A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Liverpool vs. San Jose for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Liverpool or San Jose?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Liverpool and San Jose 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: Liverpool or San Jose?

Liverpool

Famous as the hometown of The Beatles, Liverpool is a maritime city on the northwest coast of England. Historically, it was a key port to trade and migration and still plays a major role today, its Pier Head Waterfront being designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2004. Beyond the waterfront, Liverpool is a large vibrant city with a thriving cultural heritage, historic landmarks, and a handful of unique neighborhoods with plenty to see and do.

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 Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.


Which place is cheaper, San Jose or Liverpool?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Liverpool is £161, while the average daily cost in San Jose is £73. 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 Liverpool and San Jose in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Liverpool £76
    San Jose £40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Liverpool £152
    San Jose £80
Compare Hotels in Liverpool and San Jose

Looking for a hotel in Liverpool 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.

Hotels in Liverpool


Hotels in San Jose


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: Liverpool Hotel Prices and San Jose Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Liverpool £26
    San Jose £16
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Liverpool

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Liverpool:


  • City bike hire Liverpool
    £6.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Liverpool

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Liverpool:

  • ROUND TRIP: transfer to Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL): $232
  • Private Transfer from Liverpool to Liverpool Cruise Port: $41
  • Private Transfer from Liverpool Hotels to Holyhead Cruise Port: $103
  • Private Transfer from Liverpool Airport (LPL) to Manchester Airport (MAN): $150
  • Private Transfer from Bootle to Manchester Airport (MAN): $116
  • Private Transfer from Birchwood to Manchester Airport (MAN): $70
  • Private Liverpool Departure Transfer - Liverpool Hotel / Accomm To Airport: $51
  • Private Liverpool Arrival Transfer:Liverpool John Lennon Airport to Hotel/Accomm: $51
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Liverpool Airport (LPL) to Liverpool City Center: $47
  • Manchester Airport: BUS Transfer to/from Liverpool: $6.89
  • Beatles-Themed Private Taxi Tour with Transfers: $163
  • BUS Transfer to/from John Lennon Airport: $5.77

Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Jose

Some typical examples of transportation costs in San Jose are as follows:


  • Taxi from SJO
    £20
  • Local Bus
    £2.22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Jose

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

  • Private Transfer San José Airport - La Fortuna: $180
  • Airport transfer from SJO Airport to Los Sueños Marriott: $170
  • Arrival Transfer San Jose Airport SJO to Arenal by Minivan: $177
  • Arrival Transfer San Jose Airport to Manuel Antonio by Minivan: $158
  • Direct Transfer From San Jose to Monteverde, English Speaking Driver: $181
  • Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) to Jaco - Arrival Private Transfer: $68
  • Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) to Jaco - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $136
  • Juan Santamaria Intl Airport(SJO) to Puntarenas city-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $167
  • Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) to Puntarenas city- Arrival Private Transfer: $83
  • Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) to San Jose – Arrival Private Transfer: $32
  • Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) to San Jose – Round-Trip Private Transfer: $64
  • One way Transfer from SJO airport or San José to Playa Dominical max 5 passenger: $240

Is it cheaper to fly into Liverpool or San Jose?

Prices for flights to both San Jose and Liverpool 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
    Liverpool £59
    San Jose £15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Liverpool

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Liverpool.

  • Brewery Bus Tour with Beer Tasting and Pizza: $82
  • Brewery bus tour, 5 breweries, 12 beers, 1 pizza, 1 bus: $89
  • Small-Group: Experience Local Food Tour in Liverpool : $89
  • Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $100

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Liverpool £36
    San Jose £17

Tours and Activities in Liverpool

Here are a few actual costs in Liverpool for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • A Hope Street Stroll: A self-guided tour from the Metropolitan Cathedral to LIPA: $5.20
  • A Walk Through Time: History of Liverpool Walking Tour: $22
  • Alcotraz Prison Cocktail Experience in Liverpool: $51
  • Awesome Corners of Liverpool – Family Walking Tour: $287
  • BEST OF LIVERPOOL History & Culture Tour-From The Cruise Terminal: $27
  • BEST OF LIVERPOOL-Heritage, History & Culture Guided Walking Tour: $27
  • Beatles & Beyond: A Liverpool Legacy Tour: $305
  • Beatles Classic Tour of Liverpool by Private Taxi: $235
  • Beatles Famous Walking Tour Of Liverpool-From the Cruise Terminal: $27
  • Beatles Magical Mystery Tour: $25
  • Best of Liverpool Sightseeing Tour by Private Taxi: $253
  • City & Beatles Tour - BLUE ROUTE: $25

