Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Budapest?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Budapest or San Juan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Budapest and San Juan can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Budapest or San Juan?
Budapest
Budapest is the capital city of Hungary. It has been called the "Paris of the East" because of its impressive architecture and general beauty. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987 because of its cultural importance, its location on the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrassy Avenue. In addition to its rich history, Budapest still has a young vibe with a lot of energy. There's an active night life, an impressive music scene, and a good reputation with European youth.
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 10-Day Tours from Budapest, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBudapest $91San Juan $192
The average daily cost (per person) in Budapest is $91, 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 Budapest and San Juan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBudapest $50San Juan $124
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBudapest $100San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Budapest and San Juan
Looking for a hotel in Budapest 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: Budapest Hotel Prices and San Juan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Budapest $11San Juan $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Budapest
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Budapest:
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Short Taxi Ride$7.05
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Metro Pass$3.87
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Budapest
Also for Budapest, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- T72 Tank Driving with Hummer Transfer: $1,603
- Budapest - Hungary to Bucharest - Romania /Private Transfer: $1,298
- Bucharest - Romania to Budapest - Hungary /Private Transfer: $1,190
- Private transfer from Budapest to Prague: $1,066
- Private transfer from Budapest to Zagreb: $936
- Transfer from Vienna to Budapest: $710
- Budapest-Vienna Private Transfer by Luxury Vehicle: $646
- From Bucharest: One-way Private Fast Transfer to Budapest: $646
- Private transfer from Budapest to Vienna: $592
- Private transfer between Budapest and Vienna: $474
- Budapest-Vienna One-Way Sightseeing Transfer: $296
- Budapest-Bratislava One-Way Sightseeing Transfer: $296
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: $272
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port: Transfer to San Juan hotel: $272
- Carabali Rain Forest Round Trip Private Taxi Transfer: $210
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, 16Pax Mercedes Van, Select Zone: $130
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, 14Pax Lux Sprinter Van: $124
- Private Transfer from SJU Airport to San Juan / Rio Grande: $105
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, 11Pax Lux Sprinter Van: $103
- Old San Juan Sunset Cruise with Drinks & Transfer: $99
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Mercedes ECO Van, Select Zone: $87
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Ford Premium SUV, Select Zone: $87
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Lexus Luxury Sedan, Select Zone: $81
- Oneway Transfer San Juan to Ceiba: Ferry, Vieques/Culebra Airport: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Budapest or San Juan?
Prices for flights to both San Juan and Budapest 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 dayBudapest $23San Juan $36
Typical Food Prices in Budapest
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Budapest:
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Lunch$3.44
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Budapest
For Budapest, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Traveling Spoon Hungarian Goulash Private Online Cooking Class: $40
- Downtown Budapest Cruise with Pizza and Beer: $45
- Pizza & Beer Downtown Budapest Cruise: $46
- Vegan Hungarian Food Tour (full meals): $52
- Medieval Dinner Show with Drinks: $53
- Private Street Food Tour: $59
- Danube Cruise with Hungarian Dinner and Live Music: $74
- Budapest Danube Cruise with Buffet Dinner, Performances and Music: $76
- Chefparade Cooking School_ Hungarian menu: $79
- Evening Cruise and Dinner with Champagne: $86
- Lángos (Hungary’s nr1 streetfood) cooking class: $88
- Candlelit Dinner River Cruise with Live Music: $91
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Budapest $22San Juan $49
Typical Entertainment Prices in Budapest
For Budapest, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Entrance to the Baths for Two$6.91
Tours and Activities in Budapest
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Budapest.
- Budapest Downtown 90-Minute River Segway Tour : $49
- Private Budapest city tour with a daytime Danube river cruise: $241
- 1 Hour Budapest Segway Tour - Parliament Hightails: $38
- 1.5 Hour Budapest Segway Tour - To The Castle Area : $49
- 101 things you have to see in Budapest - Full Day Tour with Lunch & Dessert: $186
- 2 Hour Budapest Market and Tasting Tour: $57
- 2 Hours Buda Castle Walking Tour - Walk with a Historian: $39
- 2 Hours Jewish Heritage Walking Tour - Walk with a Historian: $50
- 2 Hours Private Scenic Photo Tour Around Budapest: $219
- 2-Hour Private Budapest Castle Walking Tour: $127
- 2-Hour Private Market Tour in Budapest With Free Tastings: $59
- 22 Dog-statues in Budapest - an unusual tour: $27
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.
