Which place is cheaper, San Jose or Antalya?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Antalya or San Jose?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Antalya 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: Antalya or San Jose?
Antalya
Antalya is the largest city along Turkey's Mediterranean coast and the eighth largest city in the country with over one million people in the metropolitan area. The city dates back to about 200 BC when it was settled by the Attalid Dynasty of Pergamon and soon conquered by the Romans. The city was ruled by several different groups and most recently was transferred to Italian suzerainty following World War I. It became part of Turkey following the War of Independence. The city has seen an influx of development in recent years and it has grown into a tourism mecca with more than 12 million visitors in 2014.
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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, 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 dayAntalya $147San Jose $89
The average daily cost (per person) in Antalya is $147, 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 Antalya and San Jose in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAntalya $55San Jose $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAntalya $110San Jose $96
Compare Hotels in Antalya and San Jose
Looking for a hotel in Antalya 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: Antalya Hotel Prices and San Jose Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Antalya $110San Jose $19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Antalya
Also for Antalya, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- olympos cable car with transfer from antalya: $88
- fire of anatolia show ticket and transfer: $77
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Antalya HTL-APT (AYT): $35
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Antalya APT-HTL (AYT): $35
- Transfer from Antalya Airport to city of Side: $74
- Transfer from Antalya Airport to Tekirova: $85
- Transfer from Antalya Airport to Kiris/Camyuva: $81
- Transfer from Antalya Airport to Kemer: $74
- The Land of Legends at Night w/Boat Parade Inl. Transfer f/Side: $35
- The Land of Legends Theme Park with Transfer from Side: $141
- The Land of Legends Theme Park with Transfer from Antalya: $91
- Suluada Boat Tour with Lunch & Roundtrip Transfer from Antalya: $48
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 Antalya or San Jose?
Prices for flights to both San Jose and Antalya 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 dayAntalya $25San Jose $18
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Antalya
For Antalya, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Traditional Turkish Tastes at Antalya Food Tour: $47
- Giza Pyramids Sound and Light Show with Dinner: $73
- Full day trip to Pamukkale from Side with dinner: $104
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.Antalya $46San Jose $21
Tours and Activities in Antalya
For Antalya, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Antalya City Tour: $66
- Full Day Tour in Altınbeşik Cave and Ürünlü : $60
- Full-Day Adventure 3 in 1 activity from Antalya to Köprülü Canyon National Park: $53
- Tour of waterfall (unıque): $71
- 2 Days Cappadocia Tour from Antalya: $49
- 2 in 1 Tour in Antalya Rafting and Buggy Safari Tour with Lunch : $40
- 3 in 1 Rafting Buggy Safari and Zipline Adventure in Antalya: $38
- 4-Hour Antalya Short Shopping Tour: $21
- 4-Hour Guided Antalya Aquarium Tour : $68
- 6-Hour Kemer Pirate Boat Tour with Open-Buffet Lunch from Antalya: $29
- 7 Hour Adventure on The Land of Legends Theme Park (Antalya): $121
- ATV Adventure Antalya with Hotel Pick-Up : $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:
- 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 dayAntalya $20San Jose $16
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 Antalya and San Jose, we can see that Antalya is more expensive. And not only is San Jose much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Antalya 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 Antalya would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Antalya 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 Antalya Expensive? and Is San Jose Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Antalya or San Jose?
Antalya has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of San Jose. When comparing the sizes of Antalya 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 Antalya or San Jose?
Antalya 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 Antalya or San Jose in the Summer?
Both San Jose and Antalya are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Antalya for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to San Jose because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the summer, Antalya is around the same temperature as San Jose. Typically, the summer temperatures in Antalya in July average around 28°C (83°F), and San Jose averages at about 28°C (82°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Antalya. Antalya usually receives more sunshine than San Jose during summer. Antalya gets 376 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 July, Antalya usually receives less rain than San Jose. Antalya gets 3 mm (0.1 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 JulyAntalya 28°C (83°F)San Jose 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Antalya or San Jose in the Autumn?
Both San Jose and Antalya during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Antalya in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round.
In October, Antalya is generally cooler than San Jose. Daily temperatures in Antalya average around 21°C (69°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It's quite sunny in Antalya. In the autumn, Antalya often gets more sunshine than San Jose. Antalya gets 251 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. Antalya usually gets less rain in October than San Jose. Antalya gets 70 mm (2.8 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 OctoberAntalya 21°C (69°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Antalya or San Jose in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Antalya and San Jose. Most visitors come to Antalya for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Antalya is much colder than San Jose in the winter. The daily temperature in Antalya averages around 11°C (51°F) in January, 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. Antalya usually receives less sunshine than San Jose during winter. Antalya gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.
Antalya gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Antalya usually receives more rain than San Jose. Antalya gets 239 mm (9.4 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 JanuaryAntalya 11°C (51°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Antalya or San Jose in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Antalya as well as San Jose. The spring months attract visitors to Antalya because of the beaches and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Jose throughout the year.
In the spring, Antalya is much colder than San Jose. Typically, the spring temperatures in Antalya in April average around 16°C (62°F), and San Jose averages at about 29°C (85°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Jose. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Antalya this time of the year. In the spring, Antalya often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Jose. Antalya gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 255 hours of full sun.
Antalya usually gets more rain in April than San Jose. Antalya gets 46 mm (1.8 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 AprilAntalya 16°C (62°F)San Jose 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for San Jose and Antalya
| Antalya | San Jose | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 11°C (51°F) | 239 mm (9.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (52°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 13°C (56°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (62°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 20°C (69°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (69°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (61°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 227 mm (8.9 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.