Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Dubrovnik?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Dubrovnik or San Juan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Dubrovnik 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: Dubrovnik or San Juan?
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic", is a beautiful walled city in southern Croatia that sits on the edge of the Adriatic Sea. It's a small city, with only about 40,000 residents, but it's become one of the most significant tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The city was historically built on maritime trade, which is not surprising given its location near major Italian and Greek ports such as Venice, Bari, Corfu, and Trieste. It was a center of language and literature and was the home of many important poets, playwrights, painters, and scientists during the 15th and 16th centuries. Today its economy is dependent on tourism and it is one of the most popular destinations in the region. People visit the city for its impressive history, beautiful setting, great weather, and interesting architecture.
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 2-Week Tours from Split, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia.
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Dubrovnik Prices
Croatia PricesSan Juan Prices
Puerto Rico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDubrovnik $183San Juan $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Dubrovnik is $183, 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 Dubrovnik and San Juan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDubrovnik $75San Juan $124
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDubrovnik $150San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Dubrovnik and San Juan
Looking for a hotel in Dubrovnik 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: Dubrovnik Hotel Prices and San Juan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dubrovnik $25San Juan $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubrovnik
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubrovnik:
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Bus Around Town$1.65
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubrovnik
Also for Dubrovnik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Zagreb to VIP Transfer with Your Choice of Tours: $846
- Split: TO Dubrovnik Private Transfer with Stop in Ston: $467
- Budva to Dubrovnik one way transfer: $460
- Private Transfer from Mostar to Dubrovnik: $362
- Private transfer from Tivat to Dubrovnik city: $303
- Private transfer from Kotor to Dubrovnik city: $303
- From Split: Private Transfer to Dubrovnik with Sightseeing: $298
- Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Trogir with 2h of Sightseeing, local driver: $294
- Private Transfer from Split to Dubrovnik: $292
- Transfer Dubrovnik to Split with Sightseeing in Ston Town: $290
- Dubrovnik to Split Private Transfer with Ston and Winery Options: $284
- Airport Transfer Dubrovnik to Herceg Novi / Portonovi: $283
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan
Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Double ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $289
- HandyCap Transfer Airport to Dorado, Rio Grande or Luquillo: $270
- Luxury Puerto Rico Private Transfers: $220
- Private Transfer: SJU Airport or Port to Humacao and Nagüabo: $200
- San Juan Airport (SJU) to Ponce hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $200
- Private Transfer from SJU Airport to Humacao Hotels: $180
- Transfer from San Juan to Rincon or Rincon to San Juan: $167
- San Juan Airport (SJU) to Rio Grande hotel – Round-Trip Private Transfer: $165
- Private Airport Transfers to Ceiba Ferry Terminal and Airport: $155
- Transfer SJU Airport to Dorado. Hotels and Airbnb. Vice Versa One Way Trip.: $140
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, 16Pax Mercedes Van, Select Zone: $130
- Private Transfer from or to San Juan and Ponce: $125
Is it cheaper to fly into Dubrovnik or San Juan?
Prices for flights to both San Juan and Dubrovnik 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 dayDubrovnik $87San Juan $62
Typical Food Prices in Dubrovnik
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubrovnik:
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Seafood Dinner (for 2)$34
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubrovnik
For Dubrovnik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Gastro Dinner and Cruise around Dubrovnik Old Town: $92
- Taste A Full Meal Walking Food Tour by Do Eat Better: $128
- Dinner in the Sky Dubrovnik - Dine 50m Above Ground: $130
- Old Town Dubrovnik Food Tour of 8 Authentic Croatian Tastings: $140
- Croatian Traditional Cuisine: Peka Cooking Lesson: $159
- Dinner on Peljesac with 5-Course Signature Wine & Food: $159
- Dubrovnik Sunset Cruise with dinner on board: $162
- Dubrovnik Old Town Food Tour: Small-Group Experience: $165
- Blue Cave, Elaphiti Islands, Wine Tasting and Cooking Experience: $258
- Dubrovnik Food Tour with Friendly Local Guide: $279
- Traditional Cooking Class in Dubrovnik Countryside: $283
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:
- Puerto Rican Gastronomy Cooking Class: $167
- Morning Old San Juan Food Tour: $169
- Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $170
- Fly Dining 4 Course Sunset and City Light Dinner Over San Juan: $195
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dubrovnik $17San Juan $49
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubrovnik
For Dubrovnik, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Boat to Lokrum Island (for 2)$15
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Dubrovnik City Wall Tour (for 2)$61
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Dubrovnik Cable Car (for 2)$52
Tours and Activities in Dubrovnik
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dubrovnik.
