A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cinque Terre vs. San Jose for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Cinque Terre or San Jose?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cinque Terre 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.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a charming, picturesque, and idyllic coastal region. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. Cinque Terre is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Cinque Terre travel costs.

San Jose

San Jose is a bustling, authentic, and traditional city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See San Jose travel costs.

Cinque Terre and San Jose: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cinque Terre or San Jose?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cinque Terre than San Jose, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cinque Terre is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while San Jose is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities. Cinque Terre is more touristy than San Jose and is known for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. Also, Cinque Terre is famous for Vernazza Harbor. San Jose is well known for its colorful markets and vibrant nightlife, as well as its easy access to the rest of the country.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Cinque Terre different from San Jose?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between San Jose and Cinque Terre. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cinque Terre or San Jose?

San Jose is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around San Jose. Despite most people rushing through town, there are a number of museums, plazas, and interesting buildings that are worth checking out.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Cinque Terre or San Jose? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cinque Terre is very popular for its restaurants. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Cinque Terre is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Like much of Italy, the area focuses on local flavors that include lots of seafood, as well as local fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The towns are known for their focaccia, which actually originated in nearby Genoa. Anchovies are a favorite here as well, and don't be turned off by your experience with anchovies outside of Italy. They don't compare. Also make sure you sample the pesto, mussels, and any fresh caught seafood.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in San Jose. Most people miss out on local cuisine during their time in Costa Rica, but the capital city offers the best opportunities to eat like a local. You can sample favorite local dishes such as chifrijo, gallo pinto, rondón, and casado. You should also wander through the Central Market and dine at one of the many local restaurants.

Is Cinque Terre or San Jose Better for Nightlife?

San Jose is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for nightlife.

San Jose has a large number of nightlife venues. This city has the best nightlife in all of Costa Rica. You'll find a diversity of clubs and bars that are fun to explore. Check out the reggae bars, dance clubs, and sports bars (where you can enjoy a soccer game) while you're in town.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Cinque Terre. The whole point of a trip to the area is to soak up the quiet village atmosphere. There is basically no nightlife in most of the towns, but you will find a few bars in Monterosso.

Is Cinque Terre or San Jose Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is not a good area for its luxury resorts. However, San Jose is not a resort destination.

While Cinque Terre is not known as a resort destination, there are some nice places to stay. Most people stay in apartments or rooms in local hotels or family homes. There aren't many resorts in the traditional sense, but again, that's part of the charm of the area.

San Jose is not a resort destination.

Is Cinque Terre or San Jose Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cinque Terre is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, San Jose is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Cinque Terre has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. The surrounding waters are part of the of the Pelagos Sanctuary. The area has many rocky coves which are fun to explore with a mask and snorkel. There are also boat excursions available that may let you stop to snorkel, as well as a few dive spots in the area.

San Jose is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cinque Terre or San Jose Better for Beaches?

Cinque Terre is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, San Jose is not a beach destination.

Cinque Terre has a beach worth visiting. The area is more about the towns than the beaches. The most typical beach setting is in the newer part of Monterosso. There's a long sandy beach with chairs and umbrellas available. There's also a beach near the town's old town. Several of the other towns have swimming areas, including a small stretch of pebbly sand in Vernazza. It's fun to swim between the months of May and October, when the water temperatures are fairly warm.

San Jose is not a beach destination.

Is Cinque Terre or San Jose Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is very popular for its historic old town. However, San Jose does not have a historic old town.

Cinque Terre has a world-famous historical area. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.

San Jose does not have a historic old town.

Is Cinque Terre or San Jose Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is very popular for its hiking trails. However, San Jose is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Cinque Terre draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The five towns are part of Cinque Terre National Park and there are 120 kilometers of hiking trails in the park. Most people hike along the trails that follow the coastline and connect the towns. There are fees for the most popular stretch of trails which connect Monterosso to Vernazza and then go from Vernazza to Corniglia. All other hiking is free in the area.

San Jose is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cinque Terre or San Jose?

San Jose is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in San Jose. There are a number of unique things you can buy in the city including jewelry, handbags, and wood workings. Make sure you check out the Central Market.

Cinque Terre is a good destination for shopping. The towns are more about the atmosphere than the shops, but the best shopping can be found in the largest town of Monterosso. You'll find jewelry, clothing, and local food items that are fun to take home as souvenirs.

Is Cinque Terre or San Jose More Beautiful?

Cinque Terre is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, San Jose is not a destination known for its beauty.

Cinque Terre is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The region is famous for its striking beauty and dramatic hills that sit beautifully against the rich blue waters.

San Jose is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cinque Terre or San Jose Better for Families?

Cinque Terre is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, San Jose is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

Cinque Terre is a family-friendly coastal region. The five towns are all about exploring on foot, so if that's your kid's thing, then they're in for a treat. The hilly terrain can be a bit tricky, particularly for the little ones, but for older kids this area offers the perfect amount of challenge. There are also a couple of beaches and swimming spots as well as a playground or two around. Food, like most of Italy, is very kid-friendly.

