A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Atlanta vs. San Juan for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Atlanta or San Juan?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Atlanta 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: Atlanta or San Juan?

Atlanta

Atlanta is a city rich in history but modern in its development and industry. It has a population of just under 500,000 with more than five million people living in the metropolitan area. It is also the ninth largest metropolitan area in the United States The city is rich in culture and was at the center of the civil rights movement. It is the capital of the state of Georgia, and was home to the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games. It has the world's busiest airport and arguably some of the country's worst traffic, but the residents are recognized for their friendly and welcoming nature and the city is lush with green trees and wonderful parks.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Atlanta?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Atlanta is $204, while the average daily cost in San Juan is $218. 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 Atlanta and San Juan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Atlanta $90
    San Juan $124
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Atlanta $180
    San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Atlanta and San Juan

Looking for a hotel in Atlanta 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.

Hotels in Atlanta


Hotels in San Juan


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: Atlanta Hotel Prices and San Juan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Atlanta $44
    San Juan $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Atlanta

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Atlanta:


  • MARTA Subway Ticket
    $4.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Atlanta

Also for Atlanta, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Departure Transfer From Atlanta to Hartsfield Airport ATL by Van: $300
  • Hartsfield Jackson Airport (ATL) to Lithia Springs - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $178
  • Atlanta Private Airport Transfer: $155
  • Transfer from Hartsfield-Jackson Airport: $150
  • Transfer from DeKalb-Peachtree Airport: $150
  • Private Transfer: Atlanta to H. J. Airport ATL in Luxury SUV : $136
  • Departure Transfer: Atlanta to Atlanta Airport ATL by SUV: $134
  • Departure Transfer: Atlanta to Atlanta Airport ATL in Luxury SUV: $134
  • Arrival Transfer: Atlanta Airport ATL to Atlanta by SUV: $134
  • Black SUV Hourly Service & Luxury Airport Transfers: $125
  • Departure Transfer: Atlanta to Atlanta Airport ATL in Sedan Car: $120
  • Private Transfer: H. J. Airport ATL to Atlanta in Business Car: $120

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan

Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Puerto Rico: Airport Transfer to/from SJU Airport: $390
  • San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port: Transfer to San Juan hotel: $287
  • Double ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $279
  • HandyCap Transfer Airport to Dorado, Rio Grande or Luquillo: $270
  • Carabali Rain Forest Round Trip Private Taxi Transfer: $210
  • San Juan Airport (SJU) to Ponce hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $197
  • Single ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $179
  • Transfer from/to San Juan and Aguadilla or Rincón: $168
  • Transfer SJU Airport to Dorado. Hotels and Airbnb. Vice Versa One Way Trip.: $140
  • Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, 16Pax Mercedes Van, Select Zone: $130
  • Private Taxi Transfer From SJU Airport to Humacao Palmas Del Mar: $125
  • Arrival Private Transfer SJU Airport to Old San Juan by SUV: $125

Is it cheaper to fly into Atlanta or San Juan?

Prices for flights to both San Juan and Atlanta 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Atlanta $74
    San Juan $62
Typical Food Prices in Atlanta

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Atlanta:


  • Fast Food Lunch (for 2)
    $15
  • Lunch
    $20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Atlanta

For Atlanta, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • City Lights Night Tour with Photos & Dinner Stop: $69
  • City Lights Atlanta Night-Time Tour with Photos & Dinner Stop: $69
  • Historic Market Food Tour and Biscuit Cooking Class: $70
  • Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Wine Bar in Atlanta: $75
  • Pasta Cooking Class With a Local Chef: $75
  • 2 Hour Historic Market Food Tour and Hands-On Biscuit Class: $90
  • Ponce City Market 2.5-Hour Weekend Food Tour: $99
  • Walking Food Tour: $103
  • Atlanta Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $109
  • Private Atlanta Cooking Class with a Fun Local Chef Naina: $139
  • Atlanta Plantation tour with Southern dinner : $259
  • Prohibition Themed Downtown Atlanta Progressive Dinner: $275

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:

  • Puerto Rican food tasting and beginner cooking Tour: $79
  • From Pinones Beach & Bar Hopping Food Tour: $80
  • Puerto Rico Secret Food Tour of Old San Juan: $113
  • San Juan Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $139
  • Private San Juan Cooking Class with a Local Expert: $146
  • Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $165
  • Morning Old San Juan Food Tour: $169
  • Ponce: Walking Tour with Castillo Serrallés Visit and Dinner: $195

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Atlanta $56
    San Juan $49

Tours and Activities in Atlanta

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Atlanta.

