Which place is cheaper, San Juan 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.
Jump to 
Should you visit Luang Prabang or San Juan?
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 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: Luang Prabang or San Juan?
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 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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos.
-
Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesSan Juan Prices
Puerto Rico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $18San Juan $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $18, 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 Luang Prabang and San Juan in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.60San Juan $124
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and San Juan
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang 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: Luang Prabang Hotel Prices and San Juan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.07San Juan $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luang Prabang
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Luang Prabang are as follows:
-
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:
- From 3-Day Oudomxay Town Trip with Transfers: $580
- 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $60
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan
Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Double ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $289
- Transfer in Puerto Rico with Minivan from Airport: $280
- Transfer SJU Airport to Ponce and Juana Diaz. Hotels and Airbnb Vice Versa 1 Way: $260
- Carabali Rain Forest Round Trip Private Taxi Transfer: $200
- Private Transfer to El Conquistador Hotel : $200
- Single ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $195
- Private Airport Transfers to Ceiba Ferry Terminal and Airport: $155
- Transfer SJU Airport to Dorado. Hotels and Airbnb. Vice Versa One Way Trip.: $140
- Transfer from San Juan to Ponce or Ponce to San Juan: $125
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, 14Pax Lux Sprinter Van: $124
- Arrival Private Transfer SJU Airport to Old San Juan by Sedan: $120
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $119
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or San Juan?
Prices for flights to both San Juan 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
-
Food Meals for one dayLuang Prabang $9.25San Juan $62
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 Juan
For San Juan, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Old San Juan Food Tour with 7 Tastings of Authentic Local Flavors: $139
- Private San Juan Cooking Class with a Local Expert: $146
- Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $165
- FlyDining: 4 Courses Dinner with City Lights & Ocean Breeze: $165
- FlyDining: Sunset & City Lights Dinner Over Old San Juan: $165
- Morning Old San Juan Food Tour: $169
- Cooking and Connecting with a Local in Puerto Rico: $173
- Savor the Sunset: Old San Juan Walking Food Tour: $179
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.66San Juan $49
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
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.
- Culebra Swim with Turtles Adventure and Flamenco Beach by Ferry: $130
- El Yunque Rainforest Tour Half Day Earlybird/ Small Groups: $85
- Rum Craft Cocktail Tour in San Juan: $65
- "Yo Soy de PfknR" Bad Bunny Party Bus Experience: $145
- 1 Hour Historical UTV Tour in San Juan: $200
- 1-Hour Freestyle Jet Ski Adventure in the Bay: $150
- 2 Tours in 1 Day: Rainforest Waterslides & Beach Tour w/Transport: $60
- 3 Tours in 1 Day: Old San Juan, Rainforest, Beach with Transport: $75
- ATV Double Rider Adventure Near San Juan - Hacienda Campo Rico: $221
- ATV Single Rider Adventure Near San Juan - Hacienda Campo Rico: $149
- Bio Bay Night Kayak Tour with Transport from San Juan: $115
- Bioluminescent Bay Chiliboats Waterbike Tour in La Parguera: $79
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.78San 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
- Puerto Rico's First and Only Craft Beer Brewery Tour! : $99
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and San Juan, we can see that San Juan 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 Juan is in Caribbean Islands, 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 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 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 Juan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or San Juan?
San Juan has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang 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 Luang Prabang or San Juan?
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 Juan in the Summer?
Both San Juan and Luang Prabang are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In July, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than San Juan. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as San Juan in the summer. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)San Juan 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or San Juan in the Autumn?
Both San Juan and Luang Prabang during the autumn 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 Juan year-round.
San Juan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as San Juan. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as San Juan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Luang Prabang in October average around 26°C (79°F), and San Juan averages at about 28°C (82°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)San Juan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or San Juan in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and San Juan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than San Juan. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In January, Luang Prabang is generally cooler than San Juan. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 21°C (70°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)San Juan 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or San Juan in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as San Juan. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.
Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in April than San Juan. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as San Juan in the spring. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and San Juan fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)San Juan 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for San Juan and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | San Juan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 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.