Which place is cheaper, San Jose or Luang Prabang?
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 Luang Prabang or San Jose?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or San Jose, 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: Luang Prabang or San Jose?
Luang Prabang
Southeast Asia is a region full of mystical wonders and cultural charm, but nowhere is as charming as the city of Luang Prabang. As the former capital of Laos, Luang Prabang was reopened to tourism in 1989. With that move the city experienced an upswing in revenue and was able to restore and rebuild the beautiful colonial mansions to serve as guesthouses and hotels for the new swarm of tourists.
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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos, The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.
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Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesSan Jose Prices
Costa Rica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $18San Jose $103
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $18, while the average daily cost in San Jose is $103. 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 Luang Prabang and San Jose in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.60San Jose $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11San Jose $98
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and San Jose
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang 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: Luang Prabang Hotel Prices and San Jose Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.07San Jose $19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luang Prabang
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Luang Prabang are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$2.31
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luang Prabang
Also for Luang Prabang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $60
- 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
- From 3-Day Oudomxay Town Trip with Transfers: $580
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$25
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Local Bus$2.72
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Jose
Also for San Jose, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private transfer from San Jose or Airport with welcome service to Montezuma: $300
- San Jose to Puerto Viejo de Limon: Private Transfer : $299
- San Jose to Guanacaste: Private Transfer : $299
- Private Transfer From San Jose to Cahuita With 2 Stops: $298
- Private transfer from San Jose Airport welcome service to Liberia: $297
- Transfer one way from San Jose or Airport to Hotel RIU Guanacaste : $295
- Private Transfer San Jose SJO Airport to Puerto Viejo by Minivan: $283
- Private Transfer: San José Apto to Puerto Viejo / Cahuita (Limón): $280
- Private One Way Transfer from Manuel Antonio to Monteverde: $280
- Transfer from San Jose Airport CR (SJO) to Arenal La Fortuna Hotels: $279
- Private Transfer: San José Airport to Puerto Viejo / Cahuita : $275
- Private transfer from San Jose Airport welcome service to Cahuita: $272
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or San Jose?
Prices for flights to both San Jose and Luang Prabang 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 dayLuang Prabang $9.25San Jose $31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Luang Prabang
For Luang Prabang, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Luang Prabang Local Market and Morning Food Tour with Drinks: $39
- Bamboo Weaving Workshop & Cooking Class: $44
- Day-time Bamboo weaving & Cooking Classes join-in: $44
- Luangprabang: Dinner with Lao Traditional Dance Performance: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Cooking Class at the Former Royal Palace: $45
- Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Laos: Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Evening Bamboo weaving & Cooking classes join-in: $47
- Mekong Sunset Cruise & Lao Tasting Dinner: $49
- Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51
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 including Markets: $29
- San Jose Cooking Classes visit Central Market: $52
- San Jose By Night: Farm to Table Dinner, Cooking & Cocktail Class: $59
- Half-Day San Jose Evening Bus Tour with Dinner and Pickup: $78
- San Jose By Night: Sights & Culture Tour with Local Dinner : $80
- Dinner + Typical dance show at the best viewpoint in San José: $92
- Street Food Tour in San Jose with a Local Guide: $113
- Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner: $185
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.66San Jose $21
Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.
- Half Day Kayaking and Pak Ou Caves with Sunset Cruise: $196
- Kuang Si Waterfalls and Hmong Village Half-Day Tour: $30
- 6Days 5Nigths Luang Prabang city tour & Mekong River Cruise: $800
- Best of Luang Prabang Shared Group City Tour: $214
- Bike to Kuangsi Waterfall and Cruise the Mekong River Back - Luang Prabang 1 day: $170
- Classic Tour in Luang Prabang: $90
- Classic tour in Luang Prabang (Private): $243
- Day Pass - Premium Wellness Experience at The Namkhan: $90
- Dine and Cruise on Mekong River: $66
- Explore Pak Ou Caves by Kayak with Optional Sunset River Cruise: $196
- From Field to Table Half Day Rice Experience in Luang Prabang: $194
- From 8-Day Laos Tour with Accommodation: $1,241
Tours and Activities in San Jose
For San Jose, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2 in 1 Volcano Irazu + San Jose City Tour: $187
- 2-Hour Orosi Nocturnal Tour: $33
- 3-Hour Downtown San Jose Walking Tour: $40
- A taste of Aquiares - 2 hours Coffee Tour: $42
- ATV Off Road Poas Volcano Adventure and Hiking for two persons.: $130
- Action Packed Class 4 Rafting Adventure : $95
- Adventure Park: $190
- Adventure Zip Lining at the Cloud Forest from San José: $138
- Airtime Zipline Adventure in Arenal: $60
- Arenal Combo Experience: Canopy & Rapell + Thermals: $65
- Arenal Hanging Bridges and Hot Springs Private Tour from San Jose: $295
- Arenal Volcano & Baldi Hot Springs one day tour from San Jose: $199
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.78San Jose $16
Sample the Local Flavors in San Jose
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Jose:
- Exclusive Pub Crawl in San Jose : $30
- Bar Crawl in Downtown San Jose: $39
- 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 Luang Prabang and San Jose, we can see that San Jose is more expensive. And not only is Luang Prabang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Luang Prabang is in Asia 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 Luang Prabang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Luang Prabang 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 Jose would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Jose than you might in Luang Prabang.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Luang Prabang Expensive? and Is San Jose Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or San Jose?
San Jose has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang 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 Luang Prabang or San Jose?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Luang Prabang or San Jose in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and San Jose. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
San Jose receives a lot of rain in the summer. Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than San Jose. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as San Jose in the summer. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and San Jose fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)San Jose 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or San Jose in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as San Jose. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Jose throughout the year.
Also, December to April in San Jose is the dry season. Also, the hurricane season in San Jose is May to November. It's quite rainy in San Jose. Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Luang Prabang usually gets less rain in October than San Jose. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as San Jose. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Luang Prabang in October average around 26°C (79°F), and San Jose averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or San Jose in the Winter?
Both San Jose and Luang Prabang are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to San Jose because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than San Jose. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In January, Luang Prabang is generally cooler than San Jose. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 21°C (70°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or San Jose in the Spring?
Both San Jose and Luang Prabang during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Luang Prabang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round.
December to April is the dry season in San Jose. Keep in mind that May to November is the hurricane season in San Jose. It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in April than San Jose. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as San Jose in the spring. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and San Jose fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)San Jose 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for San Jose and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | San Jose | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 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.