Which place is cheaper, San Jose or Belize City?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Belize City or San Jose?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Belize City or San Jose? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Belize City or San Jose?
Belize City
Belize City is the largest city in Belize. It was once the capital of the country, but due to massive hurricane damage in 1961, the country decided to relocate it capital. With a population of 57,000 people, Belize City is located right at the mouth of the Haulover Creek.
This gorgeous tropical city experiences a monsoon climate – meaning there are warm and humid conditions throughout the course of the year. There is a wet season from May to January, so plan for a little bit of rain in that time.
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 G Adventures Tours to Belize, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Belize, The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBelize City $88San Jose $90
The average daily cost (per person) in Belize City is $88, while the average daily cost in San Jose is $90. 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 Belize City and San Jose in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBelize City $49San Jose $49
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBelize City $98San Jose $98
Compare Hotels in Belize City and San Jose
Looking for a hotel in Belize City 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: Belize City Hotel Prices and San Jose Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Belize City $5.82San Jose $19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Belize City
Also for Belize City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- We do transfers from airport to any where in Belize.: $49
- Transfer Belize city to bacalar: $50
- Private Transfer from Belize City and Airport to Placencia: $160
- Private Transfer from Belize City Port to Belize Airport (BZE): $60
- Philip Goldson Airport BZE to Belize Arrival Private Transfer: $23
- Belize: Belize City to/from San Ignacio Shuttle Transfer: $68
- Belize city water taxi terminal to Airport transfer: $30
- Belize City to/from Placencia/Hopkins Shuttle Transfer: $113
- Belize City to Philip Goldson Airport BZE Departure Transfer: $23
Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Jose
Some typical examples of transportation costs in San Jose are as follows:
-
Taxi from SJO$25
-
Local Bus$2.72
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Jose
Also for San Jose, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfers to Occidental Papagayo - Secrets Resort, Round-Trip: $130
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from SanJose Juan Santamaría Airport to SanJose City: $39
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from SanJose City to SanJose Juan Santamaría Airport: $39
- Transfer from San Jose Airport CR (SJO) to Arenal La Fortuna Hotels: $279
- Transfer from SJO Airport to Jaco or vice versa: $125
- Transfer TO & FROM SJO Airport to Esterillos - Bejuco Not Shared.: $180
- Transfer SJO Airport to Hotels nearby or Vice versa Private 6 PAX: $45
- Transfer From San Jose to Puerto Viejo: $80
- Transfer Airport Area to Jaco Hotels Private One Way Transport: $150
- Shuttle & transfer rides to Jaco beach: $137
- Shared transfer to Manuel Antonio: $70
- San Jose to Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) – Departure Private Transfer: $32
Is it cheaper to fly into Belize City or San Jose?
Prices for flights to both San Jose and Belize 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
-
Food Meals for one dayBelize City $27San Jose $18
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Belize City
For Belize City, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Altun Ha Mayan Site & Food Tour: $80
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 : $34
- Tropical Cooking Classes: $52
- San Jose By Night Tour: Farm to Table Dinner & Cocktails Classes: $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
- Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner: $179
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Belize City $29San Jose $21
Tours and Activities in Belize City
For Belize City, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- "Taste Bud EXPLOSION" Food Tasting City Tour : $89
- Cave Tubing and Zipline Adventure from Belize City: $167
- Actun Tunichil Muknal tour from Belize City: $200
- Altun Ha Cave Tubing and Zip line Tours from Belize City: $208
- Altun Ha Mayan Ruins & Zipline Tour from Belize City All Inclusive: $170
- Altun Ha Mayan Ruins and Belize City tour: $100
- Altun Ha Mayan Ruins and River Wallace and Manatee Watch Tour: $85
- Altun Ha Mayan Site tour from Belize City: $85
- Altun Ha, Monkey Sanctuary and Rum Factory Tour from Belize City: $170
- Belize City Tour: $40
- Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Full Day Tour: $190
- Cave Tubing & Zipline Adventure Tour: $110
Tours and Activities in San Jose
For San Jose, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Poas Volcano National Park Tour and Bird watching in Costa Rica: $205
- Street Food Walking Tour in Downtown San Jose: $60
- 2-Hour Downtown San Jose Walking Tour: $33
- 2-Hour Orosi Nocturnal Tour: $33
- 3 in 1 Eco Tour Rain Forest Aerial Tram, River Cruise & Nature Walk Private Tour: $299
- 6 in 1 RainForest Adventure From San Jose: $189
- A taste of Aquiares - 2 hours Coffee Tour: $42
- AERIAL TRAM TOUR - HALF DAY PASS Rainforest Adventures Braulio Ca: $78
- AWA Water Museum - Waterfall Adventure (Organic Food Experience): $98
- Arenal Volcano & Baldi Hot Springs one day tour from San Jose: $199
- Arenal Volcano Eco Tour & Baldi Hot Springs Private Tour from San Jose: $285
- Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose: $159
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayBelize City $12San Jose $17
Sample the Local Flavors in Belize City
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Belize City:
- Belize: City Highlights Tour with Rum Distillery Visit: $49
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 comparing the travel costs between Belize City and San Jose, we can see that San Jose 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. Since both cities are in Central America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Belize City Expensive? and Is San Jose Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Belize City or San Jose?
San Jose has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Belize City. When comparing the sizes of Belize City 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 Belize City or San Jose?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Belize City or San Jose in the Summer?
Both San Jose and Belize City are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Belize City throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to San Jose because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in San Jose. It's quite rainy in Belize City. In July, Belize City usually receives more rain than San Jose. Belize City gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Belize City. Belize City usually receives more sunshine than San Jose during summer. Belize City gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.
In the summer, Belize City is around the same temperature as San Jose. Typically, the summer temperatures in Belize City in July average around 28°C (82°F), and San Jose averages at about 28°C (82°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyBelize City 28°C (82°F)San Jose 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Belize City or San Jose in the Autumn?
Both San Jose and Belize City during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Belize City because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round.
San Jose gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Belize City. Belize City usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as San Jose. Belize City gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Belize City often gets more sunshine than San Jose. Belize City gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 169 hours of full sun.
In October, Belize City is generally around the same temperature as San Jose. Daily temperatures in Belize City average around 26°C (80°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBelize City 26°C (80°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Belize City or San Jose in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Belize City and San Jose. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Belize City year-round. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Belize City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Belize City usually receives more rain than San Jose. Belize City gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Jose this time of the year. Belize City usually receives less sunshine than San Jose during winter. Belize City gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.
Belize City is cooler than San Jose in the winter. The daily temperature in Belize City averages around 24°C (74°F) in January, and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBelize City 24°C (74°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Belize City or San Jose in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Belize City as well as San Jose. Belize City attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Jose throughout the year.
Belize City usually gets more rain in April than San Jose. Belize City gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Jose. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Belize City this time of the year. In the spring, Belize City often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Jose. Belize City gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 255 hours of full sun.
In the spring, Belize City is around the same temperature as San Jose. Typically, the spring temperatures in Belize City in April average around 27°C (80°F), and San Jose averages at about 29°C (85°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilBelize City 27°C (80°F)San Jose 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for San Jose and Belize City
| Belize City | San Jose | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (74°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (76°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (78°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 243 mm (9.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (80°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (76°F) | 138 mm (5.4 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.