Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Bruges?
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 Bruges 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 Bruges 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: Bruges or San Juan?
Bruges
Located in the northern part of Belgium, in Flanders, Bruges is one of the most charming and well preserved cities in Europe. With its stone streets and charming shops, it is a postcard perfect city that seems to have jumped out of the pages of a Disney fairytale. The city itself is quite compact, adding to the charm and making it easily walkable. Even given its old world charm, it manages to present a cosmopolitan air as well. There's an active nightlife, but during the day the historical city center is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. You can take a carriage ride through the cobblestone streets or you can wander around on your own. Be sure to swing into some of the museums, cathedrals, and churches you'll see along the way. There are now shops everywhere that are designed to appeal to tourists. While some may be easy to walk by, it takes the strongest souls to ignore the chocolate shops you'll see on your way.
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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Belgium, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Belgium.
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Bruges Prices
Belgium PricesSan Juan Prices
Puerto Rico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBruges $187San Juan $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Bruges is $187, 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 Bruges and San Juan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBruges $69San Juan $124
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBruges $138San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Bruges and San Juan
Looking for a hotel in Bruges 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: Bruges Hotel Prices and San Juan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bruges $19San Juan $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bruges
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Bruges:
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Five Day Bus Pass$17
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Bike Rental for Day$9.28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bruges
Also for Bruges, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private direct transfer from Bruges to The Hague: $289
- Private Transfert from Bruges to Brussels Airport By Business car: $259
- Private Transfer from Zeebrugge Cruise Port to Brussels hotels: $242
- Private Transfer from Ostend Bruges Airport OST to Zeebrugge Port: $236
- Private transfer from Bruges to Brussels, 2h Stop in Ghent: $212
- Private direct transfer from Bruges to Brussels: $152
- Private transfer from Bruges to Lille, English-speaking driver: $147
- Ostend Airport (OST) to Bruges hotel - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $142
- Ostend Bruges Airport(OST) to Bruges- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $142
- Private Transfer from Zeebrugge Cruise Port to Bruges hotels: $74
- Private Transfer from Bruges City Hotels to Zeebrugge Cruise Port: $74
- Bruges hotel to Ostend Airport (OST) - Departure Private Transfer: $71
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan
Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Double ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $289
- Luxury Puerto Rico Private Transfers: $220
- San Juan Airport (SJU) to Ponce hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $200
- Private Transfer from SJU Airport to Humacao Hotels: $180
- Transfer from San Juan to Rincon or Rincon to San Juan: $167
- San Juan Airport (SJU) to Rio Grande hotel – Round-Trip Private Transfer: $165
- Transfer SJU Airport to Dorado. Hotels and Airbnb. Vice Versa One Way Trip.: $140
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, 14Pax Lux Sprinter Van: $124
- San Juan Airport (SJU) to San Juan Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $118
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $118
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, 11Pax Lux Sprinter Van: $103
- San Juan PR Transfer in Luxury SUV (Airports,Ports,Hotel,Airbnb): $103
Is it cheaper to fly into Bruges or San Juan?
Prices for flights to both San Juan and Bruges 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 dayBruges $103San Juan $62
Typical Food Prices in Bruges
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Bruges:
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Cup of Tea$2.32
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Sandwich for Lunch$3.77
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bruges
For Bruges, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Small‑Group Food Tour: Eight Signature Tastings of Bruges: $123
- Bruges Food Tour : Beer, Chocolate, Waffles & Fries in German: $130
- Bruges Food Tour with Full Meal & Drinks by Do Eat Better: $152
- The 10 Tastings of Bruges With Locals: Private Food Tour: $159
- Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $162
- Private Bruges Food Tour: 8 Tastings of Local Delicacies: $176
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:
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- Morning Old San Juan Food Tour: $169
- Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $170
- Savor the Sunset: Old San Juan Walking Food Tour: $179
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bruges $18San Juan $49
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bruges
For Bruges, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Groeninge Museum Entrance$9.28
Tours and Activities in Bruges
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bruges.