- Full-Day Tour: El Yunque, Luquillo Beach, Bio Bay Night Kayaking: $155
- Rum Craft Cocktail Tour in San Juan: $65
- 1 or 2 Hour Puerto Rico Horseback Ride Experience!: $210
- Arenales Caves, Waterfall & River Swimming Adventure: $140
- Arte Boriken-Urban Art & Beach Sip & Paint Tour: $145
- Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Adventure from San Juan: $110
- Black Sand Beach- See The Southeast of Puerto Rico Private Tour: $150
- Carolina: ATV Adventure at Campo Rico Ranch with Guide: $136
- Craft Beer Private Tour in San Juan: $168
- 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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBudapest $18San Juan $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Budapest
Also in Budapest, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- 5-Hour Pub Crawl through Ruin Bars: $22
- Ultimate Budapest Pub Crawl: $23
- Bingo Bar Crawl: $25
- Budapest Original Ruin Pub Crawl Including 5 Shots: $28
- Ruin Bar Pub Crawl with Entry Tickets: $29
- Detective Pub Crawl Game by App: $38
- 8-Tier Hungarian Wine Tasting in a Cozy Downtown Wine Bar: $39
- Tipsy Tour Fun Bar Crawl with a Local Guide: $42
- Drunken History Bar Crawl Tour with Local Drinks: $42
- Drunken History Ruin Pub Walking Tour: $43
- Pub Crawl Through The Ruin Bars in Budapest with T-shirt Included: $54
- All You Can Drink Pub Crawl Through The Ruin Bars in Budapest: $59
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 Budapest and San Juan, we can see that San Juan is more expensive. And not only is Budapest much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Budapest 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 Budapest would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Budapest 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 Budapest.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Budapest Expensive? and Is San Juan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Budapest or San Juan?
Budapest has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of San Juan. When comparing the sizes of Budapest 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 Budapest or San Juan?
Budapest 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 Budapest or San Juan in the Summer?
Both San Juan and Budapest are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Budapest for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Budapest is generally cooler than San Juan. Daily temperatures in Budapest average around 21°C (70°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
It's quite sunny in San Juan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Budapest. Budapest usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Juan during summer. Budapest gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Budapest usually receives less rain than San Juan. Budapest gets 45 mm (1.8 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 JulyBudapest 21°C (70°F)San Juan 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Budapest or San Juan in the Autumn?
Both San Juan and Budapest during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Budapest because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.
Budapest is much colder than San Juan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Budapest averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
In San Juan, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Budapest often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Budapest gets 152 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. Budapest usually gets less rain in October than San Juan. Budapest gets 34 mm (1.3 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 OctoberBudapest 12°C (53°F)San Juan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Budapest or San Juan in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Budapest and San Juan. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Budapest this time of year. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
It's quite cold in Budapest in the winter. In the winter, Budapest is much colder than San Juan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Budapest in January average around -1°C (31°F), and San Juan averages at about 25°C (77°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan this time of the year. Budapest usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during winter. Budapest gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Budapest usually receives less rain than San Juan. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 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 JanuaryBudapest -1°C (31°F)San Juan 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Budapest or San Juan in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Budapest as well as San Juan. Many travelers come to Budapest for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.
In April, Budapest is generally much colder than San Juan. Daily temperatures in Budapest average around 12°C (53°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. In the spring, Budapest often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Budapest gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun.
Budapest usually gets less rain in April than San Juan. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 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 AprilBudapest 12°C (53°F)San Juan 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for San Juan and Budapest
| Budapest | San Juan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -1°C (31°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 2°C (35°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 16°C (62°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 20°C (67°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (69°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 17°C (63°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (53°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (42°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 1°C (34°F) | 48 mm (1.9 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.