Which place is cheaper, San Jose or Oslo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Oslo or San Jose?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oslo 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: Oslo or San Jose?
Oslo
Oslo is not only the largest city in Norway, and also its capital. It also holds the title as the most expensive city in the world. Oslo is a unique capital city in that its boundaries include much forest and wildlife. The city itself is nestled in an amphitheater type setting. The city's core is in the bottom by the fjord, and the residential areas stretch uphill away from the downtown area.
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 Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway, The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayOslo $137San Jose $89
The average daily cost (per person) in Oslo is $137, while the average daily cost in San Jose is $89. 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 Oslo and San Jose in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personOslo $81San Jose $48
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomOslo $162San Jose $96
Compare Hotels in Oslo and San Jose
Looking for a hotel in Oslo 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: Oslo Hotel Prices and San Jose Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Oslo $23San Jose $19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Oslo
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Oslo are as follows:
-
Tram Ticket$6.61
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oslo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Oslo:
- Trondheim Vaernes Airport (TRD) to Trondheim- Round-Trip Transfer: $81
- Trondheim Vaernes Airport (TRD) to Trondheim - Arrival Transfer : $41
- Trondheim Private Transfer from Trondheim (TRD) Airport to City centre: $215
- Round-Trip Private Transfer Oslo Airport OSL to Oslo City by Business Car: $228
- Private Transfer from Oslo City Centre to Oslo Airport: $142
- Private Transfer from Oslo Airport to Oslo Cruise Port: $90
- Private Transfer from Oslo Airport to Oslo City Centre: $153
- Private Transfer from Olso Airport to Olso Hotels: $82
- Private Oslo Airport and City Transfers: $164
- Private One-way Airport Transfer (Oslo Airport To/From Oslo): $89
- Transfer Between Oslo City Center & Gardermoen Airport: $256
- Oslo hotels to Oslo Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $46
Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Jose
Some typical examples of transportation costs in San Jose are as follows:
-
Taxi from SJO$25
-
Local Bus$2.71
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Jose
Also for San Jose, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- San Jose to Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) – Departure Private Transfer: $32
- Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) to San Jose – Arrival Private Transfer: $32
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from SanJose Juan Santamaría Airport to SanJose City: $39
- Private One-way Juan Santamaria Airport Transfer to from San Jose: $41
- Transfer Costa Rica SJO Airport To OR From Hotels nearby Private : $45
- Private Airport and Hotel Transfer: Alajuela and San Jose: $45
- Private Transfer from San Jose City to Puntarenas Cruise Port: $50
- Private Transfer from San Jose Airport (SJO) to Puntarenas Port: $50
- Private Transfer from San Jose Airport One Way: $56
- Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) to San Jose – Round-Trip Private Transfer: $64
- Private transfer from SJO Intl Airport to downtown Hotels: $65
- Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) to Jaco - Arrival Private Transfer: $68
Is it cheaper to fly into Oslo or San Jose?
Prices for flights to both San Jose and Oslo 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 dayOslo $30San Jose $18
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Oslo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Oslo.
- Oslofjord Cruise with Seafood Dinner: $59
- Oslo Alternative Culture and Street Food Tour: $73
- Christmas Street Food Tour with Akevitt and Christmas beer : $111
- 3-course Dinner Cruise in the Oslofjord: $119
- Oslo Fjord 3 Course Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: $119
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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Oslo $19San Jose $21
Tours and Activities in Oslo
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Oslo are as follows:
- 2 Hour Sea Kayak Tour on Oslofjord from Central Oslo: $92
- 2.hr Oslo Kayak Tour “Fjord City”: $92
- 2hr Retro Motorcycle Sidecar Oslo Highlights Tour: $212
- 4 hours Winter View of the Oslofjord Walk Tour : $149
- A Self-Guided Tour of Akershus to Kongen Marina Waterfront: $7.99
- Akerselva River Kayak Tour; An Urban Paddling Adventure: $92
- Akerselva River Tour : $92
- An Oslo Waterfront Stroll: Self-paced Audio Tour: $7.99
- Authentic Oslo bike tour: $44
- City Sightseeing Oslo Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $45
- Digging up the Past in Røros: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.99
- Discover Christmas Spirit in Oslo Walking Tour: $27
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
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayOslo $11San Jose $16
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 Oslo and San Jose, we can see that Oslo is more expensive. And not only is San Jose much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Oslo 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 Oslo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Oslo 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 Oslo Expensive? and Is San Jose Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Oslo or San Jose?
Oslo has a larger population, and is about 73% larger than the population of San Jose. When comparing the sizes of Oslo 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 Oslo or San Jose?
Oslo 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 Oslo or San Jose in the Summer?
Both San Jose and Oslo during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Oslo because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round.
Oslo is much colder than San Jose in the summer. The daily temperature in Oslo averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and San Jose fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It's quite sunny in Oslo. In the summer, Oslo often gets more sunshine than San Jose. Oslo gets 246 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 164 hours of full sun.
San Jose gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Oslo usually gets less rain in July than San Jose. Oslo gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyOslo 18°C (64°F)San Jose 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Oslo or San Jose in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Oslo and San Jose. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Oslo this time of year. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the autumn, Oslo is much colder than San Jose. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Oslo in October average around 7°C (45°F), and San Jose averages at about 27°C (81°F).
Oslo usually receives less sunshine than San Jose during autumn. Oslo gets 86 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.
San Jose receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Oslo usually receives less rain than San Jose. Oslo gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberOslo 7°C (45°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Oslo or San Jose in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Oslo as well as San Jose. Many travelers come to Oslo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Jose throughout the year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Oslo. In January, Oslo is generally much colder than San Jose. Daily temperatures in Oslo average around -4°C (25°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Jose. In the winter, Oslo often gets less sunshine than San Jose. Oslo gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 264 hours of full sun.
Oslo usually gets more rain in January than San Jose. Oslo gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryOslo -4°C (25°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Oslo or San Jose in the Spring?
Both San Jose and Oslo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Oslo in the spring for the activities around the city. Plenty of visitors come to San Jose because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Oslo is much colder than San Jose in the spring. The daily temperature in Oslo averages around 6°C (42°F) in April, and San Jose fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
It's quite sunny in San Jose. Oslo usually receives less sunshine than San Jose during spring. Oslo gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Oslo usually receives more rain than San Jose. Oslo gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilOslo 6°C (42°F)San Jose 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for San Jose and Oslo
| Oslo | San Jose | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -4°C (25°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | -3°C (26°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 1°C (33°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 6°C (42°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 12°C (53°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 16°C (61°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (64°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (61°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (53°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 7°C (45°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 1°C (35°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (28°F) | 56 mm (2.2 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.