Which place is cheaper, San Jose or Acapulco de Juarez?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Acapulco de Juarez or San Jose?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or San Jose? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Acapulco de Juarez or San Jose?
Acapulco de Juarez
Located on the southwestern Pacific Coast of Mexico is the beautiful beach city of Acapulco de Juarez. Acapulco is one of the original travel and resort destinations in Mexico, and it's still considered a popular spring break destination for Americans. Known as simply "Acapulco" to many travelers, this region is a popular spot for cruise lines to stop and timeshares to grow. Thanks to those cruise lines and timeshares, tourist activities like water parks and jet skis have experienced considerable growth.
San Jose
San Jose is the capital city of Costa Rica and is likely to be your first and last stop in a visit to the country. The city is situated in the Central Valley and is surrounded by beautiful mountains and valleys, making for a beautiful flight in. The city has an elevation of 1200 meters and sits on a plateau with a beautiful backdrop of lush green forest. Half of the people in Costa Rica reside in the country's capital city. You are likely to stay only a day or two, but there are a handful of things to do and see including museums and markets. You will also find many embassies, as well as the University of Costa Rica in San Jose.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAcapulco de Juarez $81San Jose $90
The average daily cost (per person) in Acapulco de Juarez is $81, while the average daily cost in San Jose is $90. 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 Acapulco de Juarez and San Jose in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAcapulco de Juarez $39San Jose $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAcapulco de Juarez $78San Jose $98
Compare Hotels in Acapulco de Juarez and San Jose
Looking for a hotel in Acapulco de Juarez or San Jose? 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: Acapulco de Juarez Hotel Prices and San Jose Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Acapulco de Juarez $16San Jose $19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Acapulco de Juarez
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Acapulco de Juarez:
- Transfer in private minivan from Bahía de Acapulco -Acapulco Airport (ACA): $32
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Bahía de Acapulco - Acapulco Airport (ACA): $24
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Acapulco Airport (ACA) -Bahía de Acapulco: $24
- Shared transfer from Acapulco Airport (ACA) - Acapulco: $6.00
- Roundtrip Transfer Private Vehicle Acapulco Airport (ACA) - Bahia de Acapulco: $49
- Private Airport Transfer &on 2nd Day 4Hr TourAll AttractionsCombo: $90
- Airport Transfer in Suburban: $65
- Acapulco hotels to Acapulco Airport (ACA) – Departure Private Transfer : $20
- Acapulco Airport Transfer: $10
- Private Best Round Trip Airport - Hotel - Airport Transfer : $70
- Private - One Way or Round Trip Airport Transfer: $66
Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Jose
Some typical examples of transportation costs in San Jose are as follows:
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Taxi from SJO$25
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Local Bus$2.72
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Jose
Also for San Jose, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer San José Airport - La Fortuna: $180
- Airport transfer from SJO Airport to Los Sueños Marriott: $170
- Arrival Transfer San Jose Airport SJO to Arenal by Minivan: $177
- Arrival Transfer San Jose Airport SJO to San Jose City by Minivan: $35
- Arrival Transfer San Jose Airport to Manuel Antonio by Minivan: $158
- Direct Transfer From San Jose to Cahuita, English Speaking Driver: $240
- Direct Transfer From San Jose to Limon, English Speaking Driver: $192
- Direct Transfer From San Jose to Monteverde, English Speaking Driver: $180
- Direct transfer from San Jose to La Fortuna, English Speaking Driver: $153
- Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) to Jaco - Arrival Private Transfer: $68
- Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) to Jaco - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $135
- Juan Santamaria Intl Airport (SJO) to San Jose - Private Transfer: $70
Is it cheaper to fly into Acapulco de Juarez or San Jose?
Prices for flights to both San Jose and Acapulco de Juarez 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 dayAcapulco de Juarez $29San Jose $18
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Acapulco de Juarez
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Acapulco de Juarez.
