A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Grande-Terre vs. San Juan for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Grande-Terre or San Juan?

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

Should I visit Grande-Terre 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: Grande-Terre or San Juan?

Grande-Terre

Grande Terre is an island that makes up the eastern half of the Guadeloupe 'mainland.' It is divided from the other half of the main Guadeloupe island, Basse Terre, by a narrow channel called Rivière Salee (or the Salt River). The island itself is characterized by rolling hills, white sand beaches, and cliffs, and its indented coastline is surrounded by coral reefs. It is home to most of Guadeloupe's farmlands and tourist resorts.

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.


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Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Grande-Terre?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Grande-Terre is $188, 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 Grande-Terre and San Juan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Grande-Terre $85
    San Juan $124
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Grande-Terre $170
    San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Grande-Terre and San Juan

Looking for a hotel in Grande-Terre 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.

Hotels in Grande-Terre


Hotels in San Juan


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: Grande-Terre Hotel Prices and San Juan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Grande-Terre $9.42
    San Juan $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grande-Terre

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Grande-Terre:

  • Pointe-a-Pitre Airport (PTP) to Guadeloupe island hotel-Arrival Private Transfer: $161
  • Pointe-a-Pitre Airport (PTP) to Pointe-a-Pitre - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $126
  • PrivateTransfer from Pointe-à-Pitre Cruise Port to Airport (PTP) : $95
  • Private Transfer from Pointe-à-Pitre Cruise Port to City Hotels: $95
  • Private Transfer from Pointe-à-Pitre to Pointe-à-Pitre Port: $95
  • PrivateTransfer from Pointe-à-Pitre Airport (PTP) to Cruise Port : $95
  • Private Transfer from Pointe a Pitre Airport to Deshaies or Trois Riviers by SUV: $91
  • Departure Private Transfer from Saint-Francois to Pointe a Pitre Airport by SUV: $90
  • Private Transfer in Guadeloupe: $69
  • Pointe-a-Pitre to Pointe-a-Pitre Airport (PTP) - Departure Private Transfer: $62
  • Pointe-a-Pitre Airport (PTP) to Pointe-a-Pitre Arrival Transfer: $62
  • Departure Private Transfer from Sainte-Anne to Pointe a Pitre Airport by SUV: $58

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan

Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Arrival Private Transfer SJU Airport to Old San Juan by SUV: $125
  • Departure Transfer from Old San Juan to to SJU Airport by Car: $86
  • From Private Transfer to Ceiba Ferry Terminal: $99
  • HandyCap Airport Transfer to Isla Verde, Condado or Ocean Park: $100
  • HandyCap Transfer Airport to Dorado, Rio Grande or Luquillo: $270
  • Old Walking Tour with Shopping and Hotel Transfer: $70
  • One-way transfer from SJU Airport to Cruise Port or Vice Versa: $55
  • Oneway Transfer- San Juan from/to Rio Grande or Loiza: $68
  • Private Transfer from San Juan Airport (SJU) to Ponce Cruise Port: $227
  • Private Transfer from or to San Juan and Adjuntas : $113
  • Private Transfer from or to San Juan and Humacao : $80
  • Private Transfer-TO or FROM: SJUAirport,Cruises,Hotels in Puerto Rico Luxury SUV: $34

Is it cheaper to fly into Grande-Terre or San Juan?

Prices for flights to both San Juan and Grande-Terre 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
    Grande-Terre $86
    San Juan $62

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 food tasting and beginner cooking Tour: $69
  • From Pinones Beach & Bar Hopping Food Tour: $70
  • Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $165
  • FlyDining: Sunset Dinner with Stunning Ocean Views (4 Courses): $165
  • Savor the Sunset: Old San Juan Walking Food Tour: $179

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Grande-Terre $47
    San Juan $49

