Which place is cheaper, San Jose or Adelaide?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Adelaide or San Jose?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Adelaide and San Jose can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Adelaide or San Jose?
Adelaide
Adelaide is the often overlooked capital city of the State of South Australia. It's also the fifth largest city in the country. Despite being skipped by most travelers, Adelaide is an interesting city to explore and has a decent amount to offer open minded travelers. It has some fascinating architecture, unique shopping, and wonderful cafes and restaurants. Part of the appeal of Adelaide is its location in the midst of Australia's wine regions, including McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, and Clare Valley. Any of these destinations could be visited as a day trip from Adelaide.
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 G Adventures Tours to Australia, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Sydney, 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 dayAdelaide $111San Jose $89
The average daily cost (per person) in Adelaide is $111, while the average daily cost in San Jose is $89. 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 Adelaide and San Jose in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAdelaide $66San Jose $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAdelaide $132San Jose $96
Compare Hotels in Adelaide and San Jose
Looking for a hotel in Adelaide 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: Adelaide Hotel Prices and San Jose Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Adelaide $19San Jose $19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Adelaide
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Adelaide are as follows:
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Shuttle from the Train Station$3.63
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Adelaide
Also for Adelaide, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Arrival Transfer: Adelaide Airport to Hotel: $66
- One Day Kangaroo Island Sip & See tour with return ferry transfers from Adelaide: $246
- Departure Private Transfers: Adelaide to Adelaide Airport ADL in Luxury Van: $92
- Arrival Private Transfers: Adelaide Airport ADL to Adelaide in Business Car: $62
- Full-Day Private City Tour with Hotel Transfers: $496
- ADL Airport Private Transfer to Downtown: $119
- Adelaide Private Airport and City Transfer: $109
- Adelaide Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Adelaide city: $254
- Adelaide Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Adelaide: $57
- Adelaide Airport(ADL)to Adelaide city - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
- Adelaide Airport Transfers : Adelaide City to Airport ADL in Luxury Car: $106
- Adelaide Airport (ADL): Private Transfer to Adelaide hotels: $220
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$2.71
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Jose
Also for San Jose, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfers to Occidental Papagayo - Secrets Resort, Round-Trip: $130
- Transfer to Los Sueños Marriot Playa Herradura from San Jose or Airport: $215
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from SanJose Juan Santamaría Airport to SanJose City: $39
- Transfer from San Jose Airport CR (SJO) to Arenal La Fortuna Hotels: $279
- Transfer from Juan Santamaria Airport (SJO) to Quepos Cruise Port: $72
- Transfer TO & FROM SJO Airport to Esterillos - Bejuco Not Shared.: $180
- Transfer SJO Airport TO & FROM Dominical OR Uvita (One Way): $290
- Transfer Costa Rica SJO Airport To OR From Hotels nearby Private : $45
- Transfer Airport area to Manuel Antonio Hotels Private One Way: $185
- Transfer Airport Area to Jaco Hotels Private One Way Transport: $150
- Shuttle & transfer rides to Jaco beach: $137
- Shared transfer to Manuel Antonio: $70
Is it cheaper to fly into Adelaide or San Jose?
Prices for flights to both San Jose and Adelaide 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 dayAdelaide $31San Jose $18
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Adelaide
For Adelaide, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- HandleBar Bike Tour with Pub Stops & Dinner Option: $23
- Local Food Tour and Tastings with Guide: $79
- Cooking classes Goolwa: $129
- Small-Group River Murray Dark Sky and Sunset Tour with Dinner: $192
- Pipi Catching and Cooking Experience in Goolwa : $230
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
- 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
- Dinner + Typical Show in the best viewpoint of the City: $99
- Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner: $179
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Adelaide $14San Jose $21
Tours and Activities in Adelaide
For Adelaide, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2h Wine Experience, Vineyard walk, 6 wines, charcuterie board: $59
- 3-Day Yorkes Peninsula Coastal Wilderness Tour from Adelaide: $1,649
- 5-Day Flinders Ranges & Outback Eco Tour from Adelaide: $1,980
- 90 Minute Port River Dolphin & Ships Graveyard Cruise: $58
- A Taste of Rundle Mall Walking Tour: $48
- Abseiling Adventure in Adelaide: $98
- Adelaide Central Market Tour with Lunch: $122
- Adelaide Central Markets: Food Walking Tour: $46
- Adelaide City Highlights Tour: $53
- Adelaide City to Sea Bike Tour: $111
- Adelaide Gaol Adults Ghost Tour & Investigation: $28
- Adelaide Hills Day Tour. Winery Cellar Doors: $165
Tours and Activities in San Jose
For San Jose, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Explore San Jose on Foot: Food Delights and Sights Tour: $47
- Street Food Walking Tour in Downtown San Jose: $60
- 3 in 1 Eco Tour Rain Forest Aerial Tram, River Cruise & Nature Walk Private Tour: $299
- 6 in 1 RainForest Adventure From San Jose: $189
- A taste of Aquiares - 2 hours Coffee Tour: $42
- AERIAL TRAM TOUR - HALF DAY PASS Rainforest Adventures Braulio Ca: $78
- AWA Water Museum - Waterfall Adventure (Organic Food Experience): $98
- Arenal Volcano Eco Tour & Baldi Hot Springs Private Tour from San Jose: $285
- Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose: $159
