Which place is cheaper, San Jose or Berlin?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Berlin or San Jose?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Berlin or San Jose, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Berlin or San Jose?
Berlin
Berlin is the capital and largest city in Germany. As such, travelers can expect typical European prices for everything from hotels to food to sights and attractions. While it's possible to experience this city on a cheaper budget, don't expect to get much without paying a decent amount.
With a population of about 4.5 million, Berlin is a very international city that is well known for its high level of tolerance, an eclectic nightlife, an artistic vibe and many historical sights. There are museums, palaces and landmarks spread throughout the city. Despite having a significant amount of damage during the last few years of World War II, Berlin has been rebuilt with an interesting diversity of architecture styles. This is particularly true after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Architecture in the city represents many different historical periods ranging from medieval buildings through modern, glass structures.
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 Adventure Tours to Germany, The Best Cultural Tours in Germany, The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBerlin €137San Jose €85
The average daily cost (per person) in Berlin is €137, while the average daily cost in San Jose is €85. 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 Berlin and San Jose in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBerlin €64San Jose €46
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBerlin €128San Jose €92
Compare Hotels in Berlin and San Jose
Looking for a hotel in Berlin 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: Berlin Hotel Prices and San Jose Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Berlin €18San Jose €18
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Berlin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Berlin:
-
Short Trip Metro Ticket€1.40
-
Bahn Ticket€3.00
-
Short Taxi Ride€20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Berlin
Also for Berlin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Berlin HTL-APT (SXF): $300
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Berlin APT-HTL (SXF): $300
- Skip-the-line Charlottenburg Palace Private Tour & Transfers: $205
- Round Trip Private Transfer Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Berlin by Business Car: $258
- Private transfer from Berlin to Prague with Terezin Concentration Camp stop: $268
- Private transfer from Berlin to Prague: $732
- Private arrival OR departure transfer from/to airport of Berlin: $142
- Private Transfer: Brandenburg Airport BER to Berlin in Sedan Car: $103
- Private Transfer: Brandenburg Airport BER to Berlin in Luxury Van: $114
- Private Transfer: Brandenburg Airport BER to Berlin in Luxury Car: $120
- Private Transfer: Berlin to River Cruise Dock Nuremberg - Port/Harbor transport: $263
- Private Transfer: Berlin to Brandenburg Airport BER in Sedan Car: $103
Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Jose
Some typical examples of transportation costs in San Jose are as follows:
-
Taxi from SJO€24
-
Local Bus€2.58
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Jose
Also for San Jose, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private transfer from San Jose or Airport with welcome service to Tortuguero: $300
- Transfer SJO Airport TO & FROM Dominical OR Uvita (One Way): $290
- Transfer from San Jose Airport CR (SJO) to Arenal La Fortuna Hotels: $279
- Private transfer from San Jose or Airport with welcome service to Tambor beach: $276
- Private Transfer from San Jose Airport or Guanacaste Hotels: $276
- Private transfer from San Jose Airport welcome service to Manuel Antonio Quepos: $269
- Private Transfer from San Jose downtown to Liberia Airport: $267
- Private transfer from San Jose or Airport with welcome service to Samara Beach: $265
- Private Transfer: $260
- Private Transfer Airport or San Jose hotels to Puerto Viejo Limon: $259
- Private transfer from San Jose Airport welcome service to La Fortuna Arenal: $259
- Private transfer from San Jose Airport welcome service to Liberia: $257
Is it cheaper to fly into Berlin or San Jose?
Prices for flights to both San Jose and Berlin 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 dayBerlin €52San Jose €17
Typical Food Prices in Berlin
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Berlin:
-
Sandwich and Coffee To Go€5.00
-
Turkish Sandwich€2.00
-
Currywurst€2.00
-
2 Pho Noodles€9.00
-
Restaurant Dinner and Beers (for 2)€60
-
Mauer Park (2)€11
-
Coffees at Impala€7.80
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Berlin
For Berlin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- English Comedy Ticket including Pizza in Berlin Mitte: $18
- English Stand-Up Comedy with Pizza and Shots: $19
- Hard Rock Cafe Berlin with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
- Hard Rock Cafe Berlin With Set Lunch or Dinner : $34
- Berlin Mitte kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $48
- Kreuzberg kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $48
- No Diet Club - Street Food Tour with many Tastings !: $59
- Evening Yacht Cruise with Aperitif & Optional Dinner: $64
- Evening Food Tour by Bike: $70
- Sicilian Cooking Workshop with unlimited drinks: $70
- Sharing plate food tour in Berlin: $76
- Dinner Cruise on the Spree with Prosecco: $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, 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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Berlin €22San Jose €20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Berlin
For Berlin, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Berlin Zoo (2)€20
Tours and Activities in Berlin
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Berlin.
