Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Miami?
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 Miami 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 Miami and San Juan can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Miami or San Juan?
Miami
Miami is a popular tourist destination and a modern city in South Florida. It has beautiful white beaches, crystal blue waters, cosmopolitan neighborhoods, impressive shopping, and excellent dining opportunities. It is also a gateway to the Florida Keys, which is another popular destination in South Florida.
Miami is the second most populated city in Florida and the metropolitan area is the most populated in the state with more than 5.4 million people. It's also the 7th largest metro area in the country. The city sits between the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Everglades to the west. It covers 110 miles north to south but is a narrow 20 miles east to west.
Miami sits at a low latitude, giving it a subtropical savannah climate. There are two seasons; the warm and dry season between November and April and the hot and wet season between May and October. The coldest months are between December and March when highs are in the upper 70 or low 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The summer months have highs in the upper 80s or 90s and lows in the mid 70s with high humidity.
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 Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.
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Miami Prices
USA PricesSan Juan Prices
Puerto Rico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMiami $258San Juan $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Miami is $258, 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 Miami and San Juan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMiami $154San Juan $124
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMiami $308San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Miami and San Juan
Looking for a hotel in Miami 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: Miami Hotel Prices and San Juan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Miami $38San Juan $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Miami
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Miami are as follows:
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Car Rental for a Day$18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Miami
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Miami:
- Miami Beach: Roundtrip Bimini Ferry & Hotel Transfers: $299
- Transfer from Miami Airport to Fort Lauderdale. Van 11 passengers: $299
- Private Transfer from Miami Airport to Hotel and Vice Versa: $255
- Private Group Luxury Shuttle Port of Miami Transfer Service: $200
- Private Transfer from Hotel in Miami to Port Miami. Up to 11 pax.: $199
- Premier Limousine Miami Airport Hotel Port Transfers in Lux SUV: $195
- Private Door-to-Door Transfer: Airport, Port & Hotels in Miami: $195
- Miami Airport Executive Transfer Service: $190
- Private Transfer Miami Airport to or from Downtown in Premium SUV: $190
- Transfer Hotel in Miami to Miami Airport. Up to 11 passengers.: $190
- Luxury Transfers in Miami and Beyond: $175
- Sawgrass Mall Outlet Private Luxury Transfer: $170
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan
Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer to Cruise Ships, Hotels, Airbnb in San Juan: $67
- Departure Transfer from Old San Juan to to SJU Airport by Car: $86
- Dorado Transfers: $75
- HandyCap Airport Transfer to Isla Verde, Condado or Ocean Park: $100
- HandyCap Transfer Airport to Dorado, Rio Grande or Luquillo: $270
- Luxury Puerto Rico Private Transfers: $220
- One-way transfer from SJU Airport to Cruise Port or Vice Versa: $65
- Premium Transfer Service from or to Río Grande Puerto Rico: $50
- Private Luxury transfer - SJU, Hotel, Airbnb - Car seat available: $145
- Private Transfer Airport SJU to Old San Juan Vice versa One way: $65
- Private Transfer San Juan from or to SJU Airport, Hotel, Cruises: $20
- Private Transfer from SJU Airport to Humacao Hotels: $180
Is it cheaper to fly into Miami or San Juan?
Prices for flights to both San Juan and Miami 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 dayMiami $72San Juan $62
Typical Food Prices in Miami
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Miami:
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Lunch with Drinks (for 2)$45
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David's Cafe Lunch (for 1)$16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Miami
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Miami.
- Art Deco Food Tour with Private Cigar & Rum Upgrade: $35
- 2-Hour Express Little Havana & Cuban Culture Food Tour in Miami: $43
- Historical Walking Food Tour in Calle 8: $50
- 2-Hour Little Havana Food Tour with 6+ Tastings: $53
- South Beach Guided Food Tour with Authentic Tastings: $60
- 3-Hour Little Havana Food Tour with Full Authentic Cuban Meal: $61
- Miami Street Art & Sweet Treats Food Tour: Donuts, Churros & More: $65
- Miami Sweet Treats Food Tour: Donuts, Pastelitos & Patisseries: $65
- Miami : Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $66
- A Taste of South Beach Food Tour: $75
- Miami Mosaic Signature Food Tour: $75
- South Beach Food Tour: $75
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:
- Pinones Bar Hopping Food Tour & Beach Adventure: $85
- Authentic San Juan Guided Walking Food Tour with Pina Colada: $109
- FlyDining: 4 Courses Dinner with City Lights & Ocean Breeze: $167
- Fly Dining 4 Course Sunset or City Lights Dinner Over San Juan: $167
- Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $170
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Miami $31San Juan $49
Tours and Activities in Miami
Here are a few actual costs in Miami for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- #1 Private Boat Tour and 1 Hour Free Jet Ski Rental in Miami: $349
- 1 Hour ATV Tour and Jet Ski Adventure Miami: $220
- 1 Hour Jetski Adventure: $160
- 1 Hour Jetski Adventure in Miami: $180
- 1 Hour Miami Jet Ski Adventure + Complimentary Boat Ride: $88
- 1 Hour WYNWOOD BUGGIES tour: $45
- 1 hr Private Airboat Everglades Tour near Miami: $225
- 1-Hour 4-Seater UTV Tours: $300
- 1-Hour ATV Tours: $130
- 2-Day Key West and Miami South Beach Tour: $100
- 2-Hour Miami Private Boat Tour: Skyline & Star Island: $52
- 2-hour Miami Boat Tour Per Person Price: $150
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Juan
For San Juan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Horseback Riding Tour$40
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Full Day Snorkeling Trip$100
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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.
