Which place is cheaper, San Jose or Copenhagen?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen 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: Copenhagen or San Jose?
Copenhagen
Copenhagen is the capital city of Denmark. It has a small town vibe but is still a cosmopolitan city with lots of shopping, culture, and nightlife. It's a very safe and comfortable city that is easy to explore on foot. Copenhagen is the birthplace of many old fairytales, but also has modern, world class architecture and a liberal vibe. The people of Copenhagen are diverse and international. Most residents are Danes, but some come from Germany and Sweden and there are also many Middle Eastern immigrants.
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 Adventure Tours to Denmark, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Denmark, 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 dayCopenhagen $210San Jose $89
The average daily cost (per person) in Copenhagen is $210, while the average daily cost in San Jose is $89. 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 Copenhagen and San Jose in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCopenhagen $91San Jose $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCopenhagen $182San Jose $96
Compare Hotels in Copenhagen and San Jose
Looking for a hotel in Copenhagen 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: Copenhagen Hotel Prices and San Jose Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Copenhagen $72San Jose $19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Copenhagen
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Copenhagen:
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Bicycle Renting$62
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Copenhagen
Also for Copenhagen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private transfer to/from hotel from/to airport Copenhagen: $144
- Private Transfers in Copenhagen – to/from airport or hotel: $146
- Private Transfer: Cruise Port to Copenhagen Airport CPH: $130
- Private Transfer from Roskilde Airport (RKE) to Copenhagen Port: $61
- Private Transfer from Copenhagen city to Fredericia Cruise Port: $168
- Private Transfer from Copenhagen Port to Copenhagen hotel/address: $63
- Private Transfer from Copenhagen Hotels to Copenhagen Port: $63
- Private Transfer from Copenhagen CPH to Copenhagen Port by Sedan: $123
- Private Transfer from Copenhagen Airport (CPH) to Fredericia Port: $168
- Private Transfer Copenhagen City Center to Kastrup Airport (CPH): $67
- Private Direct Transfer From Copenhagen to Malmo: $121
- Private Copenhagen Airport Transfer to Copenhagen: $117
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$2.71
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Jose
Also for San Jose, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfers to Occidental Papagayo - Secrets Resort, Round-Trip: $130
- Transfer to Los Sueños Marriot Playa Herradura from San Jose or Airport: $215
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from SanJose Juan Santamaría Airport to SanJose City: $39
- Transfer from San Jose Airport CR (SJO) to Arenal La Fortuna Hotels: $279
- Transfer from Juan Santamaria Airport (SJO) to Quepos Cruise Port: $72
- Transfer TO & FROM SJO Airport to Esterillos - Bejuco Not Shared.: $180
- Transfer SJO Airport TO & FROM Dominical OR Uvita (One Way): $290
- Transfer Costa Rica SJO Airport To OR From Hotels nearby Private : $45
- Transfer Airport area to Manuel Antonio Hotels Private One Way: $185
- Transfer Airport Area to Jaco Hotels Private One Way Transport: $150
- Shuttle & transfer rides to Jaco beach: $137
- Shared transfer to Manuel Antonio: $70
Is it cheaper to fly into Copenhagen or San Jose?
