A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Acapulco de Juarez vs. San Juan for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Acapulco de Juarez or San Juan?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or San Juan? 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 Juan?

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 Juan

If you've ever set foot on a Caribbean cruise, you've probably spent a bit of time in San Juan, Puerto Rico. However, maybe you should consider spending more than just a port day in this beautiful and historically rich city.

As the capital and largest city in all of Puerto Rico, San Juan is home to approximately 400,000 people. Established in 1521, it is also the second oldest European-founded settlement in the Americas.

As this city fuses a historic paradise with modern day energy, it has absolutely everything to offer. Intellectual wanderers, beach bums, rainforest adventurers and radical surfers will all find plenty to do in San Juan.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Acapulco de Juarez?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Acapulco de Juarez is $67, while the average daily cost in San Juan is $218. 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 Juan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Acapulco de Juarez $33
    San Juan $124
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Acapulco de Juarez $66
    San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Acapulco de Juarez and San Juan

Looking for a hotel in Acapulco de Juarez or San Juan? 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.

Hotels in Acapulco de Juarez


Hotels in San Juan


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 Juan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Acapulco de Juarez $14
    San Juan $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Acapulco de Juarez

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Acapulco de Juarez:

  • 1st Day Airport Transfer On 2nd Day 6Hr All The Attractions Combo: $109
  • Private Airport Transfer &on 2nd Day 4Hr TourAll AttractionsCombo: $90
  • Private - One Way or Round Trip Airport Transfer: $66
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Acapulco Airport (ACA) - Bahia de Acapulco: $63
  • Acapulco Airport Roundtrip Transfers: $60
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Vehicle Acapulco Airport (ACA) - Bahia de Acapulco: $40
  • Transfer in private minivan from Bahía de Acapulco -Acapulco Airport (ACA): $31
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Acapulco Airport (ACA) -Bahía de Acapulco: $20
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Bahía de Acapulco - Acapulco Airport (ACA): $20
  • Acapulco Airport (ACA) to Acapulco hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $20
  • Acapulco hotels to Acapulco Airport (ACA) – Departure Private Transfer : $20
  • Shared transfer from Acapulco Airport (ACA) - Acapulco: $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan

Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Arrival Private Transfer SJU Airport to Old San Juan by SUV: $125
  • Carabali Rain Forest Round Trip Private Taxi Transfer: $210
  • From Private Transfer to Ceiba Ferry Terminal: $99
  • HandyCap Airport Transfer to Isla Verde, Condado or Ocean Park: $100
  • HandyCap Transfer Airport to Dorado, Rio Grande or Luquillo: $270
  • Old Walking Tour with Shopping and Hotel Transfer: $70
  • One-way transfer from SJU Airport to Cruise Port or Vice Versa: $55
  • Oneway Transfer- San Juan (SJU,hotel,airbnb,port) to Dorado City: $68
  • Oneway Transfer- San Juan from/to Rio Grande or Loiza: $68
  • Private Taxi Transfer from San Juan Airport (SJU) to Dorado PR: $110
  • Private Transfer from San Juan Airport (SJU) to Ponce Cruise Port: $80
  • Private Transfer from San Juan to Humacao: $80

Is it cheaper to fly into Acapulco de Juarez or San Juan?

Prices for flights to both San Juan 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Acapulco de Juarez $24
    San Juan $62

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.

  • Cliff Divers Exhibition 2 Drinks + Tacos al Pastor Dinner & Beer: $55
  • High Divers DeLuxe Three Course Dinner + Two Drinks plus SUNSET: $66
  • Wrestling-Lucha Libre Experience Tacos Beer Dinner Only SATURDAYS: $74
  • Sunset Dinner and Cliff Divers in Acapulco: $91
  • Hands ON Mex Cooking Class Experience City Tour & Market & Lunch : $99
  • Hands On Mexican Cooking Class with Food Tasting & Market Visit: $100
  • Mexican Fiesta Show & Dinner: $115
  • Off the Beaten Path Mexican Cooking Class Lagoon Boatride &Lunch: $179
  • Bella Vista PRIVATE Al Fresco 3 Course Dinner Cliff Diver3Drinks: $191
  • Divers Show and Luxury Dinner in Acapulco: $199
  • Super DeLuxe Bella Vista Dinner &1 Drink +2 Drinks at CliffDivers: $253

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Juan

For San Juan, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • From Pinones Beach & Bar Hopping Food Tour: $50
  • Piñones Bar Crawl and Beach Hop Food Tour with Drinks: $56
  • Puerto Rican food tasting and beginner cooking Tour: $59
  • Elevated Sunset or Night Dinner Experience Ocean View 4 Courses: $155
  • Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $170
  • Savor the Sunset: Old San Juan Walking Food Tour: $179

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Acapulco de Juarez $15
    San Juan $49

