Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Belize City?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Belize City or San Juan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Belize City or San Juan? 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 Juan?
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 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 G Adventures Tours to Belize, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Belize.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBelize City $88San Juan $192
The average daily cost (per person) in Belize City is $88, 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 Belize City and San Juan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBelize City $49San Juan $124
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBelize City $98San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Belize City and San Juan
Looking for a hotel in Belize 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: Belize City Hotel Prices and San Juan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Belize City $5.82San Juan $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Belize City
Also for Belize City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Belize City and Airport to Placencia: $150
- Belize City to/from Placencia/Hopkins Shuttle Transfer: $113
- Belize: Belize City to/from San Ignacio Shuttle Transfer: $68
- Private Transfer from Belize City Port to Belize Airport (BZE): $60
- Transfer Belize city to bacalar: $50
- We do transfers from airport to any where in Belize.: $49
- Belize city water taxi terminal to Airport transfer: $30
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: $271
- San Juan Airport (SJU): Private Transfer to San Juan Port: $271
- 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
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, 16Pax Mercedes Van, Select Zone: $130
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, 11Pax Lux Sprinter Van: $103
Is it cheaper to fly into Belize City or San Juan?
Prices for flights to both San Juan 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
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Food Meals for one dayBelize City $27San Juan $36
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 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
- Private Local Food Tour in San Juan: $275
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Belize City $29San Juan $49
Tours and Activities in Belize City
For Belize City, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Cave Tubing and Zipline Adventure from Belize City: $167
- 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
- Belize City Tour Shore Excursion: $100
- Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Full Day Tour: $190
- Cave Tubing & Zipline Adventure Tour: $110
- Guided Cave Kayaking Tour with Pickup: $77
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.
- Rum Craft Cocktail Tour in San Juan: $65
- 1 or 2 Hour Puerto Rico Horseback Ride Experience!: $210
- Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Adventure from San Juan: $110
- Carolina: ATV Adventure at Campo Rico Ranch with Guide: $136
- Cave Day Tour From San Juan: $109
- 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
- Discover El Yunque: Half-Day Rainforest Tour: $115
- Discover Old In-App Audio Tour of History: $11
- El Yunque National RainForest: Tour with Nature walk: $75
- El Yunque Rainforest Guided Day Tour from San Juan: $85
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBelize City $12San Juan $12
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 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 Belize City and San Juan, we can see that San Juan is more expensive. And not only is Belize City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Belize City is in Central 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 Belize City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Belize 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 Belize City.
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 Juan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Belize City or San Juan?
San Juan has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Belize City. When comparing the sizes of Belize 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 Belize City or San Juan?
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 Juan in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Belize City and San Juan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Belize City year-round. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Belize City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Belize City usually receives more rain than San Juan. Belize City gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan this time of the year. In Belize City, it's very sunny this time of the year. Belize City usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during summer. Belize City gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
In the summer, Belize City is around the same temperature as San Juan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Belize City in July average around 28°C (82°F), and San Juan averages at about 28°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBelize City 28°C (82°F)San Juan 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Belize City or San Juan in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Belize City as well as San Juan. Belize City attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in San Juan. Belize City receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Belize City usually gets more rain in October than San Juan. Belize City gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. In the autumn, Belize City often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Belize City gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 235 hours of full sun.
In October, Belize City is generally around the same temperature as San Juan. Daily temperatures in Belize City average around 26°C (80°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBelize City 26°C (80°F)San Juan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Belize City or San Juan in the Winter?
Both San Juan and Belize City are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Belize City throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Belize City. In January, Belize City usually receives more rain than San Juan. Belize City gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
It's quite sunny in San Juan. Belize City usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during winter. Belize City gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
Belize City is around the same temperature as San Juan in the winter. The daily temperature in Belize City averages around 24°C (74°F) in January, and San Juan fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBelize City 24°C (74°F)San Juan 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Belize City or San Juan in the Spring?
Both San Juan and Belize City during the spring 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 Juan year-round.
Belize City usually gets less rain in April than San Juan. Belize City gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In San Juan, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Belize City. In the spring, Belize City often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Juan. Belize City gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun.
In the spring, Belize City is around the same temperature as San Juan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Belize City in April average around 27°C (80°F), and San Juan averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBelize City 27°C (80°F)San Juan 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for San Juan and Belize City
| Belize City | San Juan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (74°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (76°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (78°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 243 mm (9.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (80°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (76°F) | 138 mm (5.4 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.