Which place is cheaper, San Jose or Munich?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Munich or San Jose?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Munich or San Jose, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Munich or San Jose?
Munich
Munich is the capital city of Bavaria and a top travel destination within Germany. It has stunning architecture and a cultural scene that rivals Berlin. It has some of the country's top museums, festivals, and concerts. Munich is most famous for its Oktoberfest, which is easily the busiest time of year in the city. The architecture is what surprises most travelers. It's quite impressive and truly adds to the character of the city. Although much of Munich was destroyed during World War II, the city has successfully rebuilt most of the buildings in their previous style. Much of the city remains as it was in the 1800s. There are two major research universities in Munich, helping to make it a center for engineering, business, and the sciences.
San Jose
San Jose is the capital city of Costa Rica and is likely to be your first and last stop in a visit to the country. The city is situated in the Central Valley and is surrounded by beautiful mountains and valleys, making for a beautiful flight in. The city has an elevation of 1200 meters and sits on a plateau with a beautiful backdrop of lush green forest. Half of the people in Costa Rica reside in the country's capital city. You are likely to stay only a day or two, but there are a handful of things to do and see including museums and markets. You will also find many embassies, as well as the University of Costa Rica in San Jose.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany, The Best Walking Tours in Germany, The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMunich €148San Jose €85
The average daily cost (per person) in Munich is €148, while the average daily cost in San Jose is €85. 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 Munich and San Jose in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMunich €89San Jose €46
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMunich €178San Jose €92
Compare Hotels in Munich and San Jose
Looking for a hotel in Munich or San Jose? 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: Munich Hotel Prices and San Jose Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Munich €19San Jose €18
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Munich
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Munich:
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Single Zone Trip on Subway€2.30
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Inner District Subway Day Pass€5.20
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City transport day ticket€11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Munich
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Munich:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Munich HTL-APT (MUC): $177
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Munich APT-HTL (MUC): $177
- Transfer in private vehicle from Munich City - Munich Airport (MUC): $74
- Transfer in private vehicle from Munich Airport (MUC)- Munich City: $74
- Transfer from Munich to Linz: Private daytrip with 2 hours for sightseeing : $212
- Transfer Munich to Kaprun,Zell am See,Flachau,Stubai,Kitzbuhel,Innsbruck & Other: $259
- Skip-the-line Nymphenburg Palace Guided Tour with Transfers: $235
- Skip-the-line Hellabrunn Zoo in Munich with Transfers : $136
- Shared Departure Transfer: Munich Central Station to Munich Airport: $14
- Shared Arrival Transfer: Munich Airport to Munich Central Station: $14
- Salzburg to Munich Transfer: $269
- Roundtrip Transfer Private Vehicle Munich Airport (MUC) - Munich City: $155
Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Jose
Some typical examples of transportation costs in San Jose are as follows:
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Taxi from SJO€24
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Local Bus€2.58
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Jose
Also for San Jose, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer San José Airport - La Fortuna: $180
- Airport transfer from SJO Airport to Los Sueños Marriott: $170
- Arrival Transfer San Jose Airport SJO to Arenal by Minivan: $177
- Arrival Transfer San Jose Airport to Manuel Antonio by Minivan: $158
- Direct Transfer From San Jose to Monteverde, English Speaking Driver: $181
- Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) to Jaco - Arrival Private Transfer: $68
- Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) to Jaco - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $136
- Juan Santamaria Intl Airport(SJO) to Puntarenas city-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $167
- Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) to Puntarenas city- Arrival Private Transfer: $83
- Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) to San Jose – Arrival Private Transfer: $32
- Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) to San Jose – Round-Trip Private Transfer: $64
- One way Transfer from SJO airport or San José to Playa Dominical max 5 passenger: $240
Is it cheaper to fly into Munich or San Jose?
Prices for flights to both San Jose and Munich 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 dayMunich €27San Jose €17
Typical Food Prices in Munich
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Munich:
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Bratwurst€5.00
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Leberkässemmeln (Veal & Pork Sandwich)€1.95
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Munich
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Munich.
- Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
- Food Tour Beer- 3 small beers & "Brotzeit" in GERMAN: $80
- 6 gears dinner show menu: $100
- Original Munich Christmas Market Food Tour - all tastings included: $137
- Lunch Like a Local: Munich's ORIGINAL Viktualienmarkt Food Tour: $141
- Private Full Day Bavarian Beer and Food Tour in Munich: $210
- Munich Food Tour & Food Market with German Delicacies: $265
- Salzburg Semi-Private Guided Day Tour from Munich with Dinner : $273
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Jose
For San Jose, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Bites and Sights: Walking Food Tour in San Jose, Costa Rica: $34
- San Jose By Night Tour: Farm to Table Dinner & Cocktail Class: $57
- San Jose Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour and visit Gold Museum : $60
- Half-Day San Jose Evening Bus Tour with Dinner and Pickup: $76
- Explore San Jose By Night: Food and Culture Tour with Local Dinner: $80
- Dinner + Typical Show in the best viewpoint of the City: $99
- Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner: $179
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Munich €29San Jose €20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Munich
Here are a few typical costs in Munich for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Schack Gallery Entrance€4.00
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Munich Zoo Entrance€9.00
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Pub Crawl Munich Tour€14
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Neuschwanstein Castle (2)€24
Tours and Activities in Munich
Here are a few actual costs in Munich for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2 Hours VIP Private Segway Tour: $91
- 2-hour Private Walking Tour in Munich: $214
- 2-hour city tour by bike in Munich to the hotspots of the Isar metropolis: $35
- 5 Top Churches in Munich Private Walking Tour : $211
- 5 Top Churches in Munich Private Walking Tour : $211
- A Tour inside Munich's Justizpalast: $24
- Albert Einstein Private Walking Tour in Old Town Munich: $207
- Albert Einstein Private Walking Tour in Old Town Munich: $204
- Andechs Monastery Beer Hike Food Experience Private Tour (departs Munich): $208
- Art & Heritage: Private Walking Tour of Bavarian National Museum: $202
- Art & Heritage: Walking Tour of Bavarian National Museum: $397
- Bad Tölz Private Guided Walking Tour: $220
Tours and Activities in San Jose
For San Jose, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Entrance Ticket to the Farm of Hacienda Orosi: $11
- Entrance ticket to the Hacienda Orosi: $21
- Hiking Experience in El Quetzal Private Reserve: $26
- Private Roasting and Cupping Coffee Experience: $30
- Sarapiqui Frog Tour: $30
- Hacienda Alsacia Starbucks Coffe Tour: $31
- Poas Volcano National Park - Admission Ticket: $32
- San Jose Walking Nature Tour: Sloths, Birds and Trees: $33
- Skip the Line: Rescate Wildlife Rescue Centre General Admission Ticket: $35
- San Jose Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $35
- San Jose ART Walking Tour - small groups, creative experience: $35
- Corso Lecheria Tour: $40
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMunich €37San Jose €16
Typical Alcohol Prices in Munich
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Munich:
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Hofbrauhaus€12
Sample the Local Flavors in Munich
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Munich:
- Exclusive Brewery Tour & Tasting of 4 Organic Beers: $29
- Munich's Original Pub Crawl: $31
- English Guided Brewery Tour in Munich beertasting 4 beers: $38
- Interactive Wine Tasting Experience @ Max & Moritz: $38
- Cheese & Wine tasting: $96
- The ORIGINAL Munich Christmas Market Festive Wine Tour -with food: $141
- Private Wine Tasting Tour in Munich with a Wine Expert: $290
- Private Wine Tasting Tour in Munich with a Wine Expert: $294
- Bachelor(ette) Party with Pub Crawl: $404
- Bachelor(ette) Party with Pub Crawl: $404
Sample the Local Flavors in San Jose
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Jose:
- Bar Crawl in Downtown San Jose: $38
- Wine Tour and Tasting: $85
- Bar Crawl in San Jose in a Deluxe Party Bus: $100
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Munich and San Jose, we can see that Munich is more expensive. And not only is San Jose much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Munich is in Europe and San Jose 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 Jose would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Jose 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 Munich would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Munich than you might in San Jose.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Munich Expensive? and Is San Jose Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Munich or San Jose?
Munich has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of San Jose. When comparing the sizes of Munich and San Jose, 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 Munich or San Jose?
Munich has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Jose experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Munich or San Jose in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Munich as well as San Jose. The summer months attract visitors to Munich because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Jose throughout the year.
In the summer, Munich is cooler than San Jose. Typically, the summer temperatures in Munich in July average around 20°C (68°F), and San Jose averages at about 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Munich this time of the year. In the summer, Munich often gets more sunshine than San Jose. Munich gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 164 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in San Jose. Munich usually gets less rain in July than San Jose. Munich gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMunich 20°C (68°F)San Jose 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Munich or San Jose in the Autumn?
Both San Jose and Munich are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Munich this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to San Jose because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Munich is generally much colder than San Jose. Daily temperatures in Munich average around 11°C (52°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
Munich usually receives less sunshine than San Jose during autumn. Munich gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in San Jose. In October, Munich usually receives less rain than San Jose. Munich gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMunich 11°C (52°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Munich or San Jose in the Winter?
Both San Jose and Munich during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Munich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Munich. Munich is much colder than San Jose in the winter. The daily temperature in Munich averages around -1°C (31°F) in January, and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
In San Jose, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Munich often gets less sunshine than San Jose. Munich gets 30 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 264 hours of full sun.
Munich usually gets more rain in January than San Jose. Munich gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMunich -1°C (31°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Munich or San Jose in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Munich and San Jose. Many visitors come to Munich in the spring for the activities around the city. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Munich is much colder than San Jose. Typically, the spring temperatures in Munich in April average around 11°C (53°F), and San Jose averages at about 29°C (85°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Jose this time of the year. Munich usually receives less sunshine than San Jose during spring. Munich gets 172 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Munich usually receives more rain than San Jose. Munich gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMunich 11°C (53°F)San Jose 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for San Jose and Munich
| Munich | San Jose | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -1°C (31°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (53°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 15°C (60°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (65°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 20°C (68°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 20°C (68°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 17°C (62°F) | 60 mm (2.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 11°C (52°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (42°F) | 52 mm (2.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 1°C (33°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 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.