- East Berlin and the Berlin Wall 2-Hour Walking Tour : $22
- Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial Tour from Berlin: $32
- (E) Bike Tour for Non Bikers option Rickshaw Shared Guide: $48
- 1-Hour Segway Discovery Tour Berlin: $49
- 2 Hours Berlin City Guided Electric Trike Tour: $74
- 2 Hours E-Scooter Tour: $60
- 2-Hour Private Berlin Walking Tour, Berlin in the Third Reich and Cold War: $213
- 3 Hours Berlin City Guided Electric Trike Tour: $91
- 3-Hour Alternative Berlin Bike Tour: Vibes of Berlin: $35
- 3-Hour Private Berlin Bike Tour: Vibes of Berlin: $185
- 3D Adventure black light mini golf (Berlin): $22
- 4 Hours 2 Person Highlights Berlin Rickshaw Tour with Guide : $207
Tours and Activities in San Jose
For San Jose, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Explore San Jose on Foot: Food Delights and Sights Tour: $47
- Street Food Walking Tour in Downtown San Jose: $60
- 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 Eco Tour & Baldi Hot Springs Private Tour from San Jose: $285
- Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose: $159
- Arenal Volcano Hanging Bridges & Baldi Hot Springs. Private Tour from San Jose: $285
- Arenal Volcano Hike and Hot Springs Tour from San Jose: $142
- Arenal Volcano Horseback Riding & Baldi Hot Springs. Private Tour: $295
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayBerlin €16San Jose €16
Typical Alcohol Prices in Berlin
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Berlin from other travelers:
-
Drinks at a Show€14
Sample the Local Flavors in Berlin
Also in Berlin, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- VIP Pub Crawl with Drinks and Challenges: $16
- brewery tour with beer tasting: $19
- Vagabund Brauerei Beer Tasting & Guided Brewery Tour: $24
- Pub Crawl with Skip-the-Line Club Entry: $24
- Berlin Pub Crawl and Nightlife Clubbing tour: $33
- The Showgirls of Burlesque: $46
- Showgirls of Burlesque Entry Ticket: $70
- Berlin:sunset boat trip with Argentine wine tasting and food: $215
- German Wine Tasting Tour at the Best Wine Bars in Berlin: $251
- German Wine Tasting Tour at the Best Wine Bars in Berlin: $255
- Bachelor(ette) Party with Pub Crawl: $404
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 Berlin and San Jose, we can see that Berlin is more expensive. And not only is San Jose much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Berlin is in Europe 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 San Jose would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Jose 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 Berlin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Berlin than you might in San Jose.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Berlin Expensive? and Is San Jose Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Berlin or San Jose?
Berlin has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of San Jose. When comparing the sizes of Berlin 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 Berlin or San Jose?
Berlin has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Jose experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Berlin or San Jose in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Berlin and San Jose. The summer months attract visitors to Berlin because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Berlin is generally cooler than San Jose. Daily temperatures in Berlin average around 19°C (66°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
In Berlin, it's very sunny this time of the year. Berlin usually receives more sunshine than San Jose during summer. Berlin gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.
San Jose receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Berlin usually receives less rain than San Jose. Berlin gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyBerlin 19°C (66°F)San Jose 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Berlin or San Jose in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Berlin as well as San Jose. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Berlin this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Jose throughout the year.
Berlin is much colder than San Jose in the autumn. The daily temperature in Berlin averages around 10°C (50°F) in October, and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
In the autumn, Berlin often gets less sunshine than San Jose. Berlin gets 106 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 169 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in San Jose. Berlin usually gets less rain in October than San Jose. Berlin gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBerlin 10°C (50°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Berlin or San Jose in the Winter?
Both San Jose and Berlin are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Berlin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to San Jose because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Berlin. In the winter, Berlin is much colder than San Jose. Typically, the winter temperatures in Berlin in January average around -0°C (31°F), and San Jose averages at about 27°C (81°F).
It's quite sunny in San Jose. Berlin usually receives less sunshine than San Jose during winter. Berlin gets 42 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Berlin usually receives more rain than San Jose. Berlin gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBerlin -0°C (31°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Berlin or San Jose in the Spring?
Both San Jose and Berlin during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Berlin in the spring for the activities around the city. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round.
In April, Berlin is generally much colder than San Jose. Daily temperatures in Berlin average around 9°C (47°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
In San Jose, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Berlin often gets less sunshine than San Jose. Berlin gets 160 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 255 hours of full sun.
Berlin usually gets more rain in April than San Jose. Berlin gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilBerlin 9°C (47°F)San Jose 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for San Jose and Berlin
| Berlin | San Jose | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -0°C (31°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 1°C (33°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 4°C (40°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 9°C (47°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (63°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (65°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 15°C (59°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 5°C (41°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 2°C (35°F) | 51 mm (2 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.