Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Atlantic City?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Atlantic City or San Juan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Atlantic City and San Juan. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Atlantic City or San Juan?
Atlantic City
Atlantic City, on the southeastern coast of New Jersey, is a popular destination for gambling, partying, and generally having fun. The beach is lined with casinos, many with famous names, and there's a boardwalk that offers a diverse experience. Most people don't head to Atlantic City for the beaches - it's the casinos and partying that draws a crowd. This is a popular spot for bachelor and bachelorette parties, or anybody looking for an affordable place to gamble.
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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAtlantic City $154San Juan $192
The average daily cost (per person) in Atlantic City is $154, 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 Atlantic City and San Juan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAtlantic City $73San Juan $124
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAtlantic City $146San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Atlantic City and San Juan
Looking for a hotel in Atlantic City 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: Atlantic City Hotel Prices and San Juan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Atlantic City $40San Juan $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan
Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Arrival Private Transfer SJU Airport to Old San Juan by SUV: $125
- From Private Transfer to Ceiba Ferry Terminal: $99
- HandyCap Airport Transfer to Isla Verde, Condado or Ocean Park: $100
- HandyCap Transfer Airport to Dorado, Rio Grande or Luquillo: $270
- Luquillo Puerto Rico to/from San Juan Airport Private Transfer: $110
- Old Walking Tour with Shopping and Hotel Transfer: $70
- Oneway Transfer- San Juan from/to Rio Grande or Loiza: $68
- Private Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to San Juan Airport: $22
- Private Taxi Transfer from San Juan Airport (SJU) to Dorado PR: $110
- Private Transfer from San Juan Airport (SJU) to Ponce Cruise Port: $82
- Private Transfer from San Juan to Humacao: $80
- Private Transfer in San Juan from or to SJU Airport/Hotel/Cruises: $16
Is it cheaper to fly into Atlantic City or San Juan?
Prices for flights to both San Juan and Atlantic City 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 dayAtlantic City $50San 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:
- From Pinones Beach & Bar Hopping Food Tour: $50
- Puerto Rican food tasting and beginner cooking Tour: $99
- City Lights & Ocean Breeze — 4 Course Elevated Dinner Experience: $155
- Old San Juan Sunset Food Tour with Drinks: $156
- Savor the Sunset: Old San Juan Walk and Food Tour: $159
- Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $170
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Atlantic City $44San Juan $49
Tours and Activities in Atlantic City
Here are a few actual costs in Atlantic City for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1 Hour Private Escape Room Experience in Ocean City: $36
- 75-Minute Ocean Parasailing Adventure Above Ocean City, MD: $75
- Assateague Horses, Herons and Happy Hour Cruise: $40
- Atlantic City Adventure Scavenger Hunt: $27
- Banshees of the Boardwalk Walking Tour: $24
- Dolphin Watching Ocean Cruise Adventure: $53
- Morning or Afternoon Skyline Ocean Cruise: $27
- Quiet Bay Cruise With Happy Hour Options: $27
- Sunset Party Cruise with DJ: $33
- The Hook at Caesars Show Ticket: $99
- Downtown/Boardwalk Foodie Tour: $110
- OC Bay Hopper - Assateague Island Cruise (Departs 118th): $45
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.
- Self-Guided Tour with Audio Guide: $14
- Legends of Puerto Rico Haunted Walking Tour: $24
- Old Breathtaking Historic Walking Tour: $25
- Guided Tour of My Old San Juan in Spanish: $30
- History, Legends, & Highlights Guided Walking Tour: $30
- Old San Juan Walking Tour with a Certified Guide: $30
- Old San Juan History & Culture Guided Walking Tour: $35
- Guided Old Town Walking Tour: $35
- Urban Park Sky Bull Zipline Experience: $39
- Old San Juan City Walking Tour: $39
- Old San Juan Walking Tour: $39
- Walking tour of Oaxaca City: $41
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAtlantic City $39San Juan $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Atlantic City
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Atlantic City:
- Little Water Distillery Spirit Tasting: $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Atlantic City and San Juan, we can see that San Juan is more expensive. And not only is Atlantic City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Atlantic City is in North 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 Atlantic City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Atlantic City Expensive? and Is San Juan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Atlantic City or San Juan?
San Juan has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Atlantic City. When comparing the sizes of Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City or San Juan?
Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City or San Juan in the Summer?
Both San Juan and Atlantic City during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Atlantic City this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.
Atlantic City is cooler than San Juan in the summer. The daily temperature in Atlantic City averages around 75°F (24°C) in July, and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
In San Juan, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Atlantic City. In the summer, Atlantic City often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Juan. Atlantic City gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlantic City. Atlantic City usually gets more rain in July than San Juan. Atlantic City gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAtlantic City 75°F (24°C)San Juan 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Atlantic City or San Juan in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlantic City and San Juan. Many travelers come to Atlantic City for the shopping scene. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the autumn, Atlantic City is much colder than San Juan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Atlantic City in October average around 56°F (13°C), and San Juan averages at about 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan this time of the year. Atlantic City usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during autumn. Atlantic City gets 197 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
San Juan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Atlantic City usually receives less rain than San Juan. Atlantic City gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAtlantic City 56°F (13°C)San Juan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Atlantic City or San Juan in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Atlantic City as well as San Juan. Many visitors come to Atlantic City in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.
Atlantic City can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Atlantic City is generally much colder than San Juan. Daily temperatures in Atlantic City average around 31°F (-0°C), and San Juan fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. In the winter, Atlantic City often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Atlantic City gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun.
Atlantic City usually gets more rain in January than San Juan. Atlantic City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAtlantic City 31°F (-0°C)San Juan 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Atlantic City or San Juan in the Spring?
Both San Juan and Atlantic City are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Atlantic City for the beaches during these months. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Atlantic City is much colder than San Juan in the spring. The daily temperature in Atlantic City averages around 51°F (10°C) in April, and San Juan fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It's quite sunny in San Juan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlantic City. Atlantic City usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during spring. Atlantic City gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Atlantic City usually receives more rain than San Juan. Atlantic City gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAtlantic City 51°F (10°C)San Juan 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for San Juan and Atlantic City
| Atlantic City | San Juan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 31°F (-0°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 33°F (1°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 42°F (6°C) | 4.6 inches (116 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 51°F (10°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 61°F (16°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 70°F (21°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 75°F (24°C) | 4.4 inches (112 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 74°F (23°C) | 4.6 inches (116 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 67°F (19°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 56°F (13°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 46°F (8°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 36°F (2°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) | 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.