Liberia is a colonial city known for its "cowboy" culture as well as its proximity to some of Costa Rica's best national parks, beaches, and rainforests. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Liberia?
You should plan to spend around $128 (₡64,793) per day on your vacation in Liberia. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $36 (₡18,390) on meals
- $43 (₡21,740) on local transportation
- $120 (₡60,685) on hotels
A one week trip to Liberia for two people costs, on average, $1,790 (₡907,102). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$895
₡453,551
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,790
₡907,102
-
One Month
Per person
$3,835
₡1,943,790
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,790
₡907,102
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$3,579
₡1,814,204
-
One Month
For a couple
$7,670
₡3,887,580
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Liberia cost?
A one week trip to Liberia usually costs around $895 (₡453,551) for one person and $1,790 (₡907,102) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Liberia on average costs around $1,790 (₡907,102) for one person and $3,579 (₡1,814,204) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Liberia will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Liberia on average costs around $3,835 (₡1,943,790) for one person and $7,670 (₡3,887,580) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Liberia expensive to visit?
Liberia is a smaller destination that draws visitors with a range of travel styles, spending habits, and budget preferences. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
Liberia has the potential to be expensive, but you can manage your budget by taking public transit and enjoying the free hiking trails.
On average, budget travelers spend $56 (₡28,466) per day, mid-range travelers spend $128 (₡64,793) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $268 (₡135,733) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Liberia.
Within Central America, Liberia is a somewhat more expensive destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Central America for its travel costs. While some cities in the region are more expensive, Liberia is generally more expensive than most.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Liberia Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Liberia?
The average Liberia trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Liberia travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Liberia cost?
Liberia on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$25
(₡12,533)
|
$60
(₡30,342)
|
$136
(₡68,778)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$19
(₡9,671)
|
$43
(₡21,740)
|
$77
(₡39,214)
|
|
Food 2
|
$15
(₡7,756)
|
$36
(₡18,390)
|
$78
(₡39,356)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$11
(₡5,600)
|
$25
(₡12,698)
|
$47
(₡23,616)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$3-8
(₡1,357-4,070)
|
$6-19
(₡3,180-9,539)
|
$13-39
(₡6,577-19,731)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. While some think they can visit Liberia with minimal expenses, most people don't enjoy traveling that frugally. Consider what you prioritize on vacation. Do you prefer luxury hotels or budget stays? Hostels or hotels or vacation rentals? Are fun activities and dining out important to you? Your overall budget will depend on all of these questions.
What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?
Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $56 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.
For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.
Fortunately, you'll find plenty of hostels in Liberia, such as Hospedaje Dodero and Hostel Casa Mar. These hostels provide inexpensive dormitory lodging and a friendly atmosphere, but amenities are quite limited. In addition, the city features a fantastic public transit system that helps budget-conscious travelers steer clear of pricey taxi or Uber rides.
What Makes You an Average Traveler?
Couples and families traveling for leisure often prefer mid-range hotels, dine at popular eateries, and visit key museums and attractions that require an entry fee. Visitors to Liberia typically prioritize the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks during their stay. It's important to remember that most activities will cost you money. Consequently, you should anticipate your daily budget to be closer to $128 per person, per day.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If you're looking for a complete getaway that features every luxury and a high level of service, plan on a cost of about $268 daily. To enjoy nicer hotels, dine at award-winning venues, indulge in extravagant experiences, and travel around the city with taxis or private drivers, you'll need to set aside a luxury budget. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Private Transportation Guanacaste Liberia Airport - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Liberia
Liberia has a wide range of hotel prices. Luxury hotels come with higher price tags and better amenities, and prices are much steeper during peak season. On average, a room costs $59 in the off-season and averages $110 during peak winter season. Overall, you can expect prices from $32 to $194. Hostels, especially dorms, are cheaper alternatives. You can save by traveling in the low season, booking in advance, or looking for special offers.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Liberia for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $120 (₡60,685). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $60 (₡30,342) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Liberia? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Liberia include:
- Hotel Villa Hermosa Liberia starting at $40
- Hacienda Guachipelin Volcano Ranch Hotel & Hot Springs starting at $92
- Casa Rural Aroma de Campo starting at $56
Thanks to Liberia's great public transit, staying outside the city is an option to save on accommodation, but be prepared for the trade-off of extra transportation costs.
If you travel during the low or shoulder season (and avoid winter), you'll find lower accommodation prices and less tourist crowds.
Walking is a favorite way for many to see Liberia, so look for lodging in a prime location. Keep in mind, though, that this can raise your expenses.
Transportation Budget in Liberia
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Public transit in Liberia is top-notch. There is a comprehensive bus system that travels throughout the city and is used by many people. If you're looking to save time and money, public transit is the ideal option. Of course, taxis and rideshares are easy to find, too.
Visitors who prefer to discover the area by walking will find it enjoyable.
Public Transit: 
(great)
Walkability: (great)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $43 (₡21,740) per person, per day, on local transportation in Liberia. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Liberia is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$43
₡21,740
If you're planning to go hiking, you might need to figure out the best way to get to the hiking trail, as public transit might not take you to the trail.
A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:
- GUANACASTE COSTA RICA Airport Transfers | Shuttle Service for $65 details
- Private or VIP Transfer: Liberia Airport to JW Marriott//Pinilla for $70 details
- Liberia Airport to Hotels Round Trip Private Transfers for $200 details
How much does it cost to go to Liberia? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Liberia will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Typical prices for transit in Liberia are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the overall transportation costs in Liberia. Keep in mind that your individual costs will vary based on your method of transit, as hired cars such as taxis are generally much more expensive than public transportation.
