Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Fortaleza?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Fortaleza or San Juan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Fortaleza and San Juan 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: Fortaleza or San Juan?
Fortaleza
A major city on Brazil's northeastern coast and the capital city of Ceara state, Fortaleza is best characterized by its city landscape lined with beaches and palm trees. It also features some great seafood as well as long-standing folk traditions in culture and dance.
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 Luxury Tours to Brazil, and The Best Budget Tours to Brazil.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFortaleza $69San Juan $185
The average daily cost (per person) in Fortaleza is $69, while the average daily cost in San Juan is $185. 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 Fortaleza and San Juan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFortaleza $30San Juan $124
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFortaleza $60San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Fortaleza and San Juan
Looking for a hotel in Fortaleza 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: Fortaleza Hotel Prices and San Juan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Fortaleza $21San Juan $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fortaleza
Also for Fortaleza, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer Fortaleza to Jericoacoara: $300
- Jericoacoara Private Transfer From Fortaleza: $273
- Private Transfer From FOR to Any Point in Fortaleza City: $270
- 4x4 Transfer Private Service Fortaleza - Jericoacoara: $259
- Departure Private Transfer: Jericoacoara to Fortaleza Airport FOR by Sedan Car: $253
- Transfer 4 X 4 Fortaleza to Jericoacoara or Jericoacoara to Fortaleza: $240
- 4x4 Private Transfer Service : $180
- Private Transfer from Fortaleza to Canoa Quebrada: $173
- Fortaleza Airport to Canoa Quebrada One–Way Transfer: $160
- Transfer Fortaleza - Jericoacoara: $153
- Private Transfer from Fortaleza (FOR) Airport to Icaraí-Amontada : $131
- Arrival Private Transfer from Fortaleza Airport FOR to Fortaleza by Minivan: $117
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan
Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- San Juan Airport (SJU): Private Transfer to San Juan Port: $271
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port: Transfer to San Juan hotel: $271
- Carabali Rain Forest Round Trip Private Taxi Transfer: $210
- Private Airport Transfers to Ceiba Ferry Terminal and Airport: $155
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, 16Pax Mercedes Van, Select Zone: $130
- Oneway Transfer from San Juan (SJU, hotel, airbnb, port) to Ponce: $125
- Private Transfer from SJU Airport to San Juan / Rio Grande: $105
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, 11Pax Lux Sprinter Van: $103
- Old San Juan Sunset Cruise with Drinks & Transfer: $99
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Mercedes ECO Van, Select Zone: $87
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Ford Premium SUV, Select Zone: $87
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Lexus Luxury Sedan, Select Zone: $81
Is it cheaper to fly into Fortaleza or San Juan?
Prices for flights to both San Juan and Fortaleza 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 dayFortaleza $24San Juan $36
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:
- Old San Juan Sunset Food Tour with Drinks: $156
- Savor the Sunset: Old San Juan Walk and Food Tour: $159
- City Lights Sky High Dinner Experience: $165
- Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $170
- Private Local Food Tour in San Juan: $275
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Fortaleza $15San Juan $49
Tours and Activities in Fortaleza
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Fortaleza.
- Águas Belas Tour: $15
- 3 Beaches in 1 Day Tour Leaving Fortaleza: $13
- Beach Park Full-Day Trip Including Brief Tour of Fortaleza: $35
- Canoa Quebrada Beach Tour with Nettour: $20
- Canoe Quebrada Full Day Tour - Departure from Fortaleza by Vitorino Turismo: $19
- City Tour Fortaleza - Full Day Cumbuco Beach Tour by Nettour: $26
- City-Tour and Fortaleza (central market, cathedral, Fort, Theaters, encetur, P.ferreira: $56
- Cumbuco Beach Tour: $12
- Cumbuco Beach with City Tour from Fortaleza: $16
- Fortaleza City Tour : $26
- Fortaleza Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $31
- 4-Hour City Car Tour: $266
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.
- Rum Craft Cocktail Tour in San Juan: $65
- 1 or 2 Hour Puerto Rico Horseback Ride Experience!: $210
- Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Adventure from San Juan: $110
- Carolina: ATV Adventure at Campo Rico Ranch with Guide: $136
- Cave Day Tour From San Juan: $109
- Cruise Ship Travelers: Hike to a Hidden Puerto Rican Waterfall: $85
- Culebra Beach Day Tour with Snorkeling from San Juan by Ferry: $200
- Culebra Snorkeling Tour by Catamaran from Fajardo: $175
- Discover El Yunque: Half-Day Rainforest Tour: $115
- Discover Old In-App Audio Tour of History: $11
- El Yunque National RainForest: Tour with Nature walk: $75
- El Yunque Rainforest Guided Day Tour from San Juan: $85
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFortaleza $9.97San Juan $12
Sample the Local Flavors in San Juan
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Juan:
- Pinones Pub crawl in Puerto Rico: $50
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fortaleza and San Juan, we can see that San Juan is more expensive. And not only is Fortaleza much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Fortaleza is in South America 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 Fortaleza would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Fortaleza Expensive? and Is San Juan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Fortaleza or San Juan?
Fortaleza has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of San Juan. When comparing the sizes of Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza or San Juan?
Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza or San Juan in the Summer?
Both San Juan and Fortaleza are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Fortaleza is generally around the same temperature as San Juanin July. Daily temperatures in Fortaleza average around 28°C (82°F), 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 Fortaleza. Fortaleza usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during summer. Fortaleza gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Fortaleza. In January, Fortaleza usually receives more rain than San Juanin July. Fortaleza gets 119 mm (4.7 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 January and JulyFortaleza 28°C (82°F)San Juan 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Fortaleza or San Juan in the Autumn?
Both San Juan and Fortaleza during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.
Fortaleza is around the same temperature as San Juan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Fortaleza averages around 27°C (80°F) in April, and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in October.
In San Juan, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Fortaleza often gets less sunshine than San Juanin October. Fortaleza gets 159 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Fortaleza. Fortaleza usually gets more rain in April than San Juanin October. Fortaleza gets 356 mm (14 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 April and OctoberFortaleza 27°C (80°F)San Juan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Fortaleza or San Juan in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Fortaleza and San Juan. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the winter, Fortaleza is around the same temperature as San Juan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Fortaleza in July average around 26°C (79°F), and San Juan averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan this time of the year. In Fortaleza, it's very sunny this time of the year. Fortaleza usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Juan during winter. Fortaleza gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Fortaleza usually receives more rain than San Juanin January. Fortaleza gets 95 mm (3.7 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 July and JanuaryFortaleza 26°C (79°F)San Juan 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Fortaleza or San Juan in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Fortaleza as well as San Juan. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.
In October, Fortaleza is generally around the same temperature as San Juanin April. Daily temperatures in Fortaleza average around 28°C (82°F), 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 Fortaleza this time of the year. In the spring, Fortaleza often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Juanin April. Fortaleza gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun.
Fortaleza usually gets less rain in October than San Juanin April. Fortaleza gets 13 mm (0.5 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 October and AprilFortaleza 28°C (82°F)San Juan 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for San Juan and Fortaleza
| Fortaleza | San Juan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 119 mm (4.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 205 mm (8.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (80°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 356 mm (14 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 256 mm (10.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (80°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 44 mm (1.7 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.