A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Da Nang vs. San Juan for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Da Nang or San Juan?

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

Should I visit Da Nang or San Juan? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Da Nang or San Juan?

Da Nang

Halfway between Ho Chi Minh City in the south and Hanoi in the North is the easy-going beach city of Da Nang (or Danang, for some). The third most populated city in Vietnam, Da Nang draws in crowds with its beautiful and calm beaches as well as its history as a French colonial port.

With beaches, mountains, and cityscape, there's bound to be a point of interest for all travelers. Da Nang is also a transit hub to get to the four Vietnamese UNESCO World heritage sites: Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, Hue, Hoi An, and My Son.

Da Nang experiences wet season from September through March and dry season from April through August with average temperatures of around 80℉.

Da Nang is also known to have some of the friendliest locals, probably due to the peace and quiet and lack of heavy traffic, even in the city.

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 Vietnam, and The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam.


Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Da Nang?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Da Nang is $55, while the average daily cost in San Juan is $218. 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 Da Nang and San Juan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Da Nang $18
    San Juan $124
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Da Nang $36
    San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Da Nang and San Juan

Looking for a hotel in Da Nang 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.

Hotels in Da Nang


Hotels in San Juan


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: Da Nang Hotel Prices and San Juan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Da Nang $11
    San Juan $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Da Nang

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Da Nang:

  • Da Nang to Phong Nha by Car–Private Transfer with English Driver: $205
  • Scenic Stops to Da Nang and Phong Nha Cave with Car Transfer: $199
  • Private Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge with Lunch and Transfer: $155
  • Private Transfer Service Between Da Nang and Hue: $129
  • Da Nang Airport To Hue Private Transfer: $126
  • Private Transfer from Da Nang (DAD) Airport to Quang Ngai: $121
  • Private Car Transfer to Visit Golden Bridge Ba Na Hills & My Son Holyland: $113
  • Da Nang to Phong Nha Private Transfer with Sightseeing Stops: $102
  • Private Car Transfer to MY LAI MASSACRE & MY SON HOLYAND: $99
  • GOLDEN BRIDGE-COCONUT JUNGLE-HOI AN-NIGHT MARKET-Private Transfer: $98
  • Private Transfer from Da Nang to Hue with Hai Van pass stops: $95
  • Private Transfer From Hue to Hoi An by Car: $90

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan

Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • San Juan Airport (SJU) to San Juan - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • San Juan Airport (SJU) to San Juan Arrival Private Transfer: $29
  • San Juan Port to San Juan Airport (SJU)- Departure Transfer: $29
  • Premium Transfer Service FROM or TO Rio Grande Puerto Rico: $50
  • San Juan Airport (SJU) to San Juan Port Arrival Private Transfer: $59
  • San Juan Airport (SJU) to San Juan hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $59
  • Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, Tesla 3 Luxury Sedan.: $63
  • One-way transfer from SJU Airport to Cruise Port or Vice Versa: $65
  • Private Transfer Airport SJU to Old San Juan Vice versa One way: $65
  • Transfer TO or FROM: Airport,Cruise,Hotel in DORADO or RIO GRANDE: $70
  • Private Transfer in San Juan: $75
  • Private Transfer from San Juan Airport (SJU) to Ponce Cruise Port: $77

Is it cheaper to fly into Da Nang or San Juan?

Prices for flights to both San Juan and Da Nang 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 day
    Da Nang $27
    San Juan $62

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Da Nang

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Da Nang.

  • Authentic Street Food Tour in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang: $1.87
  • Da Nang Private Street Food Tour with Students Flexible Itinerary: $5.00
  • Tasty Dinner Han River Dragon Cruise by Yatch & Tradictional Show: $17
  • Poseidon Cruise with Dinner and Dragon Bridge Show: $21
  • Home Cooking Class: Market, Garden and cooking 4 dishes: $26
  • Trà Quế Vegetable Village, Herbal cocktail & HoiAn Cooking Class: $29
  • Private Traditional Cooking Class and Pho with Local Girl: $29
  • Da Nang Street Walking Food Tour: $29
  • Vegetarian Cooking class and Basket Boat Riding: $29
  • 6 Hours Cooking Activity Pick up Da Nang: $33
  • Experience Vegan/Vegetarian Cooking Class in Da Nang: $35
  • Da Nang Food Tour and Bridges Local Motorbike Experience: $35

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:

  • FlyDining: 4 Course Sunset & City Light Dinner Over Old San Juan: $159
  • Morning Old San Juan Food Tour: $169
  • Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $170
  • Savor the Sunset: Old San Juan Walking Food Tour: $179

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Da Nang $13
    San Juan $49

Tours and Activities in Da Nang

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Da Nang are as follows:

