Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Bangkok?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Bangkok or San Juan?
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 Juan 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 Juan?
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 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bangkok, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Phuket.
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Bangkok Prices
Thailand PricesSan Juan Prices
Puerto Rico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBangkok $94San Juan $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Bangkok is $94, 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 Bangkok and San Juan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBangkok $43San Juan $124
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBangkok $86San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Bangkok and San Juan
Looking for a hotel in Bangkok 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: Bangkok Hotel Prices and San Juan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bangkok $6.08San Juan $14
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$2.33
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Skytrain Ticket$4.67
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Chao Phraya River Express Ticket$0.93
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Ferry Ride$0.76
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Taxi From Airport$7.29
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Short Taxi Ride$2.62
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Boat Taxi$1.46
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Trains to airport$4.67
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangkok
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangkok:
- Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK): Transfer to Pattaya: $284
- Bangkok Don Mueang Airport (DMK): Transfer to Pattaya hotels: $284
- Private Transfer from Bangkok to Krabi with 2h of Sightseeing: $278
- Bangkok Hotel Transfer: to/from Koh Chang Hotel Transfer: $232
- Private Transfer to/from Ao Thammachat, Koh Chang Pier & BKK: $231
- Private Transfer from Bangkok to Lampang with 2h of Sightseeing: $224
- Private Transfer from Don Mueang (DMK) Airport to Aranyaprathet: $215
- Private Transfer from Don Mueang (DMK) Airport to Trat: $213
- Private Transfer from Ayutthaya to Hua Hin: $210
- Private Transfer from Bangkok to Koh Chang: $209
- Private Transfer from Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport to Trat: $207
- Bangkok transfer: From/ To Laem Sok Pier: $203
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
- Carabali Rain Forest Round Trip Private Taxi Transfer: $210
- 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
- Old Walking Tour with Shopping and Hotel Transfer: $70
- One-way transfer from SJU Airport to Cruise Port or Vice Versa: $55
- Oneway Transfer- San Juan from/to Rio Grande or Loiza: $68
- Premium Transfer FROM/TO SJUAirport/Hotel/Airbnb/cruise IN SJ: $25
- Private Transfer from San Juan Airport (SJU) to Ponce Cruise Port: $232
- Private Transfer from or to San Juan and Adjuntas : $113
- Private Transfer from or to San Juan and Ceiba Ferry : $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Bangkok or San Juan?
Prices for flights to both San Juan 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 $33San Juan $62
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)$26
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Casual Lunch of Prawns (for Two)$5.83
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2 Rotis (Bread)$1.31
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Mango & Sticky Rice$0.87
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Lunch at KFC (for Two)$5.83
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Pad Thai$2.04
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Airport Lunch for 2$16
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Lunch for 2$22
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bangkok
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bangkok.
- White Orchid Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise: $21
- Baiyoke Observation Deck with Lunch/Dinner Buffet: $23
- River Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya Princess: $25
- Chao Phraya Princess Dinner Cruise Ticket: $25
- Meridian Sunset Dinner Cruise - Floating Paradise From ICONSIAM Bangkok: $25
- Unicorn Chao Phraya River Dinner Cruise: $26
- Smile Riverside Dinner Cruise: $26
- Calypso Cabaret Show with Thai Set Dinner: $26
- 2-Hour Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya Princess: $27
- Twilight Dinner Cruise Along Chao Phraya River in Bangkok: $27
- Royal Princess Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise: $29
- Viva Alangka Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise: $29
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: $56
- Puerto Rican food tasting and beginner cooking Tour: $99
- FlyDining: Sunset Dinner with Stunning Ocean Views (4 Courses): $165
- Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $170
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bangkok $17San Juan $49
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$4.67
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Grand Palace Entrance Ticket$10
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Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) Ticket$1.46
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Dusit Zoo Entrance Fee (for Two)$5.83
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Club Cover Charge$11
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Thai Boxing Tickets (for Two)$70
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Fish Pedicure$4.37
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Wat Pho entrance ticket$2.92
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Siriraj Museum (2)$12
Tours and Activities in Bangkok
Here are a few actual costs in Bangkok for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- A Day in Ayutthaya: Private 5 UNESCO Temples Tour From Bangkok: $117
- Ayutthaya Historic Park Tour Group Tour from Bangkok: $55
