Which place is cheaper, San Juan del Sur or Montevideo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Montevideo or San Juan del Sur?
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 del Sur 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 del Sur?
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 del Sur
San Juan del Sur is a popular port destination on the Pacific coast of southwest Nicaragua. The town was once a quaint fishing village but has grown into a tourist town with activities for visitors that include surfing, fishing, and, of course, partying. The town has a population of just over 15,000, most of whom are either fishermen or involved in the tourism industry. There is also a large expat community from the United States, Canada, and Europe.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, and The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontevideo $63San Juan del Sur $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Montevideo is $63, while the average daily cost in San Juan del Sur is $53. 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 del Sur in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontevideo $39San Juan del Sur $21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontevideo $78San Juan del Sur $42
Compare Hotels in Montevideo and San Juan del Sur
Looking for a hotel in Montevideo or San Juan del Sur? 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 del Sur Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montevideo $7.32San Juan del Sur $18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montevideo
Also for Montevideo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 1 - way - Transfer from Carrasco Interational Airport to Montevideo: $51
- Airport-Hotel or Hotel-Airport Transfers: $36
- Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo - Arrival Private Transfer: $49
- Carrasco Airport MVD to Montevideo Hotels Round Trip Transfer: $98
- Carrasco International Airport (MVD) to Montevideo hotels - Round-Trip Transfer: $98
- Private 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $45
- Shared 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $35
- Private Transfer - Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Punta Del Este Port: $85
- Private Transfer from Carrasco Airport MVD to Punta Del Este Port: $72
- Private Transfer from Montevideo Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $26
- Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport MVD: $72
- Private Transfer from or to Carrasco Airport in Montevideo: $120
Is it cheaper to fly into Montevideo or San Juan del Sur?
Prices for flights to both San Juan del Sur 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 $13San Juan del Sur $18
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montevideo
For Montevideo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- The best Montevideo Dinner Show. Tango and Candombe. El Milongon.: $85
- El Milongon Dinner & Show: Candombe, Tango & Folklore in Montevideo: $98
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montevideo $21San Juan del Sur $15
Tours and Activities in Montevideo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Montevideo.
- Montevideo's Culture and History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
- Museo Andes 1972 / Crash Memorial Admission Ticket: $8.00
- Palacio Salvo Official Ticket with Guided Tour: $13
- Half-day Regular City Tour at Montevideo : $25
- Montevideo City Tour for Cruisers - AudioGuided: $26
- Half-Day Sightseeing Tour: $28
- Shared Montevideo Tour for Cruisers: $30
- Old City Walking Tour with Private Photographer: $30
- Walking Tour with Photographer and Audioguide: $31
- City Sightseeing Tour: $32
- Montevideo City Tour for Cruisers: $35
- The Best Montevideo City Tour: $36
Tours and Activities in San Juan del Sur
Here are a few actual costs in San Juan del Sur for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- ATV Adventure Tour in San Juan del Sur, NICARAGUA: $130
- Horseback Riding Tour in Playa Maderas, San Juan del Sur also in Costa Rica: $90
- Mombacho Volcano Hike and Ziplining Adventure from San Juan del Sur: $159
- SJDS PORT EXCURSION: Zipline and Adventure Park: $103
- San Juan del Sur Shore Excursion: Private Masaya Volcano and Catarina Tour: $118
- atv tour also in Costa Rica: $132
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontevideo -San Juan del Sur $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Montevideo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Montevideo:
- Half Day Tour at Pizzorno Winery with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $120
- Juanico Wine Tour Lunch: $132
- Wine tour - Lunch & Tasting with Wine Explorers: $198
- Wine Tasting & Countryside Lunch Experience: $210
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montevideo and San Juan del Sur, we can see that Montevideo is more expensive. And not only is San Juan del Sur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Montevideo is in South America and San Juan del Sur is in Central America, 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 del Sur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Juan del Sur 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 Montevideo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Montevideo than you might in San Juan del Sur.
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 del Sur Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montevideo or San Juan del Sur?
Montevideo has a larger population, and is about 160 times larger than the population of San Juan del Sur. When comparing the sizes of Montevideo and San Juan del Sur, 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 del Sur?
Montevideo has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Juan del Sur experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Montevideo or San Juan del Sur in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Montevideo as well as San Juan del Sur. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan del Sur throughout the year.
In January, Montevideo is generally cooler than San Juan del Surin July. Daily temperatures in Montevideo average around 24°C (75°F), and San Juan del Sur fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montevideo this time of the year. In the summer, Montevideo often gets more sunshine than San Juan del Surin July. Montevideo gets 296 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan del Sur receives 175 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in San Juan del Sur. Montevideo usually gets less rain in January than San Juan del Surin July. Montevideo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while San Juan del Sur receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyMontevideo 24°C (75°F)San Juan del Sur 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Montevideo or San Juan del Sur in the Autumn?
Both San Juan del Sur and Montevideo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan del Sur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Montevideo is much colder than San Juan del Sur in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montevideo averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and San Juan del Sur fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in October.
Montevideo usually receives less sunshine than San Juan del Sur during autumn. Montevideo gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan del Sur receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in San Juan del Sur. It's quite rainy in Montevideo. In April, Montevideo usually receives less rain than San Juan del Surin October. Montevideo gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while San Juan del Sur receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberMontevideo 17°C (63°F)San Juan del Sur 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Montevideo or San Juan del Sur in the Winter?
Both San Juan del Sur and Montevideo during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan del Sur year-round.
In the winter, Montevideo is much colder than San Juan del Sur. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montevideo in July average around 11°C (52°F), and San Juan del Sur averages at about 26°C (79°F)in January.
In San Juan del Sur, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Montevideo often gets less sunshine than San Juan del Surin January. Montevideo gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan del Sur receives 244 hours of full sun.
Montevideo usually gets more rain in July than San Juan del Surin January. Montevideo gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while San Juan del Sur receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryMontevideo 11°C (52°F)San Juan del Sur 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Montevideo or San Juan del Sur in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Montevideo and San Juan del Sur. San Juan del Sur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Montevideo is generally much colder than San Juan del Surin April. Daily temperatures in Montevideo average around 17°C (63°F), and San Juan del Sur fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan del Sur this time of the year. In Montevideo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montevideo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Juan del Sur during spring. Montevideo gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan del Sur receives 242 hours of full sun in the spring.
Montevideo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Montevideo usually receives more rain than San Juan del Surin April. Montevideo gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while San Juan del Sur receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilMontevideo 17°C (63°F)San Juan del Sur 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for San Juan del Sur and Montevideo
| Montevideo | San Juan del Sur | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jun | 11°C (52°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) |
| Aug | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (57°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (63°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 22°C (72°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 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.