Which place is cheaper, Jaco or Amman?
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 Amman or Jaco?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Amman and Jaco. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Amman or Jaco?
Amman
Amman is the largest city in of the Hashemite Kingdom of the country of Jordan. It is also the capital city of Jordan and has a population of over four million people. Many people use Amman as a base for venturing out into the rest of Jordan and other surrounding countries. There are many things to see and do in Amman.
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 Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.
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Amman Prices
Jordan PricesJaco Prices
Costa Rica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAmman $135Jaco $119
The average daily cost (per person) in Amman is $135, while the average daily cost in Jaco 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 Amman and Jaco in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAmman $49Jaco $67
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAmman $98Jaco $134
Compare Hotels in Amman and Jaco
Looking for a hotel in Amman 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: Amman Hotel Prices and Jaco Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Amman $24Jaco -
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amman
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amman:
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Bus Ride (for Two)$0.71
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RIde to Airport$28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amman
Also for Amman, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer to Petra from Amman /Amman Airport: $250
- Transfer From Airport To Amman: $28
- Stress-Free Airport Transfers: Queen Alia to Anywhere in Jordan: $26
- Reliable Door-to-Door Private Transfer Amman ⇆ Dead Sea ⇆ Airport: $40
- Queen Alia Intl Airport Private Transfer to Amman City or Hotels: $20
- Queen Alia International Airport Transfers To Amman, Petra.: $235
- Private Transfer: From Amman City to Airport: $40
- Private Transfer: Amman Airport to Wadi Rum: $133
- Private Transfer: Amman Airport to Aqaba Airport: $153
- Private Transfer from/ to Amman Airport and Petra City: $95
- Private Transfer from Madaba Hotel to Amman Airport: $47
- Private Transfer from Amman to Petra, Wadi Musa: $259
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaco
Also for Jaco, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer to Jaco beach from San José or the airport one way: $235
- Shuttle & transfer rides to SJO Airport Costa Rica: $55
- Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Playa Jaco Puntarenas: $63
- Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Jaco Beach Puntarenas: $66
- Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Cobano Puntarenas: $63
- Private Direct SJO ↔ Jaco Beach/Los Sueños Transfer Service: $70
- One-Way Private Transfer from Quepos - Manuel Antonio to Uvita: $249
- One-Way Private Transfer from Jaco to Juan Santa Maria Airport: $175
- Jaco/Monteverde to Liberia Airport (LIR) - Departure Transfer : $203
- Jaco to Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) - Departure Private Transfer: $143
Is it cheaper to fly into Amman or Jaco?
Prices for flights to both Jaco and Amman 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 dayAmman $58Jaco $36
Typical Food Prices in Amman
For Amman, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Pastries$4.23
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Tea$5.64
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amman
For Amman, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Guided Food Tour in Downtown: $70
- Women-Led Food Tour Through Amman’s Culinary Scene: $80
- The Best Culture&Food Tour With Majd The Local Guide: $81
- Amman Food Tours: 3-Hours Guided Walking Food Tour in Amman: $106
- Private Panoramic Amman Tour and Local Lunch or Dinner-Wine Taste: $107
- Traditional Cooking Class in Amman with Return Hotel Transfers: $118
- Private Jordan Heritage Restaurant Lunch or Dinner with Arak Experience: $140
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$9.00
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Pizza & Smoothie Lunch$6.30
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Ice Cream$5.91
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Breakfast Taco Bar$3.34
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Fruit Plate$2.95
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jaco
For Jaco, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Night Jungle Tour with Dinner (Rainmaker Park): $65
- Costa Rican cooking class with cookbook author Melissa Guzman: $85
- Taste of Costa Rica: Traditional Food Tour in Jaco: $87
- TICO Private Walking Food Tour: $103
- Traditional Costa Rican cooking class and meal with a modern twist: $139
- Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, Hot Springs Combo Tour with Lunch & Dinner: $195
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Amman $32Jaco $60
Tours and Activities in Amman
For Amman, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Um Qais Private Tour Enjoy The History And Stunning Scenery.: $130
- 1 Day Tour to Amman Jerash and Ajloun castle : $136
- 1-Night Private Overnight Dead Sea Independent Tour from Amman : $145
- 2 Day Petra Wadi Rum and Dead Sea Private Guided Tour: $175
- 2 Day Petra Wadi Rum and Dead Sea Private Guided Tour: $175
- 2 Day Private Tour to Petra and Wadi Rum from Amman : $215
- 2 Day Tour Petra Wadi Rum and Dead Sea from Amman: $300
- 2 Day Tour of Petra Wadi Rum and Dead Sea from Amman: $250
- 2 Day Tour to Petra, Wadi Rum, and Dead Sea from Amman: $200
- 2 Days Group Tour From Petra Wadi Rum Aqaba Dead sea: $395
- 2 Days Ma'in Hot Springs Private Tour: $95
