Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Cordoba?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Cordoba or San Juan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cordoba or San Juan, 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.
Where Should I go: Cordoba or San Juan?
Cordoba
Cordoba is the capital of the Cordoba province and the second largest city in all of Argentina. The city is in a beautiful setting surrounded by valleys and hills. Within the city you will find many colonial buildings and beautiful architecture. Cordoba also has many universities and scientific institutes, giving it the nickname "La Docta." Because of the large number of students, Cordoba's population is young and active, which keeps the atmosphere light and fun.
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 Adventure Tours to Argentina, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Argentina.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCordoba $8.40San Juan $192
The average daily cost (per person) in Cordoba is $8.40, 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 Cordoba and San Juan in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCordoba $3.05San Juan $124
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCordoba $6.10San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Cordoba and San Juan
Looking for a hotel in Cordoba 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: Cordoba Hotel Prices and San Juan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cordoba $2.08San Juan $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cordoba
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cordoba are as follows:
-
Taxi Ride$0.01
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cordoba
Also for Cordoba, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer in private minivan from Cordoba to Ingeniero Ambrosio Taravella Airport: $61
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: $271
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port: Transfer to San Juan hotel: $271
- Carabali Rain Forest Round Trip Private Taxi Transfer: $210
- Private Airport Transfers to Ceiba Ferry Terminal and Airport: $155
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, 16Pax Mercedes Van, Select Zone: $130
- Oneway Transfer from San Juan (SJU, hotel, airbnb, port) to Ponce: $125
- 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
Is it cheaper to fly into Cordoba or San Juan?
Prices for flights to both San Juan and Cordoba 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
-
Food Meals for one dayCordoba $3.83San Juan $36
Typical Food Prices in Cordoba
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Cordoba:
-
Empanadas$0.01
-
Sandwich$0.00
-
Ice Cream$0.00
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
- Private Local Food Tour in San Juan: $275
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cordoba $1.88San Juan $49
Tours and Activities in Cordoba
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cordoba.
- Alta Gracia: Unveiling Cordoba's Cultural Heritage Tour: $48
- Córdoba CityTour FULLDAY x 2 pax: $60
- Córdoba: Villa Carlos Paz Tour: $59
- Caroya WineTour x 2 Pax: $60
- Cordoba City Tour: $50
- Cordoba City Tour with Optional Jesuitic Square: $60
- Cordoba Cumbrecita Tour with Spanish Speaking Guide: $88
- Cordoba Jesuit Legacy Tour: $87
- Cumbrecita Tour: $88
- El Inicio WineTour x 2 Pax (History and Wines): $85
- Exploring Villa Carlos Paz: Guided Sightseeing Tour: $50
- Full Day Jesuit Legacy Tour from Cordoba: $80
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Juan
For San Juan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Horseback Riding Tour$40
-
Full Day Snorkeling Trip$100
-
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.
- Rum Craft Cocktail Tour in San Juan: $65
- 1 or 2 Hour Puerto Rico Horseback Ride Experience!: $210
- Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Adventure from San Juan: $110
- Carolina: ATV Adventure at Campo Rico Ranch with Guide: $136
- Cave Day Tour From San Juan: $109
- 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
- Discover El Yunque: Half-Day Rainforest Tour: $115
- Discover Old In-App Audio Tour of History: $11
- El Yunque National RainForest: Tour with Nature walk: $75
- El Yunque Rainforest Guided Day Tour from San Juan: $85
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayCordoba $1.48San Juan $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Cordoba
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cordoba:
- Full-Day Private Colonia Caroya Wine Tour from Córdoba: $120
- Wine Tour Privado - Colonia Caroya: $130
- Wine Tour Privado - Calamuchita: $150
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 Cordoba and San Juan, we can see that San Juan is more expensive. And not only is Cordoba much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cordoba is in South America 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 Cordoba would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cordoba 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 Cordoba.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cordoba Expensive? and Is San Juan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cordoba or San Juan?
Cordoba has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of San Juan. When comparing the sizes of Cordoba 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 Cordoba or San Juan?
Cordoba 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 Cordoba or San Juan in the Summer?
Both San Juan and Cordoba are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Cordoba is much colder than San Juan in the summer. The daily temperature in Cordoba averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (83°F)in July.
It's quite sunny in San Juan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cordoba. Cordoba usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Juan during summer. Cordoba gets 277 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
In January, Cordoba usually receives less rain than San Juanin July. Cordoba gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyCordoba 10°C (50°F)San Juan 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Cordoba or San Juan in the Autumn?
Both San Juan and Cordoba during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.
In the autumn, Cordoba is much colder than San Juan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cordoba in April average around 16°C (61°F), and San Juan averages at about 28°C (82°F)in October.
In San Juan, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Cordoba often gets less sunshine than San Juanin October. Cordoba gets 196 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. Cordoba usually gets less rain in April than San Juanin October. Cordoba gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberCordoba 16°C (61°F)San Juan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Cordoba or San Juan in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cordoba and San Juan. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Cordoba is generally around the same temperature as San Juanin January. Daily temperatures in Cordoba average around 27°C (81°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan this time of the year. Cordoba usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during winter. Cordoba gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Cordoba usually receives less rain than San Juanin January. Cordoba gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryCordoba 27°C (81°F)San Juan 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Cordoba or San Juan in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Cordoba as well as San Juan. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.
Cordoba is cooler than San Juan in the spring. The daily temperature in Cordoba averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and San Juan fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in April.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cordoba this time of the year. In the spring, Cordoba often gets less sunshine than San Juanin April. Cordoba gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun.
Cordoba usually gets less rain in October than San Juanin April. Cordoba gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilCordoba 19°C (66°F)San Juan 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for San Juan and Cordoba
| Cordoba | San Juan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (50°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (52°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (57°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (57°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (52°F) | 70 mm (2.8 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.