Which place is cheaper, San Jose or Bangkok?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Bangkok or San Jose?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bangkok and San Jose can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Bangkok or San Jose?
Bangkok
Bangkok: a name synonymous with all things exotic. The vibrant and exciting capital of Thailand is not just a hub for Southeast Asia, but also a destination into itself. Known for an active nightlife and party scene, as well as great food, historic temples, and busy markets, Bangkok offers a diversity to entertain even the most experienced travelers.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, 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 dayBangkok $76San Jose $89
The average daily cost (per person) in Bangkok is $76, while the average daily cost in San Jose is $89. 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 Bangkok and San Jose in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBangkok $41San Jose $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBangkok $82San Jose $96
Compare Hotels in Bangkok and San Jose
Looking for a hotel in Bangkok 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: Bangkok Hotel Prices and San Jose Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bangkok $5.74San Jose $19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bangkok are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk to bus station$2.17
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Skytrain Ticket$4.35
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Chao Phraya River Express Ticket$0.87
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Ferry Ride$0.71
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Taxi From Airport$6.79
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Short Taxi Ride$2.45
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Boat Taxi$1.36
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Trains to airport$4.35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangkok
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangkok:
- Tuk-tuk tour Bangkok by Night with Chinatown meal and hotel transfers: $55
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Pattaya APT-HTL (BKK): $59
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Hua Hin APT-HTL (BKK): $71
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Bangkok HTL- APT(BKK): $14
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Pattaya APT-HTL (DMK): $67
- Transfer from DMK Donmuaeng International Airport to BKK Suvarnabhumi Airport: $30
- Transfer from Bangkok Airport to Rayong: $114
- Transfer from Bangkok Airport to Pranburi: $127
- Transfer from Bangkok Airport to Pattaya: $53
- Transfer from Bangkok Airport to Ayutthaya: $45
- Transfer from Bangkok Airport to Aranyaprathet: $153
- Transfer from BKK Suvarnabhumi International Airport to khao Yai National Park: $74
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$2.71
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Jose
Also for San Jose, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer San José Airport - La Fortuna: $180
- Airport transfer from SJO Airport to Los Sueños Marriott: $170
- Arrival Transfer San Jose Airport SJO to Arenal by Minivan: $177
- Arrival Transfer San Jose Airport to Manuel Antonio by Minivan: $158
- Direct Transfer From San Jose to Monteverde, English Speaking Driver: $181
- Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) to Jaco - Arrival Private Transfer: $68
- Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) to Jaco - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $136
- Juan Santamaria Intl Airport(SJO) to Puntarenas city-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $167
- Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) to Puntarenas city- Arrival Private Transfer: $83
- Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) to San Jose – Arrival Private Transfer: $32
- Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) to San Jose – Round-Trip Private Transfer: $64
- One way Transfer from SJO airport or San José to Playa Dominical max 5 passenger: $240
Is it cheaper to fly into Bangkok or San Jose?
Prices for flights to both San Jose and Bangkok 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 dayBangkok $18San Jose $18
Typical Food Prices in Bangkok
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Bangkok:
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Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe (for Two)$24
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Casual Lunch of Prawns (for Two)$5.43
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2 Rotis (Bread)$1.22
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Mango & Sticky Rice$0.82
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Lunch at KFC (for Two)$5.43
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Pad Thai$1.90
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Airport Lunch for 2$15
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Lunch for 2$20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bangkok
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bangkok.
