Is Tamarindo expensive to visit?
Tamarindo is a terrific town that attracts a multitude of tourists with a broad spectrum of travel styles and budgeting preferences. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
You may find Tamarindo to be expensive in some places, but there are ways to keep your budget in check, like eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $61 (₡31,435) per day, mid-range travelers spend $143 (₡73,324) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $291 (₡149,480) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Tamarindo.
Within Central America, Tamarindo is a very expensive destination compared to other places. It is in the top 10% of cities in Central America for its travel costs. There are only a few cities as expensive as Tamarindo in the region, such as Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or San Pedro.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Tamarindo Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Tamarindo?
The average Tamarindo trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Tamarindo travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Tamarindo cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
When planning your trip to Tamarindo, it's important to have realistic expectations about your budget. Many believe they can travel on a shoestring, but that often leads to either uncomfortable travel experiences or some surprisingly high expenses. Consider your vacation style. Do you enjoy staying in hostels, resorts, regular hotels, or vacation rentals? Are attractions and dining experiences a priority? These factors will affect how much you spend and your itinerary.
What is a budget traveler, anyway?
You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $61 that backpackers often get by on.
Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
Fortunately, Tamarindo features plenty of hostels, including CASA PURA VIDA SURF HOSTEL, La Botella de Leche, and Tamarindo Backpackers. At hostels like these, you can find cheap dorm beds and a vibrant social atmosphere, though amenities are often scarce.
Are You Considered an Average Traveler?
As a couple or family looking for fun, you're likely to choose a mid-range hotel, dine at popular restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions with entry fees. Many visitors to Tamarindo are keen to visit the prominent attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. After all, most activities do cost money. Therefore, it's sensible to expect your daily budget to be approximately $143 per person, per day.
There's a wide selection of hotels and vacation rentals in Tamarindo. If you're traveling with others, sharing a hotel room with a partner, friend, or kids will help split costs and save money. When traveling as a family, look for hotels and restaurants that welcome children. Villa Nautilus Tamarindo is a great choice for kids, and Hotel Arco Iris Tamarindo is another wonderful option. For more family and couple-friendly places to stay, check out our Tamarindo hotel costs guide.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
If you're looking for an all-encompassing vacation filled with luxurious amenities and higher-level service, prepare your budget for around $291 per day. Selecting nicer hotels, savoring meals at award-winning establishments, indulging in lavish adventures, and traveling around the town with taxis or private drivers will call for a luxury budget. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as La Leona waterfall Cliffjumping White water Tubbing PrivateTour - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Tamarindo
In Tamarindo, hotel prices can swing drastically. Higher-end hotels offer more luxury, but come at a cost, especially in peak winter season when prices are higher. Off-season prices are more reasonable, averaging $181, but during peak season they jump to an average of $338. You can find budget options starting at $72 up to luxury rates at $1,310. Hostels are typically cheaper, especially dorms. Book early and avoid peak season to save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Tamarindo for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $99 (₡50,612). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $50 (₡25,306) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Tamarindo? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Tamarindo include:
- Tee-K Lodge starting at $102
- La Ramona Charming Hotel starting at $135
- Ten North Tamarindo Beach Hotel starting at $128
- Seis Playas Hotel starting at $108
- Hotel Villa Amarilla starting at $99
Tamarindo offers a good public transit system, so staying farther from the town might save you on accommodation, though the additional cost and time of commuting can add up.
If you're headed to Tamarindo with your family, you'll likely want to look for accommodations with more room to spread out.
Many visitors to Tamarindo stay for a week, and if you're staying for an extended period, a vacation rental with a kitchen could help you prepare your own meals.
Traveling during the shoulder or low season (instead of winter) means you'll get lower prices on accommodations and have fewer crowds to deal with.
Many enjoy discovering Tamarindo by walking, so it's beneficial to stay in a central spot. However, this convenience could lead to increased costs.
Transportation Budget in Tamarindo
The public transit in Tamarindo is quite good and serves many major spots. There are three public bus lines through town. Public transportation is a great money-saving choice if it's accessible to where you're headed. Taxis and rideshares are also widely available in town.
For those who enjoy foot exploration, this destination is perfect. The town is easy to walk around and explore on foot.
Public Transit: 
(good)
Walkability: (great)
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $68 (₡34,923) per person, per day, on local transportation in Tamarindo. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Tamarindo is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$68
₡34,923
Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport to Hotel Riu Guanacaste for $15 details
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Riu Guanacaste or Riu Palace Costa Rica for $125 details
- Airport Transfer from Liberia Airport to Andaz Papagayo Hyatt (Round Trip) for $180 details
How much does it cost to go to Tamarindo? 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 Tamarindo 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.