Tours and Activities in Grande-Terre

Here are a few actual costs in Grande-Terre for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • *Cruise Stopover* - CASCADE WITH CRAYFISH- Sainte-Anne Beach: $58
  • Afternoon Historic Walking Tour of Pointe-à-Pitre with Guide: $20
  • Cruise Stopover at Village Sainte Anne and its Beach: $29
  • Cruise stopover - Plage du Gosier Round trip: $15
  • Full Day Tour of Guadeloupe: $154
  • Guided tour by electric tuk-tuk: $48
  • Photoshoot + Drone on a Caribbean paradise beach or day tour : $98
  • Pointe à Pitre City Tour, Island Stopover, and Beach Breaks : $84
  • Private Gyroplane Tour: $177
  • Private Ultralight Seaplane Experience in Guadeloupe: $165
  • Stand Up Paddle Adventure in Guadeloupe: $48

Typical Entertainment Prices in San Juan

For San Juan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Horseback Riding Tour
    $40
  • Full Day Snorkeling Trip
    $100
  • 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.

  • Old San Juan Walking Tour with a Certified Guide: $30
  • Old San Juan Guided Walking Tour: $30
  • Old San Juan Walking Tour with a Local Certified Guide: $30
  • Legends of Puerto Rico Haunted Walking Tour: $32
  • Old San Juan History & Culture (Open Walking Tour): $35
  • Old San Juan City Walking Tour: $39
  • Urban Park Sky Bull Zipline Experience: $39
  • Old San Juan Walking Tour: $39
  • Legacy Tour at Casa BacardÍ in Puerto Rico: $45
  • Old San Juan Historical Walking Tour : $47
  • Old San Cristobal Castle and Old Town Walking Tour: $49
  • Done Right! - Walking Tour: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Grande-Terre $13
    San Juan $12

Sample the Local Flavors in San Juan

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Juan:

  • Puerto Rico: Ocean Lab Brewery and Tobaco Farm Tour: $139


When comparing the travel costs between Grande-Terre and San Juan, we can see that San Juan is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Caribbean Islands, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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



When is the best time to visit Grande-Terre or San Juan?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Grande-Terre or San Juan in the Summer?

Both San Juan and Grande-Terre during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Grande-Terre because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Grande-Terre. Grande-Terre usually gets more rain in July than San Juan. Grande-Terre gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

In San Juan, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Grande-Terre. In the summer, Grande-Terre often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Grande-Terre gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun.

In July, Grande-Terre is generally around the same temperature as San Juan. Daily temperatures in Grande-Terre average around 27°C (81°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Grande-Terre 27°C (81°F) 
    San Juan 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Grande-Terre or San Juan in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Grande-Terre and San Juan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grande-Terre year-round. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

San Juan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Grande-Terre gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Grande-Terre usually receives more rain than San Juan. Grande-Terre gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan this time of the year. In Grande-Terre, it's very sunny this time of the year. Grande-Terre usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during autumn. Grande-Terre gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Grande-Terre is around the same temperature as San Juan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Grande-Terre averages around 27°C (80°F) in October, and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Grande-Terre 27°C (80°F) 
    San Juan 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Grande-Terre or San Juan in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Grande-Terre as well as San Juan. Grande-Terre attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.

Grande-Terre usually gets more rain in January than San Juan. Grande-Terre gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Grande-Terre this time of the year. In the winter, Grande-Terre often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Juan. Grande-Terre gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun.

In the winter, Grande-Terre is around the same temperature as San Juan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Grande-Terre in January average around 24°C (76°F), and San Juan averages at about 25°C (77°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Grande-Terre 24°C (76°F) 
    San Juan 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Grande-Terre or San Juan in the Spring?

Both San Juan and Grande-Terre are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Grande-Terre throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in Grande-Terre. In April, Grande-Terre usually receives more rain than San Juan. Grande-Terre gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

It's quite sunny in San Juan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Grande-Terre. Grande-Terre usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during spring. Grande-Terre gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Grande-Terre is generally around the same temperature as San Juan. Daily temperatures in Grande-Terre average around 26°C (78°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Grande-Terre 26°C (78°F) 
    San Juan 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for San Juan and Grande-Terre

Grande-Terre San Juan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 24°C (76°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 25°C (76°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 26°C (78°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 26°C (78°F) 123 mm (4.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 27°C (80°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 28°C (83°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 198 mm (7.8 in) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 236 mm (9.3 in) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 228 mm (9 in) 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 220 mm (8.7 in) 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 26°C (78°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)


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