Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Osaka?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Osaka or San Juan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Osaka or San Juan, 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: Osaka or San Juan?
Osaka
The third largest city in Japan, Osaka has a lot to offer travelers. It's at the center of the Kansai region, and is a wonderful place to spend a few days. The city sits at the mouth of the Yodo River on Osaka Bay and is a major commercial hub for the country.
Osaka has a humid subtropical climate with four seasons. The winters are mild with January temperatures having an average high of almost 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Snow is very rare. Springs start cool and become hot and humid. This is also the wettest season with the rainiest time being between May and early July. Summers are hot and humid with July temperatures climbing into the high 90s Fahrenheit. The fall season becomes cooler as winter approaches.
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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.
-
Osaka Prices
Japan PricesSan Juan Prices
Puerto Rico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayOsaka $104San Juan $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Osaka is $104, 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 Osaka and San Juan in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personOsaka $45San Juan $124
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomOsaka $90San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Osaka and San Juan
Looking for a hotel in Osaka 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: Osaka Hotel Prices and San Juan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Osaka $13San Juan $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Osaka
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Osaka:
-
Subway$7.65
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Osaka
Also for Osaka, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX)to Arima-Onsen Resorts-Arrival Transfer: $287
- Kansai Airport Osaka City Private Taxi Transfers: $267
- Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) to Kyoto - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $265
- Osaka Port Cruise Terminal Private Transfer to or from Kyoto city: $263
- Private Transfer from Osaka to Wakayama,Shirahama&Kushimoto Area: $261
- Osaka Airport (ITM) to Osaka city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $249
- Osaka Airport Transfers : Osaka City to Kansai Airport KIX in Business Van: $247
- Departure Private Transfers: Osaka City to Kansai Airport KIX in Business Van: $247
- Private Transfer Between Kobe Cruise Port and Shin-Osaka Station: $242
- Private Transfer from Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) to Maizuru Port: $237
- Private Transfer from Osaka City Hotels to Maizuru Cruise Port: $233
- Private Transfer: Kobe Port Terminal ↔ Osaka: $233
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan
Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer TO or FROM: Airport,Cruise,Hotel in DORADO or RIO GRANDE: $70
- Transfer SJU Airport to Dorado. Hotels and Airbnb. Vice Versa One Way Trip.: $140
- Single ATV Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $195
- San Juan Transfers: $38
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $114
- San Juan Port to San Juan Airport (SJU)- Departure Transfer: $29
- San Juan Airport (SJU) to San Juan Arrival Private Transfer: $29
- San Juan Airport (SJU) to San Juan - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
- San Juan Airport (SJU) to Rio Grande hotel - Arrival Private Transfer: $80
- SJU Airport Transfers (Isla Verde, Condado, Old San Juan): $38
- SJU Airport Transfers (Isla Verde, Condado, Old San Juan): $23
- Roundtrip-Transfer in Puerto Rico: From Airports, Hotels, Cruises: $71
Is it cheaper to fly into Osaka or San Juan?
Prices for flights to both San Juan and Osaka 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 dayOsaka $42San Juan $62
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Osaka
For Osaka, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Osaka Gourmet EXPO 2025 WaiWai Enkai Dinner Plan: $20
- Osaka Cooking Class 17 Tastes Takoyaki Making: $22
- Japanese Breakfast Cooking Class with Miso Making in Osaka: $23
- Dotonbori Ramen Cooking Class- Make Tonkotsu, Shoyu & Miso: $26
- Experience Real Osaka with a Local Guide Walking and Food Tour: $26
- Osaka Umeda: PICCADILLY DINNER SHOW&NIGHTCLUB with Tasting: $33
- Japanese Home cooking in Osaka: $36
- Welcome to Osaka Matrix and Local food tour with Ninja Guide: $36
- Experience Cooking Takoyaki in its Birthplace, Osaka: $42
- 1.5 Hour Food Tour at the Kuromon Market in Osaka: $42
- Kuromon, Sennichimae & Dotonbori Food Tour with Wagyu: $45
- Japanese Breakfast Cooking in Osaka: $46
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 Food Tour with 7 Tastings of Authentic Local Flavors: $140
- FlyDining 4-Course Dinner in Old Sunset or City Lights: $165
- Puerto Rican Gastronomy Cooking Class: $167
- Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $170
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Osaka $20San Juan $49
Typical Entertainment Prices in Osaka
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Osaka's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
Osaka Aquarium (for 2)$29
Tours and Activities in Osaka
For Osaka, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1-Day Kimono/Yukata Experience in Osaka – Enjoy Day & Night: $36
- 2 Hours Private Guided Walking Tour in Osaka: $26
- 3 Hour Local Osaka Bar Hopping Tour: $124
- 3-Hour Osaka Bike Tour/Customizable: $215
- 3/4/5 Hours Private Tour in Osaka with Local Guide: $117
- 4/5/6 Hours Private Osaka Tour Designed for Cruise Passengers: $156
- 5 Hours Tour with Private Vehicle in Osaka: $261
- 5-hour Master Osaka’s Must See Tour Kuromon Dotonbori and Castle: $62
- 6 Hours Osaka Tour with National Licensed Guide: $250
