A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Boca Raton vs. San Juan for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Boca Raton or San Juan?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Boca Raton and San Juan. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Boca Raton or San Juan?

Boca Raton

An affluent city with a reputation for catering to the well-to-do, Boca Raton is a beautiful city in Southern Florida with plenty to offer for all tastes and budgets. Boca's warm weather climate has visitors flocking to its many beaches and parks each day, while others take advantage of the golf courses, spas, annual events, festivals, live shows, museums, shopping, dining, and more.

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 New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City.


Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Boca Raton?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Boca Raton is $283, 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 Boca Raton and San Juan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Boca Raton $171
    San Juan $124
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Boca Raton $342
    San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Boca Raton and San Juan

Looking for a hotel in Boca Raton 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.

Hotels in Boca Raton


Hotels in San Juan


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: Boca Raton Hotel Prices and San Juan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Boca Raton $76
    San Juan $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Boca Raton

Also for Boca Raton, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from West Palm Beach to (FLL) Airport: $115
  • Private Delray Beach Transfer and Fort Lauderdale Airport: $84
  • Boynton Beach to Miami Airport (MIA) - Departure Private Transfer: $56
  • Boca Raton to Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL)- Departure Private Transfer: $55
  • Delray Beach to Miami Airport (MIA) - Departure Private Transfer: $51
  • Boca Raton to Miami Airport (MIA) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
  • Boynton Beach to Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $42
  • Delray Beach to Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan

Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • San Juan Airport (SJU): Private Transfer to San Juan Port: $280
  • San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port: Transfer to San Juan hotel: $280
  • HandyCap Transfer Airport to Dorado, Rio Grande or Luquillo: $270
  • Transfer from San Juan to South coast- Ponce or Guanica: $250
  • Carabali Rain Forest Round Trip Private Taxi Transfer: $210
  • Transfer from San Juan to Río Grande, Loíza or Luquillo: $135
  • Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, 16Pax Mercedes Van, Select Zone: $130
  • Arrival Private Transfer SJU Airport to Old San Juan by SUV: $125
  • Transfers from San Juan to Adjuntas or Utuado: $113
  • Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, 14Pax Lux Sprinter Van: $112
  • Luquillo Puerto Rico to/from San Juan Airport Private Transfer: $110
  • Private Taxi Transfer from San Juan Airport (SJU) to Dorado PR: $110

Is it cheaper to fly into Boca Raton or San Juan?

Prices for flights to both San Juan and Boca Raton 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 day
    Boca Raton $67
    San Juan $36

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Boca Raton

For Boca Raton, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Delray Beach Dinner & Drinks Tour: $109

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: $50
  • Piñones Bar Crawl and Beach Hop Food Tour with Drinks: $56
  • Puerto Rican food tasting and beginner cooking Tour: $99
  • Elevated Dinner Experience (4 Courses) City Lights & Ocean Breeze: $155
  • Old San Juan Sunset Food Tour with Drinks: $156
  • Savor the Sunset: Old San Juan Walk and Food Tour: $159
  • Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $170

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Boca Raton $28
    San Juan $49

Tours and Activities in Boca Raton

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Boca Raton.

  • Boca Raton Bash Amazing Race & Tour: $24
  • Boca Raton on High Speed Train with Millionaire Home Boat Tour: $160
  • Boca Raton on High Speed Train with Millionaire Home Boat Tour: $150
  • Boca Raton-Delray Beach 1-Hour Private Jet Ski Guided Tour: $165
  • 23ft Boat Tour with Snorkeling/Tubing/Island: $535
  • Boomers Park Admission Tickets: $50
  • Private Jet Ski Tour with Optional Snorkeling: $250
  • Delray Beach Food & Drinks Tour: $104

