Which place is cheaper, San Jose or Colonia del Sacramento?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Colonia del Sacramento or San Jose?
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 Colonia del Sacramento and San Jose can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Colonia del Sacramento or San Jose?
Colonia del Sacramento
Colonia del Sacramento is in the Rio de la Plata region of Uruguay. It is filled with old colonial buildings and cobbled streets, and is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Colonia del Sacramento was founded in 1680 by the Portuguese, sandwiched in between the Portuguese colony of Brazil and the Spanish Viceroyalty of the River Plate, later Argentina, Uruguay and Southern Brazil. Its strategic position and use as a smuggling port meant that its sovereignty was constantly contested and the city changed hands several times between Spain and Portugal. The irresistibly picturesque town's charm and its proximity to Buenos Aires draw thousands of Argentine and other visitors on weekends and in summer. Prices rise in these periods and it can be difficult to find a room so make sure to book your trip well in advance.
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 Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayColonia del Sacramento $68San Jose $90
The average daily cost (per person) in Colonia del Sacramento is $68, while the average daily cost in San Jose is $90. 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 Colonia del Sacramento and San Jose in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personColonia del Sacramento $34San Jose $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomColonia del Sacramento $68San Jose $98
Compare Hotels in Colonia del Sacramento and San Jose
Looking for a hotel in Colonia del Sacramento 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: Colonia del Sacramento Hotel Prices and San Jose Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Colonia del Sacramento $17San Jose $19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Colonia del Sacramento
Also for Colonia del Sacramento, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Colonia Port Terminal Private Transfer : $15
- Colonia Bus Terminal Private Transfer : $15
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:
- transfer from Juan Santamaria airport to Dominical and Uvita: $290
- Transfers to Occidental Papagayo - Secrets Resort, Round-Trip: $130
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from SanJose Juan Santamaría Airport to SanJose City: $39
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from SanJose City to SanJose Juan Santamaría Airport: $39
- Transfer from San Jose Airport CR (SJO) to Arenal La Fortuna Hotels: $279
- Transfer from SJO Airport to Jaco or vice versa: $125
- Transfer TO or FROM SJO Airport to Monteverde Area. Private, NOT SHARED: $215
- Transfer TO & FROM SJO Airport to Esterillos - Bejuco Not Shared.: $180
- Transfer SJO Airport to Hotels nearby or Vice versa Private 6 PAX: $45
- Transfer SJO Airport TO & FROM Dominical OR Uvita (One Way): $290
- Transfer From San Jose to Puerto Viejo: $80
- Transfer Airport Area to Jaco Hotels Private One Way Transport: $150
Is it cheaper to fly into Colonia del Sacramento or San Jose?
Prices for flights to both San Jose and Colonia del Sacramento 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 dayColonia del Sacramento $19San Jose $18
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Colonia del Sacramento
For Colonia del Sacramento, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Sensory Experience - Blind dinner in Colonia Del Sacramento: $95
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 in San Jose, Costa Rica: $34
- Tropical Cooking Classes: $52
- San Jose By Night Tour: Farm to Table Dinner & Cocktail Class: $57
- San Jose Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour and visit Gold Museum : $60
- Half-Day San Jose Evening Bus Tour with Dinner and Pickup: $76
- Explore San Jose By Night: Food and Culture Tour with Local Dinner: $80
- Private Authentic Food Tour in San José: $84
- Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner: $179
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Colonia del Sacramento $24San Jose $21
Tours and Activities in Colonia del Sacramento
For Colonia del Sacramento, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Almacén de la Capilla - Winery Experience at Carmelo: $215
- Bus Ticket from Colonia del Sacramento to Carmelo: $27
- City Tour Colonia del Sacramento - Uruguay: $90
- Colonia del Sacramento City Tour : $58
- Adventure Sightseeing Bike Tour: $53
- Historical Walking Tour with Snack: $58
- Colonia: Private City Tour on Foot (Historic District): $89
- Experience an typical Uruguayan dish: Chivito & Tannat Wine: $78
- From Best Private Wine Experience: $185
- From Horse Ride Experience: $72
- From Montevideo: Colonia Day Trip & Sightseeing: $150
- Full Day Birdwatching and Nature Tour: $200
Tours and Activities in San Jose
For San Jose, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Street Food Walking Tour in Downtown San Jose: $60
- 2-Hour Downtown San Jose Walking Tour: $33
- 2-Hour Orosi Nocturnal Tour: $33
- 3 in 1 Eco Tour Rain Forest Aerial Tram, River Cruise & Nature Walk Private Tour: $299
- 6 in 1 RainForest Adventure From San Jose: $189
- A taste of Aquiares - 2 hours Coffee Tour: $42
- AERIAL TRAM TOUR - HALF DAY PASS Rainforest Adventures Braulio Ca: $78
- AWA Water Museum - Waterfall Adventure (Organic Food Experience): $98
- Arenal Combo Experience: Canopy & Rapell + Thermals: $65