- "Edges of Brugge" Photo Tour - 2hr open city tour & workshop: $94
- "Essential Brugge" Photo Tour - 3hr private city tour & workshop: $295
- "Hidden Brugge" Photo Tour - 2hr open city tour & workshop: $94
- "Shades of Brugge" Photo Tour - 3hr private city tour & workshop: $295
- 2-Hour Bruges Walking Tour with Chocolate Tasting: $3.53
- 2-Hour Historical Walking Tour in Bruges with Praline Included: $3.54
- 6 Hour Bruges Shore Excursion from Zeebrugge Cruise Port: $80
- BRYGGJA ROMANTICA - 3 Hour Romantic Tour in Bruges: $53
- Best Bruges Cruise-Friendly Tour including Canal Boat Ride: $65
- Best Bruges Shore Excursion from Your Ship with Canal Cruise: $74
- Best Bruges Shore Excursion including Deluxe Canal Cruise: $78
- Best Cruise-Friendly Tour of Bruges including Leisure Time: $79
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.
- 1 Hour Bull Maze Adventure at Toroverde Urban Park San Juan: $45
- 1 Hour Historical UTV Tour in San Juan: $200
- 1)El Yunque Rainforest and Famous Luquillo Beach Experience: $96
- 2 Tours in 1 Day: Rainforest Waterslides & Beach Tour w/Transport: $60
- 3 Tours in 1 Day: Old San Juan, Rainforest, Beach with Transport: $65
- ATV Double Rider Adventure Near San Juan - Hacienda Campo Rico: $221
- ATV Single Rider Adventure Near San Juan - Hacienda Campo Rico: $149
- Adventure Water Bike in Condado Lagoon, San Juan: $60
- Arecibo Cave Cliffside Waterfall Adventure: $139
- Arecibo Indian Cave Coastal Adventure: $65
- Bio Bay Night Kayak Tour with Transport from San Juan: $125
- BioBay Kayak Tour with San Juan Roundtrip Transportation: $179
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBruges $13San Juan $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Bruges
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Bruges:
- Bourgogne des Flandres Brewery and Distillery Visit: $19
- Bruges Brewery & Distillery – Discover at Your Own Pace: $19
- Bruges Brewery & Distillery - Discover & Taste on your own pace: $33
- Bruges Brewery & Distillery - Discover the Spirits of Bruges: $46
Sample the Local Flavors in San Juan
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Juan:
- Old San Juan Bar Crawl: Experience Local Hotspots: $65
- Puerto Rico Tobacco Farm and Local Brewery Tour: $109
- Puerto Rico's First and Only Craft Beer Brewery Tour!: $150
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bruges and San Juan, we can see that San Juan is more expensive. And not only is Bruges much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bruges is in Europe 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 Bruges would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bruges 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 Bruges.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bruges Expensive? and Is San Juan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bruges or San Juan?
San Juan has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Bruges. When comparing the sizes of Bruges 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 Bruges or San Juan?
Bruges 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 Bruges or San Juan in the Summer?
Both San Juan and Bruges are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bruges 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, Bruges is much colder than San Juan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bruges in July average around 17°C (63°F), 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 Bruges. Bruges usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during summer. Bruges gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Bruges usually receives less rain than San Juan. Bruges gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBruges 17°C (63°F)San Juan 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Bruges or San Juan in the Autumn?
Both San Juan and Bruges during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Bruges for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.
In October, Bruges is generally much colder than San Juan. Daily temperatures in Bruges average around 12°C (54°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
In San Juan, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Bruges often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Bruges gets 105 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. Bruges usually gets less rain in October than San Juan. Bruges gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBruges 12°C (54°F)San Juan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Bruges or San Juan in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bruges and San Juan. Many visitors come to Bruges 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.
Bruges can get quite cold in the winter. Bruges is much colder than San Juan in the winter. The daily temperature in Bruges averages around 3°C (38°F) 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. Bruges usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during winter. Bruges gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Bruges usually receives around the same amount of rain as San Juan. Bruges gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBruges 3°C (38°F)San Juan 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Bruges or San Juan in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Bruges as well as San Juan. Most visitors come to Bruges for the natural beauty during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.
In the spring, Bruges is much colder than San Juan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bruges in April average around 8°C (47°F), and San Juan averages at about 26°C (79°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. In the spring, Bruges often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Bruges gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun.
Bruges usually gets less rain in April than San Juan. Bruges gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBruges 8°C (47°F)San Juan 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for San Juan and Bruges
| Bruges | San Juan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (38°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (42°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 8°C (47°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 12°C (54°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (63°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (64°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 75 mm (2.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (40°F) | 71 mm (2.8 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.