Which place is cheaper, San Jose or Lisbon?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Lisbon or San Jose?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Lisbon or San Jose? 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: Lisbon or San Jose?
Lisbon
Portugal's capital city of Lisbon continues to grow in popularity as a travel destination. The cultural scene has come to life in recent years and the city itself is stunningly beautiful. It sits on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and is made up of hills that create a dramatic and scenic layout. The city has many white-bleached limestone buildings, narrow alleyways, and a laidback charm that appeals to visitors.
San Jose
San Jose is the capital city of Costa Rica and is likely to be your first and last stop in a visit to the country. The city is situated in the Central Valley and is surrounded by beautiful mountains and valleys, making for a beautiful flight in. The city has an elevation of 1200 meters and sits on a plateau with a beautiful backdrop of lush green forest. Half of the people in Costa Rica reside in the country's capital city. You are likely to stay only a day or two, but there are a handful of things to do and see including museums and markets. You will also find many embassies, as well as the University of Costa Rica in San Jose.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLisbon €131San Jose €85
The average daily cost (per person) in Lisbon is €131, while the average daily cost in San Jose is €85. 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 Lisbon and San Jose in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLisbon €58San Jose €46
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLisbon €116San Jose €92
Compare Hotels in Lisbon and San Jose
Looking for a hotel in Lisbon or San Jose? 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: Lisbon Hotel Prices and San Jose Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Lisbon €24San Jose €18
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lisbon
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Lisbon:
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Taxi Ride€6.50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lisbon
Also for Lisbon, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- sintra private luxury transfer to or from lisbon airport: $149
- mapeTOUR Transfers from Lisbon Airport to Lisbon: $82
- lisbon private luxury transfer to or from lisbon airport: $38
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Lisbon HTL-APT (LIS): $36
- Transfers from/to Lisbon Airport to: Fátima / Nazaré / Alcobaça..: $263
- Transfers - Aeroporto de Lisboa (Chegadas/Partidas): $43
- Transfer: Airport to where you want: $48
- Transfer to Six Senses Douro Valley from Lisbon: $440
- Transfer to Setubal (not Troia or Comporta) from Lisbon: $55
- Transfer to Porto from Lisbon: $369
- Transfer to Lisbon from Lisbon Airport: $48
- Transfer to Lamego from Lisbon: $223
Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Jose
Some typical examples of transportation costs in San Jose are as follows:
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Taxi from SJO€24
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Local Bus€2.58
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Jose
Also for San Jose, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfers to Occidental Papagayo - Secrets Resort, Round-Trip: $130
- Transfer to Los Sueños Marriot Playa Herradura from San Jose or Airport: $215
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from SanJose Juan Santamaría Airport to SanJose City: $39
- Transfer from San Jose Airport CR (SJO) to Arenal La Fortuna Hotels: $279
- Transfer from Juan Santamaria Airport (SJO) to Quepos Cruise Port: $72
- Transfer TO & FROM SJO Airport to Esterillos - Bejuco Not Shared.: $180
- Transfer SJO Airport TO & FROM Dominical OR Uvita (One Way): $290
- Transfer Costa Rica SJO Airport To OR From Hotels nearby Private : $45
- Transfer Airport area to Manuel Antonio Hotels Private One Way: $185
- Transfer Airport Area to Jaco Hotels Private One Way Transport: $150
- Shuttle & transfer rides to Jaco beach: $137
- Shared transfer to Manuel Antonio: $70
Is it cheaper to fly into Lisbon or San Jose?
Prices for flights to both San Jose and Lisbon 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 dayLisbon €42San Jose €17
Typical Food Prices in Lisbon
For Lisbon, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Coffee€2.50
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lisbon
For Lisbon, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Soirée Rivage - Sunset cruise with dinner and Party: $25
- Hard Rock Cafe Lisbon with Set Lunch or Dinner : $28
- Tapas Food Tour: $38
- Fado Show and Portuguese Dinner: $48
- Lisbon Food Tour: $53
- Alfama Tour and Live Fado with Traditional Dinner: $54
- 2-Hour Pastel de Nata Cooking Class: $54
- Cooking Pastel de Nata with a glass of wine !: $54
- Legendary Beer Dinner: $54
- Pastel de Nata Cooking Class in Lisbon: $55
- No Diet Club - Unique food tour in Lisbon with many Tastings: $62
- Original Morning Food Tour: $64
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Jose
For San Jose, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Bites and Sights: Walking Food Tour in San Jose, Costa Rica: $34
- San Jose By Night Tour: Farm to Table Dinner & Cocktail Class: $57
- San Jose Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour and visit Gold Museum : $60
- Half-Day San Jose Evening Bus Tour with Dinner and Pickup: $76
- Explore San Jose By Night: Food and Culture Tour with Local Dinner: $80
- Dinner + Typical Show in the best viewpoint of the City: $99
- Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner: $179
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Lisbon €24San Jose €20
Tours and Activities in Lisbon
For Lisbon, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Óbidos - Nazaré - Mafra (National Palace of Mafra)Private tour from Lisbon: $217
- 2-Hour Night Sailing Tour in Lisbon with a Drink: $49
- Private Walking Tour - Wandering Around Lisbon: $93
- Private day tour Serra da Estrela cheese factory bread museum: $210
- Saint George Castle Guided Tour from Lisbon: $34
- Sintra or Cascais Half-day Private Tour - The real portuguese essence!: $120