Typical Entertainment Prices in San Juan

For San Juan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Horseback Riding Tour
    $40
  • Full Day Snorkeling Trip
    $100
  • 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
  • (Small Group) El Yunque HalfDay Tour with Transport / 7AM or 12PM: $105
  • 1 or 2 Hour Puerto Rico Horseback Ride Experience!: $210
  • ATV Single Rider Adventure at Hacienda Campo Rico: $136
  • Adventure to a Hidden Waterfall, Private Tour: $185
  • Airport transportation to cruise ships, hotels, bnb's in San Juan, Puerto Rico: $68
  • Along The Shore Private Helicopter Tour San Juan Puerto Rico: $295
  • Arenales Caves, Waterfall, Spring & River Swimming Adventure: $140
  • Arte Boriken-Urban Art & Beach Sip & Paint Tour: $145
  • Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Adventure from San Juan: $110
  • Bioluminescent Bay Night Kayak Experience: $225
  • Black Sand Beach- See The Southeast of Puerto Rico Private Tour: $150

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Boca Raton $40
    San Juan $12


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Boca Raton and San Juan, we can see that Boca Raton is more expensive. And not only is San Juan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Boca Raton is in North 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 San Juan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Juan 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 Boca Raton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boca Raton than you might in San Juan.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Boca Raton Expensive? and Is San Juan Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Boca Raton or San Juan?

San Juan has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Boca Raton. When comparing the sizes of Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton or San Juan?

Boca Raton has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Juan experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Boca Raton or San Juan in the Summer?

Both San Juan and Boca Raton are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Boca Raton this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the summer, Boca Raton is around the same temperature as San Juan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Boca Raton in July average around 82°F (28°C), and San Juan averages at about 28°C (83°F).

It's quite sunny in San Juan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Boca Raton. Boca Raton usually receives more sunshine than San Juan during summer. Boca Raton gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Boca Raton. In July, Boca Raton usually receives more rain than San Juan. Boca Raton gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Boca Raton 82°F (28°C) 
    San Juan 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Boca Raton or San Juan in the Autumn?

Both San Juan and Boca Raton during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Boca Raton for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.

In October, Boca Raton is generally around the same temperature as San Juan. Daily temperatures in Boca Raton average around 78°F (25°C), and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

In San Juan, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Boca Raton. In the autumn, Boca Raton often gets more sunshine than San Juan. Boca Raton gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 235 hours of full sun.

San Juan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Boca Raton. Boca Raton usually gets more rain in October than San Juan. Boca Raton gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Boca Raton is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Boca Raton 78°F (25°C) 
    San Juan 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Boca Raton or San Juan in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Boca Raton and San Juan. Many visitors come to Boca Raton in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Boca Raton is cooler than San Juan in the winter. The daily temperature in Boca Raton averages around 65°F (19°C) in January, and San Juan fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan this time of the year. In Boca Raton, it's very sunny this time of the year. Boca Raton usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Juan during winter. Boca Raton gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Boca Raton usually receives more rain than San Juan. Boca Raton gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Boca Raton 65°F (19°C) 
    San Juan 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Boca Raton or San Juan in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Boca Raton as well as San Juan. Most visitors come to Boca Raton for the beaches during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.

In the spring, Boca Raton is cooler than San Juan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Boca Raton in April average around 74°F (23°C), and San Juan averages at about 26°C (79°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Boca Raton this time of the year. In the spring, Boca Raton often gets more sunshine than San Juan. Boca Raton gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun.

Boca Raton usually gets more rain in April than San Juan. Boca Raton gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Boca Raton is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Boca Raton 74°F (23°C) 
    San Juan 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for San Juan and Boca Raton

Boca Raton San Juan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 65°F (19°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 25°C (77°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 66°F (19°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 25°C (77°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 70°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 26°C (78°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 74°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 26°C (79°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 78°F (25°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 8.1 inches (207 mm) 28°C (82°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (166 mm) 28°C (83°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 9.8 inches (250 mm) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Oct 78°F (25°C) 8.7 inches (222 mm) 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Nov 72°F (22°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm) 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Dec 67°F (20°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 26°C (78°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)