  • 1-Day Luxury Ba Na Hills Tour with Golden Bridge & Buffet Lunch: $109
  • 1-day Ba Na hills tour from Da Nang: $104
  • 1-day Discovering Da Nang city tour: $80
  • 2 Days Temple Stay the Unique experience in Pagoda: $31
  • 2 Days Tour from Da Nang Vietnam: $200
  • 2 day tours of Da Nang city and Hoi An city: $210
  • 2 days tour including Golden Bridge, Hoian city, rustic boat ride: $109
  • 4-Day Private Central Vietnam Tour from Hue, My Son, Hoi An: $297
  • 50/50 Da Nang & Hoi An City Private Tour ( 11 Hours ): $135
  • 5D4N Cultural Tour of Central Vietnam Hoi An Hue and Da Nang City: $285
  • 6-hour Discovering Da Nang Adventure: $105
  • A Private Tour of Da Nang's Best Explore the Highlights with Jeep: $197

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.

  • The Ultimate Self-Guided Hidden Gems Tour in Puerto Rico: $5.00
  • Transportation in San Juan, Isla verde, Condado, Hotels, Cruises & Airbnb's SJU: $14
  • Outdoor Salsa Class Experience in San Juan: $19
  • San Juan Ghost Tour: Shrieks in the Sugarcane: $26
  • Old San Juan Tour in Spanish: $30
  • Paddleboard Adventure: Explore Marine Life in Condado Lagoon: $32
  • SJU Airport to San Juan Cruise Port or return: $33
  • VIP San Juan Salsa Night Experience at Luxury Condado Beach: $35
  • San Juan Guided Turtle Snorkel Tour and Complimentary Videos: $45
  • Legacy Tour at Casa BACARDÍ in Puerto Rico: $45
  • 1 Hour Bull Maze Adventure at Toroverde Urban Park San Juan: $45
  • Top Rated El Yunque Rainforest & Waterslide – SmallGroup Tour: $45

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Da Nang $8.94
    San Juan $12

Sample the Local Flavors in San Juan

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Juan:

  • Old San Juan Bar Crawl: Experience Local Hotspots: $65
  • Puerto Rico Tobacco Farm and Local Brewery Tour: $109
  • Puerto Rico's First and Only Craft Beer Brewery Tour!: $150


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Da Nang and San Juan, we can see that San Juan is more expensive. And not only is Da Nang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Da Nang is in Asia 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 Da Nang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Da Nang 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 Da Nang.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Da Nang Expensive? and Is San Juan Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Da Nang or San Juan?

Da Nang has a larger population, and is about 80% larger than the population of San Juan. When comparing the sizes of Da Nang 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 Da Nang or San Juan?

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 Da Nang or San Juan in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Da Nang as well as San Juan. Da Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.

Also, January to July in Da Nang is the dry season. August to December in Da Nang is the rainy season. Da Nang usually gets less rain in July than San Juan. Da Nang gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Da Nang this time of the year. In the summer, Da Nang often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Da Nang gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun.

In July, Da Nang is generally around the same temperature as San Juan. Daily temperatures in Da Nang average around 29°C (85°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Da Nang 29°C (85°F) 
    San Juan 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Da Nang or San Juan in the Autumn?

Both San Juan and Da Nang are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Da Nang throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The rainy season in Da Nang is August to December. It rains a lot this time of the year in San Juan. It's quite rainy in Da Nang. In October, Da Nang usually receives more rain than San Juan. Da Nang gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

It's quite sunny in San Juan. Da Nang usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during autumn. Da Nang gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Da Nang is around the same temperature as San Juan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Da Nang averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Da Nang 25°C (78°F) 
    San Juan 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Da Nang or San Juan in the Winter?

Both San Juan and Da Nang during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Da Nang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.

January to July is the dry season in Da Nang. It rains a lot this time of the year in Da Nang. Da Nang usually gets more rain in January than San Juan. Da Nang gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

In San Juan, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Da Nang often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Da Nang gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun.

In the winter, Da Nang is cooler than San Juan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Da Nang in January average around 22°C (71°F), and San Juan averages at about 25°C (77°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Da Nang 22°C (71°F) 
    San Juan 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Da Nang or San Juan in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Da Nang and San Juan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Da Nang year-round. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In April, Da Nang usually receives less rain than San Juan. Da Nang gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan this time of the year. In Da Nang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Da Nang usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during spring. Da Nang gets 210 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Da Nang is generally around the same temperature as San Juan. Daily temperatures in Da Nang average around 26°C (80°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Da Nang 26°C (80°F) 
    San Juan 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for San Juan and Da Nang

Da Nang San Juan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 22°C (71°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 23°C (73°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 24°C (75°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Jun 30°C (85°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 29°C (85°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 28°C (83°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Aug 29°C (85°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 331 mm (13 in) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 613 mm (24.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Nov 24°C (76°F) 376 mm (14.8 in) 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Dec 23°C (73°F) 223 mm (8.8 in) 26°C (78°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)