- Arenal Volcano Eco Tour & Baldi Hot Springs Private Tour from San Jose: $285
- Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose: $159
- Arenal Volcano Hanging Bridges & Baldi Hot Springs. Private Tour from San Jose: $285
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayColonia del Sacramento $5.85San Jose $17
Sample the Local Flavors in San Jose
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Jose:
- Bar Crawl in Downtown San Jose: $38
- 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 Colonia del Sacramento and San Jose, we can see that San Jose is more expensive. And not only is Colonia del Sacramento much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Colonia del Sacramento is in South America 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 Colonia del Sacramento would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Colonia del Sacramento 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 Colonia del Sacramento.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Colonia del Sacramento Expensive? and Is San Jose Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Colonia del Sacramento or San Jose?
San Jose has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Colonia del Sacramento. When comparing the sizes of Colonia del Sacramento 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 Colonia del Sacramento or San Jose?
Colonia del Sacramento 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 Colonia del Sacramento or San Jose in the Summer?
Both San Jose and Colonia del Sacramento are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to San Jose because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Colonia del Sacramento is cooler than San Jose in the summer. The daily temperature in Colonia del Sacramento averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and San Jose fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in July.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Colonia del Sacramento. Colonia del Sacramento usually receives more sunshine than San Jose during summer. Colonia del Sacramento gets 285 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 January, Colonia del Sacramento usually receives less rain than San Josein July. Colonia del Sacramento gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyColonia del Sacramento 25°C (77°F)San Jose 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or San Jose in the Autumn?
Both San Jose and Colonia del Sacramento during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round.
In the autumn, Colonia del Sacramento is much colder than San Jose. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento in April average around 18°C (65°F), and San Jose averages at about 27°C (81°F)in October.
In the autumn, Colonia del Sacramento often gets more sunshine than San Josein October. Colonia del Sacramento gets 183 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 Colonia del Sacramento. Colonia del Sacramento usually gets less rain in April than San Josein October. Colonia del Sacramento gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberColonia del Sacramento 18°C (65°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or San Jose in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Colonia del Sacramento and San Jose. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Colonia del Sacramento is generally much colder than San Josein January. Daily temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento average around 12°C (53°F), 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. Colonia del Sacramento usually receives less sunshine than San Jose during winter. Colonia del Sacramento gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Colonia del Sacramento usually receives more rain than San Josein January. Colonia del Sacramento gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryColonia del Sacramento 12°C (53°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or San Jose in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Colonia del Sacramento as well as San Jose. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Jose throughout the year.
Colonia del Sacramento is much colder than San Jose in the spring. The daily temperature in Colonia del Sacramento averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and San Jose fluctuates around 29°C (85°F)in April.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Jose. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Colonia del Sacramento this time of the year. In the spring, Colonia del Sacramento often gets less sunshine than San Josein April. Colonia del Sacramento gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 255 hours of full sun.
Colonia del Sacramento receives a lot of rain in the spring. Colonia del Sacramento usually gets more rain in October than San Josein April. Colonia del Sacramento gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilColonia del Sacramento 18°C (64°F)San Jose 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for San Jose and Colonia del Sacramento
| Colonia del Sacramento | San Jose | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 98 mm (3.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 22°C (71°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 18°C (65°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 12°C (53°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 12°C (53°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 15°C (59°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (69°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (74°F) | 89 mm (3.5 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.