- Arenal Volcano Hanging Bridges & Baldi Hot Springs. Private Tour from San Jose: $285
- Arenal Volcano Hike and Hot Springs Tour from San Jose: $142
- Arenal Volcano Horseback Riding & Baldi Hot Springs. Private Tour: $295
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAdelaide $23San Jose $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Adelaide
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Adelaide:
- Private Pinot Noir Wine Tasting & Platter in Adelaide Hills: $30
- River Torrens Desserts And Wine Tour: $43
- McLaren Vale and Glenelg Wine Tasting and Sightseeing (Half-day Afternoon): $52
- McLaren Vale and Glenelg Wine Tasting Tour: $52
- Adelaide Highlights, Hahndorf & McLaren Vale Wine Tasting and Sightseeing Tour: $79
- Highlights, Hahndorf, & McLaren Vale Wine Tastings: $79
- Barossa Valley Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour: $112
- From Barossa Valley Food and Wine Tour: $112
- The Barossa Valley Premium Wine Tour with Lunch: $112
- Barossa Small Group Wine Tours - Local Guide: $131
- Barossa Valley Food and Wine Tour: $131
- Adelaide Hills Full Day Wine Tour: $131
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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Adelaide and San Jose, we can see that Adelaide is more expensive. And not only is San Jose much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Adelaide is in Pacific and San Jose 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 San Jose would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Jose 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 Adelaide would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Adelaide than you might in San Jose.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Adelaide Expensive? and Is San Jose Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Adelaide or San Jose?
Adelaide has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of San Jose. When comparing the sizes of Adelaide 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 Adelaide or San Jose?
Adelaide 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 Adelaide or San Jose in the Summer?
Both San Jose and Adelaide are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Adelaide for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Plenty of visitors come to San Jose because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Adelaide is cooler than San Jose in the summer. The daily temperature in Adelaide averages around 22°C (72°F) in January, and San Jose fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in July.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Adelaide. Adelaide usually receives more sunshine than San Jose during summer. Adelaide gets 330 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in San Jose. In January, Adelaide usually receives less rain than San Josein July. Adelaide gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyAdelaide 22°C (72°F)San Jose 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Adelaide or San Jose in the Autumn?
Both San Jose and Adelaide during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Adelaide because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round.
In the autumn, Adelaide is much colder than San Jose. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Adelaide in April average around 18°C (64°F), and San Jose averages at about 27°C (81°F)in October.
It's quite sunny in Adelaide. In the autumn, Adelaide often gets more sunshine than San Josein October. Adelaide gets 215 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 169 hours of full sun.
San Jose gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Adelaide usually gets less rain in April than San Josein October. Adelaide gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberAdelaide 18°C (64°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Adelaide or San Jose in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Adelaide and San Jose. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Adelaide this time of year. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Adelaide is generally much colder than San Josein January. Daily temperatures in Adelaide average around 11°C (52°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Jose this time of the year. Adelaide usually receives less sunshine than San Jose during winter. Adelaide gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Adelaide usually receives more rain than San Josein January. Adelaide gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryAdelaide 11°C (52°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Adelaide or San Jose in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Adelaide as well as San Jose. Many travelers come to Adelaide for the beaches. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Jose throughout the year.
Adelaide is much colder than San Jose in the spring. The daily temperature in Adelaide averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and San Jose fluctuates around 29°C (85°F)in April.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Jose. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Adelaide this time of the year. In the spring, Adelaide often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Josein April. Adelaide gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 255 hours of full sun.
Adelaide usually gets more rain in October than San Josein April. Adelaide gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilAdelaide 16°C (61°F)San Jose 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for San Jose and Adelaide
| Adelaide | San Jose | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°C (72°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (69°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 18°C (64°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 15°C (58°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 12°C (54°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 13°C (56°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 18°C (65°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (69°F) | 25 mm (1 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.