A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Key Largo vs. San Juan for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Key Largo 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 Key Largo 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: Key Largo or San Juan?

Key Largo

As the lustrous emerald waters ebb and flow against your sandy toes, you find yourself cooled by the gentle breeze as you bask under a golden sun. To you, it's paradise. To everyone else, it's Key Largo. Located in the northernmost of the Florida Keys, Key Largo is known as the dive capital of the world due to its well-preserved coral reefs and clear waters. Just an hour-drive from South Florida's major airports, Key Largo boasts in containing a vast biodiversity, such as tropical hardwoods, creeks, two state parks, a national park, and a portion of a national marine sanctuary. Besides its natural beauty, Key Largo is overflowing with top restaurants and chic boutiques. It is no wonder that Key Largo became a hotspot for Hollywood beach scenes, with even a movie holding its namesake! Whether you look to get your fun by land or by water, there is something for everyone at Key Largo!

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City.


Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Key Largo?

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 Key Largo is $256, 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 Key Largo and San Juan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Key Largo $117
    San Juan $124
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Key Largo $234
    San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Key Largo and San Juan

Looking for a hotel in Key Largo 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 Key Largo


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: Key Largo Hotel Prices and San Juan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Key Largo $56
    San Juan $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Key Largo

Also for Key Largo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Key Largo Private Transfers (up to 14 passengers): $142

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan

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

  • Puerto Rico: Airport Transfer to/from SJU Airport: $390
  • San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port: Transfer to San Juan hotel: $288
  • Double ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $279
  • Carabali Rain Forest Round Trip Private Taxi Transfer: $210
  • Private Transfer to El Conquistador Hotel : $200
  • San Juan Airport (SJU) to Ponce hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $198
  • Transfer from/to San Juan and Aguadilla or Rincón: $168
  • San Juan Airport (SJU) to Rio Grande hotel – Round-Trip Private Transfer: $163
  • Transfer SJU Airport to Dorado. Hotels and Airbnb. Vice Versa One Way Trip.: $140
  • Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, 16Pax Mercedes Van, Select Zone: $130
  • Private Taxi Transfer From SJU Airport to Humacao Palmas Del Mar: $125
  • Arrival Private Transfer SJU Airport to Old San Juan by SUV: $125

Is it cheaper to fly into Key Largo or San Juan?

Prices for flights to both San Juan and Key Largo 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
    Key Largo $104
    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: $79
  • Piñones Bar Crawl and Beach Hop Food Tour with Drinks: $85
  • From Pinones Beach & Bar Hopping Food Tour: $85
  • Puerto Rico Secret Food Tour of Old San Juan: $115
  • Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $165
  • Ponce: Walking Tour with Castillo Serrallés Visit and Dinner: $195

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Key Largo $27
    San Juan $49

Tours and Activities in Key Largo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Key Largo.

  • 1.5 Hour Bay Side Key Largo Sunset Cruise on a Spacious Catamaran: $69
  • 2 Location Snorkel Tour - Gear Included, 65 minutes per location: $78
  • Cruisin' Tikis Key Largo - Sunset Cruise: $99
  • Florida Key West Self-Guided Driving Tour (7 Mile Bridge): $17
  • Guided Tour Explore Key Largo on Jet Ski : $200
  • Half-Day Florida Keys Catamaran Snorkel Adventure: $79
  • Historic Carysfort Lighthouse Snorkeling Tour: $75
  • Key Largo Bay Sunset Tour: $66
  • Key Largo Boat Charter Day Tour: $65
  • Key Largo Coral Reef Glass Bottom Boat Adventure : $45
  • Key Largo Jetski Tour for 2 : $214
  • Key Largo Snorkeling Tour - rental mask, fins and vest INCLUDED: $70

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.

  • Culebra Swim with Turtles Adventure and Flamenco Beach by Ferry: $130
  • El Yunque Rainforest Tour Half Day Earlybird/ Small Groups: $85
  • Full-Day Tour: El Yunque, Luquillo Beach, Bio Bay Night Kayaking: $155
  • Old Segway PT and Kickscooter Tours: $97
  • Rum Craft Cocktail Tour in San Juan: $65
  • Window Cave Walking Tour from San Juan : $127
  • • Party Boat San Juan Sunset Cruise II | Drink & Snack •: $1,229
  • • Party Boat at San Juan Bay | Day Cruise | Drink & Snacks: $1,399
  • 3 Tours in 1 Day! Old San Juan, Rainforest & Beach w/ Transport: $70
  • 6-Hour Tour Exploring the North Side of San Juan, Puerto Rico: $175
  • 90minute El Morro Jet Ski Tour: $179
  • ATV Double Rider Adventure Near San Juan - Hacienda Campo Rico: $208

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Key Largo $24
    San Juan $12

Sample the Local Flavors in San Juan

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Juan:

  • Old San Juan Bar Crawl: Experience Local Hotspots: $65
  • Puerto Rico: Ocean Lab Brewery and Tobaco Farm Tour: $139


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

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


Which is Bigger, Key Largo or San Juan?

San Juan has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Key Largo. When comparing the sizes of Key Largo 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 Key Largo or San Juan?

Key Largo 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 Key Largo or San Juan in the Summer?

Both San Juan and Key Largo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Key Largo for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the summer, Key Largo is around the same temperature as San Juan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Key Largo in July average around 82°F (28°C), and San Juan averages at about 28°C (83°F).

It's quite sunny in San Juan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. Key Largo usually receives more sunshine than San Juan during summer. Key Largo gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Key Largo. In July, Key Largo usually receives more rain than San Juan. Key Largo gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Key Largo 82°F (28°C) 
    San Juan 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Key Largo or San Juan in the Autumn?

Both San Juan and Key Largo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.

In October, Key Largo is generally around the same temperature as San Juan. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 78°F (26°C), and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

In San Juan, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Key Largo. In the autumn, Key Largo often gets more sunshine than San Juan. Key Largo gets 275 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 Key Largo. Key Largo usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as San Juan. Key Largo gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Key Largo 78°F (26°C) 
    San Juan 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Key Largo or San Juan in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Key Largo and San Juan. Most visitors come to Key Largo for the cuisine during these months. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Key Largo is cooler than San Juan in the winter. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 67°F (19°C) in January, and San Juan fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan this time of the year. In Key Largo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key Largo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Juan during winter. Key Largo gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Key Largo usually receives around the same amount of rain as San Juan. Key Largo gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Key Largo 67°F (19°C) 
    San Juan 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Key Largo or San Juan in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Key Largo as well as San Juan. The spring months attract visitors to Key Largo because of the beaches. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.

In the spring, Key Largo is cooler than San Juan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Key Largo in April average around 74°F (24°C), and San Juan averages at about 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 Key Largo this time of the year. In the spring, Key Largo often gets more sunshine than San Juan. Key Largo gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun.

Key Largo usually gets more rain in April than San Juan. Key Largo gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Key Largo 74°F (24°C) 
    San Juan 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for San Juan and Key Largo

Key Largo San Juan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 67°F (19°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 25°C (77°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 25°C (77°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 71°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 26°C (78°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 26°C (79°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm) 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm) 28°C (82°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 28°C (83°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Oct 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Nov 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Dec 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 26°C (78°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)