San Jose doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Most people pass through the city quickly, but if you have a day or two to explore, you can visit the Children's Museum (Museo de los Niños), Spirogyra Butterfly Gardens, or explore the Central Market.

Is Cinque Terre or San Jose Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is very popular for romance. However, San Jose is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Cinque Terre has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. These stunning five Italian villages are perched precariously on the water's edge. They're surrounded by beautiful vineyards and connected by impressive hiking trails. This area is truly a dream honeymoon destination and it is sure to make a memorable vacation for any couple who enjoys exploring charming village.

Most people don't think of San Jose as a couple's destination. While Costa Rica is a popular honeymoon destination, the capital city is often overlooked for the beaches and rainforests around the country.

Is Cinque Terre or San Jose Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Jose is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit San Jose. Backpackers appreciate the affordability of the city and the wide range of hostels that you can choose from. The city also offers an authentic glimpse of life in Costa Rica.

Cinque Terre is a good coastal region to visit for backpackers. There are a number of rooms available in the towns and there are even a couple of hostels including one in Riomaggiore and one in Corniglia. It's possible to find affordable food and accommodation, and your entertainment is simply wandering the area, which is perfect for budget travelers.

Is Cinque Terre or San Jose Better for Students?

San Jose is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit San Jose. Many students come to Costa Rica to study the country's amazing environment and unique ecological systems. San Jose makes a good base as its easy to travel to other parts of this small country.

Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

Is Cinque Terre or San Jose Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Cinque Terre and San Jose.

Cinque Terre has some public transit options. Most people arrive by train but there are also ferries available.

You'll find some public transit in San Jose, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses that travel through the city during the daytime hours.

Is Cinque Terre or San Jose a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre is very popular for its walkability. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Cinque Terre. Vehicle traffic in the towns are heavily restricted so it's very enjoyable to explore on foot. The terrain is hilly and uneven, but that's part of the charm. There are also hiking trails that connect each of the five towns.

San Jose is a somewhat walkable place. It can feel a bit chaotic, but it's relatively easy to get around on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Cinque Terre Worth Visiting? and Is San Jose Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Jose or Cinque Terre?

How long in Cinque Terre or San Jose?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cinque Terre or San Jose to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cinque Terre than San Jose because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Cinque Terre, and 1-2 days is enough time in San Jose.

Families should spend more time in Cinque Terre than San Jose. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Cinque Terre, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Cinque Terre than San Jose. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cinque Terre that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Jose than Cinque Terre if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in San Jose.

One day in Cinque Terre or San Jose?

Cinque Terre is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In San Jose, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this colorful city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Cinque Terre or San Jose?

Cinque Terre is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal region makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cinque Terre, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

San Jose is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Cinque Terre or San Jose?

Cinque Terre is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cinque Terre, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the traditional destination of San Jose. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Cinque Terre or San Jose?

Cinque Terre is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal region offers something for everyone.

San Jose is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cinque Terre and San Jose, we can see that Cinque Terre is more expensive. And not only is San Jose much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre Expensive? and Is San Jose Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cinque Terre or San Jose?

San Jose has a larger population, and is about 210 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre or San Jose?

Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre or San Jose in the Summer?

Both San Jose and Cinque Terre are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Cinque Terre because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to San Jose because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the summer, Cinque Terre is cooler than San Jose. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cinque Terre in July average around 24°C (75°F), and San Jose averages at about 28°C (82°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cinque Terre. Cinque Terre usually receives more sunshine than San Jose during summer. Cinque Terre gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Jose. In July, Cinque Terre usually receives less rain than San Jose. Cinque Terre gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cinque Terre or San Jose in the Autumn?

Both San Jose and Cinque Terre during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round.

In October, Cinque Terre is generally much colder than San Jose. Daily temperatures in Cinque Terre average around 17°C (63°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In the autumn, Cinque Terre often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Jose. Cinque Terre gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 169 hours of full sun.

San Jose gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Cinque Terre. Cinque Terre usually gets less rain in October than San Jose. Cinque Terre gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year. December to April is the dry season in San Jose. Also, May to November in San Jose is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Cinque Terre or San Jose in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cinque Terre and San Jose. Many travelers come to Cinque Terre for the shopping scene and the cuisine. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Cinque Terre is much colder than San Jose in the winter. The daily temperature in Cinque Terre averages around 8°C (46°F) in January, and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Jose this time of the year. Cinque Terre usually receives less sunshine than San Jose during winter. Cinque Terre gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.

Cinque Terre gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Cinque Terre usually receives more rain than San Jose. Cinque Terre gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cinque Terre or San Jose in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cinque Terre as well as San Jose. Many visitors come to Cinque Terre in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Jose throughout the year.

In the spring, Cinque Terre is much colder than San Jose. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cinque Terre in April average around 14°C (57°F), and San Jose averages at about 29°C (85°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Jose. In the spring, Cinque Terre often gets less sunshine than San Jose. Cinque Terre gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 255 hours of full sun.

Cinque Terre usually gets more rain in April than San Jose. Cinque Terre gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to April in San Jose is the dry season. Also, the hurricane season in San Jose is May to November.

Typical Weather for San Jose and Cinque Terre