Which place is cheaper, Jaco or Ho Chi Minh City?
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 Ho Chi Minh City 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 Ho Chi Minh City and Jaco can help you decide which place is right for you.
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is a cultural, chaotic, and vibrant city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and food. See Ho Chi Minh City travel costs.
Jaco
Jaco is a touristy, laid back, and popular town. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and nightlife. See Jaco travel costs.
Ho Chi Minh City and Jaco: Pros and Cons
Ho Chi Minh City
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Numerous theater shows
- Popular for food and cuisine
- Active nightlife
- Fun shopping
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Big city activities
Jaco
Pros- Active nightlife
- Good scuba and snorkeling destination
- Popular beach
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Less museums and historical sights
- Less popular for food
- Less popular for shopping
- Less family-friendly
Is there more to do in Ho Chi Minh City or Jaco?
Travelers will usually find more to do in Ho Chi Minh City. Although Ho Chi Minh City and Jaco are popular destinations, Ho Chi Minh City has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ho Chi Minh City is very popular for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Jaco attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling and beaches. Jaco is more touristy than Ho Chi Minh City and is known for its surfing, nightlife, and beaches. Ho Chi Minh City is famous for its motorbike-filled streets, bustling markets, world-class cuisine, and diverse shopping opportunities. It is also well known for the War Remnants Museum.
How is Ho Chi Minh City different from Jaco?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Jaco and Ho Chi Minh City. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ho Chi Minh City or Jaco?
Ho Chi Minh City
Jaco
Ho Chi Minh City is a world-class destination for its museums and history. However, Jaco is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.
With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Ho Chi Minh City has many famous sights for visitors. It's a day trip outside of town, but the Cu Chi Tunnels are a must-see stop for any visitor. The War Remnants Museum is also a not-to-be-missed spot. Other highlights of the city include Thiên Hau Temple, the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica, the Saigon Opera House, and the Reunification Palace.
Jaco offers a few options for museum-goers. Most people spend their time outside or partying while they're in town.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Jaco Better for Theater?
Ho Chi Minh City
Jaco
Ho Chi Minh City is a nice place to visit for its shows and theatre. However, Jaco is not a theatre destination.
You'll find a nice selection of shows in Ho Chi Minh City. Water puppetry is a traditional art form that originated in the rural areas and was brought to the city. It is a fun cultural experience that kids and adults both enjoy. You can see it at The Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre.
Jaco is not a theatre destination.
Is the Food Better in Ho Chi Minh City or Jaco? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Ho Chi Minh City
Jaco
Ho Chi Minh City is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Jaco is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.
Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Ho Chi Minh City is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. This city, arguably, has some of the best food in Vietnam. You'll find everything from food stalls selling mouthwatering street food to luxury restaurants preparing traditional dishes with a modern twist. Banh Mi (a Vietnamese sandwich) and Pho (Vietnamese soup) are the most well known dishes around town, but also try the Bún mắm (a noodle dish) and Bún bò Huế (a beef based soup).
Jaco offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There's a range of restaurants around town that include hamburger joints, pizza shops, and other casual favorites. You'll find a variety of options along the main strip as well.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Jaco Better for Nightlife?
Ho Chi Minh City
Jaco
The vibe at night is terrific in both Ho Chi Minh City and Jaco.
People head to Ho Chi Minh City just to party. The city never settles down and you'll find all night parties and dance clubs open into the early hours. Backpackers keep the energy high, but there are also luxury clubs and more relaxed places where you can have a good night out if the backpacker thing isn't your scene.
The nightlife in Jaco is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. What was once a quiet surfing town is now one of the most famous party destinations in Costa Rica. There are a constantly growing number of bars and clubs around town and you'll find tons of young tourists and backpackers looking for a party.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Jaco Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?
Ho Chi Minh City
Jaco
Jaco is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Jaco. You can't really snorkel at Jaco Beach because of the waves and water conditions, but there are a number of snorkeling tours that leave from town and take you to better spots.
Ho Chi Minh City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Jaco Better for Beaches?
Ho Chi Minh City
Jaco
Jaco is very good for the beach. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a beach destination.
Many people head to Jaco to enjoy the beach. Jaco Beach is a great spot for swimming and surfing. It's lost some of its original charm, but there's still golden sand and nearby horseback riding.
Ho Chi Minh City is not a beach destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Ho Chi Minh City or Jaco?
Ho Chi Minh City
Jaco
Ho Chi Minh City is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Jaco is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.
Many people travel to Ho Chi Minh City specifically to go shopping. The city is filled with a mix of modern shopping centers and local shops selling traditional items. You'll find international brands as well as uniquely Vietnamese products. The city also has some of the best boutique shopping opportunities in Southeast Asia.
Jaco is a great destination for shopping. Many of the shops are found along the main street. There are a number of souvenir stores and a few art galleries that are worth checking out.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Jaco Better for Families?
