A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Delhi vs. San Jose for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Delhi or San Jose?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Delhi 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.

Where Should I go: Delhi or San Jose?

Delhi

Delhi is the largest city in northern India and is officially the country's capital. The city has a population of 11 million with the metropolitan population reaching over 16 million. The city is similar in landscape to the rest of its surrounding area. It is very flat with the river Yamuna flowing on the eastern side of the city. The Aravalii Hills are in the western portion of the city. The city's history dates back to the 6th century BC and it has served as a capital for various kingdoms and empires.

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 Luxury Tours to India, The Best Budget Tours to India, The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.


Which place is cheaper, San Jose or Delhi?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Delhi is $45, 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 Delhi and San Jose in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Delhi $23
    San Jose $48
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Delhi $46
    San Jose $96
Compare Hotels in Delhi and San Jose

Looking for a hotel in Delhi 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.

Hotels in Delhi


Hotels in San Jose


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: Delhi Hotel Prices and San Jose Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Delhi $5.29
    San Jose $19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Delhi

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Delhi:


  • Tuk Tuk Ride
    $0.12
  • Taxi to Airport
    $1.92
  • Subway
    $0.38
  • Uber Cab
    $0.96
  • Delhi Metro Smart Card
    $1.80
  • Auto-rickshaw
    $1.20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Delhi

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Delhi:

  • Walk through Old Delhi's Colorful Chandni Chowk with Private Transfer: $119
  • Visit to Rail Museum or Dolls Museum with India Gate (private hotel transfers): $29
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Delhi HTL-APT (DEL): $27
  • Transfer from New Delhi to Agra by Private car: $60
  • Transfer from Delhi to Agra by private Car: $57
  • Tour To Swaminarayan Akshardham Guide & Delhi Transfers: $37
  • Taj Mahal Sunrise All Inclusive Tour with Transfers : $7.00
  • Stroll through Old Delhi's Chandni Chowk with Private Transfer: $119
  • Round Trip Airport Transfers - Delhi Airport to Hotel and back to Delhi Airport: $75
  • Round Trip Airport Transfers - Delhi Airport to Hotel and back to Delhi Airport: $72
  • Round Trip Airport Transfer- From Delhi Airport to Hotel & Back to Delhi Airport: $80
  • Qutub Minar Skip-the-Line E-tickets & guide Delhi transfers: $15

Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Jose

Some typical examples of transportation costs in San Jose are as follows:


  • Taxi from SJO
    $25
  • Local Bus
    $2.71

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Jose

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

  • Private Transfer San José Airport - La Fortuna: $180
  • Airport transfer from SJO Airport to Los Sueños Marriott: $170
  • Arrival Transfer San Jose Airport SJO to Arenal by Minivan: $177
  • Arrival Transfer San Jose Airport to Manuel Antonio by Minivan: $158
  • Direct Transfer From San Jose to Monteverde, English Speaking Driver: $181
  • Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) to Jaco - Arrival Private Transfer: $68
  • Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) to Jaco - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $136
  • Juan Santamaria Intl Airport(SJO) to Puntarenas city-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $167
  • Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) to Puntarenas city- Arrival Private Transfer: $83
  • Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) to San Jose – Arrival Private Transfer: $32
  • Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) to San Jose – Round-Trip Private Transfer: $64
  • One way Transfer from SJO airport or San José to Playa Dominical max 5 passenger: $240

Is it cheaper to fly into Delhi or San Jose?

Prices for flights to both San Jose and Delhi 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
    Delhi $12
    San Jose $18
Typical Food Prices in Delhi

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Delhi:


  • McDonalds
    $3.51

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Delhi

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

  • Appetizing virtual cooking class from Delhi: $20
  • Old Delhi Food Tour with local, A must for Indian culinary lover!: $21
  • Lunch or dinner with local family: $21
  • Food Tour Old Delhi: $31
  • Old Delhi Heritage Sightseeing | Walking Tour | Street Food Tour: $34
  • Old Delhi Food Tour: A Night Time Feast: $36
  • Veg and Non veg : Private Cooking Class in Delhi: $43
  • Old Delhi Street Food Tour: $44
  • Transit Tour-Guided Best Old Delhi's Attractions & Food Tour: $45
  • Vegetarian : Private Cooking Class in Delhi: $46
  • Culinary Delights Of Delhi Half Day Food Tour: $48
  • Delhi Kabul Cooking Class: $50

