Which place is cheaper, San Jose or Cairo?
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 Cairo or San Jose?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cairo and San Jose can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Cairo or San Jose?
Cairo
Cairo is the chaotic capital city of Egypt. With a population of more than 16 million, it is one of the largest cities in both Africa and the Middle East. As a traveler, you're likely to arrive and leave from here and you'll get your first orientation to the area during the chaotic and congestion filled taxi ride from the airport.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Egypt, The Best Historical Tours in Egypt, The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.
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Cairo Prices
Egypt PricesSan Jose Prices
Costa Rica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCairo $33San Jose $103
The average daily cost (per person) in Cairo is $33, while the average daily cost in San Jose is $103. 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 Cairo and San Jose in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCairo $11San Jose $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCairo $22San Jose $98
Compare Hotels in Cairo and San Jose
Looking for a hotel in Cairo 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: Cairo Hotel Prices and San Jose Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cairo $3.80San Jose $19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cairo
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cairo are as follows:
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Metro Ride$0.08
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Taxi Ride$0.32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cairo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cairo:
- private transfer from Cairo to Alexandria: $70
- private Airport Transfer from any destination in Cairo or Giza : $35
- one transfer from airport to Cairo Giza hotels or hotels to Cairo airport: $27
- VIP Meet and Greet Private Hotel Transfer from Cairo Airport: $39
- VIP Meet and Assist in Cairo Airport with Private Transfer to Cairo Hotels: $49
- VIP Cairo and SPX International Airport Meet assist transfer: $15
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Cairo APT-HTL (CAI): $33
- Transfer to Cairo & Giza Hotels From Cairo Airport: $35
- Transfer from Cairo, Giza or Cairo airport to Ain Sokhna: $60
- Transfer from Cairo Int. Airport to Cairo/Giza hotels: $21
- Transfer from Cairo Airport to the Hotels in Cairo or Giza : $18
- Transfer from Cairo Airport to the Hotels in Cairo or Giza: $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Jose
Some typical examples of transportation costs in San Jose are as follows:
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Taxi from SJO$25
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Local Bus$2.72
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Jose
Also for San Jose, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer: San José Airport to Puerto Viejo / Cahuita : $275
- Private Transfer: San José Hotels to SJO Airport: $95
- Airport transfer from SJO Airport to Los Sueños Marriott: $185
- Arrival Transfer San Jose Airport SJO to Arenal by Minivan: $205
- Braulio Carrillo 6 in 1 Full Day Pass with Optional Transfer: $112
- Direct Transfer From San Jose to Cahuita, English Speaking Driver: $262
- Direct Transfer From San Jose to Limon, English Speaking Driver: $209
- Direct Transfer From San Jose to Monteverde, English Speaking Driver: $196
- Direct transfer from San Jose to La Fortuna, English Speaking Driver: $167
- Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) to Jaco - Arrival Private Transfer: $143
- Juan Santamaria Intl Airport (SJO) to San Jose - Private Transfer: $76
- Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) to Puntarenas city- Arrival Private Transfer: $105
Is it cheaper to fly into Cairo or San Jose?
Prices for flights to both San Jose and Cairo 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 dayCairo $18San Jose $31
Typical Food Prices in Cairo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cairo:
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Juice$0.04
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cairo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cairo.
- Dinner Nile cruise with belly dancer show on Nile river: $5.00
- Great tour toThe Grand Museum of Giza and Nile River DinnerCruise: $5.00
- Quad Bike ATV ,Camel Ride ,Nile Dinner Cruise Belly dancer show: $7.00
- Cairo Food Tour with Nile Felucca Ride : $7.00
- Private Nile Cruise with Dinner and Folk Show from Cairo: $7.50
- Night Dinner Nile cruise with belly dancer and folklore show: $8.00
- night-tour Nile dinner cruise with open buffet and belly dancer: $8.00
- Local Oriental Food Tour from Cairo or Giza hotels: $9.00
- Cairo Dinner Cruise show with belly dancer show on Nile river: $9.00
- Cairo Food Tour in local places & Egyptian Mint Tea: $9.00
- food tour private tour from cairo or giza hotel: $9.00
- Giza pyramids,Sphinx,ATV bike,Camel ride,Dinner cruise& shopping: $9.00
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 including Markets: $29
- San Jose Cooking Classes visit Central Market: $52
- San Jose By Night: Farm to Table Dinner, Cooking & Cocktail Class: $59
- Half-Day San Jose Evening Bus Tour with Dinner and Pickup: $78
- San Jose By Night: Sights & Culture Tour with Local Dinner : $80
- Dinner + Typical dance show at the best viewpoint in San José: $92
- Street Food Tour in San Jose with a Local Guide: $113
- Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner: $185
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cairo $9.09San Jose $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cairo
Here are a few typical costs in Cairo for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entry to Camel Market for Two$0.84
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Egyptian Museum Entry for Two$6.47
Tours and Activities in Cairo
Here are a few actual costs in Cairo for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1 Day Private Tour in Cairo and Giza: $90
- 2 Days in Cairo & Giza Private Tour : $80
- 2-Day Ancient Egypt Tour with Pyramids and Museums: $253
