Which place is cheaper, San Jose or Dubai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Dubai 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 Dubai and San Jose can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dubai or San Jose?
Dubai
Ever wonder what it would be like to see the lifestyles of the rich and famous up close. There's no more upscale destination than Dubai. It's by far and away the spot for shopping, partying, sunbathing, fine dining and the most luxurious of luxury. As the most modern and progressive of the seven emirates in the United Arab Emirates, this area has experienced an unbelievable economic boom and tourism spike. It's a desert city with an amazing infrastructure.
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 3-Day Tours from Dubai, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Arab Emirates, 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 dayDubai $248San Jose $89
The average daily cost (per person) in Dubai is $248, 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 Dubai and San Jose in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDubai $170San Jose $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDubai $340San Jose $96
Compare Hotels in Dubai and San Jose
Looking for a hotel in Dubai 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: Dubai Hotel Prices and San Jose Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dubai $13San Jose $19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubai
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubai:
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Taxi Ride$12
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Airport Taxi$12
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Sea Taxi$0.54
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubai
Also for Dubai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Yellow Boat Tour Dubai with Private Transfers: $95
- Yellow Boat Tour Dubai With Private Transfers: $102
- Yellow Boat Ride in Dubai with Private Transfers: $110
- Xline Dubai Marina Zipline Experience With Transfers Option: $243
- Xline Dubai Marina Zipline Experience Dubai with Transfers Option: $247
- Wild Wadi tickets with Transfers: $100
- Wild Wadi Waterpark tickets with Private transfer: $154
- Wild Wadi Waterpark Entrance Ticket -Dubai with Transfers Option: $99
- Wild Wadi Waterpark Dubai Ticket With Private Transfer: $125
- Wild Wadi WaterPark Ticket with Optional Transfers and Meal: $78
- Wild Wadi Water Park Ticket with Transfer from Dubai: $131
- Wild Wadi Dubai water park Ticket with 1 way transfer in Dubai: $110
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:
- Private transfer from San Jose or Airport with welcome service to Tortuguero: $300
- Transfer SJO Airport TO & FROM Dominical OR Uvita (One Way): $290
- Transfer from San Jose Airport CR (SJO) to Arenal La Fortuna Hotels: $279
- Private transfer from San Jose or Airport with welcome service to Tambor beach: $276
- Private Transfer from San Jose Airport or Guanacaste Hotels: $276
- Private transfer from San Jose Airport welcome service to Manuel Antonio Quepos: $269
- Private Transfer from San Jose downtown to Liberia Airport: $267
- Private transfer from San Jose or Airport with welcome service to Samara Beach: $265
- Private Transfer: $260
- Private Transfer Airport or San Jose hotels to Puerto Viejo Limon: $259
- Private transfer from San Jose Airport welcome service to La Fortuna Arenal: $259
- Private transfer from San Jose Airport welcome service to Liberia: $257
Is it cheaper to fly into Dubai or San Jose?
Prices for flights to both San Jose and Dubai 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 dayDubai $56San Jose $18
Typical Food Prices in Dubai
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubai:
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French bread$0.95
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Sumo salad in Dubai Mall + Juice$10
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Lemon Mint Tea$4.36
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Coffee & Cake$6.53
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Smoothie$5.45
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Shawarma$1.91
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubai
For Dubai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Premium Dinner Cruise Al-Seef: $12
- Dhow Cruise Dinner Dubai Creek with Buffet Dinner: $14
- Dhow Dinner Cruise with International Buffet in Dubai: $14
- Dubai:Desert Safari BBQ dinner, Dune bashing,Camel&Sandboarding: $14
- Scenic Dhow Cruise with Buffet Dinner and Live Shows: $14
- Romantic Sightseeing Dhow Cruise Dinner: $15
- 2-Hour Evening Dhow Cruise and Dinner: $15
- Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner in Dubai Creek: $17
- Dubai Creek Dhow Cruise Dinner: $18
- Desert Safari with Dinner and Live Show: $18
- Dhow Dinner Cruise with International Buffet: $18
- Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner: $19
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.Dubai $19San Jose $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubai
For Dubai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Visit to the Dubai Museum$0.82
Tours and Activities in Dubai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dubai.
- 60 Minutes Dubai Yellow Boat Marina Tour: $78
- Abu Dhabi City Tour Including Ferrari World Ticket : $170
- Bur Dubai Abra Tour and Boat Ride with Museum of Illusions : $135
- Burj Khalifa Observation deck Dubai Admission Ticket : $71
- Classical Dubai Highlights City Tour : $44
- DXB Tour and Aquaventure water park & lost Chambers PRIVATE tour: $215
- Dubai (Marina Luxury Yacht) Tour with BF : $95
- Dubai (Marina Luxury Yacht) Tour with Breakfast: $105
- Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo Explorer Tickets: $95
- Dubai City Tour : Half Day: $45
- Dubai City Tour(Full Day) with Burj Khalifa Ticket 'At the Top' : $225
- Dubai Frame Entry Ticket: $22
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 dayDubai $23San Jose $16
Typical Alcohol Prices in Dubai
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Dubai:
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A Couple Drinks$25
Sample the Local Flavors in Dubai
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dubai:
- Pub Crawl Nightlife Tours: $66
- Pub Crawl Nightlife Tour: $67
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 Dubai and San Jose, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is San Jose much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East 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 Dubai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubai 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 Dubai Expensive? and Is San Jose Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dubai or San Jose?
Dubai has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of San Jose. When comparing the sizes of Dubai 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 Dubai or San Jose?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Dubai or San Jose in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and San Jose. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
June to August in Dubai is the dry season. San Jose receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Dubai usually receives less rain than San Jose. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
The heat can be very extreme in Dubai. In the summer, Dubai is a little warmer than San Jose. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dubai in July average around 35°C (95°F), and San Jose averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDubai 35°C (95°F)San Jose 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Dubai or San Jose in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Dubai as well as San Jose. Dubai 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. Dubai usually gets less rain in October than San Jose. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
In October, Dubai is generally around the same temperature as San Jose. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 29°C (84°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDubai 29°C (84°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Dubai or San Jose in the Winter?
Both San Jose and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to San Jose because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The rainy season in Dubai is January to March. In January, Dubai usually receives more rain than San Jose. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Dubai is cooler than San Jose in the winter. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 19°C (66°F) in January, and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDubai 19°C (66°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Dubai or San Jose in the Spring?
Both San Jose and Dubai during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round.
June to August is the dry season in Dubai. Dubai usually gets less rain in April than San Jose. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the spring, Dubai is cooler than San Jose. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dubai in April average around 26°C (79°F), and San Jose averages at about 29°C (85°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDubai 26°C (79°F)San Jose 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for San Jose and Dubai
| Dubai | San Jose | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 20 mm (0.8 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.