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Delhi $13
    San Jose $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Delhi

Here are a few typical costs in Delhi for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Red Fort
    $10

Tours and Activities in Delhi

Here are a few actual costs in Delhi for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2 Days Agra Tour From Delhi with Fatehpur Sikri & bird Sanctuary: $130
  • 3 Day Golden Triangle Tour from Delhi: $132
  • 3 Days Golden Triangle Tour from Delhi: $205
  • 3 Days Private Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Triangle Tour : $147
  • 6 Hours: Delhi Temples and Spiritual Sites Tour: $45
  • All Inclusive: Same day Taj Mahal Tour From Delhi : $50
  • Bharatpur Birding adventure from Delhi: $159
  • Delhi : Private Day Tour Of Tajmahal And Shopping At Agra: $100
  • Delhi Agra and Jaipur 5 Days Golden Triangle Tour From New Delhi: $220
  • Delhi Evening City Tour with Guide: $53
  • Full Day Old And New Delhi City Tour- All Inclusive : $38
  • Golden Triangle Tour 3 Days: $267

Tours and Activities in San Jose

For San Jose, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Entrance Ticket to the Farm of Hacienda Orosi: $11
  • Entrance ticket to the Hacienda Orosi: $21
  • Hiking Experience in El Quetzal Private Reserve: $26
  • Private Roasting and Cupping Coffee Experience: $30
  • Sarapiqui Frog Tour: $30
  • Hacienda Alsacia Starbucks Coffe Tour: $31
  • Poas Volcano National Park - Admission Ticket: $32
  • San Jose Walking Nature Tour: Sloths, Birds and Trees: $33
  • Skip the Line: Rescate Wildlife Rescue Centre General Admission Ticket: $35
  • San Jose Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $35
  • San Jose ART Walking Tour - small groups, creative experience: $35
  • Corso Lecheria Tour: $40

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Delhi $8.69
    San Jose $16

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 Delhi and San Jose, we can see that San Jose is more expensive. And not only is Delhi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Delhi is in Asia 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 Delhi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Delhi 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 Delhi.

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


Which is Bigger, Delhi or San Jose?

Delhi has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of San Jose. When comparing the sizes of Delhi 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 Delhi or San Jose?

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 Delhi or San Jose in the Summer?

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

It's quite rainy in San Jose. Delhi receives a lot of rain in the summer. Delhi usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as San Jose. Delhi gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the summer, Delhi often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Jose. Delhi gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 164 hours of full sun.

Delhi can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Delhi is generally a little warmer than San Jose. Daily temperatures in Delhi average around 31°C (88°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Delhi 31°C (88°F) 
    San Jose 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Delhi or San Jose in the Autumn?

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Jose. In October, Delhi usually receives less rain than San Jose. Delhi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Delhi. Delhi usually receives more sunshine than San Jose during autumn. Delhi gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Delhi is around the same temperature as San Jose in the autumn. The daily temperature in Delhi averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Delhi 26°C (79°F) 
    San Jose 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Delhi or San Jose in the Winter?

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

Delhi usually gets more rain in January than San Jose. Delhi gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

In San Jose, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Delhi. In the winter, Delhi often gets less sunshine than San Jose. Delhi gets 215 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 264 hours of full sun.

In the winter, Delhi is much colder than San Jose. Typically, the winter temperatures in Delhi in January average around 15°C (59°F), and San Jose averages at about 27°C (81°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Delhi 15°C (59°F) 
    San Jose 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Delhi or San Jose in the Spring?

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

In April, Delhi usually receives more rain than San Jose. Delhi gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Jose this time of the year. In Delhi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Delhi usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Jose during spring. Delhi gets 261 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Delhi is generally around the same temperature as San Jose. Daily temperatures in Delhi average around 29°C (84°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Delhi 29°C (84°F) 
    San Jose 29°C (85°F)

Typical Weather for San Jose and Delhi

Delhi San Jose
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 15°C (59°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Feb 17°C (63°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 28°C (83°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 22°C (72°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 29°C (84°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 29°C (85°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
May 33°C (91°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 29°C (83°F) 226 mm (8.9 in)
Jun 34°C (93°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 226 mm (8.9 in)
Jul 31°C (88°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Aug 30°C (86°F) 200 mm (7.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 289 mm (11.4 in)
Sep 30°C (86°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 328 mm (12.9 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 254 mm (10 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
Dec 16°C (61°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)