Which place is cheaper, Jaco or Petra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Petra 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 Petra and Jaco can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Petra or Jaco?
Petra
Whether you're checking off the Seven Wonders of the World, or you're just a huge Indiana Jones fan, the city of Petra must be on your bucket list. The "rose red city, half as old as time," was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom in the 6th century BC. It was the center for trade and commerce until an earthquake took out buildings and destroyed their water management system. After this destruction, the city of Petra seemed to be lost to western civilization.
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 Historical Tours in Jordan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.
-
Petra Prices
Jordan PricesJaco Prices
Costa Rica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPetra $153Jaco $119
The average daily cost (per person) in Petra is $153, 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 Petra and Jaco in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPetra $59Jaco $67
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPetra $118Jaco $134
Compare Hotels in Petra and Jaco
Looking for a hotel in Petra 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: Petra Hotel Prices and Jaco Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Petra $23Jaco -
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Petra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Petra:
- Private transfer Petra to/from Wadi Rum: $140
- Private Transfer from Ma'in Hotel to Aqaba Airport: $120
- Private Transfer From Petra to Amman or Airport With Optional : $99
- Private Transfer Amman Airport to Petra or vice versa via the King's Highway: $120
- Private Departure Transfer: Petra Hotels to Amman Airport: $93
- Petra Private Transfer To Multiple Destinations: $115
- From Eilat: Petra Full-Day Guided Tour with Transfers: $219
- Comfortable and Reliable Private Transfer: Petra to Wadi Rum: $100
- Airport Transfer to and from Petra: $92
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaco
Also for Jaco, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shuttle & transfer rides to SJO Airport Costa Rica: $55
- Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Cobano Puntarenas: $63
- Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Playa Jaco Puntarenas: $63
- Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Jaco Beach Puntarenas: $66
- Private Direct SJO ↔ Jaco Beach/Los Sueños Transfer Service: $70
- Jaco to Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) - Departure Private Transfer: $143
- One-Way Private Transfer from Jaco to Juan Santa Maria Airport: $175
- Jaco/Monteverde to Liberia Airport (LIR) - Departure Transfer : $203
- Transfer to Jaco beach from San José or the airport one way: $235
- One-Way Private Transfer from Quepos - Manuel Antonio to Uvita: $249
Is it cheaper to fly into Petra or Jaco?
Prices for flights to both Jaco and Petra 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
-
Food Meals for one dayPetra $66Jaco $36
Typical Food Prices in Petra
Some typical examples of dining costs in Petra are as follows:
-
Dinner for Two$12
-
Juice$1.76
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Petra
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Petra.
- Cooking outside in little Petra between the Mountains. : $50
- Private Outdoor bedouin Dinner in Petra: $150
Typical Food Prices in Jaco
For Jaco, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Hermosa BeachLlunch$3.94
-
Tsunami Sushi Dinner$18
-
Taco Bar Dinner$9.00
-
Pizza & Smoothie Lunch$6.30
-
Ice Cream$5.91
-
Breakfast Taco Bar$3.34
-
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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Petra $47Jaco $60
Typical Entertainment Prices in Petra
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Petra are as follows:
-
Entry to Petra for One$71
Tours and Activities in Petra
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Petra are as follows:
- 2-Day Amman to Petra, Wadi Rum & Dead Sea Adventure Tour: $220
- 3 Hour Horse Riding Adventure around the Petra Area: $145
- 3-Hour Private Petra Tour: Exclusive Classical Guided Experience: $55
- 3-hour Private Guided Tour In Petra with hotel pick up.: $75
- 6 Hours Private Tour in Petra: $125
- Amman: Petra by Night Tour with Optional Day Visit: $99
- From Petra Wadi Rum Private 8 hours roundtrip tour : $140
- Hike Tour of Petra: $10
- Petra Back Entrance Private Walking Tour | Guide Sami Nawafleh: $225
- Petra Highlight Tour with Private Guide Sami Nawafleh | 2.5 Hours: $120
- Petra Secret Backdoor Tour: Hidden Gems & Exclusive Experience: $240
- Private Full Day Tour to Aqaba Red Sea from Petra Hotels: $200
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jaco
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Jaco's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
Dance Class$9.81
-
Surf Lesson$49
-
Bike Rental$9.81
-
Tortuga Island Tour$98
-
Massage$44
Tours and Activities in Jaco
For Jaco, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Crocodile Man Tour THE ORIGINAL: $35
- Cold Plunge Experience in Jaco: $35
- Jungle Crocodile Safari and Bird Watching tour/Tarcoles River CR: $40
- Farmers Market Experience : $40
- Crocodile River Adventure Tour in Costa Rica: $45
- Mountain Bike Adventure + Waterfalls in Jaco Beach: $55
- Bahia Ballena Whale and Dolphin Tour - Morning: $57
- Vanilla, Cacao & Spice Tour in Manuel Antonio: $59
- 10 WATERFALLS and NATURAL POOLS HIKING EXPERIENCE 4x4 TRUCK RIDE: $60
- Party Safari Tractor Tour with Visit the waterfall: $60
- Jaco Beach Horseback Riding Tour: $60
- Chocolate Experience: $62
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayPetra $15Jaco $32
Typical Alcohol Prices in Jaco
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Jaco:
-
Wine$15
-
Night at the Bar$27
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Petra and Jaco, we can see that Petra is more expensive. And not only is Jaco much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Petra is in Middle East 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 Petra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Petra 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 Petra Expensive? and Is Jaco Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Petra or Jaco?
Petra has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Jaco. When comparing the sizes of Petra 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 Petra or Jaco?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Petra or Jaco in the Summer?
Both Jaco and Petra during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Petra because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jaco year-round.
Jaco gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Petra usually gets less rain in July than Jaco. Petra gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Petra. In the summer, Petra often gets more sunshine than Jaco. Petra gets 384 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jaco receives 164 hours of full sun.
It's very hot in Petra this time of the year. Petra is a little warmer than Jaco in the summer. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Jaco fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyPetra 33°C (91°F)Jaco 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Petra or Jaco in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Petra and Jaco. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Petra year-round. Jaco attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
November to May in Jaco is the dry season. June to October in Jaco is the hurricane season. Jaco receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Petra usually receives less rain than Jaco. Petra gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In Petra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Jaco during autumn. Petra gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Jaco receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In the autumn, Petra is around the same temperature as Jaco. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Petra in October average around 27°C (80°F), and Jaco averages at about 27°C (81°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPetra 27°C (80°F)Jaco 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Petra or Jaco in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Petra as well as Jaco. Petra attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jaco throughout the year.
Petra usually gets more rain in January than Jaco. Petra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 8 mm (0.3 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 Petra this time of the year. In the winter, Petra often gets less sunshine than Jaco. Petra gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jaco receives 264 hours of full sun.
In January, Petra is generally much colder than Jaco. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 15°C (59°F), and Jaco fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPetra 15°C (59°F)Jaco 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Petra or Jaco in the Spring?
Both Jaco and Petra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Petra throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Jaco because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Jaco is November to May. The hurricane season in Jaco is June to October. In April, Petra usually receives less rain than Jaco. Petra gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in Jaco. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Petra. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Jaco during spring. Petra gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Jaco receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.
Petra is cooler than Jaco in the spring. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 25°C (76°F) in April, and Jaco fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilPetra 25°C (76°F)Jaco 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Jaco and Petra
| Petra | Jaco | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 15°C (59°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 32°C (90°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 30°C (87°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (62°F) | 41 mm (1.6 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.