- Bangkok Food Tour and Sightseeing with Tuktuk: $16
- White Orchid Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise: $19
- Chao Phraya Princess Dinner Cruise Ticket: $20
- Baiyoke Observation Deck with Lunch/Dinner Buffet: $21
- River Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya Princess: $23
- Meridian Sunset Dinner Cruise - Floating Paradise From ICONSIAM Bangkok: $23
- Calypso Cabaret Show with Thai Set Dinner: $25
- 2-Hour Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya Princess: $26
- Alangka Luxury Buffet Dinner Cruise With Live Music: $27
- Chao Phraya Buffet Dinner Viva Alangka Cruise: $27
- Viva Alangka Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise: $27
- Riverside Dinner Buffet Cruise On Chao Phraya: $27
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
- 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
- Dinner + Typical Show in the best viewpoint of the City: $99
- Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner: $179
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bangkok $16San Jose $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bangkok
Here are a few typical costs in Bangkok for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Movie Ticket$4.35
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Grand Palace Entrance Ticket$9.51
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Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) Ticket$1.36
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Dusit Zoo Entrance Fee (for Two)$5.43
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Club Cover Charge$10
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Thai Boxing Tickets (for Two)$65
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Fish Pedicure$4.08
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Wat Pho entrance ticket$2.72
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Siriraj Museum (2)$11
Tours and Activities in Bangkok
Here are a few actual costs in Bangkok for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Ayutthaya Historic Park Group Tour from Bangkok: $65
- Ayutthaya Historic Park Tour Group Tour from Bangkok: $55
- Bangkok 5 Hour Cultural & Temples Tour Private: $82
- Bangkok Hindu Landmark City, Grand Palace & Temples Tours with Lunch: $285
- Bangkok Sea Life + Madame Tussauds Entrance Tickets : $46
- Full-Day Erawan Waterfall and River Kwai Private Guided Tour: $150
- Maeklong Railway & Floating Market Tour (Private & All-Inclusive): $146
- Private Customized Bangkok Tour With Driver : $50
- Sunset Sail, Glittering Temspls at Afternoon Ayutthaya Tours : $59
- Tuk-Tuk Tour Bangkok By Night With Chinatown Street: $64
- 10 Hours Private Tour Ayuttaya: $114
- 2 Hours Bangkok Canal Tour By Longtail Boat : $58
Tours and Activities in San Jose
For San Jose, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Entrance Ticket to the Farm of Hacienda Orosi: $11
- Entrance ticket to the Hacienda Orosi: $21
- Hiking Experience in El Quetzal Private Reserve: $26
- Private Roasting and Cupping Coffee Experience: $30
- Sarapiqui Frog Tour: $30
- Hacienda Alsacia Starbucks Coffe Tour: $31
- Poas Volcano National Park - Admission Ticket: $32
- San Jose Walking Nature Tour: Sloths, Birds and Trees: $33
- Skip the Line: Rescate Wildlife Rescue Centre General Admission Ticket: $35
- San Jose Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $35
- San Jose ART Walking Tour - small groups, creative experience: $35
- Corso Lecheria Tour: $40
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBangkok $5.95San Jose $16
Typical Alcohol Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Bangkok are as follows:
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Beer$1.09
Sample the Local Flavors in Bangkok
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bangkok:
- Pub Crawl and Club Night With Shots & VIP Entrance: $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 Bangkok and San Jose, we can see that San Jose is more expensive. And not only is Bangkok much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bangkok is in Asia 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 Bangkok would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bangkok 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 Bangkok.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bangkok Expensive? and Is San Jose Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bangkok or San Jose?
Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of San Jose. When comparing the sizes of Bangkok 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 Bangkok or San Jose?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Bangkok or San Jose in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Bangkok as well as San Jose. Bangkok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Jose throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in San Jose. Bangkok receives a lot of rain in the summer. Bangkok usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as San Jose. Bangkok gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, Bangkok often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Jose. Bangkok gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 164 hours of full sun.
Bangkok is around the same temperature as San Jose in the summer. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and San Jose fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBangkok 29°C (84°F)San Jose 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Bangkok or San Jose in the Autumn?
Both San Jose and Bangkok are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bangkok throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to San Jose because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Bangkok is November to February. The rainy season in Bangkok is May to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in San Jose. It's quite rainy in Bangkok. In October, Bangkok usually receives around the same amount of rain as San Jose. Bangkok gets 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. Bangkok usually receives more sunshine than San Jose during autumn. Bangkok gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In the autumn, Bangkok is around the same temperature as San Jose. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bangkok in October average around 28°C (83°F), and San Jose averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBangkok 28°C (83°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Bangkok or San Jose in the Winter?
Both San Jose and Bangkok during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bangkok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round.
November to February is the dry season in Bangkok. Bangkok usually gets more rain in January than San Jose. Bangkok gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In San Jose, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Bangkok. In the winter, Bangkok often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Jose. Bangkok gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 264 hours of full sun.
In January, Bangkok is generally around the same temperature as San Jose. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 27°C (80°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBangkok 27°C (80°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Bangkok or San Jose in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bangkok and San Jose. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bangkok year-round. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Also, May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok. In April, Bangkok usually receives more rain than San Jose. Bangkok gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Jose this time of the year. In Bangkok, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bangkok usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Jose during spring. Bangkok gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.
Bangkok is around the same temperature as San Jose in the spring. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 31°C (87°F) in April, and San Jose fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBangkok 31°C (87°F)San Jose 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for San Jose and Bangkok
| Bangkok | San Jose | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (87°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (85°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 344 mm (13.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 242 mm (9.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 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.