A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Orlando vs. San Juan for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Orlando or San Juan?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Orlando or San Juan? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Orlando or San Juan?

Orlando

Orlando is a haven for tourists from the entire United States and abroad. The most famous sight in Orlando, Walt Disney World, is not actually located in the city at all, but in nearby Lake Buena Vista. The area attracts over 50 million visitors a year and the city's sprawling development has created amenities and entertainment options for tourists of all ages.

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 Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Orlando?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Orlando is $368, 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 Orlando and San Juan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Orlando $154
    San Juan $124
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Orlando $308
    San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Orlando and San Juan

Looking for a hotel in Orlando 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.

Hotels in Orlando


Hotels in San Juan


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: Orlando Hotel Prices and San Juan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Orlando $66
    San Juan $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Orlando

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Orlando are as follows:


  • Parking
    $14
  • Taxi Ride
    $45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Orlando

Also for Orlando, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Celebration to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $295
  • Private Transfer from Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport to Cocoa: $288
  • Private Transfer from Four Corners to Port Canaveral: $288
  • Private Transfer from Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport to Four Corners: $284
  • Private Transfer to Davenport: $275
  • Private Transfer from Ocoee to Port Canaveral: $272
  • Private Transfers from Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral: $270
  • Private Transfer from Vistana Centre Drive to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $267
  • Private Transfer from Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport to Reunion: $267
  • Private Transfer from Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport to Windermere: $267
  • Private Transfer from Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport to Vistana Centre Drive: $265
  • Private Transfer from Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport to Auburndale: $255

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan

Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Double ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $289
  • HandyCap Transfer Airport to Dorado, Rio Grande or Luquillo: $270
  • Private Transfer: SJU Airport or Port to Humacao and Nagüabo: $200
  • San Juan Airport (SJU) to Ponce hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $198
  • Transfer from San Juan to Rincon or Rincon to San Juan: $167
  • San Juan Airport (SJU) to Rio Grande hotel – Round-Trip Private Transfer: $163
  • Transfer SJU Airport to Dorado. Hotels and Airbnb. Vice Versa One Way Trip.: $140
  • Private Luxury transfer - SJU, Hotel, Airbnb - Car seat available: $131
  • Transfer Ceiba Port Vieques and Culebra to San Juan Area or San Juan to Ceiba Po: $125
  • Private Transfer from or to San Juan and Ponce: $125
  • San Juan Airport (SJU) to San Juan Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $117
  • San Juan Puerto Rico Private Luxury Transfers: $105

Is it cheaper to fly into Orlando or San Juan?

Prices for flights to both San Juan and Orlando 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 day
    Orlando $113
    San Juan $62
Typical Food Prices in Orlando

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Orlando:


  • Lunch for Two at Epcot
    $29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Orlando

For Orlando, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • The Outta Control Magic Dinner Show: $39
  • Flavors of ICON Park Food Tour: $40
  • Pirates Dinner Adventure Show in Orlando: $67
  • Pirates Dinner Adventure Show Deluxe Package: $67
  • St. Johns River Lunch and Dinner Cruises in Sanford, Florida: $71
  • Orlando Polynesian Fire Luau and Dinner Show Experience: $75
  • Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Venue in Orlando: $75
  • Downtown Food Tour with 5 Local Favorite Dishes: $76
  • Medieval Times Dinner Show in Orlando: $83
  • Speakeasy Murder Mystery Dinner Show in Orlando: $88
  • Ivanhoe Village Food Tour with Tastings: $89
  • Milk District Eats Walking Food Tour: $90

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:

  • Fly Dining 4 Course Sunset and City Light Dinner Over San Juan: $159
  • Morning Old San Juan Food Tour: $169
  • Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $170
  • Savor the Sunset: Old San Juan Walking Food Tour: $179

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Orlando $204
    San Juan $49
Typical Entertainment Prices in Orlando

For Orlando, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Universal Studios for Two
    $110

Tours and Activities in Orlando

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Orlando.

