Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Jacksonville?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Jacksonville or San Juan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Jacksonville and San Juan. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Jacksonville or San Juan?
Jacksonville
As the sky above you darkens, the city around you glows with a vividness of a thousand colors as you hear the soft swell of waves upon the shore. Such an urban paradise is none other than Jacksonville, Florida. Located on the northeastern side of the sunshine state, Jacksonville stands where the St. John's River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Estimated to be the 12th most populous city in the United States, Jacksonville works as the cultural, commercial and financial hive of north Florida. The large city is known for its exquisite beaches, interactive museums, and golf course areas. Surf, shop, and socialize in one of Florida's most popular metropolitan areas.
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 Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayJacksonville $220San Juan $192
The average daily cost (per person) in Jacksonville is $220, 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 Jacksonville and San Juan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personJacksonville $92San Juan $124
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJacksonville $184San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Jacksonville and San Juan
Looking for a hotel in Jacksonville 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: Jacksonville Hotel Prices and San Juan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Jacksonville $53San Juan $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jacksonville
Also for Jacksonville, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Carnival Cruise Port Transfer to Jacksonville: $336
- JAX Airport Transfer to Amelia Island: $195
- JAX Airport Transfer to Hyatt Place/ St. Johns Town Center: $164
- Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $123
- Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Arrival Private Transfer: $61
- Carnival Cruise Port to Jacksonville Airport (JAX) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
- Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville Cruise Port -Arrival Private Transfer: $55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan
Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Old San Juan Sunset Cruise with Drinks & Transfer: $99
- San Juan hotels to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port: Transfer to San Juan hotel: $271
- San Juan One-way Transfer: $30
- San Juan Luxury Private Round-Trip Transfer: SJU Airport - Cruise Pier - Hotel : $50
- San Juan Airport (SJU): Private Transfer to San Juan Port: $271
- Roundtrip-Transfer from: SJU Airport,Cruises and Hotels in Puerto Rico LuxurySUV: $70
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Tesla Y Luxury SUV, Select Zone: $77
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Tesla S Lux Sedan, Select Zone: $79
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Mercedes ECO Van, Select Zone: $87
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Lexus Luxury Sedan, Select Zone: $81
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Ford Premium SUV, Select Zone: $87
Is it cheaper to fly into Jacksonville or San Juan?
Prices for flights to both San Juan and Jacksonville 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 dayJacksonville $96San Juan $36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jacksonville
For Jacksonville, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 1 Hour of Chocolate Pizza Making Class in Jacksonville: $18
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Jacksonville $20San Juan $49
Tours and Activities in Jacksonville
For Jacksonville, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Jacksonville Ghosts and Ghouls Tour By US Ghost Adventures: $30
- 2-Flights Indoor Skydiving Experience in Jacksonville: $91
- 20 Minutes Chocolate & Candy Factory Tour in Jacksonville: $6.00
- 90 Minute Self-Guided Arcimoto FUV Adventure: $125
- Amelia Island Area Kayak Rental on Lofton Creek with Adventures Up The Creek: $36
- Amelia Island Guided Kayak Tour of Lofton Creek : $60
- Big Talbot Island Self Guided Tour with Smart Helmets: $115
- CraigCat Boat Tour from Fernandina Beach: $145
- Downtown Fernandina Historical Walking Tour: $30
- Eight Flags Road Tour: $50
- Electric Bike Art and Architecture Guided Tour in Jacksonville : $60
- Electric Bike Tour with Free Application for Navigation: $50
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.
- Full-Day Tour: El Yunque, Luquillo Beach, Bio Bay Night Kayaking: $155
- Rum Craft Cocktail Tour in San Juan: $65
- 1 or 2 Hour Puerto Rico Horseback Ride Experience!: $210
- Arte Boriken-Urban Art & Beach Sip & Paint Tour: $145
- Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Adventure from San Juan: $110
- Black Sand Beach- See The Southeast of Puerto Rico Private Tour: $150
- Carolina: ATV Adventure at Campo Rico Ranch with Guide: $136
- Cave Day Tour From San Juan: $109
- Craft Beer Private Tour in San Juan: $168
- Cruise Ship Travelers: Hike to a Hidden Puerto Rican Waterfall: $85
- Culebra Snorkeling Tour by Catamaran from Fajardo: $175
- Discover El Yunque: Half-Day Rainforest Tour: $115
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayJacksonville $20San Juan $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Jacksonville
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Jacksonville:
- Jax Brewery Tour (Drinks Included): $135
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 comparing the travel costs between Jacksonville and San Juan, we can see that Jacksonville 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. Even though Jacksonville is in North America and San Juan is in Caribbean Islands, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Jacksonville Expensive? and Is San Juan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Jacksonville or San Juan?
Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 91% larger than the population of San Juan. When comparing the sizes of Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville or San Juan?
Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville or San Juan in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and San Juan. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Jacksonville this time of year. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the summer, Jacksonville is around the same temperature as San Juan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Jacksonville in July average around 82°F (28°C), and San Juan averages at about 28°C (83°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan this time of the year. In Jacksonville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Juan during summer. Jacksonville gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
Jacksonville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Jacksonville usually receives more rain than San Juan. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) 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 JulyJacksonville 82°F (28°C)San Juan 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Jacksonville or San Juan in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as San Juan. Many travelers come to Jacksonville for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.
In October, Jacksonville is generally cooler than San Juan. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 70°F (21°C), and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jacksonville this time of the year. In the autumn, Jacksonville often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Jacksonville gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 235 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in San Juan. Jacksonville usually gets less rain in October than San Juan. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Jacksonville is the hurricane season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberJacksonville 70°F (21°C)San Juan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Jacksonville or San Juan in the Winter?
Both San Juan and Jacksonville are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Jacksonville in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Jacksonville is much colder than San Juan in the winter. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 53°F (12°C) in January, and San Juan fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It's quite sunny in San Juan. Jacksonville usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during winter. Jacksonville gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Jacksonville usually receives more rain than San Juan. Jacksonville gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) 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 JanuaryJacksonville 53°F (12°C)San Juan 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Jacksonville or San Juan in the Spring?
Both San Juan and Jacksonville during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Jacksonville for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.
In the spring, Jacksonville is cooler than San Juan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jacksonville in April average around 68°F (20°C), and San Juan averages at about 26°C (79°F).
In San Juan, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Jacksonville. In the spring, Jacksonville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Juan. Jacksonville gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun.
Jacksonville usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as San Juan. Jacksonville gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Jacksonville is June to November.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilJacksonville 68°F (20°C)San Juan 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for San Juan and Jacksonville
| Jacksonville | San Juan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 53°F (12°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 56°F (13°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 62°F (17°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 68°F (20°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 74°F (24°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 80°F (27°C) | 5.7 inches (146 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 5.4 inches (137 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 82°F (28°C) | 7.8 inches (199 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 79°F (26°C) | 7.1 inches (180 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 70°F (21°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 62°F (17°C) | 2.2 inches (55 mm) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 56°F (13°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) | 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.