Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Palma de Mallorca?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Palma de Mallorca or San Juan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Palma de Mallorca 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: Palma de Mallorca or San Juan?
Palma de Mallorca
Palma de Mallorca is a resort city and capital of the Spanish island, Mallorca, in the western Mediterranean. It is home to landmarks like Gothic cathedrals and medieval fortresses, but is also host to sandy beaches where the city meets the sea in a backdrop of surrounding mountains. Amidst the city itself you will find it easy to get lost in the charm of cobbled lanes, busy markets, boutiques, and historic courtyards.
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 2-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPalma de Mallorca $148San Juan $192
The average daily cost (per person) in Palma de Mallorca is $148, 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 Palma de Mallorca and San Juan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPalma de Mallorca $74San Juan $124
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPalma de Mallorca $148San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Palma de Mallorca and San Juan
Looking for a hotel in Palma de Mallorca 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: Palma de Mallorca Hotel Prices and San Juan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Palma de Mallorca $26San Juan $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Palma de Mallorca
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Palma de Mallorca are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$7.29
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Bus Ride$1.34
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Palma de Mallorca
Also for Palma de Mallorca, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Mallorca Airport (PMI): Private Transfer to Port de Polença: $213
- Private Transfer from Mallorca airport (PMI) to Cala Mesquida : $213
- Majorca Airport (PMI) Departure Transfer (Cala Ratjada to PMI Airport): $212
- Private Transfer to/from Mallorca Airport: $184
- Private transfer from Alcúdia to Mallorca Airport: $175
- Arrival Private Transfers : Mallorca Airport PMI to Palma in Luxury Car: $147
- Private Transfer from Mallorca airport (PMI) to Can Picafort : $144
- Private Transfer from Mallorca airport (PMI) to Pollensa: $144
- Private Transfer from Alcudia to Mallorca airport (PMI): $144
- Private Transfer from Mallorca airport (PMI) to Alcudia: $144
- Private Transfer from Mallorca airport (PMI) to Calas de Mallorca: $142
- Private Transfer from Cala Millor to Mallorca airport (PMI): $142
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan
Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Old San Juan Sunset Cruise with Drinks & Transfer: $99
- San Juan hotels to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port: Transfer to San Juan hotel: $272
- San Juan One-way Transfer: $30
- San Juan Luxury Private Round-Trip Transfer: SJU Airport - Cruise Pier - Hotel : $50
- San Juan Airport (SJU): Private Transfer to San Juan Port: $272
- 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
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Mercedes ECO Van, Select Zone: $87
- 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 Palma de Mallorca or San Juan?
Prices for flights to both San Juan and Palma de Mallorca 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
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Food Meals for one dayPalma de Mallorca $48San Juan $36
Typical Food Prices in Palma de Mallorca
For Palma de Mallorca, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Soda$2.68
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Palma de Mallorca
For Palma de Mallorca, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Spanish Cooking Class Experience in Palma with 5+ Tastings: $21
- Spanish Cooking Experience in Mallorca: $109
- The Award-Winning PRIVATE Food Tour of Mallorca: The 10 Tastings: $130
- Mediterranean cooking experience in nature: $131
- 4-Hour Market Visit and Traditional Cooking Workshop in Palma: $147
- Sailboat Dinner and Movie Night: $650
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Palma de Mallorca $36San Juan $49
Tours and Activities in Palma de Mallorca
For Palma de Mallorca, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2 Hour Deluxe Segway Tour from Palma: $83
- 1.5 H Electric Kick-Scooter Tour: $49
- 1H Self-Guided Electric Scooter Tour around Palma de Mallorca: $22
- 2 Hours sightseeing E-Bike Tour in Palma de Mallorca: $44
- 2hrs Snorkeling Experience in Sa Foradada: $47
- 3 Hour Slingshot Sunset Tour from Paguera: $129
- 3 hours quad tour from Paguera: $163
- 4-hour tour on a sailing ship in the Bay of Palma: $104
- 5-hours Tour: Mallorca Inland Charming Villages: $71
- 90 Minute Jet Ski Tour Cave of Sea Lions in Mallorca: $218
- 90' Stand Up Paddle tour in a small group in Cala Ratjada: $49
- AbenteuerDate Alcudia, Interactive Fun Tour in German Language: $9.83
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Juan
For San Juan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Horseback Riding Tour$40
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Full Day Snorkeling Trip$100
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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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPalma de Mallorca $32San Juan $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Palma de Mallorca