- Ayutthaya Historic Park Tour Group Tour from Bangkok: $65
- Ayutthaya Historic Park Tour Group Tour from Bangkok: $55
- Bangkok Thrilling Tuk Tuk Tour (Private & All-Inclusive): $95
- Full-Day Erawan Waterfall and River Kwai Private Guided Tour: $150
- Maeklong Railway & Floating Market Tour (Private & All-Inclusive): $146
- Mystical Waterfall and River Kwai Tour (Private & All-Inclusive): $198
- Private Half-Day Bangkok City Tour explore The Grand Palace: $145
- Siam Park City Admission Ticket With All Rides In Bangkok: $24
- 'Sunset Cruise' Canal Boat Tour - Fully guided 3hrs: $81
- (Join Tour) BANGKOK 'S 2 HOURS CANAL TOUR: $84
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
- Old Guided Tour 100% in Swedish: $25
- Old San Juan Guided Walking Tour: $30
- Old San Juan Walking Tour with a Local Certified Guide: $30
- Old San Juan Walking Tour with a Certified Guide: $30
- Old San Juan History & Culture (Open Walking Tour): $32
- Legends of Puerto Rico Haunted Walking Tour: $32
- Old San Juan Walking Tour: $39
- Old San Juan City Walking Tour: $39
- Urban Park Sky Bull Zipline Experience: $39
- Walking tour of Oaxaca City: $41
- Legacy Tour at Casa BacardÍ in Puerto Rico: $45
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBangkok $6.38San Juan $12
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$1.17
Sample the Local Flavors in Bangkok
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bangkok:
- Mad Monkey Bangkok Pub Crawl: $14
- Pub Crawl: $29
Sample the Local Flavors in San Juan
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Juan:
- The Pinones Pub crawl Bar crawl : $70
- Puerto Rico: Ocean Lab Brewery and Tobaco Farm Tour: $139
- Puerto Rico Tobacco Farm and Local Brewery Tour: $149
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bangkok and San Juan, we can see that San Juan 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 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 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 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 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 Juan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bangkok or San Juan?
Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of San Juan. When comparing the sizes of Bangkok 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 Bangkok or San Juan?
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 Juan in the Summer?
Both San Juan and Bangkok during the summer 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 Juan year-round.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. Bangkok usually gets more rain in July than San Juan. Bangkok gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In San Juan, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Bangkok often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Bangkok gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun.
Bangkok is around the same temperature as San Juan in the summer. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBangkok 29°C (84°F)San Juan 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Bangkok or San Juan in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bangkok and San Juan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bangkok year-round. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
November to February in Bangkok is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok. San Juan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Bangkok gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Bangkok usually receives more rain than San Juan. Bangkok gets 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan this time of the year. In Bangkok, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bangkok usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during autumn. Bangkok gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In the autumn, Bangkok is around the same temperature as San Juan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bangkok in October average around 28°C (83°F), and San Juan averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBangkok 28°C (83°F)San Juan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Bangkok or San Juan in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Bangkok as well as San Juan. Bangkok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.
Also, November to February in Bangkok is the dry season. Bangkok usually gets less rain in January than San Juan. Bangkok gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bangkok this time of the year. In the winter, Bangkok often gets more sunshine than San Juan. Bangkok gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun.
In January, Bangkok is generally around the same temperature as San Juan. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 27°C (80°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBangkok 27°C (80°F)San Juan 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Bangkok or San Juan in the Spring?
Both San Juan and Bangkok are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bangkok throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The rainy season in Bangkok is May to October. In April, Bangkok usually receives around the same amount of rain as San Juan. Bangkok gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in San Juan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. Bangkok usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Juan during spring. Bangkok gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
Bangkok is a little warmer than San Juan in the spring. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 31°C (87°F) in April, and San Juan fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBangkok 31°C (87°F)San Juan 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for San Juan and Bangkok
| Bangkok | San Juan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (87°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (85°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 344 mm (13.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 242 mm (9.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 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.