Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Kingston?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Kingston or San Juan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Kingston or San Juan, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Kingston or San Juan?
Kingston
Kingston is Jamaica's capital city with a population of about 579,000. For being located on an island, Kingston is a very large city with several different zip codes. Not only is Kingston the cultural capital of the country, but also the commercial one as well.
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.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKingston $109San Juan $192
The average daily cost (per person) in Kingston is $109, 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 Kingston and San Juan in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKingston $64San Juan $124
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKingston $128San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Kingston and San Juan
Looking for a hotel in Kingston 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: Kingston Hotel Prices and San Juan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kingston $30San Juan $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kingston
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kingston:
- From Montego Bay Airport (MBJ): Private Transfer to Kingston: $388
- Private Arrival or Departure Transfer: Norman Manley Airport to Montego Bay: $286
- Tropical Off-Road ATV Tour with Lunch and Transfer: $280
- Norman Manley Airport Private Round-trip Transfer to Kingston : $254
- Private Transfer Kingston Airport (KIN) To & From Sandals South Coast : $240
- Port Antonio Hotel Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer from Kingston Airport(KIN): $235
- NMIA & Kingston transfer to Negril: $225
- Kingston Airport Private Transfer to Riu Ocho Rios: $200
- Private Transfer Kingston Airport to Jewel Grande Montego Bay: $187
- Private Transfer Kingston Airport to Hilton Rose Hall: $187
- Kingston Private Airport Transfer to Accommodation in Montego Bay: $170
- Kingston : Private Airport Transfer to Montego Bay: $170
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan
Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 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 Dorado City: $68
- Private Airport Transfers to Ceiba Ferry Terminal and Airport: $155
- Private Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to San Juan Airport: $22
- Private Taxi Transfer from San Juan Airport (SJU) to Dorado PR: $110
- Private Taxi Transfer from San Juan Airport (SJU) to Ponce : $170
- 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 Private Transfers, Tesla 3 Luxury Sedan.: $63
Is it cheaper to fly into Kingston or San Juan?
Prices for flights to both San Juan and Kingston 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 dayKingston $27San 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
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kingston $13San Juan $49
Tours and Activities in Kingston
Here are a few actual costs in Kingston for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Dunn's River Falls Party Cruise, Blue Hole with Snorkeling, free beverages: $174
- 4x4 Jeep Safari & Blue Hole Adventure from Ocho Rios: $158
- Blue Hole and Sightseeing Tour from Ocho Rios: $99
- Blue Lagoon and Canoeing Ride Experience Portland Jamaica : $210
- Blue Mountains Coffee Private Tour from Kingston: $180
- Bob Marley Museum Tour Skip the Line Tickets: $45
- Bob Marley Museum Tour from Kingston: $83
- Bob Marley Museum Tour from Runaway Bay: $258
- Bob Marley Museum and Devon House Kingston Day Tour: $373
- Bob Marley Museum and Devon House Kingston Day Tour: $322
- Bob Marley's Mausoleum Tour : $167
- Bob Marley, Blue Hole, Secret Falls and Luminous Lagoon Tour: $302
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.
- Self-Guided Audio Tour of Historic Buildings: $5.99
- 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
- Beginner Puerto Rican Salsa Experience: $25
- Historical Walking Tour in Old San Juan: $30
- Old San Juan Walking Tour with a Certified Guide: $30
- History, Legends, & Highlights Guided Walking Tour: $30
- Old San Juan Walking Tour: $39
- Old San Juan City Walking Tour: $39
- Legacy Tour at Casa BarcadÍ in Puerto Rico: $45
- Old Town Walking Tour and El Morro Fort Entry: $49
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayKingston $11San Juan $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Kingston
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Kingston:
- Ocho Rios Pub Crawl and Sightseeing Tour from Ocho Rios: $185
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 Kingston and San Juan, we can see that San Juan is more expensive. And not only is Kingston much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kingston would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kingston 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 Kingston.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kingston Expensive? and Is San Juan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kingston or San Juan?
Kingston has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of San Juan. When comparing the sizes of Kingston 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 Kingston 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 Kingston or San Juan in the Summer?
Both San Juan and Kingston during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kingston because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.
Kingston usually gets less rain in July than San Juan. Kingston gets 40 mm (1.6 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 Kingston. In the summer, Kingston often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Kingston gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun.
In the summer, Kingston is around the same temperature as San Juan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kingston in July average around 29°C (83°F), and San Juan averages at about 28°C (83°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyKingston 29°C (83°F)San Juan 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Kingston or San Juan in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kingston and San Juan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kingston 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. Kingston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Kingston usually receives more rain than San Juan. Kingston gets 167 mm (6.6 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 Kingston, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kingston usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Juan during autumn. Kingston gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Kingston is generally around the same temperature as San Juan. Daily temperatures in Kingston average around 28°C (82°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKingston 28°C (82°F)San Juan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Kingston or San Juan in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Kingston as well as San Juan. Kingston attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.
Kingston usually gets less rain in January than San Juan. Kingston gets 18 mm (0.7 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 Kingston this time of the year. In the winter, Kingston often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Juan. Kingston gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun.
Kingston is around the same temperature as San Juan in the winter. The daily temperature in Kingston averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and San Juan fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKingston 26°C (79°F)San Juan 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Kingston or San Juan in the Spring?
Both San Juan and Kingston are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kingston throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Kingston usually receives less rain than San Juan. Kingston gets 27 mm (1.1 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 Kingston. Kingston usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during spring. Kingston gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
In the spring, Kingston is around the same temperature as San Juan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kingston in April average around 26°C (80°F), and San Juan averages at about 26°C (79°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilKingston 26°C (80°F)San Juan 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for San Juan and Kingston
| Kingston | San Juan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 31 mm (1.2 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.