Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Faro?
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 Faro or San Juan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Faro 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: Faro or San Juan?
Faro
Faro (or sometimes Faros) is the capital city of the scenic Algarve Region of Portugal, located at the edge of the Ria Formosa National Park. This is a fantastic place to experience the beauty, culture, and traditions of Portugal in laid back atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle of the larger cities. Faro offers everything from ancient architecture to beautiful beaches all while being surrounded by the natural beauty of the Algarve Region.
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 in Portugal, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal.
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Faro Prices
Portugal PricesSan Juan Prices
Puerto Rico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFaro $185San Juan $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Faro is $185, 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 Faro and San Juan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFaro $87San Juan $124
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFaro $174San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Faro and San Juan
Looking for a hotel in Faro 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: Faro Hotel Prices and San Juan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Faro $11San Juan $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Faro
Also for Faro, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer From Faro Algarve To Lisbon: $295
- Private transfers between Faro and Aljustrel: $271
- Private Transfer from Faro Airport to Lisbon: $265
- Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to El Rompido: $226
- Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Huelva: $217
- Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Sao Sebastiao: $216
- Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Vila do Bispo: $213
- Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Budens: $202
- Private transfers between Faro and Aljezur: $189
- Private transfers between Faro and Bordeira: $189
- Private transfers between Faro and Huelva: $189
- Private Transfer from Monchique to Faro (FAO) Airport: $188
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
- Luxury Puerto Rico Private Transfers: $220
- 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
- Transfer SJU Airport to Dorado. Hotels and Airbnb. Vice Versa One Way Trip.: $140
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, 14Pax Lux Sprinter Van: $124
- San Juan Airport (SJU) to San Juan Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $118
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $118
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, 11Pax Lux Sprinter Van: $103
- San Juan PR Transfer in Luxury SUV (Airports,Ports,Hotel,Airbnb): $103
Is it cheaper to fly into Faro or San Juan?
Prices for flights to both San Juan and Faro 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 dayFaro $72San Juan $62
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Faro
For Faro, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 3 Hours Classic Food Tour in Faro: $105
- Faro Food Tour & Drinks and City highlights 10 Tastings: $117
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Faro $11San Juan $49
Tours and Activities in Faro
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Faro.
- 1 or 2 Hour Speed Boat Tour - Ria Formosa: $33
- 2 Hours Boat Tour Fishermen's Route in Ria Formosa: $29
- 2:30 Hours Tour: $295
- 3-Hour Boat Tour in Ria Formosa on Olhão Algarve: $41
- 5-hour tour with 3 stops around the islands and beaches of Ria Formosa: $53
- Algarve Dolphin Watching & Marine Life Eco Tour: $65
- Amoreira River Stand Up Paddle Tour: $59
- Benagil Cave Tour From Faro - Discover The Algarve Coast: $59
- Benagil Caves, Albufeira and Carvoeiro Private Tour From Algarve: $212
- Birdwatching in Ria Formosa - Eco Boat Tour from Faro: $47
- Boat Tour of 2 Ria Formosa Islands: Culatra and Armona: $41
- Boat Tour to Desert Island at The Ria Formosa: $53
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
- 1)El Yunque Rainforest and Famous Luquillo Beach Experience: $96
- 2 Tours in 1 Day: Rainforest Waterslides & Beach Tour w/Transport: $60
- 3 Tours in 1 Day: Old San Juan, Rainforest, Beach with Transport: $65
- 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
- Arecibo Indian Cave Coastal Adventure: $65
- Bio Bay Night Kayak Tour with Transport from San Juan: $125
- BioBay Kayak Tour with San Juan Roundtrip Transportation: $179
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFaro $3.63San Juan $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Faro
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Faro:
- Tour & Wine tasting - Authentic Algarve Flavours by Quinta da Tôr: $24
- Visit to a Family Brewery in Loulé with Tasting: $29
- Faro Pub Crawl Night of Drinks Games VIP Club Entry: $45
- Discover Tavira - Tapas and Wine Tour: $88
- Portuguese Wine Tasting& Tapas in the heart of Faro: $116
- Jeep Tour - Tavira, Santa Luzia & Wine Tasting: $141
- Algarve Portugal Wine Tasting Activity with Pick Up: $188
- Algarve Private Wine Tour with Private Transportation: $224
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 Faro and San Juan, we can see that San Juan is more expensive. And not only is Faro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Faro 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 Faro would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Faro 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 Faro.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Faro Expensive? and Is San Juan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Faro or San Juan?
San Juan has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Faro. When comparing the sizes of Faro 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 Faro or San Juan?
Faro 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 Faro or San Juan in the Summer?
Both San Juan and Faro are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Faro in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Faro is cooler than San Juan in the summer. The daily temperature in Faro averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
It's quite sunny in San Juan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Faro. Faro usually receives more sunshine than San Juan during summer. Faro gets 374 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Faro usually receives less rain than San Juan. Faro gets 1 mm (0 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 JulyFaro 25°C (78°F)San Juan 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Faro or San Juan in the Autumn?
Both San Juan and Faro during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Faro for the shopping scene during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.
In the autumn, Faro is cooler than San Juan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Faro in October average around 20°C (68°F), and San Juan averages at about 28°C (82°F).
In San Juan, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Faro. In the autumn, Faro often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Juan. Faro gets 222 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. Faro usually gets less rain in October than San Juan. Faro gets 67 mm (2.6 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 OctoberFaro 20°C (68°F)San Juan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Faro or San Juan in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Faro and San Juan. The winter months attract visitors to Faro because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Faro is generally much colder than San Juan. Daily temperatures in Faro average around 12°C (54°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. Faro usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during winter. Faro gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Faro usually receives more rain than San Juan. Faro gets 78 mm (3.1 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 JanuaryFaro 12°C (54°F)San Juan 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Faro or San Juan in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Faro as well as San Juan. The beaches are the main draw to Faro this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.
Faro is much colder than San Juan in the spring. The daily temperature in Faro averages around 17°C (62°F) in April, and San Juan fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Faro this time of the year. In the spring, Faro often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Faro gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun.
Faro usually gets less rain in April than San Juan. Faro gets 38 mm (1.5 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 AprilFaro 17°C (62°F)San Juan 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for San Juan and Faro
| Faro | San Juan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (54°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (56°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (58°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (62°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (78°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (68°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (60°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 94 mm (3.7 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.