Costa Rica First Class for the cost of Hawaii in economy?
It’s ironic that Costa Rica literally means “rich coast” when the cost of getting there means you can be anything but rich. And that’s a good place to start when thinking about a tropical vacation, as so many families invariably do.
While Hawaii is a super common choice, of course, both Hawaii and Costa Rica have gorgeous beaches, warm sunny weather, palm trees, and cocktails in coconuts.
But when considering your next tropical escape, there are some key differences to consider.
Costa Rica vs. Hawaii
First, let’s look at distances. From many U.S. cities, Costa Rica is less than 6 hours away, and as little as 4 hours away for some. That’s similar to Los Angeles-Maui. But of course, New York-Maui is a different kettle of (slow-cooked) fish (in banana peels).
Getting There
Flight Time to Costa Rica
New York to San José: 2,215 miles, 5:15 hours
Los Angeles to San José: 2,725 miles, 5:55 hours
Dallas to San José: 1,772 miles, 4:10 hours
Flight Time to Hawaii
New York to Maui: 5,102 miles, 10:55 hours
Los Angeles to Maui: 2,485 miles, 5:50 hours
Dallas to Maui: 3,711 miles, 8:30 hours
Airfares to Costa Rica vs. Hawaii
Here’s a whopping difference: Business Class to Costa Rica can at times be had for the price of a coach fare to Hawaii. For example, New York-Maui with American, Delta, or United in coach costs from ~$500 to $1,200. Fares from New York to San José or Liberia, Costa Rica, in Business Class with American, Delta, or United can frequently cost as little as $724.
If you believe, as I do, that with a seat in a comfy premium cabin your vacation begins when you get on the plane, not off it, then this is just the ticket.
Here are comparative fares from a range of U.S. cities.
[table_opt id="6298" style="gray-header" header_rows="2" width="narrow" alignment="thcenter" heading="thcenter" rows="tdcenter" responsive="no" /]
Sample Hotel Cost Comparison Costa Rica vs. Hawaii
Costa Rica hits the mark with lower-price hotels too. For example, you can stay at a four-star hotel such as the JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa and pay hundreds less per night than you would for a hotel of similar quality in Hawaii.
The JW Marriott Guanacaste starts at $250 per night for a standard room, while the Wailea Beach Resort Marriott, Maui starts at $614+ per night.
For a one-bedroom garden suite at the JW Marriott Guanacaste, you pay as low as $539 per night, while the Wailea Beach Resort Marriott, Maui starts at $1,700+ per night — that’s three tropical romantic nights in Costa Rica for the price of one in Hawaii.
Once again, Costa Rica takes the cake.
Fun in Costa Rica vs. Hawaii
Don’t get me wrong, I love Hawaii, and I’ll certainly be back there. We put this together to show that there’s more than just the default option. There are great alternatives waiting south of the border.
Both Hawaii and Costa Rica have their share of spectacular beaches, volcanoes, water sports, and rainforests. That said, the cost to access some of these activities is much cheaper in Costa Rica. What’s more the Central American country is known for its magical fog-shrouded cloud forest and thrilling zip-lining opportunities, where you skim across the jungle canopy, sometimes above crashing waterfalls. It’s a pretty special place.
When you’re itching for a quick tropical getaway, the winner just might be Costa Rica.