- 90 min Shared Handmade Udon Experience: $52
- 90-Minute Kimono/Yukata Rental Experience in Osaka – Short Plan: $29
- A Tour to Explore the Symbol of Osaka Castle: $82
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 Bull Maze Adventure at Toroverde Urban Park San Juan: $45
- 1 Hour Historical UTV Tour in San Juan: $200
- 1-Hour Jet Ski Adventure in the Bay: $150
- 2 Tours in 1 Day Rainforest and Beach Adventure with Transport: $44
- 3 Tours in 1 Day Old San Juan Rainforest and Beach with Transport: $44
- 3 in 1 Full Day Cueva Ventana, Indian Cave & Waterfall Adventure: $155
- 30-Minute Jet Ski Adventure in the Bay: $100
- ATV Tour in Double Rider, Puerto Rico: $221
- ATV Tour in Single Rider, Puerto Rico: $149
- Arecibo Cave Cliffside Waterfall Adventure: $99
- Arecibo: River and Natural Waterslide Adventure from San Juan: $105
- Around the Island Tour From San Juan: $148
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayOsaka $11San Juan $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Osaka
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Osaka:
- Osaka Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour: $23
- Osaka Nights: Ultimate Pub Bar Crawl with an Expert Local Guide: $36
- Osaka Dotombori Food & Local Izakaya Bar Crawl Tour: $39
- Off The Beaten Path Osaka Local Bar Crawl/ 22 Tapas 7 Drinks: $46
- 3Hour Osaka Pub Crawl Bar Hopping Nightlife Guided Tour in Namba: $46
- Osaka Sake Brewery Tour Taste and Learn Near Umeda Sky Building: $78
- Osaka Winery Tour with Wine Tasting & Vineyard Walk: $85
- 4-Stop Bar Crawl in Tenma: An Intro to Osaka's Best Bites & Sips: $103
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Osaka and San Juan, we can see that San Juan is more expensive. And not only is Osaka much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Osaka 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 Osaka would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Osaka 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 Osaka.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Osaka Expensive? and Is San Juan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Osaka or San Juan?
Osaka has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of San Juan. When comparing the sizes of Osaka 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 Osaka or San Juan?
Osaka 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 Osaka or San Juan in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Osaka and San Juan. Many visitors come to Osaka in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the summer, Osaka is around the same temperature as San Juan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Osaka in July average around 28°C (82°F), and San Juan averages at about 28°C (83°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan this time of the year. Osaka usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during summer. Osaka gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
Osaka gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Osaka usually receives more rain than San Juan. Osaka gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyOsaka 28°C (82°F)San Juan 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Osaka or San Juan in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Osaka as well as San Juan. Most visitors come to Osaka for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.
In October, Osaka is generally cooler than San Juan. Daily temperatures in Osaka average around 19°C (66°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. In the autumn, Osaka often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Osaka gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 235 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in San Juan. Osaka receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Osaka usually gets less rain in October than San Juan. Osaka gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberOsaka 19°C (66°F)San Juan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Osaka or San Juan in the Winter?
Both San Juan and Osaka are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Osaka because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Osaka is much colder than San Juan in the winter. The daily temperature in Osaka averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and San Juan fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It's quite sunny in San Juan. Osaka usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during winter. Osaka gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Osaka usually receives less rain than San Juan. Osaka gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryOsaka 6°C (42°F)San Juan 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Osaka or San Juan in the Spring?
Both San Juan and Osaka during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Osaka this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.
In the spring, Osaka is much colder than San Juan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Osaka in April average around 15°C (59°F), and San Juan averages at about 26°C (79°F).
In San Juan, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Osaka often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Osaka gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Osaka. Osaka usually gets more rain in April than San Juan. Osaka gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilOsaka 15°C (59°F)San Juan 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for San Juan and Osaka
| Osaka | San Juan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (42°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (43°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 20°C (67°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (74°F) | 204 mm (8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (56°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 8°C (47°F) | 35 mm (1.4 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.