A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Fort-de-France vs. San Juan del Sur for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Fort-de-France or San Juan del Sur?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Fort-de-France and San Juan del Sur can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Fort-de-France or San Juan del Sur?

Fort-de-France

As the largest city and capital of Martinique, Fort-de-France serves as the main entryway for visitors traveling to the island. It is a busy city with a significant population, which creates an atmosphere bustling with traffic amidst its historic and cultural sights.

San Juan del Sur

San Juan del Sur is a popular port destination on the Pacific coast of southwest Nicaragua. The town was once a quaint fishing village but has grown into a tourist town with activities for visitors that include surfing, fishing, and, of course, partying. The town has a population of just over 15,000, most of whom are either fishermen or involved in the tourism industry. There is also a large expat community from the United States, Canada, and Europe.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, and The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua.


Which place is cheaper, San Juan del Sur or Fort-de-France?

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

  • Fort-de-France Prices
    Martinique Prices
    San Juan del Sur Prices
    Nicaragua Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Fort-de-France 194
    San Juan del Sur 56

The average daily cost (per person) in Fort-de-France is €194, while the average daily cost in San Juan del Sur is €56. 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 Fort-de-France and San Juan del Sur in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Fort-de-France 79
    San Juan del Sur 18
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Fort-de-France 158
    San Juan del Sur 36
Compare Hotels in Fort-de-France and San Juan del Sur

Looking for a hotel in Fort-de-France or San Juan del Sur? 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 Fort-de-France


Hotels in San Juan del Sur


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: Fort-de-France Hotel Prices and San Juan del Sur Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Fort-de-France 16
    San Juan del Sur 15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fort-de-France

Also for Fort-de-France, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Fort de France to Martinique Airport (FDF) - Departure Transfer: $66
  • Martinique Airport (FDF) to Fort de France - Arrival Transfer: $70
  • Private Transfer Martinique Airport (FDF) to Fort de France Port: $77
  • Private Transfer from Fort de France Port to Fort de France: $77
  • Private Transfer from Fort de France to Fort de France Port: $77
  • Transfer from Fort de France Port to Martinique Airport (FDF): $77

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan del Sur

Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Juan del Sur:

  • Granada: One way shared transfer to San Juan del Sur: $39

Is it cheaper to fly into Fort-de-France or San Juan del Sur?

Prices for flights to both San Juan del Sur and Fort-de-France 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
    Fort-de-France 100
    San Juan del Sur 27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Fort-de-France

For Fort-de-France, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Food tour in the rainforest and St Pierre - Pile et Face: $104

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Fort-de-France 31
    San Juan del Sur 13

Tours and Activities in Fort-de-France

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Fort-de-France.

  • Habitation Clement - entrance ticket: $15
  • Small train tour of a banana farm in Martinique: $22
  • Fort-de-France Private 2-Hour Walking Tour: $26
  • Mangrove Guided Tour: $43
  • Karaib Tour: $66
  • Fort-de-France Food Tasting and Cultural Walking Tour: $71
  • Martinique Shore Excursion - Unmissable Martinique North tour: $75
  • Authentic Tour of Southern Martinique: $75
  • Martinique Shore Excursion - Authentic Tour of Southern Martinique: $75
  • Scenic Tropical Rainforest & Island Tour: $82
  • Martinique: Coral and Turtle Coves Cruise: $84
  • Half-Day Nature and Panorama Tour in Martinique: $108

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Fort-de-France 10
    San Juan del Sur 11

Sample the Local Flavors in Fort-de-France

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Fort-de-France:

  • Small-Group Tour: Unmissable Martinique with Rum Distillery, Ruins, and More: $75
  • North Tour: rainforest, rum distillery, black sand beach etc: $120


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fort-de-France and San Juan del Sur, we can see that Fort-de-France is more expensive. And not only is San Juan del Sur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Fort-de-France is in Caribbean Islands and San Juan del Sur 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 Juan del Sur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Juan del Sur 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 Fort-de-France would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fort-de-France than you might in San Juan del Sur.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Fort-de-France Expensive? and Is San Juan del Sur Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Fort-de-France or San Juan del Sur?

Fort-de-France has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of San Juan del Sur. When comparing the sizes of Fort-de-France and San Juan del Sur, 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.