Food Budget in Tamarindo
Food in Tamarindo is pretty good, but you'll need to do some research to find the most popular restaurants. Keep an eye out for a few fantastic spots in the town. There's a combination of beach bars and restaurants in town that offer local cuisine and international options. Many places have a laid back vibe that fits with the town's atmosphere but you'll also find some more upscale options.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Tamarindo can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Tamarindo is $56 (₡28,391) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$56
₡28,391
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Tamarindo is around $55 (₡28391) per person, with previous travelers spending from $24 to $110. 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 Tamarindo are as follows:
- Breakfast: $6 to $17
- Lunch: $8 to $22
- Dinner: $17 to $39
- Coffee: $4
- Fast Food or Street Food: $8
You can find traditional Costa Rican food (rice, beans, plantains, etc.), great places for seafood, and even a German bakery in the town of Tamarindo. There are many places that serve extremely fresh seafood and produce as well. A couple restaurants to visit are Longboards BBQ, which has American music and sports playing at the restaurant. Le Petit Cafe serves everything from home baked goods to Jamaican jerk chicken. Pipos Dogs are arguably the best hot dogs in town, and they are open very late. Tamarindo has incredible fresh fruit as well, including papaya, pineapple, mango, and bananas, so make sure that you try it.
When you're on the road with kids, look for eateries that have a kids' menu. This can lead to considerable savings, as those meals are generally less expensive. Some restaurants might not highlight their kids' options, so don't hesitate to ask the waiter before you order.
Several hotels include breakfast with your stay, while others charge separately for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly depending on the hotel. Knowing this in advance can guide your budget decisions. It could be worth it for the tasty buffet available at the hotel, or you may wish to find a cheaper option at a local bakery or cafe.
Keep a water bottle handy instead of buying drinks everywhere. It's also a great way to reduce waste.
If you're considering a tour, double-check which meals are included in the package. There may be instances where you'll have to pay for your own meals, potentially stretching your budget.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Tamarindo. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Traditional Cooking Class In Tamarindo for $95 details
- Traditional Cooking Class In Tamarindo for $95 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Tamarindo
The reason people visit Tamarindo is clear, as it offers nightlife, beaches, family-friendly activities, and romance.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Tamarindo typically cost an average of $17 (₡8,661) 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.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$17
₡8,661
The first thing you'll want to see in Tamarindo is the beach. It's about three kilometers long and is backed by some of Costa Rica's National Parks. The water is unbelievably warm and clear, with white sand on the beach. You will most likely see (or at least hear) the famous Howler Monkeys in the trees that line the beach. These monkeys are all over the country, and can be aggressive so don't get to close to them! You could possibly even see some sea turtles; they have been known to lay their eggs in the northern part of the shore.
There is a saltwater estuary in Tamarindo within the wildlife refuge. You can take a tour along the canals and hopefully spot some ospreys and herons, or maybe even the crocodiles that live in the area.
Tamarindo is known for fishing, surfing, snorkeling, diving, zip lining, and much more. You can also just sit back and relax on the beach with a good book if that is what an ideal vacation sounds like to you. For amazing tours of Tamarindo and the Guanacaste region as a whole, Native's Way Guanacaste is a great company to check out. They can take you on tours of the National Parks, zip lining, surfing, paddle boarding, and transportation to get you to all of these places.
Surfing is a very popular activity in Tamarindo. You can get lessons and rent gear at multiple different places on the beach, however, for beginners, remember that this beach is known for surfing so the water can get over crowded at times. Scuba diving and snorkeling are great activities while in Tamarindo. There is actually a beach about 20 minutes outside the town that offers a great place for both of these activities called Hacienda Pinilla. Go Fish Costa Rica is a great company that can take you out fishing; they are located on Tamarindo Beach. For those looking to really relax while in Tamarindo, Yoga Massage Therapy is a must do. This company pairs massage therapy with yoga to heal and relax you in a whole new way. They are located in Plaza Conchal.
Beaches:
Many visitors are drawn to Tamarindo for its inviting beach atmosphere. The beaches are popular with surfers but the currents can be strong so swimmers should use caution. The golden sand and beautiful setting make this a fun and chill beach destination. There are also plenty of water sports to choose from.
A nice way to explore destinations in Tamarindo 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:
- ATV Hidden Beaches Tour for $125 details
- ATV Tour Jobo for $117 details
- La Leona Waterfall Hike and Natural Hot Springs Tour for $178 details
Nightlife Budget in Tamarindo
With its fun and active nightlife, Tamarindo attracts visitors eager to experience the local bars, clubs, and parties. The town has beach bars, dance clubs, and regular parties that attract tourists and locals alike. The evening has a vibrant atmosphere that is perfect for unwinding after a day of surfing or swimming.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $14 (₡7,057) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Tamarindo per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
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Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$14
₡7,057
The nightlife is always tempting, but cutting down on drinks is an effective way to manage your travel spending.
Nighttime outings can be fun, but make sure to stay aware of your environment, especially if you've been drinking. Pickpockets or worse could take advantage, so stick to trusted company.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Tamarindo. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Tamarindo Bar Crawl Experience for $15 details
Tamarindo Beach, Costa Rica
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.