Which place is cheaper, Tamarindo or Veracruz?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Veracruz or Tamarindo?
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 Tamarindo can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Veracruz or Tamarindo?
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.
Tamarindo
Tamarindo is a small beach town in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica on the Pacific Coast. This town is usually sought out by surfers, fishers, couples, and families. There are delicious restaurants, beautiful beaches, and friendly Tico's and Tica's (local Costa Rican nicknames) everywhere.
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 Luxury Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica.
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Veracruz Prices
Mexico PricesTamarindo Prices
Costa Rica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVeracruz $143Tamarindo $144
The average daily cost (per person) in Veracruz is $143, while the average daily cost in Tamarindo is $144. 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 Tamarindo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVeracruz $49Tamarindo $50
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVeracruz $98Tamarindo $100
Compare Hotels in Veracruz and Tamarindo
Looking for a hotel in Veracruz or Tamarindo? 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 Tamarindo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Veracruz $26Tamarindo $69
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Veracruz
Also for Veracruz, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Veracruz Airport (VER): $18
- Private Transfer to Veracruz Airport (VER): $18
- Shared Arrival Transfer: General Heriberto Jara International Airport to Veracruz Hotels: $23
- Roundtrip Private Transfer from Veracruz Airport (VER): $37
- Transfer from Veracruz Airport to Hotel in Veracruz Port: $42
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tamarindo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tamarindo:
- Private Round Trip Transfer: From Liberia Airport To Secrets Papagayo: $280
- Round Trip Shuttle Transfer From Liberia Airport To Four Seasons Papagayo: $265
- Round Trip Transfer From Liberia Airport To Secrets Papagayo: $250
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Casa Chameleon At Las Catalinas: $235
- Private Transfer Service From Liberia Airport To Casa Chameleon At Las Catalinas: $235
- Transfer From Liberia Airport To Casa Chameleon At Las Catalinas: $225
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To JW Marriott Guanacaste: $205
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To JW Marriott Guanacaste: $205
- Round Trip Transfer Liberia Airport (LIR) to Andaz Papagayo Resort: $201
- Transfer Service From Liberia Airport To Westin Resort Costa Rica: $185
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Margaritaville Costa Rica: $185
- Transfer Service From Liberia Airport To Tamarindo, Guanacaste: $185
Is it cheaper to fly into Veracruz or Tamarindo?
Prices for flights to both Tamarindo 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 $78Tamarindo $56
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tamarindo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Tamarindo.
- Online Class on Zoom: Cooking Costa Rica Homemade Food: $35
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Veracruz $13Tamarindo $17
Tours and Activities in Veracruz
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Veracruz.
- Panoramic Sightseeing Bus City Tour of Veracruz: $8.00
- 3-hour tour to the San Juan de Ulúa Fortress: $23
- Mandinga And Boat Trip Tour: $24
- Aquatico Inbursa Waterpark: Veracruz - Ticket: $25
- San Juan De Ulua Tour: $26
- Veracruz City Tour with San Juan de Ulúa and Mandinga Boat: $46
- Live a Kayak Experience: $85
- Full Day Tour to La Antigua, Cempoala and Quiahuiztlán: $87
- Full Day Tour to Alvarado and Tlacotalpan from Veracruz or Boca del Río: $92
- Full Day Tour to Catemaco and Los Tuxtlas with Transportation: $92
- Tour with Certified Guide to Xalapa, Xico and Coatepec: $95
- Full Day Coffee Guided Tour in Coatepec: $98
Tours and Activities in Tamarindo
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tamarindo are as follows:
- ATV Tour Top Adventure Through beaches & Towns: $96
- ATV adventure from Riu, Secrets and papagayo: $90
- Buggy - Side by Side Family Tour : $275
- Wildlife Tour at Palo Verde National Park: $199
- 1 Full Private Tour to Arenal Volcano + Baldi Hot Springs: $183
- 1 Hour Private Horseback Riding Tour in Playa Conchal: $30
- 2 Hours ATV Off Road Tour in Guanacaste Costa Rica: $100
- 2 Hours Private Jet Ski Tour in Brasilito Flamingo or Conchal: $270
- 2 Hours Pura Vida ATV Adventure from Tamarindo to Playa Conchal: $180
- 2-Hour Guided Tour by ATV near Playa Conchal: $130
- 2h ATV Beach & Dirt Trails Adventure Tour: $130
- 3 Hour ATV Secluded Beach Tour from Tamarindo, Flamingo, Conchal & Grande: $125
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVeracruz $16Tamarindo $14
When comparing the travel costs between Veracruz and Tamarindo, we can see that Tamarindo 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 Veracruz is in North America and Tamarindo 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 Veracruz Expensive? and Is Tamarindo Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Veracruz or Tamarindo?
Veracruz has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Tamarindo experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Veracruz or Tamarindo in the Summer?
Both Tamarindo and Veracruz during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tamarindo year-round.
Veracruz is around the same temperature as Tamarindo in the summer. The daily temperature in Veracruz averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Tamarindo fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It's quite sunny in Veracruz. In the summer, Veracruz often gets more sunshine than Tamarindo. Veracruz gets 208 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tamarindo receives 164 hours of full sun.
Tamarindo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Veracruz. Veracruz usually gets more rain in July than Tamarindo. Veracruz gets 410 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVeracruz 27°C (81°F)Tamarindo 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Veracruz or Tamarindo in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Veracruz and Tamarindo. Tamarindo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the autumn, Veracruz is around the same temperature as Tamarindo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Veracruz in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Tamarindo averages at about 27°C (81°F).
Veracruz usually receives more sunshine than Tamarindo during autumn. Veracruz gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Tamarindo receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Tamarindo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Veracruz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Veracruz usually receives less rain than Tamarindo. Veracruz gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn. December to May in Tamarindo is the dry season. June to November in Tamarindo is the hurricane season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVeracruz 26°C (79°F)Tamarindo 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Veracruz or Tamarindo in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Veracruz as well as Tamarindo. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tamarindo throughout the year.
In January, Veracruz is generally cooler than Tamarindo. Daily temperatures in Veracruz average around 21°C (71°F), and Tamarindo fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tamarindo. In the winter, Veracruz often gets less sunshine than Tamarindo. Veracruz gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tamarindo receives 264 hours of full sun.
Veracruz usually gets more rain in January than Tamarindo. Veracruz gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVeracruz 21°C (71°F)Tamarindo 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Veracruz or Tamarindo in the Spring?
Both Tamarindo and Veracruz are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Tamarindo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Veracruz is cooler than Tamarindo in the spring. The daily temperature in Veracruz averages around 26°C (78°F) in April, and Tamarindo fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
It's quite sunny in Tamarindo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Veracruz. Veracruz usually receives less sunshine than Tamarindo during spring. Veracruz gets 203 hours of sunny skies, while Tamarindo receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Veracruz usually receives less rain than Tamarindo. Veracruz gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Tamarindo is December to May. The hurricane season in Tamarindo is June to November.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVeracruz 26°C (78°F)Tamarindo 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Tamarindo and Veracruz
| Veracruz | Tamarindo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.