A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aix-en-Provence vs. San Jose for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Aix-en-Provence or San Jose?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aix-en-Provence or San Jose, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is a vibrant, laid-back, and relaxing town. Aix-en-Provence is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Aix-en-Provence travel costs.

San Jose

San Jose is a authentic, traditional, and colorful city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See San Jose travel costs.

Aix-en-Provence and San Jose: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aix-en-Provence or San Jose?

You'll generally find more things to do in San Jose than Aix-en-Provence. San Jose is bigger than Aix-en-Provence, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. San Jose is better known for its nightlife and big city activities, while Aix-en-Provence is more popular for its food, shopping, and impressive beauty. Aix-en-Provence is more touristy than San Jose and is popular for its Provençal cuisine made with local produce, its many art galleries, and its beautiful fountains and square. San Jose is well known for its colorful markets and vibrant nightlife, as well as its easy access to the rest of the country. Also, San Jose is famous for The National Museum of Costa Rica.

How is Aix-en-Provence different from San Jose?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between San Jose and Aix-en-Provence. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aix-en-Provence or San Jose?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Aix-en-Provence or San Jose.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Aix-en-Provence. In addition to its many squares and fountains, there is also Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur, Musée Granet, and Musée des Tapisseries.

San Jose is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Despite most people rushing through town, there are a number of museums, plazas, and interesting buildings that are worth checking out.

Is the Food Better in Aix-en-Provence or San Jose? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aix-en-Provence is very popular for its restaurants. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Aix-en-Provence is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The range of restaurants includes everything from modern and trendy to traditional and casual. The town is surrounded by a region that is known for its local produce. There are also many markets worth checking out in town.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in San Jose. Most people miss out on local cuisine during their time in Costa Rica, but the capital city offers the best opportunities to eat like a local. You can sample favorite local dishes such as chifrijo, gallo pinto, rondón, and casado. You should also wander through the Central Market and dine at one of the many local restaurants.

Is Aix-en-Provence or San Jose Better for Nightlife?

San Jose is well known for its evening party scene. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known for nightlife.

San Jose is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. This city has the best nightlife in all of Costa Rica. You'll find a diversity of clubs and bars that are fun to explore. Check out the reggae bars, dance clubs, and sports bars (where you can enjoy a soccer game) while you're in town.

Aix-en-Provence doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The nightlife scene that does exist is mostly influenced by the town's large student population.

Is the Shopping Better in Aix-en-Provence or San Jose?

Aix-en-Provence is very popular for shopping. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Aix-en-Provence. It has some of the best shopping in France outside of Paris. There are many shopping streets where you can pick up trendy fashions or boutique local finds. Head to Rue Marius Reynard, Les Allées Provençales, or Rue Clemenceau for some of the best shopping.

San Jose is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are a number of unique things you can buy in the city including jewelry, handbags, and wood workings. Make sure you check out the Central Market.

Is Aix-en-Provence or San Jose More Beautiful?

Aix-en-Provence is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, San Jose is not a destination known for its beauty.

Aix-en-Provence is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's a beautiful town with nice architecture and a relaxed but active vibe.

San Jose is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Aix-en-Provence or San Jose Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Aix-en-Provence or San Jose as a family destination.

Aix-en-Provence doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Many kids enjoy checking out the town's many fountains or taking a bike for a ride outside of town.

For families, San Jose is not always the best place to visit. Most people pass through the city quickly, but if you have a day or two to explore, you can visit the Children's Museum (Museo de los Niños), Spirogyra Butterfly Gardens, or explore the Central Market.

Is Aix-en-Provence or San Jose Better for Couples?

Aix-en-Provence is a very popular place for romance. However, San Jose is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Aix-en-Provence makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's among the most charming towns in southern France and couples will enjoy the romantic buildings, beautiful fountains, and relaxing countryside. Whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's getaway, this is a great town.

Most people don't think of San Jose as a couple's destination. While Costa Rica is a popular honeymoon destination, the capital city is often overlooked for the beaches and rainforests around the country.

Is Aix-en-Provence or San Jose Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Jose is well known for backpackers. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

San Jose is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers appreciate the affordability of the city and the wide range of hostels that you can choose from. The city also offers an authentic glimpse of life in Costa Rica.

Aix-en-Provence is a good town to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels and cheap hotels that are good options for backpackers.

Is Aix-en-Provence or San Jose Better for Students?

Aix-en-Provence is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Aix-en-Provence is a great town to visit as a student. It's a university town with a lively but laid-back atmosphere. It's also a popular study abroad destination for American university students.

