Adventure: $110
- 3-Hour ATV Jungle Waterfall Adventure: $95
- 4×4 Waterfalls and Jungle Experience: $80
- 4x4 Happy Jungle Booze Cruise: $115
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVeracruz $17Jaco $32
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$15
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Night at the Bar$27
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Veracruz and Jaco, we can see that Veracruz is more expensive. And not only is Jaco much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Veracruz is in North America 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 Veracruz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Veracruz 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 Veracruz Expensive? and Is Jaco Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Veracruz or Jaco?
Veracruz has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Jaco. When comparing the sizes of Veracruz 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 Veracruz or Jaco?
Veracruz 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 Veracruz or Jaco in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Veracruz and Jaco. Jaco attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the summer, Veracruz is around the same temperature as Jaco. Typically, the summer temperatures in Veracruz in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Jaco averages at about 28°C (82°F).
In Veracruz, it's very sunny this time of the year. Veracruz usually receives more sunshine than Jaco during summer. Veracruz gets 208 hours of sunny skies, while Jaco receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.
Jaco receives a lot of rain in the summer. Veracruz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Veracruz usually receives more rain than Jaco. Veracruz gets 410 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVeracruz 27°C (81°F)Jaco 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Veracruz or Jaco in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Veracruz as well as Jaco. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jaco throughout the year.
In October, Veracruz is generally around the same temperature as Jaco. Daily temperatures in Veracruz average around 26°C (79°F), and Jaco fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
In the autumn, Veracruz often gets more sunshine than Jaco. Veracruz gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jaco receives 169 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Jaco. Veracruz receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Veracruz usually gets less rain in October than Jaco. Veracruz gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVeracruz 26°C (79°F)Jaco 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Veracruz or Jaco in the Winter?
Both Jaco and Veracruz are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Jaco because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Veracruz is cooler than Jaco in the winter. The daily temperature in Veracruz averages around 21°C (71°F) in January, and Jaco fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It's quite sunny in Jaco. Veracruz usually receives less sunshine than Jaco during winter. Veracruz gets 156 hours of sunny skies, while Jaco receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Veracruz usually receives more rain than Jaco. Veracruz gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVeracruz 21°C (71°F)Jaco 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Veracruz or Jaco in the Spring?
Both Jaco and Veracruz during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jaco year-round.
In the spring, Veracruz is cooler than Jaco. Typically, the spring temperatures in Veracruz in April average around 26°C (78°F), and Jaco averages at about 29°C (85°F).
In Jaco, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Veracruz. In the spring, Veracruz often gets less sunshine than Jaco. Veracruz gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jaco receives 255 hours of full sun.
Veracruz usually gets less rain in April than Jaco. Veracruz gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVeracruz 26°C (78°F)Jaco 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Jaco and Veracruz
| Veracruz | Jaco | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (71°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (71°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (74°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (78°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 290 mm (11.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 410 mm (16.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 346 mm (13.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (76°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 27 mm (1.1 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.