- 1 Hour Sightseeing Tour in Dubrovnik: $113
- 2 Hours Private Dubrovnik City Walls Walking Tour: $163
- 2 hrs Guided Tour to CAVTAT a Small Place for Great Art: $59
- 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour in Mlini: $59
- 3-Hour Dubrovnik Countryside ATV/Quad Safari Adventure Tour: $129
- 4 Hours Caves, Snorkeling and Swimming Tour in Dubrovnik: $92
- ATV Dubrovnik Safari Tour: Mt Srd & Traditional Villages: $123
- Adults Only Sunset Cruise in Dubrovnik on a 16th-Century Karaka: $60
- Adventure Dalmatia - Sunset Sea Kayaking & Snorkelling Dubrovnik: $53
- Adventure Park Cadmos Village from Dubrovnik: $212
- Afternoon Dubrovnik Guided Kayaking Tour: $33
- Ancient Old City– Finest tour of Dubrovnik: $29
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Juan
For San Juan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Horseback Riding Tour$40
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Full Day Snorkeling Trip$100
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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.
- 1 Hour Bull Maze Adventure at Toroverde Urban Park San Juan: $45
- 1 Hour Historical UTV Tour in San Juan: $200
- 2 Tours in 1 Day Rainforest and Beach Adventure with Transport: $65
- 3 Tours in 1 Day Old San Juan Rainforest and Beach with Transport: $75
- 3 in 1 Full Day Cueva Ventana, Indian Cave & Waterfall Adventure: $155
- ATV Double Rider Adventure Near San Juan - Hacienda Campo Rico: $221
- ATV Single Rider Adventure Near San Juan - Hacienda Campo Rico: $149
- Adventure Water Bike in Condado Lagoon, San Juan: $60
- Arecibo Cave Cliffside Waterfall Adventure: $139
- Bio Bay Magic and Rum Tasting Tour from San Juan: $250
- Bio Bay Night Kayak Tour with Transport from San Juan: $125
- Cave, Waterfall and River Adventure in Charco Azul from San Juan: $115
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDubrovnik $19San Juan $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Dubrovnik
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dubrovnik:
- Dubrovnik Sunset Tour with Wine Tasting: $41
- Panoramic Dubrovnik Tour Golden Hour Sunset and Wine Tasting: $45
- Wine Tasting in Konavle, Near Dubrovnik & Cavtat – Join Us!: $53
- Day Tour of Korcula Island from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $81
- Ston and Korcula Island Day Trip from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $81
- Konavle Valley Wine Tour from Dubrovnik -Train Ride &Wine Tasting: $94
- Day trip to Korčula and Pelješac with Wine Tasting: $94
- Sunset wine tasting in vineyard: $94
- Day trip to Korčula and Pelješac with Wine Tasting from Koločep: $104
- Half-Day Tour from Dubrovnik to Konavle with Wine Tasting: $106
- Konavle Valley Wine Tasting from Dubrovnik with Light Lunch: $106
- Full Day Korcula and Peljesac Wine Tasting Tour in Dubrovnik: $115
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 Dubrovnik and San Juan, we can see that San Juan is more expensive. And not only is Dubrovnik much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubrovnik is in Europe 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 Dubrovnik would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dubrovnik Expensive? and Is San Juan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dubrovnik or San Juan?
San Juan has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Dubrovnik. When comparing the sizes of Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik or San Juan?
Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik or San Juan in the Summer?
Both San Juan and Dubrovnik are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Dubrovnik because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the summer, Dubrovnik is cooler than San Juan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dubrovnik in July average around 25°C (77°F), and San Juan averages at about 28°C (83°F).
In July, Dubrovnik usually receives less rain than San Juan. Dubrovnik gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDubrovnik 25°C (77°F)San Juan 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Dubrovnik or San Juan in the Autumn?
Both San Juan and Dubrovnik during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Dubrovnik this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.
In October, Dubrovnik is generally much colder than San Juan. Daily temperatures in Dubrovnik average around 18°C (64°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
San Juan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik usually gets more rain in October than San Juan. Dubrovnik gets 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDubrovnik 18°C (64°F)San Juan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Dubrovnik or San Juan in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubrovnik and San Juan. Many travelers come to Dubrovnik for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Dubrovnik is much colder than San Juan in the winter. The daily temperature in Dubrovnik averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and San Juan fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
Dubrovnik gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Dubrovnik usually receives more rain than San Juan. Dubrovnik gets 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDubrovnik 9°C (48°F)San Juan 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Dubrovnik or San Juan in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Dubrovnik as well as San Juan. Many visitors come to Dubrovnik in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.
In the spring, Dubrovnik is much colder than San Juan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dubrovnik in April average around 14°C (57°F), and San Juan averages at about 26°C (79°F).
Dubrovnik receives a lot of rain in the spring. Dubrovnik usually gets more rain in April than San Juan. Dubrovnik gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDubrovnik 14°C (57°F)San Juan 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for San Juan and Dubrovnik
| Dubrovnik | San Juan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (48°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 11°C (52°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (57°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (57°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (52°F) | 178 mm (7 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.