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

Should you visit Oslo or San Juan?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oslo 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: Oslo or San Juan?

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 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 Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.


Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Oslo?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Oslo is $137, 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 Oslo and San Juan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Oslo $81
    San Juan $124
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Oslo $162
    San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Oslo and San Juan

Looking for a hotel in Oslo 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 Oslo


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: Oslo Hotel Prices and San Juan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Oslo $23
    San Juan $14
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:

  • Oslo Airport (OSL): Private Transfer to Oslo Cruise Port: $489
  • Transfer Between Oslo City Center & Gardermoen Airport: $256
  • Oslo Airport Transfers : Oslo City to Oslo Airport OSL in Business Van: $238
  • Oslo Airport Transfers : Oslo Airport OSL to Oslo City in Business Van: $229
  • Round-Trip Private Transfer Oslo Airport OSL to Oslo City by Business Car: $228
  • Trondheim Private Transfer from Trondheim (TRD) Airport to City centre: $215
  • Oslo Private Transfer from Oslo city centre to Oslo airport: $204
  • Oslo Gardermoen Airport(OSL) to Trysil - Arrival Private Transfer: $187
  • Oslo Lufthavn Airport (OSL) to Trysil - Arrival Private Transfer: $187
  • Oslo Airport (OSL) to Oslo Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $179
  • Oslo Lufthavn Airport OSL to Hafjell- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $175
  • Private Oslo Airport and City Transfers: $164

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan

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

  • Private Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to San Juan Airport: $22
  • San Juan One-way Transfer: $30
  • San Juan hotels to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
  • San Juan Luxury Private Round-Trip Transfer: SJU Airport - Cruise Pier - Hotel : $50
  • Oneway Transfer- San Juan(SJU, hotel, airbnb, port) to Río Grande: $68
  • Old Walking Tour with Shopping and Hotel Transfer: $70
  • Roundtrip-Transfer from: SJU Airport,Cruises and Hotels in Puerto Rico LuxurySUV: $70
  • Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Tesla Y Luxury SUV, Select Zone: $77
  • Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Tesla S Lux Sedan, Select Zone: $79
  • Oneway Transfer San Juan to Ceiba: Ferry, Vieques/Culebra Airport: $80
  • Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Lexus Luxury Sedan, Select Zone: $81
  • Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Ford Premium SUV, Select Zone: $87

Is it cheaper to fly into Oslo or San Juan?

Prices for flights to both San Juan 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 day
    Oslo $30
    San Juan $36

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 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.
    Oslo $19
    San Juan $49

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

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.

  • Self-Guided Audio Tour of Historic Buildings: $5.99
  • Discover Old In-App Audio Tour of History: $11
  • Self-Guided Tour with Audio Guide: $14
  • Group Transportation in airport, cruise ships, hotels, bnb's in San Juan, PR: $20
  • Old Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $25
  • Old San Juan Walking Tour with a Certified Guide: $30
  • Historical Walking Tour in Old San Juan: $30
  • History, Legends, & Highlights Guided Walking Tour: $30
  • Old San Juan Walking Tour: $39
  • Old San Juan City Walking Tour: $39
  • Legacy Tour at Casa BarcadÍ in Puerto Rico: $45
  • Ron del Barrilito Skip-the-Line Heritage Tour Ticket: $46

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Oslo $11
    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 Oslo and San Juan, we can see that San Juan is more expensive. And not only is Oslo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Oslo is in Europe 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 Oslo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Oslo 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 Oslo.

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 Juan Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Oslo or San Juan?

Oslo has a larger population, and is about 39% larger than the population of San Juan. When comparing the sizes of Oslo 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 Oslo or San Juan?

Oslo 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 Oslo or San Juan in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Oslo as well as San Juan. Many visitors come to Oslo in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.

Oslo is much colder than San Juan in the summer. The daily temperature in Oslo averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Oslo this time of the year. In the summer, Oslo often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Oslo gets 246 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun.

Oslo usually gets less rain in July than San Juan. Oslo gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Oslo 18°C (64°F) 
    San Juan 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Oslo or San Juan in the Autumn?

Both San Juan and Oslo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Oslo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the autumn, Oslo is much colder than San Juan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Oslo in October average around 7°C (45°F), and San Juan averages at about 28°C (82°F).

It's quite sunny in San Juan. Oslo usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during autumn. Oslo gets 86 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Juan. In October, Oslo usually receives less rain than San Juan. Oslo gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Oslo 7°C (45°F) 
    San Juan 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Oslo or San Juan in the Winter?

Both San Juan and Oslo during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Oslo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.

The weather in Oslo can be very cold. In January, Oslo is generally much colder than San Juan. Daily temperatures in Oslo average around -4°C (25°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In San Juan, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Oslo often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Oslo gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun.

Oslo usually gets less rain in January than San Juan. Oslo gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Oslo -4°C (25°F) 
    San Juan 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Oslo or San Juan in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Oslo and San Juan. The activities around the city are the main draw to Oslo this time of year. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Oslo is much colder than San Juan in the spring. The daily temperature in Oslo averages around 6°C (42°F) in April, and San Juan fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan this time of the year. Oslo usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during spring. Oslo gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Oslo usually receives less rain than San Juan. Oslo gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Oslo 6°C (42°F) 
    San Juan 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for San Juan and Oslo

Oslo San Juan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -4°C (25°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Feb -3°C (26°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 1°C (33°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 26°C (78°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 6°C (42°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 26°C (79°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in) 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 28°C (83°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Sep 12°C (53°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Oct 7°C (45°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Nov 1°C (35°F) 75 mm (3 in) 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 26°C (78°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)