Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Foz do Iguacu?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Foz do Iguacu 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 Foz do Iguacu 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: Foz do Iguacu or San Juan?
Foz do Iguacu
Foz do Iguacu is a larger city in Brazil that is most famous for the Iguacu Falls. The city serves as an entry point for Paraguay and Argentina as well. The obvious reason to visit the city is to see the beautiful falls, and together with Ciudad del Este, Paraguay and Puerto Iguazu, Argentina, it makes up one of the largest tourism sights in South America.
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 Budget Tours to Brazil, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Brazil.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFoz do Iguacu $66San Juan $192
The average daily cost (per person) in Foz do Iguacu is $66, while the average daily cost in San Juan is $192. 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 Foz do Iguacu and San Juan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFoz do Iguacu $29San Juan $124
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFoz do Iguacu $58San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Foz do Iguacu and San Juan
Looking for a hotel in Foz do Iguacu 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: Foz do Iguacu Hotel Prices and San Juan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Foz do Iguacu $13San Juan $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Foz do Iguacu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Foz do Iguacu:
- Transfer IN IGU & Iguassu Falls Brazilian side & Macuco Boat Safari: $220
- Private E Bike Tour Iguaçu Waterfalls + Transfers + Tickets: $131
- Shared Roundtrip Transfers with Brazilian and Argentinian sides: $120
- Roundtrip Airport Transfer in Foz do Iguaçu: $49
- Transfer from Foz de Iguazu Airport to Hotels on the Argentine side: $42
- Private transfer from Foz do Iguaçu airport and bus station: $22
- Foz do Iguaçu Airport Private Transfer : $20
- Transfer Cataratas Argentina: $19
- IGU Airport Transfers: $17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan
Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Carabali Rain Forest Round Trip Private Taxi Transfer: $210
- Mendoza: One-Way Private Transfer from Airport: $25
- Old Walking Tour with Shopping and Hotel Transfer: $70
- Oneway Transfer San Juan to Ceiba: Ferry, Vieques/Culebra Airport: $80
- Oneway Transfer from San Juan (SJU, hotel, airbnb, port) to Ponce: $125
- Oneway Transfer- San Juan(SJU, hotel, airbnb, port) to Río Grande: $68
- Private Airport Transfers to Ceiba Ferry Terminal and Airport: $155
- Private Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to San Juan Airport: $22
- Private Transfer from SJU Airport to San Juan / Rio Grande: $105
- Private Transportation in Puerto Rico From or To San Juan Airport(SJU) Transfers: $33
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, 11Pax Lux Sprinter Van: $103
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, 16Pax Mercedes Van, Select Zone: $130
Is it cheaper to fly into Foz do Iguacu or San Juan?
Prices for flights to both San Juan and Foz do Iguacu 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 dayFoz do Iguacu $22San Juan $36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Foz do Iguacu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Foz do Iguacu.
- Official Entrance: Dinner with Latin American Show at Rafain Steakhouse: $52
- Entrance to Rafain with Dinner and Show: $74
- Rafain dinner Samba Show: $94
- Transport to Acaray Casino + dinner (optional): $100
- Dinner Show - Rafain Steakhouse : $100
- Rafain Steakhouse Show - Dinner and Show Included: $103
- Dinner Show at Rafain in Foz do Iguaçu: $107
- Dinner Show Rafain Steakhouse Belmond Hotel Cataratas : $135
- Foz do Iguacu Dancing Musical Show with Dinner and Pickup: $208
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.Foz do Iguacu $24San Juan $49
Tours and Activities in Foz do Iguacu
Here are a few actual costs in Foz do Iguacu for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2 Days Private Tour Argentinean & Brazilian Side of Iguazu Falls: $150
- 2-Day Private Tour Iguaçu Falls Brazil and Argentina: $229
- 2-Day Private Tour to Argentina and Brazil Falls: $112
- 2-Days Private Brasil & Argentina Iguassu Falls Experience : $116
- 2-day private tour Both waterfalls+ bird park: $199
- Airport IGU Pick-Up & Shopping In Paraguay & Hotel Drop-Off - Private Tour: $100
- Airport IGU Round Trip & Iguassu Falls Argentinean side & Great Adventure: $295
- Argentina Bike Experience: Interact with indigenous communities: $90
- Argentinean Side Iguassu Falls - Private Tour: $120
- Argentinian Side of the Falls - All Tickets Included: $92
- Argentinian Side of the Falls and Boat Tour Gran Aventura - All Tickets Included: $231
- Bird Park Tour: $25
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.
- Self-Guided Audio Tour of Historic Buildings: $5.99
- Discover Old In-App Audio Tour of History: $11
- Self-Guided Tour with Audio Guide: $14
- Group Transportation in airport, cruise ships, hotels, bnb's in San Juan, PR: $20
- Old Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $25
- History, Legends, & Highlights Guided Walking Tour: $30
- Historical Walking Tour in Old San Juan: $30
- Old San Juan Walking Tour with a Certified Guide: $30
- Old San Juan City Walking Tour: $39
- Old San Juan Walking Tour: $39
- Legacy Tour at Casa BarcadÍ in Puerto Rico: $45
- Walking tour of Oaxaca City: $48
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFoz do Iguacu $12San Juan $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Foz do Iguacu
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Foz do Iguacu from other travelers:
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Beer$0.88
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 Foz do Iguacu and San Juan, we can see that San Juan is more expensive. And not only is Foz do Iguacu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Foz do Iguacu 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 Foz do Iguacu would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Foz do Iguacu 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 Foz do Iguacu.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Foz do Iguacu Expensive? and Is San Juan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Foz do Iguacu or San Juan?
San Juan has a larger population, and is about 42% larger than the population of Foz do Iguacu. When comparing the sizes of Foz do Iguacu 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 Foz do Iguacu or San Juan?
Foz do Iguacu 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 Foz do Iguacu or San Juan in the Summer?
Both San Juan and Foz do Iguacu during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.
In January, Foz do Iguacu is generally around the same temperature as San Juanin July. Daily temperatures in Foz do Iguacu average around 27°C (81°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Foz do Iguacu. Foz do Iguacu usually gets more rain in January than San Juanin July. Foz do Iguacu gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyFoz do Iguacu 27°C (81°F)San Juan 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or San Juan in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Foz do Iguacu and San Juan. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Foz do Iguacu is cooler than San Juan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Foz do Iguacu averages around 23°C (73°F) in April, and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in October.
San Juan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In April, Foz do Iguacu usually receives less rain than San Juanin October. Foz do Iguacu gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberFoz do Iguacu 23°C (73°F)San Juan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or San Juan in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Foz do Iguacu as well as San Juan. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.
In the winter, Foz do Iguacu is cooler than San Juan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Foz do Iguacu in July average around 18°C (64°F), and San Juan averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.
Foz do Iguacu usually gets less rain in July than San Juanin January. Foz do Iguacu gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryFoz do Iguacu 18°C (64°F)San Juan 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or San Juan in the Spring?
Both San Juan and Foz do Iguacu are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Foz do Iguacu is generally around the same temperature as San Juanin April. Daily temperatures in Foz do Iguacu average around 24°C (75°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It's quite rainy in Foz do Iguacu. In October, Foz do Iguacu usually receives more rain than San Juanin April. Foz do Iguacu gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilFoz do Iguacu 24°C (75°F)San Juan 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for San Juan and Foz do Iguacu
| Foz do Iguacu | San Juan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (64°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 20°C (68°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 24°C (75°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 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.