- 2 Days Petra Private Guided Tour: $225
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$9.81
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Surf Lesson$49
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Bike Rental$9.81
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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:
- All Inclusive Catamaran Day Tour to Tortuga Island: $169
- Ocean views Zip Line Canopy Tour in Jaco Beach and Los Suenos : $71
- 10 WATERFALLS and NATURAL POOLS HIKING EXPERIENCE 4x4 TRUCK RIDE: $60
- 2 HRS Buggy Tour + Waterfalls in Jaco Beach and Los Suenos: $212
- 2 Hour ATV Jungle Adventure Jaco: $75
- 2 Hour ATV Tour and 2 Hour Zipline Experience in Jaco: $119
- 2 hour Double ATV Tour + Waterfalls in Jaco Beach : $99
- 3-Hour ATV Jungle Waterfall Adventure: $120
- 3-Hour ATV Jungle Waterfall Adventure: $95
- 3-Hour Private Guided Experience of 7 Course Contemporary Indian Tasting Menu: $225
- 4 Hours ATV and Waterfall Tour at Quebrada Ganado: $150
- 4 hour ATV Adventure + Beach and Waterfalls near Los Suenos : $125
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAmman $14Jaco $32
Sample the Local Flavors in Amman
Also in Amman, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Private Wine Tasting Tour in Amman and Boulevard Walking Tour: $93
- Full Day Tour of Ajloun Castle with Cable Car and Wine Tasting : $127
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 comparing the travel costs between Amman and Jaco, we can see that Amman 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 Amman is in Middle East and Jaco 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 Amman Expensive? and Is Jaco Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Amman or Jaco?
Amman has a larger population, and is about 310 times larger than the population of Jaco. When comparing the sizes of Amman 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 Amman or Jaco?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Amman or Jaco in the Summer?
Both Jaco and Amman are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Amman throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Jaco because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Jaco. In July, Amman usually receives less rain than Jaco. Amman gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Amman. Amman usually receives more sunshine than Jaco during summer. Amman gets 364 hours of sunny skies, while Jaco receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.
In the summer, Amman is cooler than Jaco. Typically, the summer temperatures in Amman in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Jaco averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAmman 25°C (77°F)Jaco 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Amman or Jaco in the Autumn?
Both Jaco and Amman during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Amman because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jaco year-round.
November to May is the dry season in Jaco. Also, June to October in Jaco is the hurricane season. Jaco gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Amman usually gets less rain in October than Jaco. Amman gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Amman. In the autumn, Amman often gets more sunshine than Jaco. Amman gets 274 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jaco receives 169 hours of full sun.
In October, Amman is generally cooler than Jaco. Daily temperatures in Amman average around 20°C (68°F), and Jaco fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAmman 20°C (68°F)Jaco 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Amman or Jaco in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Amman and Jaco. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Amman year-round. Jaco attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Amman gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Amman usually receives more rain than Jaco. Amman gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jaco this time of the year. Amman usually receives less sunshine than Jaco during winter. Amman gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Jaco receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.
Amman is much colder than Jaco in the winter. The daily temperature in Amman averages around 8°C (46°F) in January, and Jaco fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAmman 8°C (46°F)Jaco 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Amman or Jaco in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Amman as well as Jaco. Amman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jaco throughout the year.
Also, November to May in Jaco is the dry season. Also, the hurricane season in Jaco is June to October. Amman usually gets less rain in April than Jaco. Amman gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jaco. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Amman this time of the year. In the spring, Amman often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Jaco. Amman gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jaco receives 255 hours of full sun.
In the spring, Amman is much colder than Jaco. Typically, the spring temperatures in Amman in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Jaco averages at about 29°C (85°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAmman 16°C (61°F)Jaco 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Jaco and Amman
| Amman | Jaco | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 8°C (46°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 9°C (48°F) | 98 mm (3.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (68°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (57°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 10°C (50°F) | 138 mm (5.4 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.