- The Ultimate Self-Guided Hidden Gems Tour in Puerto Rico: $5.00
- San Juan Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $17
- Outdoor Salsa Class Experience in San Juan: $19
- Eco Friendly Farming Tour to Explore Dorado's Most Beautiful Farm: $20
- Old San Juan Walking Tour with a Local Certified Guide: $25
- Old San Juan Tour (1 Hour) by DUHO: $25
- San Juan Ghost Tour: Shrieks in the Sugarcane: $26
- VIP San Juan Salsa Night Experience at Luxury Condado Beach: $35
- Paddleboard Adventure: Explore Marine Life: $35
- San Juan Guided Turtle Snorkel Tour and Complimentary Videos: $39
- Old San Juan Walking Tour: $39
- 3 Tours in 1 Day Old San Juan Rainforest and Beach with Transport: $44
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMiami $22San Juan $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Miami
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Miami are as follows:
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Evening at a Bar$32
Sample the Local Flavors in Miami
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Miami:
- An Epic Bar Crawl in Miami Florida: $15
- #1 Miami Pub Crawl + Clubbing Experience: $21
- Miami Pub Crawl + Clubbing Experience: $26
- Wynwood Pub Crawl with Drinks & VIP Club Entry: $27
- Miami Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $29
- Miami Haunts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $29
- Miami Bar Crawl: $29
- Guided Bar Crawl with Drinks Discounts and Club Entry: $29
- Miami Wynwood Pub Crawl: Complimentary Drinks & Club Entry: $30
- Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
- House of Desire Classic Glamour Burlesque Cabaret: $40
- BigBeach Bar Crawl - South Beach Bar Hop and Club Experience: $40
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
- Bacardi Rum Distillery and Old San Juan Tour: $99
- Puerto Rico Tobacco Farm and Local Brewery Tour: $109
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Miami and San Juan, we can see that Miami is more expensive. And not only is San Juan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Miami is in North 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 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 Miami would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Miami 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 Miami Expensive? and Is San Juan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Miami or San Juan?
San Juan has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Miami. When comparing the sizes of Miami 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 Miami or San Juan?
Miami 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 Miami or San Juan in the Summer?
Both San Juan and Miami during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Miami for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.
Miami is around the same temperature as San Juan in the summer. The daily temperature in Miami averages around 83°F (28°C) in July, and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
In San Juan, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Miami. In the summer, Miami often gets more sunshine than San Juan. Miami gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Miami. Miami usually gets more rain in July than San Juan. Miami gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMiami 83°F (28°C)San Juan 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Miami or San Juan in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Miami and San Juan. The autumn months attract visitors to Miami because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the autumn, Miami is around the same temperature as San Juan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Miami in October average around 78°F (26°C), and San Juan averages at about 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan this time of the year. In Miami, it's very sunny this time of the year. Miami usually receives more sunshine than San Juan during autumn. Miami gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
San Juan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Miami gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Miami usually receives around the same amount of rain as San Juan. Miami gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMiami 78°F (26°C)San Juan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Miami or San Juan in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Miami as well as San Juan. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Miami this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.
In January, Miami is generally cooler than San Juan. Daily temperatures in Miami average around 67°F (20°C), and San Juan fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Miami this time of the year. In the winter, Miami often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Juan. Miami gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun.
Miami usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as San Juan. Miami gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMiami 67°F (20°C)San Juan 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Miami or San Juan in the Spring?
Both San Juan and Miami are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Miami for the beaches and the activities around the city. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Miami is around the same temperature as San Juan in the spring. The daily temperature in Miami averages around 75°F (24°C) in April, and San Juan fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It's quite sunny in San Juan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Miami. Miami usually receives more sunshine than San Juan during spring. Miami gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Miami usually receives more rain than San Juan. Miami gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMiami 75°F (24°C)San Juan 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for San Juan and Miami
| Miami | San Juan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 67°F (20°C) | 2.2 inches (55 mm) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 68°F (20°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 72°F (22°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 75°F (24°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 79°F (26°C) | 6.4 inches (162 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 81°F (27°C) | 9.4 inches (238 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 83°F (28°C) | 5.9 inches (149 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 83°F (28°C) | 7.5 inches (191 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 82°F (28°C) | 7.6 inches (194 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 78°F (26°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 73°F (23°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 69°F (21°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) | 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.