San Jose is popular with students. Many students come to Costa Rica to study the country's amazing environment and unique ecological systems. San Jose makes a good base as its easy to travel to other parts of this small country.

Is Aix-en-Provence or San Jose Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Aix-en-Provence and San Jose.

You'll find some public transit in Aix-en-Provence, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. For the places you can't reach on foot, there is a bus network.

While San Jose offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local buses that travel through the city during the daytime hours.

Is Aix-en-Provence or San Jose a more walkable city?

Aix-en-Provence is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Aix-en-Provence is very walkable. It's walkable, particularly in the heart of the city, so it's fun to explore on foot.

San Jose is a somewhat walkable place. It can feel a bit chaotic, but it's relatively easy to get around on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Aix-en-Provence Worth Visiting? and Is San Jose Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Jose or Aix-en-Provence?

How long in Aix-en-Provence or San Jose?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Aix-en-Provence or San Jose to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Aix-en-Provence than San Jose because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Aix-en-Provence, and 1-2 days is enough time in San Jose.

Families should spend more time in Aix-en-Provence than San Jose. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Aix-en-Provence, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Aix-en-Provence than San Jose. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Aix-en-Provence that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Jose than Aix-en-Provence if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in San Jose.

One day in Aix-en-Provence or San Jose?

The beautiful town of Aix-en-Provence offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The authentic destination of San Jose offers nightlife and food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Aix-en-Provence or San Jose?

Aix-en-Provence is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Aix-en-Provence, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

The city of San Jose offers food and shopping. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Aix-en-Provence or San Jose?

Aix-en-Provence is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

San Jose is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Aix-en-Provence or San Jose?

Aix-en-Provence is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting San Jose. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France, The Best Coach Bus Tours in France, The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aix-en-Provence and San Jose, we can see that Aix-en-Provence is more expensive. And not only is San Jose much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Aix-en-Provence is in Europe 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 Aix-en-Provence would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aix-en-Provence 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 Aix-en-Provence Expensive? and Is San Jose Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Aix-en-Provence or San Jose?

San Jose has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Aix-en-Provence. When comparing the sizes of Aix-en-Provence 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 Aix-en-Provence or San Jose?

Aix-en-Provence 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 Aix-en-Provence or San Jose in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Aix-en-Provence as well as San Jose. The summer months attract visitors to Aix-en-Provence because of the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Jose throughout the year.

In the summer, Aix-en-Provence is cooler than San Jose. Typically, the summer temperatures in Aix-en-Provence in July average around 24°C (75°F), and San Jose averages at about 28°C (82°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aix-en-Provence this time of the year. In the summer, Aix-en-Provence often gets more sunshine than San Jose. Aix-en-Provence gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 164 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in San Jose. Aix-en-Provence usually gets less rain in July than San Jose. Aix-en-Provence gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aix-en-Provence or San Jose in the Autumn?

Both San Jose and Aix-en-Provence are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Aix-en-Provence this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to San Jose because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In October, Aix-en-Provence is generally much colder than San Jose. Daily temperatures in Aix-en-Provence average around 16°C (61°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aix-en-Provence. Aix-en-Provence usually receives more sunshine than San Jose during autumn. Aix-en-Provence gets 205 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. In October, Aix-en-Provence usually receives less rain than San Jose. Aix-en-Provence gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in San Jose is December to April. May to November is the hurricane season in San Jose.

Should I visit Aix-en-Provence or San Jose in the Winter?

Both San Jose and Aix-en-Provence during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Aix-en-Provence for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round.

Aix-en-Provence is much colder than San Jose in the winter. The daily temperature in Aix-en-Provence averages around 7°C (44°F) in January, and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In San Jose, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Aix-en-Provence often gets less sunshine than San Jose. Aix-en-Provence gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 264 hours of full sun.

Aix-en-Provence usually gets more rain in January than San Jose. Aix-en-Provence gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aix-en-Provence or San Jose in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Aix-en-Provence and San Jose. Many visitors come to Aix-en-Provence in the spring for the natural beauty. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the spring, Aix-en-Provence is much colder than San Jose. Typically, the spring temperatures in Aix-en-Provence in April average around 13°C (56°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 Aix-en-Provence, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aix-en-Provence usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Jose during spring. Aix-en-Provence gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Aix-en-Provence usually receives more rain than San Jose. Aix-en-Provence gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring. December to April in San Jose is the dry season. May to November in San Jose is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for San Jose and Aix-en-Provence