- Street Art Walking Tour in Lisbon - Parque das Nações: $16
- The Heart of Lisbon- History & coffee experience: $66
- Évora & Arroiolos Small-Group Full Day Tour : $109
- Évora Tour: $164
- Évora Tour - Évora Town and Surroundings Private Tour: $244
- Évora Unveiled: A Half-Day Discovery| Premium Private Experience : $109
Tours and Activities in San Jose
For San Jose, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Explore San Jose on Foot: Food Delights and Sights Tour: $47
- Street Food Walking Tour in Downtown San Jose: $60
- 3 in 1 Eco Tour Rain Forest Aerial Tram, River Cruise & Nature Walk Private Tour: $299
- 6 in 1 RainForest Adventure From San Jose: $189
- A taste of Aquiares - 2 hours Coffee Tour: $42
- AERIAL TRAM TOUR - HALF DAY PASS Rainforest Adventures Braulio Ca: $78
- AWA Water Museum - Waterfall Adventure (Organic Food Experience): $98
- Arenal Volcano Eco Tour & Baldi Hot Springs Private Tour from San Jose: $285
- Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose: $159
- Arenal Volcano Hanging Bridges & Baldi Hot Springs. Private Tour from San Jose: $285
- Arenal Volcano Hike and Hot Springs Tour from San Jose: $142
- Arenal Volcano Horseback Riding & Baldi Hot Springs. Private Tour: $295
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLisbon €18San Jose €16
Sample the Local Flavors in Lisbon
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lisbon:
- Pub Crawl with Open Bar, Shots, & VIP Club Entry: $17
- Pub Crawl with Unlimited Drinks and VIP Club Entry: $18
- Pub Crawl Lisbon - 1 Hour of Unlimited Beer and Sangria and more!: $19
- 1-Hour Portuguese Wine Tasting Session: $20
- Lisbon Pub Crawl: $21
- Pub Crawl with Open Bar and VIP Club Entry: $21
- Lisbon Pub Crawl: $22
- Lisbon Wild Pub Crawl : $22
- Private Bar Crawl in Lisbon: $22
- Pub Crawl Walking Tour with Shots and Drinking Games: $22
- Beer Tasting in a Classic Brewery: $27
- Pub Crawl Lisbon: $27
Sample the Local Flavors in San Jose
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Jose:
- Bar Crawl in Downtown San Jose: $38
- Wine Tour and Tasting: $85
- Bar Crawl in San Jose in a Deluxe Party Bus: $100
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lisbon and San Jose, we can see that Lisbon is more expensive. And not only is San Jose much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Lisbon is in Europe and San Jose is in Central America, 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 Jose would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Jose 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 Lisbon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lisbon than you might in San Jose.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lisbon Expensive? and Is San Jose Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Lisbon or San Jose?
Lisbon has a larger population, and is about 55% larger than the population of San Jose. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon and San Jose, 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 Lisbon or San Jose?
Lisbon has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Jose experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Lisbon or San Jose in the Summer?
Both San Jose and Lisbon are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Lisbon for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to San Jose because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the summer, Lisbon is cooler than San Jose. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lisbon in July average around 23°C (73°F), and San Jose averages at about 28°C (82°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than San Jose during summer. Lisbon gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in San Jose. In July, Lisbon usually receives less rain than San Jose. Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLisbon 23°C (73°F)San Jose 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Lisbon or San Jose in the Autumn?
Both San Jose and Lisbon during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Lisbon in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round.
In October, Lisbon is generally cooler than San Jose. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 19°C (66°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It's quite sunny in Lisbon. In the autumn, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than San Jose. Lisbon gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 169 hours of full sun.
San Jose gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Lisbon usually gets less rain in October than San Jose. Lisbon gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLisbon 19°C (66°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Lisbon or San Jose in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and San Jose. Most visitors come to Lisbon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Lisbon is much colder than San Jose in the winter. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Jose this time of the year. Lisbon usually receives less sunshine than San Jose during winter. Lisbon gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.
Lisbon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Lisbon usually receives more rain than San Jose. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLisbon 12°C (53°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Lisbon or San Jose in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as San Jose. The spring months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Jose throughout the year.
In the spring, Lisbon is much colder than San Jose. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lisbon in April average around 16°C (60°F), and San Jose averages at about 29°C (85°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Jose. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lisbon this time of the year. In the spring, Lisbon often gets less sunshine than San Jose. Lisbon gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 255 hours of full sun.
Lisbon usually gets more rain in April than San Jose. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLisbon 16°C (60°F)San Jose 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for San Jose and Lisbon
| Lisbon | San Jose | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 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.