Prices for flights to both San Jose and Copenhagen 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 dayCopenhagen $62San Jose $18
Typical Food Prices in Copenhagen
For Copenhagen, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Hot Dogs$14
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Copenhagen
For Copenhagen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $34
- Hard Rock Cafe Copenhagen with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $35
- Food Tour in Multi-Cultural Nørrebro District: $92
- Copenhagen Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $125
- The Copenhagen Culinary Experience Food Tour: $147
- Private Authentic Home Indian Cooking & Dining Experience: $147
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
- 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
- Dinner + Typical Show in the best viewpoint of the City: $99
- Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner: $179
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Copenhagen $31San Jose $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Copenhagen
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Copenhagen's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Boat Tour$8.66
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Coffee$14
Tours and Activities in Copenhagen
For Copenhagen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 3 Hours Tour To Wonderful Copenhagen Highlights: $262
- 3h walking tour, small group max 10 people Copenhagen: $62
- Light Version Adventures in Forgotten Giants : $144
- 1 Hour Copenhagen Segway Tour: $58
- 2 Hours Copenhagen E-Bike Guided Tours: $77
- 2 Hours Guided Kayak Tour in Copenhagen Harbor: $58
- 2-Hour Private Copenhagen Segway Tour: $92
- 3 Hour Private Guided Copenhagen Walking Tour: $117
- 3-Hour Private City Walking Tour with a Canal Tour ticket: $175
- 3-hour Culinary Bike Tour in English: $97
- 90-minute Private City Highlights Walking Tour in Copenhagen: $250
- Bagsværd Lake Boat Tour : $15
Tours and Activities in San Jose
For San Jose, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Explore San Jose on Foot: Food Delights and Sights Tour: $47
- Street Food Walking Tour in Downtown San Jose: $60
- 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 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
- Arenal Volcano Hike and Hot Springs Tour from San Jose: $142
- Arenal Volcano Horseback Riding & Baldi Hot Springs. Private Tour: $295
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCopenhagen $13San Jose $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Copenhagen
Also in Copenhagen, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Alternative Nightlife Pub Crawl: $36
- Guided Party Pub Crawl with 4 Shots and 1 Drink: $43
- Pub Crawl Copenhagen: $44
- Danish Wine Tasting Tour with Guide in Copenhagen Nyhavn: $361
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 Copenhagen and San Jose, we can see that Copenhagen is more expensive. And not only is San Jose much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen Expensive? and Is San Jose Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Copenhagen or San Jose?
Copenhagen has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of San Jose. When comparing the sizes of Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen or San Jose?
Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen or San Jose in the Summer?
Both San Jose and Copenhagen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Copenhagen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Plenty of visitors come to San Jose because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Copenhagen is generally much colder than San Jose. Daily temperatures in Copenhagen average around 17°C (63°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in San Jose. In July, Copenhagen usually receives less rain than San Jose. Copenhagen gets 69 mm (2.7 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 JulyCopenhagen 17°C (63°F)San Jose 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Copenhagen or San Jose in the Autumn?
Both San Jose and Copenhagen during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Copenhagen 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 Jose year-round.
Copenhagen is much colder than San Jose in the autumn. The daily temperature in Copenhagen averages around 10°C (50°F) in October, and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
San Jose gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Copenhagen usually gets less rain in October than San Jose. Copenhagen gets 59 mm (2.3 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 OctoberCopenhagen 10°C (50°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Copenhagen or San Jose in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Copenhagen and San Jose. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Copenhagen this time of year. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
It's quite cold in Copenhagen in the winter. In the winter, Copenhagen is much colder than San Jose. Typically, the winter temperatures in Copenhagen in January average around 1°C (33°F), and San Jose averages at about 27°C (81°F).
In January, Copenhagen usually receives more rain than San Jose. Copenhagen gets 51 mm (2 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 JanuaryCopenhagen 1°C (33°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Copenhagen or San Jose in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Copenhagen as well as San Jose. Many travelers come to Copenhagen for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Jose throughout the year.
In April, Copenhagen is generally much colder than San Jose. Daily temperatures in Copenhagen average around 7°C (45°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
Copenhagen usually gets more rain in April than San Jose. Copenhagen gets 42 mm (1.7 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 AprilCopenhagen 7°C (45°F)San Jose 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for San Jose and Copenhagen
| Copenhagen | San Jose | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 1°C (33°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 1°C (33°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 3°C (37°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 7°C (45°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 12°C (54°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 16°C (61°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (63°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 17°C (63°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (57°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 10°C (50°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (42°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 2°C (36°F) | 58 mm (2.3 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.