Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Montevideo?
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 Montevideo or San Juan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Montevideo and San Juan can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Montevideo or San Juan?
Montevideo
As the morning sun tinges the calm waters of the Rio de la Plata with a golden hue, the Rambla and its city awakens to life with new adventures for those near and far. From tanning on the luxurious beaches to peering into Uruguayan history at local museums, one can be far from bored while staying in Montevideo. Combining the quaintness of the countryside with the excitement of urban life, this city holds a unique trait that cannot easily be replicated.
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 Cultural Tours in Uruguay, and The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay.
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Montevideo Prices
Uruguay PricesSan Juan Prices
Puerto Rico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontevideo $70San Juan $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Montevideo is $70, 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 Montevideo and San Juan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontevideo $38San Juan $124
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontevideo $76San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Montevideo and San Juan
Looking for a hotel in Montevideo 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: Montevideo Hotel Prices and San Juan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montevideo $7.06San Juan $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montevideo
Also for Montevideo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Montevideo to Colonia del Sacramento: $438
- Transfer from Montevideo to Punta del Este: $328
- Private Transfer from Montevideo hotels to Punta Del Este Port: $275
- Roundtrip Transfer Montevideo Airport (MVD) - Punta del Este: $210
- Private Transfer from or to Carrasco Airport in Montevideo: $120
- Transfer to Punta del Este from Montevideo / Punta to Montevideo: $112
- TRANSFER FROM OR TO THE AIRPORT (4 to 12 paxs): $90
- Private Transfer from Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo Port: $86
- Private Transfer from Montevideo Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $86
- Shared 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $85
- Private Transfer from Montevideo Cruise Port to Montevideo city: $81
- Transfer from the Hotel in Montevideo to Montevideo airport: $60
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 SJU Airport to Ponce and Juana Diaz. Hotels and Airbnb Vice Versa 1 Way: $260
- Carabali Rain Forest Round Trip Private Taxi Transfer: $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
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, 16Pax Mercedes Van, Select Zone: $130
- Transfer from San Juan to Ponce or Ponce to San Juan: $125
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, 14Pax Lux Sprinter Van: $124
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $120
- Arrival Private Transfer SJU Airport to Old San Juan by Sedan: $120
- SJU Airport Private Transfer to Dorado: $115
Is it cheaper to fly into Montevideo or San Juan?
Prices for flights to both San Juan and Montevideo 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 dayMontevideo $22San Juan $62
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montevideo
For Montevideo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Show + Dinner - El Milongon (No Transport): $93
- The best Montevideo Dinner Show. Tango and Candombe. El Milongon.: $98
- Montevideo Private Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $107
- El Milongon Dinner & Show: Candombe, Tango and Folklore: $108
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montevideo $20San Juan $49
Tours and Activities in Montevideo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Montevideo.
- Colonia del Sacramento - Regular Tour: $60
- Punta del Este, City Tour from Montevideo: $140
- Afternoon Tea Experience at Sofitel Montevideo Carrasco & Spa: $29
- Audio Guided Tour in Montevideo City for Cruisers: $26
- Best City Shared Tour for Cruisers: $65
- Best Private Tour of Montevideo for cruise-ship passengers: $450
- Bodega Santa Rosa: Famiglia Passadore Tour Tasting with Lunch: $86
- Bouza Winery Full Experience (Tasting and Lunch): $180
- City Tour of Montevideo: $40
- City Tour, the best option for small groups: $120
- City tour Montevideo: $27
- Colonia & Montevideo from Buenos Aires - Private 2 Day Tour: $1,560
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.
- 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: $51
- 3 Tours in 1 Day: Old San Juan, Rainforest, Beach with Transport: $64
- 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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontevideo -San Juan $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Montevideo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Montevideo:
- Pizzorno Winery with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $116
- The best wine tour: $140
- Wine tour - Lunch & Tasting with Wine Explorers: $198
- Wine Tasting & Countryside Lunch Experience: $225
- Montevideo Wine Tour with Tasting and Lunch: $226
- Wine Tasting Tour for Cruise Passengers: $450
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 Montevideo and San Juan, we can see that San Juan is more expensive. And not only is Montevideo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Montevideo 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 Montevideo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Montevideo 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 Montevideo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Montevideo Expensive? and Is San Juan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montevideo or San Juan?
Montevideo has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of San Juan. When comparing the sizes of Montevideo 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 Montevideo or San Juan?
Montevideo 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 Montevideo or San Juan in the Summer?
Both San Juan and Montevideo are popular destinations to visit in the summer 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 summer, Montevideo is cooler than San Juan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Montevideo in January average around 24°C (75°F), and San Juan averages at about 28°C (83°F)in July.
It's quite sunny in San Juan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montevideo. Montevideo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Juan during summer. Montevideo gets 296 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
In January, Montevideo usually receives around the same amount of rain as San Juanin July. Montevideo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyMontevideo 24°C (75°F)San Juan 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Montevideo or San Juan in the Autumn?
Both San Juan and Montevideo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.
In April, Montevideo is generally much colder than San Juanin October. Daily temperatures in Montevideo average around 17°C (63°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
In San Juan, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Montevideo often gets less sunshine than San Juanin October. Montevideo gets 171 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Montevideo. Montevideo usually gets less rain in April than San Juanin October. Montevideo gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberMontevideo 17°C (63°F)San Juan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Montevideo or San Juan in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Montevideo and San Juan. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Montevideo is much colder than San Juan in the winter. The daily temperature in Montevideo averages around 11°C (52°F) in July, and San Juan fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan this time of the year. Montevideo usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during winter. Montevideo gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Montevideo usually receives more rain than San Juanin January. Montevideo gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryMontevideo 11°C (52°F)San Juan 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Montevideo or San Juan in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Montevideo as well as San Juan. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.
In the spring, Montevideo is much colder than San Juan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Montevideo in October average around 17°C (63°F), and San Juan averages at about 26°C (79°F)in April.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montevideo this time of the year. In the spring, Montevideo often gets less sunshine than San Juanin April. Montevideo gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun.
Montevideo receives a lot of rain in the spring. Montevideo usually gets more rain in October than San Juanin April. Montevideo gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilMontevideo 17°C (63°F)San Juan 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for San Juan and Montevideo
| Montevideo | San Juan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 11°C (52°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (57°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (63°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 22°C (72°F) | 100 mm (3.9 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.