Ho Chi Minh City
Jaco
Ho Chi Minh City is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Jaco is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.
Ho Chi Minh City is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Kids may feel overwhelmed at first, but they're sure to fall in love with the energy and kid-friendly activities in this city. There are traditional water puppet shows, kid-friendly restaurants, and fun parks. There's also the Suoi Tien Theme Park, smaller water parks, zoos, and art museums to explore.
You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Jaco. Nearby you'll find horseback riding, monkey tours, and other fun kid-friendly activities. Kids will enjoy the beaches in the area as well.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Jaco Better for Couples?
Ho Chi Minh City
Jaco
Ho Chi Minh City is a very popular place for couples. Also, Jaco is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.
Ho Chi Minh City makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. If you're looking for a vibrant cultural scene with excellent restaurants, great parks, and countless day trips, this is the ultimate couple's getaway.
Jaco is a nice destination for couples. It's one of the more touristy parts of Costa Rica, but if you enjoy surfing and beach life, then you'll find a lot to do in the area.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Jaco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Ho Chi Minh City
Jaco
Ho Chi Minh City is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Jaco is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.
A large number of backpackers visit Ho Chi Minh City, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. It's well established on the Southeast Asian backpacker's circuit and you'll find no shortage of hostels in town. You'll find a good number of backpackers in District 1 of the city, near Ben Thanh Market. Many backpackers also arrange trips to the Mekong Delta or elsewhere in Thailand while they're here.
Backpackers come from all over to visit Jaco. It's a touristy town with a bit of a party reputation. There are plenty of hostels and other backpackers around so you shouldn't have trouble meeting people.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Jaco Better for Students?
Ho Chi Minh City
Jaco
Ho Chi Minh City is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Jaco is not popular with students.
Plenty of students visit Ho Chi Minh City. Study abroad students appreciate the city's energy and plethora of activities. It also makes a good base for trips to other parts of Southeast Asia.
Jaco is not popular with students.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Jaco Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Ho Chi Minh City
Jaco
Ho Chi Minh City and Jaco both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.
Public transit is mostly limited in Ho Chi Minh City. There are public buses around town but motorbike taxis and regular taxis are likely your best bet for getting around.
Public transit is generally limited in Jaco. Most people walk or get around by bicycle.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Jaco a more walkable city?
Ho Chi Minh City
Jaco
Jaco is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Ho Chi Minh City is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.
Jaco is a very walkable destination. The town is compact and walkable. You'll find many of the restaurants and shops along the main street, and it's easy to reach the beach on foot.
Ho Chi Minh City is somewhat walkable. In certain neighborhoods it's fairly walkable, but you may have to dodge a motorbike here or there.
For even more information, also check out Is Ho Chi Minh City Worth Visiting? and Is Jaco Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Jaco or Ho Chi Minh City?
How long in Ho Chi Minh City or Jaco?
It's fun to spend time in either Ho Chi Minh City or Jaco. In our opinion, Ho Chi Minh City has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City than Jaco. However, 3-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.
Families should spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City than Jaco. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Ho Chi Minh City, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City than Jaco. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Ho Chi Minh City that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City than Jaco if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Ho Chi Minh City.
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How many days in Ho Chi Minh City or Jaco? Ideal Length of StayHo Chi Minh City 3-4Jaco 3-4
One day in Ho Chi Minh City or Jaco?
Ho Chi Minh City is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.
You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the laid back destination of Jaco. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.
A weekend in Ho Chi Minh City or Jaco?
Ho Chi Minh City is a fun place to experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the touristy town of Jaco. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.
Five days in Ho Chi Minh City or Jaco?
You'll find shopping and museums around the busy big city of Ho Chi Minh City. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
Jaco is a popular choice for travelers. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.
A week in Ho Chi Minh City or Jaco?
The colorful city of Ho Chi Minh City offers museums and theater. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.
Jaco is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Ho Chi Minh City, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Vietnam, The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.
