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

Should you visit Manchester or San Juan?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Manchester and San Juan can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Manchester or San Juan?

Manchester

Located in the heart of Northern England, Manchester is the unofficial Capital of the North. Though it dates back as a Roman city, the city boomed in growth during the Industrial Revolution in textiles, and is today one of the most-visited cities in England by overseas travelers.

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 Edinburgh, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Manchester?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Manchester is $230, while the average daily cost in San Juan is $192. 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 Manchester and San Juan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Manchester $89
    San Juan $124
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Manchester $178
    San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Manchester and San Juan

Looking for a hotel in Manchester 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 Manchester


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: Manchester Hotel Prices and San Juan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Manchester $24
    San Juan $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Manchester

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Manchester are as follows:


  • Rail to Airport
    $14
  • Parking in Manchester
    $3.76

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manchester

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

  • Private Round-Trip Transfer From Manchester Airport to Old Trafford Stadium: $280
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Hull: $276
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport to Blackpool City: $256
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Caernarfon: $254
  • Manchester Airport (MAN): Private Transfer to Liverpool City: $251
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Liverpool Cruise Port: $240
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Wrexham: $234
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Birmingham Airport: $227
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Fradley: $209
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Harrogate: $198
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Burton-upon-Trent: $191
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Doncaster: $187

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan

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

  • San Juan Airport (SJU): Private Transfer to San Juan Port: $272
  • San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port: Transfer to San Juan hotel: $272
  • Carabali Rain Forest Round Trip Private Taxi Transfer: $210
  • Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, 16Pax Mercedes Van, Select Zone: $130
  • Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, 14Pax Lux Sprinter Van: $124
  • Private Transfer from SJU Airport to San Juan / Rio Grande: $105
  • Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, 11Pax Lux Sprinter Van: $103
  • Old San Juan Sunset Cruise with Drinks & Transfer: $99
  • Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Mercedes ECO Van, Select Zone: $87
  • Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Ford Premium SUV, Select Zone: $87
  • Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Lexus Luxury Sedan, Select Zone: $81
  • Oneway Transfer San Juan to Ceiba: Ferry, Vieques/Culebra Airport: $80

Is it cheaper to fly into Manchester or San Juan?

Prices for flights to both San Juan and Manchester 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
    Manchester $70
    San Juan $36

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manchester

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

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $30
  • Pistachio LOVERS Italian Dinner Experience: $44
  • Manchester Food Tour with a Local Guide: $94
  • Half-Day Manchester Food Tour with Lunch: $95
  • 3-Hour Guided Manchester Food Tour with Lunch : $95
  • Private Food Tour with Local Guide: $199

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Manchester $38
    San Juan $49

Tours and Activities in Manchester

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Manchester.

  • SEA LIFE Manchester Admission Ticket: $22
  • 3-Hour Manchester Shopping Tour with a Stylist: $118
  • 3-day Yorkshire Dales and Peak District Tour from Manchester: $524
  • A Silent Disco Adventure in Manchester: $22
  • Alcotraz Prison Cocktail Experience in Manchester: $51
  • Breathtaking Manchester – Walking Tour for Couples: $235
  • Breathtaking Manchester – Walking Tour for Couples: $466
  • Chatsworth and Peak District Small-Group Tour from Manchester: $74
  • Christmas Charms of Manchester – Private Walking Tour: $569
  • City River Tour: $15
  • Craft Beer Tour around Manchester: $51
  • Craft Brews of Manchester – A Private Beer Tour: $671

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.

  • Full-Day Tour: El Yunque, Luquillo Beach, Bio Bay Night Kayaking: $155
  • Rum Craft Cocktail Tour in San Juan: $65
  • 1 or 2 Hour Puerto Rico Horseback Ride Experience!: $210
  • Arenales Caves, Waterfall & River Swimming Adventure: $140
  • Arte Boriken-Urban Art & Beach Sip & Paint Tour: $145
  • Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Adventure from San Juan: $110
  • Black Sand Beach- See The Southeast of Puerto Rico Private Tour: $150
  • Carolina: ATV Adventure at Campo Rico Ranch with Guide: $136
  • Craft Beer Private Tour in San Juan: $168
  • Cruise Ship Travelers: Hike to a Hidden Puerto Rican Waterfall: $85
  • Culebra Snorkeling Tour by Catamaran from Fajardo: $175
  • Discover El Yunque: Half-Day Rainforest Tour: $115

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Manchester $12
    San Juan $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Manchester

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Manchester:

  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $48
  • Four hour walking wine tasting tour of Manchester's best bars: $102

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 Manchester and San Juan, we can see that Manchester is more expensive. And not only is San Juan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Manchester 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 San Juan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Juan 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 Manchester would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Manchester than you might in San Juan.

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


Which is Bigger, Manchester or San Juan?

San Juan has a larger population, and is about 6% larger than the population of Manchester. When comparing the sizes of Manchester 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 Manchester or San Juan?

Manchester 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 Manchester or San Juan in the Summer?

Both San Juan and Manchester are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Manchester for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Manchester is much colder than San Juan in the summer. The daily temperature in Manchester averages around 16°C (62°F) in July, and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

It's quite sunny in San Juan. Manchester usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during summer. Manchester gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Manchester usually receives less rain than San Juan. Manchester gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Manchester 16°C (62°F) 
    San Juan 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Manchester or San Juan in the Autumn?

Both San Juan and Manchester during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Manchester because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.

In the autumn, Manchester is much colder than San Juan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Manchester in October average around 11°C (52°F), and San Juan averages at about 28°C (82°F).

In San Juan, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Manchester often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Manchester gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 235 hours of full sun.

San Juan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Manchester usually gets less rain in October than San Juan. Manchester gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Manchester 11°C (52°F) 
    San Juan 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Manchester or San Juan in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Manchester and San Juan. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Manchester this time of year. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

It's quite cold in Manchester in the winter. In January, Manchester is generally much colder than San Juan. Daily temperatures in Manchester average around 4°C (39°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan this time of the year. Manchester usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during winter. Manchester gets 53 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Manchester usually receives more rain than San Juan. Manchester gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Manchester 4°C (39°F) 
    San Juan 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Manchester or San Juan in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Manchester as well as San Juan. Many travelers come to Manchester for the activities around the city. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.

Manchester is much colder than San Juan in the spring. The daily temperature in Manchester averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and San Juan fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. In the spring, Manchester often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Manchester gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets less rain in April than San Juan. Manchester gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Manchester 8°C (46°F) 
    San Juan 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for San Juan and Manchester

Manchester San Juan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 50 mm (2 in) 25°C (77°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 26°C (78°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 51 mm (2 in) 26°C (79°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Jun 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 16°C (62°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 28°C (83°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)


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