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

Should you visit Malmo or San Juan?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Malmo 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: Malmo or San Juan?

Malmo

Located on the southern tip of Sweden, in the province of Skane, Malmo is Sweden's third largest city. It has a very international population with about a third of the residents being from countries other than Sweden. This diversity is evident within Malmo, which is rich in culture, interesting food, and an array of entertainment options. Historically, Malmo was an industrial city with a ship building company, Kockums being the area's largest employer. Today, however, the city is much more economicaly diverse with many eco friendly neighborhoods and plenty of suburban style housing.

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 2-Week Tours from Stockholm, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Sweden.


Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Malmo?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Malmo is $115, 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 Malmo and San Juan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Malmo $55
    San Juan $124
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Malmo $110
    San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Malmo and San Juan

Looking for a hotel in Malmo 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.

Hotels in Malmo


Hotels in San Juan


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: Malmo Hotel Prices and San Juan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Malmo $9.11
    San Juan $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Malmo

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


  • Malmö Bus Card
    $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malmo

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

  • Private Direct Transfer From Malmo to Copenhagen: $168
  • Malmo Airport (MMX) to Malmo City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $137
  • Malmo Private Transfer from Malmo airport to Central Malmo : $106
  • Malmo Airport (MMX) to Malmo City - Arrival Private Transfer: $69
  • Malmo City to Malmo Airport (MMX) - Departure Private Transfer: $69
  • Malmo Private Transfer from Central Malmo to Malmo Airport: $58

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan

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

  • Transfer in Puerto Rico with Minivan from Airport: $280
  • Transfer from San Juan to Ponce or Ponce to San Juan: $125
  • Transfer SJU Airport to Ponce and Juana Diaz. Hotels and Airbnb Vice Versa 1 Way: $260
  • Transfer SJU Airport to Dorado. Hotels and Airbnb. Vice Versa One Way Trip.: $140
  • Single ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $195
  • San juan Puerto Rico PrivateTransfers Airport,Hotels,Cruise Ports: $66
  • San Juan hotels to San Juan PR Cruise Port - Departure Transfer: $30
  • San Juan Puerto Rico Private Transfers: $105
  • San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $120
  • San Juan Port to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $60
  • San Juan One-way Transfer - Cruise, SJU, Hotels, Airbnb: $30
  • San Juan Airport (SJU) to San Juan - Arrival Private Transfer: $28

Is it cheaper to fly into Malmo or San Juan?

Prices for flights to both San Juan and Malmo 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
    Malmo $51
    San Juan $62

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Malmo

For Malmo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Self-guided Food Tour in Malmö: $72

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:

  • Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $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.
    Malmo $18
    San Juan $49

Tours and Activities in Malmo

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

  • Canal Sightseeing Boat Tour of Malmö: $25
  • Copenhagen and Hamlet Tour: $144
  • Guided Walking Tour in Malmö: $39
  • Half Day Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour in Cosmopolitan Malmö: $16
  • Half Day Walking Tour in Lund City and University: $38
  • Lund's Medieval and Modern History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Malmö Photography Tour: $67
  • Malmö Private Walking Tour with a Local: $56
  • Malmo Syndicate City Escape Game Self Guided Experience: $31
  • Malmo Walking Tour, 3 hours (small group): $73
  • Old Town Helsingborg: Exploration Game and Self-Guided Tour: $7.20
  • Self-guided audio tour in Lund: explore the story of the Locus Peccatorum murder: $8.63

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
  • Full-Day Tour: El Yunque, Luquillo Beach, Bio Bay Night Kayaking: $155
  • Puerto Rican Food Experience: $99
  • "Exclusive Tour": VIP Rum Tasting at San Juan Artisan Distillers: $150
  • "Yo Soy de PfknR" Bad Bunny Party Bus Experience: $145
  • 1 Hour Historical UTV Tour in San Juan: $200
  • 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
  • 30-Minute Freestyle Jet Ski Adventure in the Bay: $100
  • ATV Double Rider Adventure Near San Juan - Hacienda Campo Rico: $221
  • ATV Single Rider Adventure Near San Juan - Hacienda Campo Rico: $149

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Malmo $41
    San 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
  • The Pinones Pub crawl Bar crawl : $70
  • Local Puerto Rican Rum Distillery Tour - Ron Pepon: $90
  • Puerto Rico's First and Only Craft Beer Brewery Tour! : $99


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Malmo and San Juan, we can see that San Juan is more expensive. And not only is Malmo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Malmo is in Europe 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 Malmo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Malmo 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 Malmo.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Malmo Expensive? and Is San Juan Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Malmo or San Juan?

San Juan has a larger population, and is about 60% larger than the population of Malmo. When comparing the sizes of Malmo 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 Malmo or San Juan?

Malmo has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Juan experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Malmo or San Juan in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Malmo and San Juan. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In July, Malmo is generally much colder than San Juan. Daily temperatures in Malmo average around 17°C (62°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan this time of the year. In Malmo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malmo usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during summer. Malmo gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Malmo usually receives less rain than San Juan. Malmo gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Malmo 17°C (62°F) 
    San Juan 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Malmo or San Juan in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Malmo as well as San Juan. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.

Malmo is much colder than San Juan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Malmo averages around 10°C (50°F) in October, and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. In the autumn, Malmo often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Malmo gets 104 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 235 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in San Juan. Malmo usually gets less rain in October than San Juan. Malmo gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Malmo 10°C (50°F) 
    San Juan 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Malmo or San Juan in the Winter?

Both San Juan and Malmo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The weather in Malmo can be very cold. In the winter, Malmo is much colder than San Juan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Malmo in January average around 0°C (32°F), and San Juan averages at about 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in San Juan. Malmo usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during winter. Malmo gets 36 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Malmo usually receives less rain than San Juan. Malmo gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Malmo 0°C (32°F) 
    San Juan 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Malmo or San Juan in the Spring?

Both San Juan and Malmo during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.

In April, Malmo is generally much colder than San Juan. Daily temperatures in Malmo average around 5°C (42°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In San Juan, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Malmo often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Malmo gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun.

Malmo usually gets less rain in April than San Juan. Malmo gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Malmo 5°C (42°F) 
    San Juan 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for San Juan and Malmo

Malmo San Juan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 0°C (32°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Feb -0°C (32°F) 25 mm (1 in) 25°C (77°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 2°C (35°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 26°C (78°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 5°C (42°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 11°C (51°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in) 28°C (83°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 50 mm (2 in) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Oct 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 26°C (78°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)


Related Articles for San Juan