Tours and Activities in San Jose

For San Jose, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Entrance Ticket to the Farm of Hacienda Orosi: $11
  • Entrance ticket to the Hacienda Orosi: $21
  • Hiking Experience in El Quetzal Private Reserve: $26
  • Private Roasting and Cupping Coffee Experience: $30
  • Sarapiqui Frog Tour: $30
  • Hacienda Alsacia Starbucks Coffe Tour: $31
  • Poas Volcano National Park - Admission Ticket: $32
  • San Jose Walking Nature Tour: Sloths, Birds and Trees: $33
  • Skip the Line: Rescate Wildlife Rescue Centre General Admission Ticket: $35
  • San Jose Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $35
  • San Jose ART Walking Tour - small groups, creative experience: $35
  • Corso Lecheria Tour: $40

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Liverpool £13
    San Jose £13

Sample the Local Flavors in Liverpool

Also in Liverpool, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • FunnyBoyz Liverpool - Drag Shows, Tributes, Brunches & Bar Crawls: $19
  • Liverpool Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $50
  • Pirate Pub Crawl & Boat Tour: $56

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 Liverpool and San Jose, we can see that Liverpool is more expensive. And not only is San Jose much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Liverpool 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 Liverpool would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Liverpool 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 Liverpool Expensive? and Is San Jose Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Liverpool or San Jose?

Liverpool has a larger population, and is about 40% larger than the population of San Jose. When comparing the sizes of Liverpool 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 Liverpool or San Jose?

Liverpool 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 Liverpool or San Jose in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Liverpool as well as San Jose. Most visitors come to Liverpool for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Jose throughout the year.

In July, Liverpool is generally much colder than San Jose. Daily temperatures in Liverpool average around 15°C (60°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

In the summer, Liverpool often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Jose. Liverpool gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 164 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in San Jose. Liverpool usually gets less rain in July than San Jose. Liverpool gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Liverpool 15°C (60°F) 
    San Jose 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Liverpool or San Jose in the Autumn?

Both San Jose and Liverpool are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Liverpool because of the shopping scene and the music scene. Plenty of visitors come to San Jose because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Liverpool is much colder than San Jose in the autumn. The daily temperature in Liverpool averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Liverpool usually receives less sunshine than San Jose during autumn. Liverpool gets 97 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Jose. In October, Liverpool usually receives less rain than San Jose. Liverpool gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Liverpool 12°C (53°F) 
    San Jose 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Liverpool or San Jose in the Winter?

Both San Jose and Liverpool during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Liverpool this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round.

In the winter, Liverpool is much colder than San Jose. Typically, the winter temperatures in Liverpool in January average around 5°C (42°F), and San Jose averages at about 27°C (81°F).

In San Jose, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Liverpool often gets less sunshine than San Jose. Liverpool gets 53 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 264 hours of full sun.

Liverpool usually gets more rain in January than San Jose. Liverpool gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Liverpool 5°C (42°F) 
    San Jose 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Liverpool or San Jose in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Liverpool and San Jose. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In April, Liverpool is generally much colder than San Jose. Daily temperatures in Liverpool average around 8°C (47°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Jose this time of the year. Liverpool usually receives less sunshine than San Jose during spring. Liverpool gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Liverpool usually receives more rain than San Jose. Liverpool gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Liverpool 8°C (47°F) 
    San Jose 29°C (85°F)

Typical Weather for San Jose and Liverpool

Liverpool San Jose
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (42°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 50 mm (2 in) 28°C (83°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 6°C (44°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Apr 8°C (47°F) 51 mm (2 in) 29°C (85°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 29°C (83°F) 226 mm (8.9 in)
Jun 14°C (56°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 226 mm (8.9 in)
Jul 15°C (60°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Aug 15°C (60°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 289 mm (11.4 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 328 mm (12.9 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 254 mm (10 in)
Nov 8°C (47°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
Dec 6°C (44°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)