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.: $60
  • Culture Tour Museums Municipal & Witch Doctor Market & LUNCH: $129
  • High Diver Optional Lunch + Shopping Tour Flea Market & Shops: $131
  • Small-Group or Private All Inclusive 4 Hours City Tour & Divers: $61
  • 4 Hrs Exclusive to Cruise Ship Passengers Sightseeing Experience : $67
  • 4-6Hrs Acapulco City Tour With a Fun Guide. Diver Show, Mex Lunch: $55
  • 4hr Fun Guide Tour For Cruisers or Hotels Guests with Divers Show: $58
  • 6Hr Cruise or Hotels City Tour, Divers, Baby Turtles Peace Chapel: $75
  • 6Hr Cruisers or Hotels High Diver Peace Chapel BabyTurtleRelease: $96
  • 6Hr Fun Guide Different Options Tour for Cruiser or Hotel Guests : $76
  • Acapulco City Tour: $70
  • Acapulco City Tour: $58

Typical Entertainment Prices in San Juan

For San Juan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Horseback Riding Tour
    $40
  • Full Day Snorkeling Trip
    $100
  • 1 Hr Windsurfing Lesson
    $75

Tours and Activities in San Juan

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Juan.

  • Self-Guided Tour with Audio Guide: $14
  • Group Transportation in airport, cruise ships, hotels, bnb's in San Juan, PR: $20
  • Old Guided Tour 100% in Swedish: $25
  • Old San Juan Walking Tour with a Certified Guide: $30
  • History, Legends, & Highlights Guided Walking Tour: $30
  • Explore Old San Juan Walking Tour: $30
  • Tour de Viejo San Juan en Español: $30
  • Old San Juan Walking Tour with a Local Certified Guide: $30
  • Old San Juan History & Culture Guided Walking Tour: $35
  • Old San Juan City Walking Tour: $39
  • Old San Juan Walking Tour: $39
  • Urban Park Sky Bull Zipline Experience: $39

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Acapulco de Juarez $9.09
    San Juan $12

Sample the Local Flavors in San Juan

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Juan:

  • Puerto Rico: Ocean Lab Brewery and Tobaco Farm Tour: $149


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Acapulco de Juarez and San Juan, we can see that San Juan is more expensive. And not only is Acapulco de Juarez much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Acapulco de Juarez is in North America and San Juan is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Acapulco de Juarez would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Acapulco de Juarez 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 San Juan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Juan than you might in Acapulco de Juarez.

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 Juan Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Acapulco de Juarez or San Juan?

Acapulco de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 56% larger than the population of San Juan. When comparing the sizes of Acapulco de Juarez and San Juan, 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 Juan?

Acapulco de Juarez has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Juan experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or San Juan in the Summer?

Both San Juan and Acapulco de Juarez during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Acapulco de Juarez because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.

In the summer, Acapulco de Juarez is around the same temperature as San Juan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez in July average around 29°C (83°F), and San Juan averages at about 28°C (83°F).

In San Juan, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Acapulco de Juarez. In the summer, Acapulco de Juarez often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Acapulco de Juarez gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Acapulco de Juarez. Acapulco de Juarez usually gets more rain in July than San Juan. Acapulco de Juarez gets 209 mm (8.2 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Acapulco de Juarez 29°C (83°F) 
    San Juan 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or San Juan in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Acapulco de Juarez and San Juan. The shopping scene are the main draw to Acapulco de Juarez this time of year. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Acapulco de Juarez is generally around the same temperature as San Juan. Daily temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez average around 28°C (83°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan 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 Juan during autumn. Acapulco de Juarez gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.

San Juan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Acapulco de Juarez gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives around the same amount of rain as San Juan. Acapulco de Juarez gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Acapulco de Juarez 28°C (83°F) 
    San Juan 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or San Juan in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Acapulco de Juarez as well as San Juan. Many travelers come to Acapulco de Juarez for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.

Acapulco de Juarez is around the same temperature as San Juan in the winter. The daily temperature in Acapulco de Juarez averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and San Juan fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Acapulco de Juarez this time of the year. In the winter, Acapulco de Juarez often gets more sunshine than San Juan. Acapulco de Juarez gets 272 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun.

Acapulco de Juarez usually gets less rain in January than San Juan. Acapulco de Juarez gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Acapulco de Juarez 26°C (79°F) 
    San Juan 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or San Juan in the Spring?

Both San Juan and Acapulco de Juarez are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez in the spring for the beaches. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the spring, Acapulco de Juarez is around the same temperature as San Juan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez in April average around 27°C (81°F), and San Juan averages at about 26°C (79°F).

It's quite sunny in San Juan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Acapulco de Juarez. Acapulco de Juarez usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Juan during spring. Acapulco de Juarez gets 274 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives less rain than San Juan. Acapulco de Juarez gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Acapulco de Juarez 27°C (81°F) 
    San Juan 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for San Juan and Acapulco de Juarez

Acapulco de Juarez San Juan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 26°C (80°F) 1 mm (0 in) 25°C (77°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Jun 29°C (83°F) 271 mm (10.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 209 mm (8.2 in) 28°C (83°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 312 mm (12.3 in) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 341 mm (13.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Oct 28°C (83°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 50 mm (2 in) 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 26°C (78°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)


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