Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Nagano?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Nagano 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 Nagano 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: Nagano or San Juan?
Nagano
Nagano city and its surrounding prefecture of Japan is a temple region built around Zenkoji, a 7th century Buddhist temple that overlooks the city. Nagano was also home to the Winter Olympic Games in 1998, with some facilities still existing around town. And then there is the forested mountain Togakushi area to the northwest, which is another draw of Nagano, known for its shrines and status as the home of the Togakure Ninja School.
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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNagano $90San Juan $192
The average daily cost (per person) in Nagano is $90, 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 Nagano and San Juan in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNagano $61San Juan $124
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNagano $122San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Nagano and San Juan
Looking for a hotel in Nagano 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: Nagano Hotel Prices and San Juan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nagano $9.80San Juan $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nagano
Also for Nagano, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Between Station & Snow Monkey Park: $687
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 Nagano or San Juan?
Prices for flights to both San Juan and Nagano 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 dayNagano $22San Juan $36
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.Nagano $8.17San Juan $49
Tours and Activities in Nagano
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nagano.
- 4 Day - From Nagano to Kanazawa: Ultimate Central Japan tour: $809
- Food & Cultural Walking Tour around Zenkoji temple in Nagano: $88
- Full-Day Tour: Matsumoto Castle & Kamikochi Alpine Valley: $183
- Izakaya Food Night Tour in Nagano: $101
- Nagano Sake Tasting Walking Tour: $49
- Private Snow Monkey Tour: From Nagano City / Ski Resorts: $1,381
- Snow Monkey & ZinkoJi With Sake Tasting Private Tour: $556
- Welcome to Private Tour with a Local: $55
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 Beach Day Tour with Snorkeling from San Juan by Ferry: $200
- Culebra Snorkeling Tour by Catamaran from Fajardo: $175
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayNagano -San Juan $12
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 Nagano and San Juan, we can see that San Juan is more expensive. And not only is Nagano much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Nagano is in Asia 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 Nagano would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nagano 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 Nagano.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nagano Expensive? and Is San Juan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nagano or San Juan?
San Juan has a larger population, and is about 16% larger than the population of Nagano. When comparing the sizes of Nagano 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 Nagano or San Juan?
Nagano 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 Nagano or San Juan in the Summer?
Both San Juan and Nagano are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Nagano for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Nagano is generally cooler than San Juan. Daily temperatures in Nagano average around 25°C (77°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
It's quite sunny in San Juan. Nagano usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during summer. Nagano gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Nagano. In July, Nagano usually receives more rain than San Juan. Nagano gets 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyNagano 25°C (77°F)San Juan 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Nagano or San Juan in the Autumn?
Both San Juan and Nagano during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Nagano in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.
Nagano is much colder than San Juan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nagano averages around 16°C (60°F) in October, and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
In San Juan, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Nagano often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Nagano gets 167 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 Nagano. Nagano usually gets more rain in October than San Juan. Nagano gets 227 mm (9 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNagano 16°C (60°F)San Juan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Nagano or San Juan in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nagano and San Juan. Most visitors come to Nagano for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Nagano can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Nagano is much colder than San Juan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nagano in January average around 2°C (36°F), and San Juan averages at about 25°C (77°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan this time of the year. In Nagano, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nagano usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during winter. Nagano gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
Nagano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Nagano usually receives more rain than San Juan. Nagano gets 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNagano 2°C (36°F)San Juan 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Nagano or San Juan in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Nagano as well as San Juan. The spring months attract visitors to Nagano because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.
In April, Nagano is generally much colder than San Juan. Daily temperatures in Nagano average around 11°C (52°F), 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, Nagano often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Nagano gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun.
Nagano usually gets more rain in April than San Juan. Nagano gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilNagano 11°C (52°F)San Juan 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for San Juan and Nagano
| Nagano | San Juan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 2°C (36°F) | 446 mm (17.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 2°C (36°F) | 275 mm (10.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 5°C (40°F) | 191 mm (7.5 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (52°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 16°C (62°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 222 mm (8.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (80°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 232 mm (9.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (60°F) | 227 mm (9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 10°C (50°F) | 339 mm (13.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 440 mm (17.3 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.