Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Manaus?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Manaus or San Juan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Manaus or San Juan? 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: Manaus or San Juan?
Manaus
Manaus is a Brazilian city, capital of the state of Amazonas, and is located on the Rio Negro a few miles before it meets the Rio Solimões to form the Amazon River. The city is a major departure point for those visiting the Amazon Rainforest, though there are a few sights worth seeing within the city itself as well.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil, and The Best Wildlife Tours to Brazil.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManaus $59San Juan $179
The average daily cost (per person) in Manaus is $59, while the average daily cost in San Juan is $179. 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 Manaus and San Juan in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManaus $42San Juan $124
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManaus $84San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Manaus and San Juan
Looking for a hotel in Manaus 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: Manaus Hotel Prices and San Juan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Manaus $7.94San Juan $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manaus
Also for Manaus, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shared Round-Trip Transfer: Eduardo Gomes International Airport: $72
- Manaus Airport(MAO) to Manaus hotels- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $48
- Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) to Manaus -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $46
- Transfer from Manaus Airport to Manaus City: $40
- Transfers from the airport to any place in Manaus City: $40
- Private Transfer - Airport - Hotel / Hotel - Airport: $35
- Manaus private Airport transfer: $30
- Manaus hotels to Manaus Airport(MAO) - Departure Private Transfer: $24
- Manaus Airport (MAO) to Manaus hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $24
- Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) to Manaus - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
- Manaus to Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $23
- Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) to Manaus - Arrival Private Transfer: $21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan
Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Old San Juan Sunset Cruise with Drinks & Transfer: $99
- San Juan hotels to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port: Transfer to San Juan hotel: $271
- San Juan Airport (SJU): Private Transfer to San Juan Port: $271
- Roundtrip-Transfer from: SJU Airport,Cruises and Hotels in Puerto Rico LuxurySUV: $70
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Tesla Y Luxury SUV, Select Zone: $77
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Tesla S Lux Sedan, Select Zone: $79
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Mercedes ECO Van, Select Zone: $87
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Lexus Luxury Sedan, Select Zone: $81
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Ford Premium SUV, Select Zone: $87
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, 16Pax Mercedes Van, Select Zone: $130
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, 11Pax Lux Sprinter Van: $103
Is it cheaper to fly into Manaus or San Juan?
Prices for flights to both San Juan and Manaus 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 dayManaus $12San Juan $36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manaus
For Manaus, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Folklore Amazonian Dinner Show: $42
- Food Tour: $50
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 Sunset Food Tour with Drinks: $156
- Savor the Sunset: Old San Juan Walk and Food Tour: $159
- City Lights Sky High Dinner Experience: $165
- Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $170
- Private Local Food Tour in San Juan: $275
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Manaus -San Juan -
Tours and Activities in Manaus
For Manaus, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Adventure: 4-hour hike in the Amazon rainforest: $150
- Amazon Experience: meet a native village and swim with porpoises: $80
- Amazon Jungle Experience with Overnight: $300
- Amazon Jungle: 3- or 4-Day Tour at Ipanema River Guest House: $200
- Amazon Negro River Half-Day Expedition Tour: $55
- Amazon Private Safari by Tuhiri Eco Tour - Leaving Manaus: $199
- Amazon River Stand Up Paddling Tour: $124
- Amazon and Negro Rivers Experience with Night Exploration Tour: $300
- City Tour Plus Amazon River Tour: $100
- City Tour in Manaus at Teatro Amazonas and Praça da Matriz: $50
- City Tour no Centro Histórico de Manaus com um fotógrafo: $91
- From Manaus Cruise Terminal: Amazon Rainforest Highlights: $150
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.
- Rum Craft Cocktail Tour in San Juan: $65
- 1 or 2 Hour Puerto Rico Horseback Ride Experience!: $210
- Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Adventure from San Juan: $110
- Carolina: ATV Adventure at Campo Rico Ranch with Guide: $136
- Cave Day Tour From San Juan: $109
- Cruise Ship Travelers: Hike to a Hidden Puerto Rican Waterfall: $85
- Culebra Beach Day Tour with Snorkeling from San Juan by Ferry: $200
- Culebra Snorkeling Tour by Catamaran from Fajardo: $175
- Discover El Yunque: Half-Day Rainforest Tour: $115
- Discover Old In-App Audio Tour of History: $11
- El Yunque National RainForest: Tour with Nature walk: $75
- El Yunque Rainforest Guided Day Tour from San Juan: $85
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayManaus $2.84San Juan $12
Sample the Local Flavors in San Juan
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Juan:
- Pinones Pub crawl in Puerto Rico: $50
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manaus and San Juan, we can see that San Juan is more expensive. And not only is Manaus much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Manaus is in South America 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 Manaus would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Manaus 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 Manaus.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Manaus Expensive? and Is San Juan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Manaus or San Juan?
Manaus has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of San Juan. When comparing the sizes of Manaus 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 Manaus or San Juan?
Manaus 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 Manaus or San Juan in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Manaus and San Juan. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Manaus is generally around the same temperature as San Juanin July. Daily temperatures in Manaus average around 27°C (81°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. Manaus usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during summer. Manaus gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
Manaus gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Manaus usually receives more rain than San Juanin July. Manaus gets 264 mm (10.4 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyManaus 27°C (81°F)San Juan 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Manaus or San Juan in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Manaus as well as San Juan. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.
Manaus is around the same temperature as San Juan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Manaus averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in October.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. In the autumn, Manaus often gets less sunshine than San Juanin October. Manaus gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 235 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in San Juan. Manaus receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Manaus usually gets more rain in April than San Juanin October. Manaus gets 311 mm (12.3 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberManaus 28°C (82°F)San Juan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Manaus or San Juan in the Winter?
Both San Juan and Manaus 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.
In the winter, Manaus is around the same temperature as San Juan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Manaus in July average around 28°C (82°F), and San Juan averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.
It's quite sunny in San Juan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Manaus. Manaus usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during winter. Manaus gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Manaus usually receives more rain than San Juanin January. Manaus gets 85 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryManaus 28°C (82°F)San Juan 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Manaus or San Juan in the Spring?
Both San Juan and Manaus during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.
In October, Manaus is generally around the same temperature as San Juanin April. Daily temperatures in Manaus average around 29°C (84°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, Manaus often gets less sunshine than San Juanin April. Manaus gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Manaus. Manaus usually gets more rain in October than San Juanin April. Manaus gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilManaus 29°C (84°F)San Juan 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for San Juan and Manaus
| Manaus | San Juan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 264 mm (10.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 290 mm (11.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 311 mm (12.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 279 mm (11 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (83°F) | 174 mm (6.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 220 mm (8.6 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.