- High Divers DeLuxe Three Course Dinner +Three Drinks plus SUNSET: $49
- Cliff Divers Exhibition 2 Drinks + Tacos al Pastor Dinner & Beer: $55
- Cliff Diver De Luxe 3 Course Dinner at "La Quebrada" in Acapulco: $56
- Cliff Divers Show With Dinner At Acapulco: $72
- Wrestling-Lucha Libre Experience Tacos Beer Dinner Only SUNDAY: $84
- Off the Beaten Path Mexican Cooking Class Lagoon Boatride &Lunch: $89
- Hands ON - Mex Cooking Class Experience - City Market & Lunch : $90
- Hands On Mexican Cooking Class with Food Tasting & Market Visit: $100
- Mexican Fiesta Show & Dinner: $115
- Bella Vista PRIVATE Al Fresco 3 Course Dinner Cliff Diver3Drinks: $191
- Super DeLuxe Bella Vista Dinner &1 Drink +2 Drinks at CliffDivers: $193
- Divers Show and Luxury Dinner in Acapulco: $199
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Jose
For San Jose, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Bites and Sights: Walking Food Tour in San Jose, Costa Rica: $34
- Tropical Cooking Classes: $52
- San Jose By Night Tour: Farm to Table Dinner & Cocktail Class: $57
- San Jose Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour and visit Gold Museum : $60
- Half-Day San Jose Evening Bus Tour with Dinner and Pickup: $76
- Explore San Jose By Night: Food and Culture Tour with Local Dinner: $80
- Private Authentic Food Tour in San José: $84
- Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner: $179
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Acapulco de Juarez $18San Jose $21
Tours and Activities in Acapulco de Juarez
Here are a few actual costs in Acapulco de Juarez for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 4Hrs City Tour Exclusively for Hotels, Divers, Chapel & Mural.: $44
- 6Hr Walking Tour San Diego Fort Museum Cliff Divers Zocalo: $68
- Small-Group or Private All Inclusive 4 Hours City Tour & Divers: $36
- 4 Hrs Exclusive to Cruise Ship Passengers Sightseeing Experience : $62
- 4-6Hrs Acapulco City Tour With a Fun Guide. Diver Show, Mex Lunch: $47
- 4Hrs Small Group Half Day City Tour with Lunch at High Divers: $85
- 4hr City Tour For Cruises or Hotels Diver Peace Chapel & Mural: $40
- 6Hr City Tour Cruise or Hotel Turtle Nesting High Diver & Market: $51
- 6Hr Cruise or Hotels City Tour, Divers, Baby Turtles Peace Chapel: $51
- 6Hr Cruisers or Hotels High Diver Peace Chapel BabyTurtleRelease: $50
- Acapulco City Tour : $35
- Acapulco Historical Tour with Cliff Divers Show: $65
Tours and Activities in San Jose
For San Jose, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Entrance ticket to the Hacienda Orosi: $21
- Hiking Experience in El Quetzal Private Reserve: $26
- Visit a Butterfly Chapel, Gardens, Coffee Tour with Typical Lunch: $30
- Private Roasting and Cupping Coffee Experience: $30
- Hacienda Alsacia Starbucks Coffe Tour: $31
- Poas Volcano National Park - Admission Ticket: $32
- 2-Hour Downtown San Jose Walking Tour: $33
- Private Custom Guided Tour in San Jose: $33
- 2-Hour Orosi Nocturnal Tour: $33
- San Jose Walking Nature Tour: Sloths, Birds and Trees: $33
- Skip the Line: Rescate Wildlife Rescue Centre General Admission Ticket: $35
- Historical Tour and Old Houses by Dota: $35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAcapulco de Juarez $11San Jose $17
Sample the Local Flavors in San Jose
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Jose:
- Bar Crawl in Downtown San Jose: $38
- Wine Tour and Tasting: $85
- Bar Crawl in San Jose in a Deluxe Party Bus: $100
When comparing the travel costs between Acapulco de Juarez and San Jose, we can see that San Jose 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 Acapulco de Juarez is in North America and San Jose 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 Acapulco de Juarez Expensive? and Is San Jose Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Acapulco de Juarez or San Jose?
Acapulco de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 95% larger than the population of San Jose. When comparing the sizes of Acapulco de Juarez and San Jose, 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 Acapulco de Juarez or San Jose?
Acapulco de Juarez has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Jose experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or San Jose in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Acapulco de Juarez as well as San Jose. Many travelers come to Acapulco de Juarez for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Jose throughout the year.
In the summer, Acapulco de Juarez is around the same temperature as San Jose. Typically, the summer temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez in July average around 29°C (83°F), and San Jose averages at about 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Acapulco de Juarez this time of the year. In the summer, Acapulco de Juarez often gets more sunshine than San Jose. Acapulco de Juarez gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 164 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in San Jose. Acapulco de Juarez receives a lot of rain in the summer. Acapulco de Juarez usually gets more rain in July than San Jose. Acapulco de Juarez gets 209 mm (8.2 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAcapulco de Juarez 29°C (83°F)San Jose 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or San Jose in the Autumn?
Both San Jose and Acapulco de Juarez are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez in the autumn for the shopping scene. Plenty of visitors come to San Jose because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Acapulco de Juarez is generally around the same temperature as San Jose. Daily temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez average around 28°C (83°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Acapulco de Juarez. Acapulco de Juarez usually receives more sunshine than San Jose during autumn. Acapulco de Juarez gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in San Jose. It's quite rainy in Acapulco de Juarez. In October, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives less rain than San Jose. Acapulco de Juarez gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAcapulco de Juarez 28°C (83°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or San Jose in the Winter?
Both San Jose and Acapulco de Juarez during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round.
Acapulco de Juarez is around the same temperature as San Jose in the winter. The daily temperature in Acapulco de Juarez averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
In San Jose, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Acapulco de Juarez. In the winter, Acapulco de Juarez often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Jose. Acapulco de Juarez gets 272 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 264 hours of full sun.
Acapulco de Juarez usually gets more rain in January than San Jose. Acapulco de Juarez gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAcapulco de Juarez 26°C (79°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or San Jose in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Acapulco de Juarez and San Jose. The spring months attract visitors to Acapulco de Juarez because of the beaches. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Acapulco de Juarez is around the same temperature as San Jose. Typically, the spring temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez in April average around 27°C (81°F), and San Jose averages at about 29°C (85°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Jose this time of the year. In Acapulco de Juarez, it's very sunny this time of the year. Acapulco de Juarez usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Jose during spring. Acapulco de Juarez gets 274 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives less rain than San Jose. Acapulco de Juarez gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAcapulco de Juarez 27°C (81°F)San Jose 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for San Jose and Acapulco de Juarez
| Acapulco de Juarez | San Jose | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (83°F) | 271 mm (10.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 209 mm (8.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 312 mm (12.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 341 mm (13.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 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.