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Ho Chi Minh City Prices
Vietnam PricesJaco Prices
Costa Rica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHo Chi Minh City $87Jaco $119
The average daily cost (per person) in Ho Chi Minh City is $87, 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 Ho Chi Minh City and Jaco in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHo Chi Minh City $48Jaco $67
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHo Chi Minh City $96Jaco $134
Compare Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City and Jaco
Looking for a hotel in Ho Chi Minh City 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: Ho Chi Minh City Hotel Prices and Jaco Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ho Chi Minh City $14Jaco -
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ho Chi Minh City
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Ho Chi Minh City:
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Short Taxi Ride$1.33
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Taxi From Airport$7.58
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Cyclo Ride (One Hour)$1.52
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ho Chi Minh City
Also for Ho Chi Minh City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Vinpearl Resort & Spa Long Beach to Nha Trang - Private Transfer: $20
- Try find better than us! Airport Transfer in Ho Chi Minh HTL-APT (SGN): $15
- Tan Son Nhat International Airport Transfer: $23
- Tan Son Airport Arrival Private Transfer to Ho Chi Minh City: $40
- Shared Arrival Transfer - Hanoi Airport to Sapa Hotel: $150
- Sai Gon Airport Departure Private Transfer: $40
- Round-trip Private Transfer Ho Chi Minh - Vung Tau (16 Seats Car): $141
- Radisson Blu Resort to Nha Trang - Private Transfer: $20
- Private transfer from Mui Ne to Ho Chi Minh City: $78
- Private transfer Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) - Hotels In City: $17
- Private Transfer: Thanh Hoa Airport to/from Thanh Hoa City Center: $54
- Private Transfer: Pleiku Airport to/from Pleiku City Center: $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaco
Also for Jaco, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- One-Way Private Transfer from Quepos - Manuel Antonio to Uvita: $249
- Transfer to Jaco beach from San José or the airport one way: $235
- Jaco/Monteverde to Liberia Airport (LIR) - Departure Transfer : $203
- One-Way Private Transfer from Jaco to Juan Santa Maria Airport: $175
- Jaco to Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) - Departure Private Transfer: $143
- Private Direct SJO ↔ Jaco Beach/Los Sueños Transfer Service: $70
- Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Jaco Beach Puntarenas: $66
- Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Cobano Puntarenas: $63
- Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Playa Jaco Puntarenas: $63
- Shuttle & transfer rides to SJO Airport Costa Rica: $55
Is it cheaper to fly into Ho Chi Minh City or Jaco?
Prices for flights to both Jaco and Ho Chi Minh City 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 dayHo Chi Minh City $23Jaco $36
Typical Food Prices in Ho Chi Minh City
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ho Chi Minh City:
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Street Food Dinner (for Two)$4.06
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Pizza$4.93
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Sweet Rice$1.14
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Pork Sandwich$0.57
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.43
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Western Lunch (for Two)$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ho Chi Minh City
For Ho Chi Minh City, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Vietnamese Cooking and Craft Workshop by the Lake: $12
- Saigon Food Tour & Culture Explore Ho Chi Minh City Walking Tour: $15
- Mekong Delta 4 Islands, TukTuk, Boat, Try Khot Cake Local Cooking: $24
- Saigon Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $25
- Pu Luong Cooking Class at Traditional Stilt House: $25
- Ho Chi Minh City Street Food Tour With Students: $27
- Saigon - Tasty Food Tour By Scooters: $28
- Private Half-Day Ho Chi Minh Food Tour with Local Students: $29
- Ho Chi Minh Private Half Day Street Food Tour with Local Students: $29
- Ho Chi Minh Street Food Tour With Young Local (Safe & Authentic): $29
- The Coolest Vegan Food Tour in Ho Chi Minh City: $29
- Super Niche Walking Street Food Tour in Ho Chi Minh City: $29
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.Ho Chi Minh City $19Jaco $60
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ho Chi Minh City
For Ho Chi Minh City, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Massage$5.31
Tours and Activities in Ho Chi Minh City
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ho Chi Minh City.
- 8-Hour City Tour: Hidden Gems, Local Life & Modern Saigon: $46
- A O Show - Included: Tour guide, Car Pick Up And Drop Off : $65
- Cu Chi Tunnels and Sai Gon City Tour : $64
- Cu Chi Tunnels half day tours: $39
- From Ho Chi Minh to Mui Ne 3 Days Tour | 4 Star Beach Resort : $170
- Half Day Private Tour in Ho Chi Minh City: $54
- Ho Chi Minh City Bus Tour Experience: $100
- Street Food Walking Tour with 12 Tastings: $30
- Jeep tour Sai Gon Private half day culture and history tour: $100
- Mekong Delta Discovery Day Tour - My Tho - Ben Tre: $46
- Non-Touristy Mekong Delta with Biking in Ben Tre Private Tour: $113
- Private Ho Chi Minh 30 minutes Experience by Electric Cart: $9.71
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 dayHo Chi Minh City $7.57Jaco $32
Typical Alcohol Prices in Ho Chi Minh City
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Ho Chi Minh City:
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Beer$0.38
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 Ho Chi Minh City and Jaco, we can see that Jaco is more expensive. And not only is Ho Chi Minh City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ho Chi Minh City is in Asia 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 Ho Chi Minh City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ho Chi Minh City 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 Jaco would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Jaco than you might in Ho Chi Minh City.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ho Chi Minh City Expensive? and Is Jaco Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ho Chi Minh City or Jaco?
Ho Chi Minh City has a larger population, and is about 850 times larger than the population of Jaco. When comparing the sizes of Ho Chi Minh City 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.
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.