  • 2-Hour Food, History and Street Art Tour of Ponce City Market: $95
  • 2.5hr Guided Segway Tour of Historic Atlanta: $69
  • 2.5hr Guided Segway Tour of Midtown Atlanta: $69
  • 3-Hour Atlanta Beltline Food, Street Art and History Tour : $99
  • 3-Hour Private Atlanta MCU Comics Inspired Film Location Tour: $175
  • 90-Minute Guided Sightseeing Tour: $36
  • 90-Minute Narrated Sightseeing Trolley Tour in Atlanta: $36
  • African American Atlanta Culture Tour by Private Car Service : $90
  • Atlanta 5 Hour City Tour by Air-Conditioned Bus: $70
  • Atlanta Braves Baseball Game Ticket at Truist Park: $24
  • Atlanta Comedy City Tour: $40
  • Atlanta Electric Car City Tour: $45

Typical Entertainment Prices in San Juan

For San Juan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Horseback Riding Tour
    $40
  • Full Day Snorkeling Trip
    $100
  • 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.

  • Culebra Swim with Turtles Adventure and Flamenco Beach by Ferry: $130
  • El Yunque Rainforest Tour Half Day Earlybird/ Small Groups: $85
  • Old San Juan and El Morro Castle Walking Tour : $54
  • Old Segway PT and Kickscooter Tours: $97
  • Puerto Rican Food Experience: $74
  • Rum Craft Cocktail Tour in San Juan: $65
  • Window Cave Walking Tour from San Juan : $127
  • • Party Boat San Juan Sunset Cruise II | Drink & Snack •: $1,229
  • • Party Boat at San Juan Bay | Day Cruise | Drink & Snacks: $1,399
  • 6-Hour Tour Exploring the North Side of San Juan, Puerto Rico: $175
  • ATV Double Rider Adventure Near San Juan - Hacienda Campo Rico: $208
  • ATV Ride Experience! : $270

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Atlanta $17
    San Juan $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Atlanta

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Atlanta:

  • Drag Queen Guided Pub Crawl and Cabaret Show: $36
  • Half-Day Wine Tastings in the North Georgia Mountains : $115
  • Full-Day Wine Country Wine Tastings From Atlanta : $120
  • North Georgia Mountains Two Vineyard Wine Tasting Tour: $136
  • North Georgia Mountains Three Vineyard Wine Tasting Tour: $170
  • Georgia Vineyards Wine Tour: $2,300

Sample the Local Flavors in San Juan

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Juan:

  • Old San Juan Bar Crawl: Experience Local Hotspots: $65
  • The Pinones Pub crawl Bar crawl : $70
  • Puerto Rico: Ocean Lab Brewery and Tobaco Farm Tour: $139


When comparing the travel costs between Atlanta and San Juan, we can see that San Juan is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Atlanta is in North America and San Juan is in Caribbean Islands, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Atlanta Expensive? and Is San Juan Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Atlanta or San Juan?

Atlanta has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of San Juan. When comparing the sizes of Atlanta 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 Atlanta or San Juan?

Atlanta 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 Atlanta or San Juan in the Summer?

Both San Juan and Atlanta are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Atlanta in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the summer, Atlanta is around the same temperature as San Juan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Atlanta in July average around 82°F (28°C), and San Juan averages at about 28°C (83°F).

It's quite sunny in San Juan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Juan during summer. Atlanta gets 271 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Atlanta. In July, Atlanta usually receives more rain than San Juan. Atlanta gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Atlanta 82°F (28°C) 
    San Juan 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Atlanta or San Juan in the Autumn?

Both San Juan and Atlanta during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Atlanta for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.

In October, Atlanta is generally cooler than San Juan. Daily temperatures in Atlanta average around 66°F (19°C), and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

In San Juan, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Atlanta. In the autumn, Atlanta often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Juan. Atlanta gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 235 hours of full sun.

San Juan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Atlanta usually gets less rain in October than San Juan. Atlanta gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Atlanta 66°F (19°C) 
    San Juan 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Atlanta or San Juan in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlanta and San Juan. The winter months attract visitors to Atlanta because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Atlanta is much colder than San Juan in the winter. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and San Juan fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan this time of the year. Atlanta usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during winter. Atlanta gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.

Atlanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Atlanta usually receives more rain than San Juan. Atlanta gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Atlanta 45°F (7°C) 
    San Juan 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Atlanta or San Juan in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Atlanta as well as San Juan. The activities around the city are the main draw to Atlanta this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.

In the spring, Atlanta is cooler than San Juan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Atlanta in April average around 65°F (18°C), and San Juan averages at about 26°C (79°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Atlanta this time of the year. In the spring, Atlanta often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Juan. Atlanta gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun.

Atlanta receives a lot of rain in the spring. Atlanta usually gets more rain in April than San Juan. Atlanta gets 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Atlanta 65°F (18°C) 
    San Juan 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for San Juan and Atlanta

Atlanta San Juan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 45°F (7°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm) 25°C (77°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 49°F (9°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 25°C (77°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 57°F (14°C) 5.8 inches (147 mm) 26°C (78°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 65°F (18°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm) 26°C (79°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 73°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 28°C (82°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 28°C (83°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Sep 76°F (25°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Oct 66°F (19°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Nov 57°F (14°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Dec 48°F (9°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 26°C (78°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)


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