Food Budget in Liberia
The food scene in Liberia isn't very expansive, and the quality isn't stellar. Consider saving your money for more rewarding activities rather than dining out. The city has a number of traditional restaurants where you can find the ubiquitous Costa Rican dishes like gallo pinto and casado.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Liberia can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Liberia is $36 (₡18,390) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$36
₡18,390
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Liberia is around $36 (₡18390) per person, with previous travelers spending from $15 to $78. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Liberia are as follows:
- Breakfast: $4 to $11
- Lunch: $5 to $15
- Dinner: $11 to $25
- Coffee: $3
- Fast Food or Street Food: $5
Ceviche is becoming widely popular in Liberia, and you will find many places selling it either in restaurants or on the streets. This is a raw fish dish marinated with citrus and spices. There is a great burger place called Guanaburger in Liberia, as well as many other small local restaurants. These places serve many different types of local and international foods. A classic Costa Rican dish would involve rice, beans, and plantains. There is an amazing bakery in Liberia called Panaderia Alemana (German Bakery) that has one of the best cinnamon rolls I have every tasted in my life. Make sure to visit this place! Costa Rica is known for its coffee as well, so be sure to indulge in that.
Many accommodations throw in breakfast at no extra cost, though others might charge you for it. The price and quality can greatly vary by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you figure out if you need to spend more money. You might find the hotel's buffet is worth it, or you may prefer to grab a cheaper bite at a local bakery or cafe.
Choose to carry a water bottle instead of buying drinks all day. It's a good choice for the environment.
Before you head out on a tour, be sure to find out which meals are included. You could end up paying for some meals out of pocket, which can impact your budget.
If you want to experience the culture in Liberia, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Private Local Cooking Class in Nosara for $85 details
- 2-Hour Cooking Class in Nosara for $65 details
Listed below are typical food prices in Liberia, based on the actual spending of previous travelers. These figures provide an estimate of what you might expect to pay for meals. However, your personal expenses will depend on your dining preferences, the restaurants you choose, and what you decide to order.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Liberia
It's easy to see why people visit Liberia, given its hiking, budget-friendly accommodations, family-friendly activities, and romance.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Liberia typically cost an average of $25 (₡12,698) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$25
₡12,698
Calle Real Street in Liberia is a historical sight as is it laden with houses that are protected by the local government. The protected houses will have plaques on them that read "Casa Historica, Calle Real". These houses are full of history, some are even centuries old. Owners of these houses are prohibited from changing the houses in any way without the government's approval. They are truly fascinating to see, and sometimes the owners will even be so kind as to let you view the inside.
Just north of Liberia is Parque Nacional Rincon de la Vieja. This is a beautiful national park with a volcano as the main focus. Here you will find, natural hot springs, many different species of wildlife, and beautiful views of the tropical vegetation that makes up the park.
Visit the Llanos del Cortez waterfall, just 20 minutes from Liberia. It is a beautiful cascading waterfall and you can swim in the pool at the bottom. This is a free sight to see, but it is respectful to make a donation upon your departure.
Outdoor activities are very common in Costa Rica. There are many places surrounding Liberia that have all the adventurous activities you could think of. Adventure Tours is a company that operates in Rincon de la Vieja that offers white water tubing, zip line tours, horseback riding, volcanic mud spas, and hot springs. You can get a shuttle from Liberia to this area through the company for about $25. If you want more of a relaxing activity, head to the Simbiosis Spa. They offer hot spring pools, volcanic mud treatments, and massages. There is a natural water slide just outside of Liberia that is 400 meters long; it is a very exciting activity!
Hiking:
Don't miss out on the wonderful hiking opportunities around Liberia. Head to the nearby Rincon de la Vieja National Park for some of the country's best hiking. You'll see stunning waterfalls and hopefully catch a glimpse of local wildlife.
A nice way to explore destinations in Liberia is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Half day Mountain Tour in Nosara for $150 details
- La Leona waterfall adventure hike half day for $45 details
- Rincon de la Vieja National Park Hike - All in ONE experience for $225 details
Nightlife Budget in Liberia
The nightlife experience in Liberia is mostly quiet and comfortable. If you're in town for the night, you should have no problem finding a bar to hang out at.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $13 (₡6,359) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Liberia per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$13
₡6,359
Enjoying the nightlife is exciting, but if you want to save money, drinking less is an easy way to do it.
Travel cost data last updated: Nov 26, 2024
Traveling in Liberia
Costa Rica
Liberia is a town in northwestern Costa Rica. It is the capital of the Guanacaste province, which is about 140 miles away from Costa Rica's capital, San Jose. The town has a population of about 56,000 and is one of the tourism centers of the country.
Neighborhoods & Around
Liberia is the capital of the Guanacaste province. This area is rich in tourism and is full of Costa Rican culture and natural heritage. Santa Cruz is another large city in this region and has many attractions as well. This city is on the northern coast on the Pacific side and has a population of about 60,000. In the Rincon de la Viejo National Park, which is just northeast of Liberia, there is a wonderful resort called the Borinquen Mountain Resort. Here you can stay in a serene bungalow, bathe in the mud baths, take horseback tours of the grounds, and zip line through the canopies. This resort is tucked away in the tropical jungle and is truly an incredible place to stay.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
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.