Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Kingston?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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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.
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Kingston Prices
Jamaica PricesSan Juan Prices
Puerto Rico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKingston $126San Juan $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Kingston is $126, 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 Kingston and San Juan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKingston $63San Juan $124
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKingston $126San 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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kingston $29San Juan $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kingston
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kingston:
- Montego Bay: 5-Day Jamaica Tour with Meals and Transfers: $2,200
- From Kingston Airport: One Way Private Transfer to Negril: $749
- Kingston Airport: One Way Private Transfer to Montego Bay: $479
- Tropical Off-Road ATV Tour with Lunch and Transfer: $369
- From Kingston Airport: One Way Private Transfer to Ocho Rios: $319
- Norman Manley Airport Private Round-trip Transfer to Kingston: $274
- Private Transfer from Montego Bay Cruise Port to Kingston Hotels: $266
- Group Private Kingston Airport Transfers (10 - 15 Persons): $251
- Private Transfer Kingston Airport (KIN) To & From Sandals South Coast: $240
- Port Antonio Hotel Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer from Kingston Airport(KIN): $235
- Private Transfers: Kingston Airport ↔ Montego Bay Area: $215
- Kingston Airport Private Transfer to Riu Ocho Rios: $200
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan
Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer to Cruise Ships, Hotels, Airbnb in San Juan: $85
- Arrival Private Transfer SJU Airport to Old San Juan by Sedan: $120
- Departure Transfer from Old San Juan to to SJU Airport by Car: $86
- Double ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $289
- HandyCap Transfer Airport to Dorado, Rio Grande or Luquillo: $270
- Luxury Puerto Rico Private Transfers: $220
- One-way transfer from SJU Airport to Cruise Port or Vice Versa: $65
- Private Transfer Puerto Rico:To or From Airports, Hotels &Cruises: $33
- Private Transfer San Juan from or to SJU Airport, Hotel, Cruises: $16
- Private Transfer from San Juan Airport (SJU) to Ponce Cruise Port: $77
- Private Transfer from or to San Juan and Ponce: $125
- Private Transfer from or to San Juan and Rio Grande: $68
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
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Food Meals for one dayKingston $45San 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:
- FlyDining: 4 Course Sunset & City Light Dinner Over Old San Juan: $159
- Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $165
- FlyDining: 4 Courses Dinner with City Lights & Ocean Breeze: $165
- Morning Old San Juan Food Tour: $169
- Savor the Sunset: Old San Juan Walking Food Tour: $179
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kingston $12San Juan $49
Tours and Activities in Kingston
Here are a few actual costs in Kingston for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Bamboo Rafting Adventure in Ocho Rios: $62
- Bamboo Rafting and Boston Jerk Centre Tour in Portland Jamaica: $220
- Blue Mountain Bicycle Tour from Kingston: $231
- Blue Mountain Coffee Tasting & Farm Tour from Kingston: $150
- Blue Mountain Craighton Estate Coffee Tasting Tour / Devon House: $155
- Blue Mountain Tour: A Half-Day Escape from Kingston: $1,011
- Blue Mountain Waterfall and Sightseeing Ecotour: $200
- Bob Marley Guided City Tour: $95
- Bob Marley Museum Express Tour from Port Royal Cruise Port: $141
- Bob Marley Museum and Kingston Sightseeing from Port Royal Cruise Port: $205
- Bunny Lee Museum and Recording Studio Admission Ticket: $30
- City Tour of Kingston Including Entry Fees: $105
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.
- The Ultimate Self-Guided Hidden Gems Tour in Puerto Rico: $5.00
- Transportation in San Juan, Isla verde, Condado, Hotels, Cruises & Airbnb's SJU: $14
- San Juan Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $17
- Outdoor Salsa Class Experience in San Juan: $19
- Discover Superb Self-Guided Audio Tour: $20
- Paddleboard Adventure: Explore Marine Life in Condado Lagoon: $32
- SJU Airport to San Juan Cruise Port or return: $33
- VIP Glow San Juan Salsa Night Experience at Luxury Condado Beach: $35
- San Juan Cruise Port: Puerto Rico Artisan Rum Tasting: $39
- Old San Juan Walking Tour: $39
- Historic Old San Juan Sunset Walking Tour: $39
- San Juan Guided Turtle Snorkel Tour and Complimentary Videos: $45
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKingston $11San 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
- Bacardi Rum Distillery and Old San Juan Tour: $99
- Puerto Rico Tobacco Farm and Local Brewery Tour: $109
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).
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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).
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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).
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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).
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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.