- 2-Day Tour Ancient Egypt and Old Cairo Highlights Tour: $290
- 2-Days Tour at Cairo & Giza: $86
- 2-Days Tours at Cairo & Giza : $143
- 3 Days Private Tour in Giza, Cairo, and Alexandria: $70
- 8-Hour Private Tour Giza Pyramids, Egyptian Museum and local Bazaars: $14
- Alexandria Private Day Tour From Cairo: $95
- Alexandria day tour : $75
- All Inclusive 2-Day Private Tour to All Pyramids and Cairo and 2 evenings: $299
- All Inclusive Full-Day Tour to Pyramids, Museum, mosque and Felucca: $39
Tours and Activities in San Jose
For San Jose, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Self Guided Audio Walking Tour of San Jose Highlights: $4.62
- Hiking Experience in El Quetzal Private Reserve: $26
- Private Guided Tour of Cheese in Canaan de Rivas: $30
- Sarapiqui Frog Experience: Night Experience in the Jungle.: $30
- Hacienda Alsacia Starbucks Coffe Tour: $31
- Poas Volcano National Park - Admission Ticket: $32
- 2-Hour Orosi Nocturnal Tour: $33
- San Jose ART Walking Tour - small groups, creative experience: $35
- Historical Tour and Old Houses by Dota: $35
- San Jose Walking Nature Tour: Sloths, Birds and Trees: $35
- Skip the Line: Rescate Wildlife Rescue Centre General Admission Ticket: $35
- Sarapiqui Rainforest Night Walk : Wildlife & Adventure.: $35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCairo $1.48San Jose $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Cairo
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cairo:
- Pub Crawl and Speakeasy Bar Tour with 2 Free Drinks: $70
Sample the Local Flavors in San Jose
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Jose:
- Exclusive Pub Crawl in San Jose : $30
- Bar Crawl in Downtown San Jose: $39
- 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 Cairo and San Jose, we can see that San Jose is more expensive. And not only is Cairo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cairo is in Africa 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 Cairo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cairo 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 Jose would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Jose than you might in Cairo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cairo Expensive? and Is San Jose Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cairo or San Jose?
Cairo has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of San Jose. When comparing the sizes of Cairo 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 Cairo or San Jose?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Cairo or San Jose in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Cairo as well as San Jose. Cairo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Jose throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in San Jose. Cairo usually gets less rain in July than San Jose. Cairo gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cairo this time of the year. In the summer, Cairo often gets more sunshine than San Jose. Cairo gets 350 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 164 hours of full sun.
Cairo is around the same temperature as San Jose in the summer. The daily temperature in Cairo averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and San Jose fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCairo 28°C (82°F)San Jose 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Cairo or San Jose in the Autumn?
Both San Jose and Cairo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cairo throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to San Jose because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in San Jose is December to April. May to November in San Jose is the hurricane season. It rains a lot this time of the year in San Jose. In October, Cairo usually receives less rain than San Jose. Cairo gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cairo. Cairo usually receives more sunshine than San Jose during autumn. Cairo gets 290 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In the autumn, Cairo is cooler than San Jose. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cairo in October average around 23°C (73°F), and San Jose averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCairo 23°C (73°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Cairo or San Jose in the Winter?
Both San Jose and Cairo during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Cairo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round.
Cairo usually gets more rain in January than San Jose. Cairo gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In San Jose, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cairo. In the winter, Cairo often gets less sunshine than San Jose. Cairo gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 264 hours of full sun.
In January, Cairo is generally much colder than San Jose. Daily temperatures in Cairo average around 14°C (57°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCairo 14°C (57°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Cairo or San Jose in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cairo and San Jose. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cairo year-round. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
December to April in San Jose is the dry season. The hurricane season in San Jose is May to November. In April, Cairo usually receives less rain than San Jose. Cairo gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Jose this time of the year. In Cairo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cairo usually receives more sunshine than San Jose during spring. Cairo gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.
Cairo is cooler than San Jose in the spring. The daily temperature in Cairo averages around 21°C (70°F) in April, and San Jose fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCairo 21°C (70°F)San Jose 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for San Jose and Cairo
| Cairo | San Jose | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 14°C (57°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 17°C (63°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 21°C (70°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 26°C (79°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.