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Palma de Mallorca are as follows:
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Coffee$3.32
Sample the Local Flavors in Palma de Mallorca
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Palma de Mallorca:
- Wine tasting with wines from the smallest wineries in Mallorca: $43
- Gourmet Tapas and Wine Tour in Alcudia Old Town: $43
- Guided tour of the Winery with wine tasting, Vineyard and much more!: $49
- Gourmet Tapas and Wine Tour: $53
- Gourmet Tapas and Wine Tour in Palma de Mallorca : $54
- Gastronomic Mallorquin Wine Tasting & local delicacies: $71
- Wine Tasting Experience with Mallorcan Delights in Alcudia: $87
- Sa Clasta Mallorca Wine Tours: $158
- Sa Clasta Wine Tours, Mallorca: $158
- Mallorca Bodega & Olive Tour with Wine Tasting (full day): $163
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 Palma de Mallorca and San Juan, we can see that San Juan is more expensive. And not only is Palma de Mallorca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Palma de Mallorca Expensive? and Is San Juan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Palma de Mallorca or San Juan?
San Juan has a larger population, and is about 11% larger than the population of Palma de Mallorca. When comparing the sizes of Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca or San Juan?
Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca or San Juan in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Palma de Mallorca and San Juan. Many visitors come to Palma de Mallorca in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Palma de Mallorca is cooler than San Juan in the summer. The daily temperature in Palma de Mallorca averages around 24°C (76°F) in July, and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan this time of the year. In Palma de Mallorca, it's very sunny this time of the year. Palma de Mallorca usually receives more sunshine than San Juan during summer. Palma de Mallorca gets 334 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Palma de Mallorca usually receives less rain than San Juan. Palma de Mallorca gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPalma de Mallorca 24°C (76°F)San Juan 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or San Juan in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Palma de Mallorca as well as San Juan. Most visitors come to Palma de Mallorca for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.
In the autumn, Palma de Mallorca is cooler than San Juan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Palma de Mallorca in October average around 19°C (66°F), and San Juan averages at about 28°C (82°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palma de Mallorca this time of the year. In the autumn, Palma de Mallorca often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Palma de Mallorca gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 235 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in San Juan. Palma de Mallorca usually gets less rain in October than San Juan. Palma de Mallorca gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPalma de Mallorca 19°C (66°F)San Juan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or San Juan in the Winter?
Both San Juan and Palma de Mallorca are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Palma de Mallorca because of 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.
In January, Palma de Mallorca is generally much colder than San Juan. Daily temperatures in Palma de Mallorca average around 11°C (52°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It's quite sunny in San Juan. Palma de Mallorca usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during winter. Palma de Mallorca gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Palma de Mallorca usually receives less rain than San Juan. Palma de Mallorca gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPalma de Mallorca 11°C (52°F)San Juan 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or San Juan in the Spring?
Both San Juan and Palma de Mallorca during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Palma de Mallorca this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.
Palma de Mallorca is much colder than San Juan in the spring. The daily temperature in Palma de Mallorca averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and San Juan fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
In San Juan, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Palma de Mallorca. In the spring, Palma de Mallorca often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Palma de Mallorca gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun.
Palma de Mallorca usually gets less rain in April than San Juan. Palma de Mallorca gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPalma de Mallorca 14°C (57°F)San Juan 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for San Juan and Palma de Mallorca
| Palma de Mallorca | San Juan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 11°C (52°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (53°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (57°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (71°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (76°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 38 mm (1.5 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.