Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Auckland?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Auckland or San Juan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Auckland and San Juan can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Auckland or San Juan?
Auckland
Auckland is located on the North Island of New Zealand on an isthmus between the Northland Peninsula and the other parts of the North Island. Auckland is not only a city but also a region. In 2010 New Zealand combined what had previously been four separate cities into one region. These cities include the southern city of Manukau, the western city of Waitakere, the North Shore in the north, and Auckland City. The City of Auckland is the largest city in Polynesia and is very diverse with many expatriates from elsewhere in Polynesia. This diversity becomes most apparent in Auckland's many festivals and sporting events.
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 Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAuckland $141San Juan $192
The average daily cost (per person) in Auckland is $141, 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 Auckland and San Juan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAuckland $89San Juan $124
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAuckland $178San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Auckland and San Juan
Looking for a hotel in Auckland 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: Auckland Hotel Prices and San Juan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Auckland $16San Juan $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Auckland
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Auckland:
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Bus from Airport$9.62
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Airport Shuttle$15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Auckland
Also for Auckland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Auckland Airport (AKL): Private Transfer to Downtown hotels: $353
- Auckland Airport (AKL): Transfer to North Shore hotels: $327
- From One-Way Transfer to Rotorua w/ Hobbiton Tour: $180
- Auckland's Point to Point Transfers : $151
- Private Transfer from Auckland Airport (AKL) to Tauranga Port: $145
- Auckland Cruise/Wharf & Airport Transfers : $145
- Private Luxury Transfers from Auckland Airport TO Auckland Hotels: $145
- Luxury Airport transfers in Auckland : $139
- Luxury Airport Transfers Auckland : $133
- Auckland Airport Transfers: Auckland Airport AKL to Auckland in Luxury Car: $130
- Auckland Airport Arrival Transfer to North Shore or Henderson: $121
- Auckland City to Auckland Airport transfers : $121
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: $272
- San Juan One-way Transfer: $30
- San Juan Luxury Private Round-Trip Transfer: SJU Airport - Cruise Pier - Hotel : $50
- San Juan Airport (SJU): Private Transfer to San Juan Port: $272
- 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
Is it cheaper to fly into Auckland or San Juan?
Prices for flights to both San Juan and Auckland 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 dayAuckland $27San Juan $36
Typical Food Prices in Auckland
For Auckland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Breakfast$4.81
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Auckland
For Auckland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Auckland Harbour 3-Course Dinner Cruise with Welcome Drink: $90
- Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner: $90
- Flavours of the City Walking Food Tour: $105
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Auckland $28San Juan $49
Typical Entertainment Prices in Auckland
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Auckland's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Auckland Sky Tour (for 2)$33
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Waiheke Island Tour (for 2)$121
Tours and Activities in Auckland
For Auckland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2-Hour Stand-Up Paddle Boarding Tour to Lucas Creek Waterfall: $66
- 4 Hours Private Tour in Auckland : $241
- 6 Hours Sightseeing Tour in Auckland: $127
- Afternoon Piha Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland: $112
- All Auckland City Hotels to Cruise Ship / Port: $48
- America’s Cup 2-Hour Sailing Experience Waitemata Harbour: $114
- Auckland Best Top 5 Spots Half day Tour small group : $115
- Auckland Bioluminescence Kayak Tour: $66
- Auckland City & West Coast Luxury Tour: $207
- Auckland City Highlights Experience - Fully Guided Small Group Day Tour: $196
- Auckland City Highlights Half Day Tour: $95
- Auckland City Highlights and Hidden Gems Half Day Tour: $109
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.
- Full-Day Tour: El Yunque, Luquillo Beach, Bio Bay Night Kayaking: $155
- Rum Craft Cocktail Tour in San Juan: $65
- 1 or 2 Hour Puerto Rico Horseback Ride Experience!: $210
- Arenales Caves, Waterfall & River Swimming Adventure: $140
- Arte Boriken-Urban Art & Beach Sip & Paint Tour: $145
- Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Adventure from San Juan: $110
- Black Sand Beach- See The Southeast of Puerto Rico Private Tour: $150
- Carolina: ATV Adventure at Campo Rico Ranch with Guide: $136
- Craft Beer Private Tour in San Juan: $168
- 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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAuckland $14San Juan $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Auckland
Also in Auckland, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Waiheke Island: Scenic Wine Tour Tasting Wines on Waiheke: $93
- Muriwai Scenic Wine Tour from Auckland: $106
- Waiheke Island: The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour: $132
- Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Platter Lunch: $150
- Waiheke Island: Tour with Wine Tastings and Restaurant Lunch: $150
- From Waiheke Island Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $153
- From Small Group Kumeu Wine Tour with Lunch: $171
- Small-Group Kumeu Wine Country Tour Includes Wine Tastings & Lunch: $172
- Piha Waitakere Rainforest Wine Tour from Auckland: $178
- Auckland Coastal Experience - Small Group City & Beach Tour Incl. Wine Tasting: $196
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 Auckland and San Juan, we can see that San Juan is more expensive. And not only is Auckland much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Auckland is in Pacific 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 Auckland would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Auckland 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 Auckland.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Auckland Expensive? and Is San Juan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Auckland or San Juan?
San Juan has a larger population, and is about 0% larger than the population of Auckland. When comparing the sizes of Auckland 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 Auckland or San Juan?
Auckland 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 Auckland or San Juan in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Auckland and San Juan. Most visitors come to Auckland for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Auckland is generally cooler than San Juanin July. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 20°C (68°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan this time of the year. In Auckland, it's very sunny this time of the year. Auckland usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during summer. Auckland gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
In January, Auckland usually receives less rain than San Juanin July. Auckland gets 67 mm (2.6 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 JulyAuckland 20°C (68°F)San Juan 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Auckland or San Juan in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Auckland as well as San Juan. The autumn months attract visitors to Auckland because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.
Auckland is much colder than San Juan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Auckland averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in October.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. In the autumn, Auckland often gets less sunshine than San Juanin October. Auckland gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 235 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in San Juan. Auckland usually gets less rain in April than San Juanin October. Auckland gets 95 mm (3.7 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 OctoberAuckland 16°C (61°F)San Juan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Auckland or San Juan in the Winter?
Both San Juan and Auckland are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Auckland this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the winter, Auckland is much colder than San Juan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Auckland in July average around 11°C (52°F), and San Juan averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.
It's quite sunny in San Juan. Auckland usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during winter. Auckland gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Auckland. In July, Auckland usually receives more rain than San Juanin January. Auckland gets 135 mm (5.3 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 JanuaryAuckland 11°C (52°F)San Juan 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Auckland or San Juan in the Spring?
Both San Juan and Auckland during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Auckland for the beaches and the activities around the city. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.
In October, Auckland is generally much colder than San Juanin April. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 14°C (58°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
In San Juan, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Auckland often gets less sunshine than San Juanin April. Auckland gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun.
Auckland usually gets more rain in October than San Juanin April. Auckland gets 83 mm (3.3 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 AprilAuckland 14°C (58°F)San Juan 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for San Juan and Auckland
| Auckland | San Juan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 20°C (68°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 12°C (53°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (53°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 13°C (55°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (58°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (61°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (65°F) | 83 mm (3.3 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.