Which place is cheaper, San Jose or Asuncion?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Asuncion or San Jose?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Asuncion 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.
Where Should I go: Asuncion or San Jose?
Asuncion
Asuncion is a vastly underrated city. It is the capital but also the administrative economic and cultural center of Paraguay. It is located in the south central part of the country, near the border with Argentina and it is one of the oldest cities in South America, with people living here since almost 500 years. The city has a beautiful and simple center, with a few unique colonial and beaux arts buildings, international cuisine, shady plazas and friendly people. Its handful of historic buildings around the Plaza de los Heroes, Plaza Uruguaya and Manzana de la Ribera, two or three small museums, old bars and cafes, but also smart suburbs, ritzy shopping malls and fashionable nightclubs will keep you entertained for a day or two. It is a very charming city for travellers and apart from the sights, the city boasts a good tourist infrastructure with hotels and restaurants.
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 Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAsuncion $68San Jose $90
The average daily cost (per person) in Asuncion is $68, 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 Asuncion and San Jose in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAsuncion $22San Jose $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAsuncion $44San Jose $98
Compare Hotels in Asuncion and San Jose
Looking for a hotel in Asuncion 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: Asuncion Hotel Prices and San Jose Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Asuncion $8.82San Jose $19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Asuncion
Also for Asuncion, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer in private minivan from Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $29
- Transfer in private minivan Asuncion City - Silvio Pettirosi Airport (ASU): $29
- Transfer in private car from Asuncion City - Asuncion Airport (ASU): $20
- Transfer in Private Car from Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $21
- RoundTrip Transfer in Private Minivan Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $59
- RoundTrip Private Transfer Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $52
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:
- transfer from Juan Santamaria airport to Dominical and Uvita: $290
- Transfers to Occidental Papagayo - Secrets Resort, Round-Trip: $130
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from SanJose Juan Santamaría Airport to SanJose City: $39
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from SanJose City to SanJose Juan Santamaría Airport: $39
- Transfer from San Jose Airport CR (SJO) to Arenal La Fortuna Hotels: $279
- Transfer from SJO Airport to Jaco or vice versa: $125
- Transfer TO or FROM SJO Airport to Monteverde Area. Private, NOT SHARED: $215
- Transfer TO & FROM SJO Airport to Esterillos - Bejuco Not Shared.: $180
- Transfer SJO Airport to Hotels nearby or Vice versa Private 6 PAX: $45
- Transfer SJO Airport TO & FROM Dominical OR Uvita (One Way): $290
- Transfer From San Jose to Puerto Viejo: $80
- Transfer Airport Area to Jaco Hotels Private One Way Transport: $150
Is it cheaper to fly into Asuncion or San Jose?
Prices for flights to both San Jose and Asuncion 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 dayAsuncion $17San Jose $18
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.Asuncion $16San Jose $21
Tours and Activities in Asuncion
For Asuncion, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Asunción Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $35
- Asuncion Birding Tour: $70
- Birding and Nature Chaco Tour: $140
- Crystal Fall - day tour in a reduced group: $85
- Day Tour “Cerrito”: $231
- Day tour “Circuito San Bernardino”: $214
- Day tour “Circuito Sapucai”: $221
- Day tour “Pai Pukú”: $230
- Day tour to “National Park Ybycuí”: $265
- Full day Paraguay River Nature and Wildlife Boat Tour: $207
- Golden Triangle Tour: $110
- Half-Day Yparacai Lake Tour from Asuncion with Pick Up: $185
Tours and Activities in San Jose
For San Jose, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Street Food Walking Tour in Downtown San Jose: $60
- 2-Hour Downtown San Jose Walking Tour: $33
- 2-Hour Orosi Nocturnal Tour: $33
- 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 Combo Experience: Canopy & Rapell + Thermals: $65
- 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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAsuncion $10San Jose $17
Typical Alcohol Prices in Asuncion
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Asuncion are as follows:
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Beer$1.22
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 Asuncion and San Jose, we can see that San Jose is more expensive. And not only is Asuncion much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Asuncion is in South America 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 Asuncion would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Asuncion 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 Jose would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Jose than you might in Asuncion.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Asuncion Expensive? and Is San Jose Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Asuncion or San Jose?
Asuncion has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of San Jose. When comparing the sizes of Asuncion 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 Asuncion or San Jose?
Asuncion 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 Asuncion or San Jose in the Summer?
Both San Jose and Asuncion are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to San Jose because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Asuncion is around the same temperature as San Jose in the summer. The daily temperature in Asuncion averages around 29°C (84°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 Asuncion. Asuncion usually receives more sunshine than San Jose during summer. Asuncion gets 249 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. It's quite rainy in Asuncion. In January, Asuncion usually receives less rain than San Josein July. Asuncion gets 150 mm (5.9 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 JulyAsuncion 29°C (84°F)San Jose 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Asuncion or San Jose in the Autumn?
Both San Jose and Asuncion during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round.
In the autumn, Asuncion is cooler than San Jose. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Asuncion in April average around 24°C (75°F), and San Jose averages at about 27°C (81°F)in October.
In the autumn, Asuncion often gets more sunshine than San Josein October. Asuncion gets 199 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Asuncion. Asuncion usually gets less rain in April than San Josein October. Asuncion gets 150 mm (5.9 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 OctoberAsuncion 24°C (75°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Asuncion or San Jose in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Asuncion and San Jose. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Asuncion is generally cooler than San Josein January. Daily temperatures in Asuncion average around 19°C (66°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. Asuncion usually receives less sunshine than San Jose during winter. Asuncion gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Asuncion usually receives more rain than San Josein January. Asuncion gets 30 mm (1.2 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 JanuaryAsuncion 19°C (66°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Asuncion or San Jose in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Asuncion as well as San Jose. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Jose throughout the year.
Asuncion is cooler than San Jose in the spring. The daily temperature in Asuncion averages around 25°C (77°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 Asuncion this time of the year. In the spring, Asuncion often gets less sunshine than San Josein April. Asuncion gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 255 hours of full sun.
Asuncion receives a lot of rain in the spring. Asuncion usually gets more rain in October than San Josein April. Asuncion gets 130 mm (5.1 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 AprilAsuncion 25°C (77°F)San Jose 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for San Jose and Asuncion
| Asuncion | San Jose | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 29°C (84°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (70°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 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.