Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Asuncion?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Asuncion or San Juan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Asuncion or San Juan, 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 Juan?
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 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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAsuncion $68San Juan $192
The average daily cost (per person) in Asuncion is $68, while the average daily cost in San Juan is $192. 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 Juan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAsuncion $22San Juan $124
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAsuncion $44San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Asuncion and San Juan
Looking for a hotel in Asuncion 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.
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 Juan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Asuncion $8.82San Juan $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Asuncion
Also for Asuncion, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- RoundTrip Transfer in Private Minivan Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $59
- RoundTrip Private Transfer Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $52
- 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 Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $21
- Transfer in private car from Asuncion City - Asuncion Airport (ASU): $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan
Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Old San Juan Sunset Cruise with Drinks & Transfer: $99
- San Juan hotels to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port: Transfer to San Juan hotel: $271
- San Juan Airport (SJU): Private Transfer to San Juan Port: $271
- Roundtrip-Transfer from: SJU Airport,Cruises and Hotels in Puerto Rico LuxurySUV: $70
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Tesla Y Luxury SUV, Select Zone: $77
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Tesla S Lux Sedan, Select Zone: $79
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Mercedes ECO Van, Select Zone: $87
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Lexus Luxury Sedan, Select Zone: $81
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Ford Premium SUV, Select Zone: $87
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, 16Pax Mercedes Van, Select Zone: $130
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, 11Pax Lux Sprinter Van: $103
Is it cheaper to fly into Asuncion or San Juan?
Prices for flights to both San Juan 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 Juan $36
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:
- Old San Juan Sunset Food Tour with Drinks: $156
- Savor the Sunset: Old San Juan Walk and Food Tour: $159
- City Lights Sky High Dinner Experience: $165
- Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $170
- Private Local Food Tour in San Juan: $275
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Asuncion $16San Juan $49
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Juan
For San Juan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Horseback Riding Tour$40
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Full Day Snorkeling Trip$100
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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.
- Rum Craft Cocktail Tour in San Juan: $65
- 1 or 2 Hour Puerto Rico Horseback Ride Experience!: $210
- Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Adventure from San Juan: $110
- Carolina: ATV Adventure at Campo Rico Ranch with Guide: $136
- Cave Day Tour From San Juan: $109
- Cruise Ship Travelers: Hike to a Hidden Puerto Rican Waterfall: $85
- Culebra Beach Day Tour with Snorkeling from San Juan by Ferry: $200
- Culebra Snorkeling Tour by Catamaran from Fajardo: $175
- Discover El Yunque: Half-Day Rainforest Tour: $115
- Discover Old In-App Audio Tour of History: $11
- El Yunque National RainForest: Tour with Nature walk: $75
- El Yunque Rainforest Guided Day Tour from San Juan: $85
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAsuncion $10San Juan $12
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 Juan
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Juan:
- Pinones Pub crawl in Puerto Rico: $50
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Asuncion and San Juan, we can see that San Juan 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 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 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 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 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 Juan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Asuncion or San Juan?
Asuncion has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of San Juan. When comparing the sizes of Asuncion 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 Asuncion or San Juan?
Asuncion 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 Asuncion or San Juan in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Asuncion and San Juan. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Asuncion is around the same temperature as San Juan in the summer. The daily temperature in Asuncion averages around 29°C (84°F) in January, and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (83°F)in July.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan this time of the year. In Asuncion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Asuncion usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during summer. Asuncion gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
Asuncion gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Asuncion usually receives more rain than San Juanin July. Asuncion gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyAsuncion 29°C (84°F)San Juan 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Asuncion or San Juan in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Asuncion as well as San Juan. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.
In the autumn, Asuncion is cooler than San Juan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Asuncion in April average around 24°C (75°F), and San Juan averages at about 28°C (82°F)in October.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. In the autumn, Asuncion often gets less sunshine than San Juanin October. Asuncion gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 235 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in San Juan. Asuncion receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Asuncion usually gets more rain in April than San Juanin October. Asuncion gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberAsuncion 24°C (75°F)San Juan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Asuncion or San Juan in the Winter?
Both San Juan and Asuncion are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Asuncion is generally cooler than San Juanin January. Daily temperatures in Asuncion average around 19°C (66°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It's quite sunny in San Juan. Asuncion usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during winter. Asuncion gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Asuncion usually receives less rain than San Juanin January. Asuncion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryAsuncion 19°C (66°F)San Juan 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Asuncion or San Juan in the Spring?
Both San Juan and Asuncion during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.
Asuncion is around the same temperature as San Juan in the spring. The daily temperature in Asuncion averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and San Juan fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in April.
In San Juan, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Asuncion. In the spring, Asuncion often gets less sunshine than San Juanin April. Asuncion gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Asuncion. Asuncion usually gets more rain in October than San Juanin April. Asuncion gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilAsuncion 25°C (77°F)San Juan 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for San Juan and Asuncion
| Asuncion | San Juan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 29°C (84°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (70°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 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.