  • 1 Hour Florida Everglades Wildlife Tour: $65
  • 1 Hour Scenic Pontoon Day Cruise: $48
  • 2 HR Interactive Walking Ghost Tour in Downtown Orlando: $78
  • 2 Hour Investigative Walking Ghost Tour of Downtown Orlando: $60
  • 2 hours E-Bike with 2-Child Trailer Kissimmee Lakefront Tour: $69
  • 2-Hour Airboat Adventure: $115
  • 30 Days Self Guided Audio Tour: Discover Orlando Local Stories: $30
  • 90 Minute Airboat Tour in the Florida Everglades: $85
  • 90 Minute Florida Everglades Wildlife Boat Tour: $55
  • 90 minute Everglades Airboat Tour near Orlando Florida: $89
  • After-hours 23 Miles Private Helicopter Tour over Orlando Eye: $131
  • Basic Drill: Introductory Indoor Tactical Experience Orlando: $69

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.

  • 1 Hour Historical UTV Tour in San Juan: $200
  • 1)El Yunque Rainforest and Famous Luquillo Beach Experience: $96
  • 2 Tours in 1 Day: Rainforest Waterslides & Beach Tour w/Transport: $60
  • 3 Tours in 1 Day: Old San Juan, Rainforest, Beach with Transport: $65
  • ATV Double Rider Adventure Near San Juan - Hacienda Campo Rico: $221
  • ATV Single Rider Adventure Near San Juan - Hacienda Campo Rico: $149
  • Adventure Water Bike in Condado Lagoon, San Juan: $60
  • Arecibo Cave Cliffside Waterfall Adventure: $139
  • Bio Bay Magic and Rum Tasting Tour from San Juan: $250
  • Bio Bay Night Kayak Tour with Transport from San Juan: $125
  • Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Adventure Tour from San Juan: $110
  • Cave Adventure in Charco Azul: Pick up from Luquillo & Rio Grande: $135

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Orlando $30
    San Juan $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Orlando

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Orlando:

  • An Epic Bar Crawl in Winter Park: $15
  • Orlando Haunts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Caribbean Moonshine Distillery Tour and Tasting: $40
  • Sanford’s Haunted Brewery Tour: $43
  • Orlando Distillery Tour with Tasting Experience: $60
  • Brews and Bites Brewery Walking Tour: $75
  • 2-Hour Sushi Making Class at a Local Brewery: $75
  • Pontoon Pub Crawl, 5 Lakeside Pubs and Restaurants Visit by Boat: $90
  • Happy Hour Downtown Pub Crawl: $139

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
  • Puerto Rico Tobacco Farm and Local Brewery Tour: $109
  • Puerto Rico's First and Only Craft Beer Brewery Tour!: $150


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Orlando and San Juan, we can see that Orlando is more expensive. And not only is San Juan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Orlando 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 Orlando would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Orlando 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 Orlando Expensive? and Is San Juan Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Orlando or San Juan?

San Juan has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Orlando. When comparing the sizes of Orlando 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 Orlando or San Juan?

Orlando 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 Orlando or San Juan in the Summer?

Both San Juan and Orlando are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Orlando because of the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Orlando is around the same temperature as San Juan in the summer. The daily temperature in Orlando averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

It's quite rainy in Orlando. In July, Orlando usually receives more rain than San Juan. Orlando gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Orlando 82°F (28°C) 
    San Juan 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Orlando or San Juan in the Autumn?

Both San Juan and Orlando during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Orlando this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.

In the autumn, Orlando is cooler than San Juan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Orlando in October average around 75°F (24°C), and San Juan averages at about 28°C (82°F).

San Juan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Orlando. Orlando usually gets less rain in October than San Juan. Orlando gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Orlando 75°F (24°C) 
    San Juan 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Orlando or San Juan in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Orlando and San Juan. Many travelers come to Orlando for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Orlando is generally much colder than San Juan. Daily temperatures in Orlando average around 59°F (15°C), and San Juan fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In January, Orlando usually receives around the same amount of rain as San Juan. Orlando gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Orlando 59°F (15°C) 
    San Juan 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Orlando or San Juan in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Orlando as well as San Juan. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.

Orlando is cooler than San Juan in the spring. The daily temperature in Orlando averages around 72°F (22°C) in April, and San Juan fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Orlando usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as San Juan. Orlando gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Orlando 72°F (22°C) 
    San Juan 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for San Juan and Orlando

Orlando San Juan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 59°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 25°C (77°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 62°F (16°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 25°C (77°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 67°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 26°C (78°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 72°F (22°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 26°C (79°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 77°F (25°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm) 28°C (82°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.3 inches (211 mm) 28°C (83°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 6.7 inches (171 mm) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 7.2 inches (183 mm) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Oct 75°F (24°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Nov 68°F (20°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm) 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 26°C (78°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)