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

Should you visit Paris or San Juan?

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

Should I visit Paris 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: Paris or San Juan?

Paris

Paris is a dream destination for many people. It's location on the river Seine contributes to its stunning beauty and you can spend many days wandering through its wonderfully diverse neighborhoods. It's known as a city of culture, fashion, food and fun. There is never a shortage of entertainment and activities around town and a highlight of many people's trips to Paris is to explore the city at night, when it truly comes to life. It is not hard to see why this city has received the nickname as the "City of Lights."

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 Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Paris?

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 Paris is $298, 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 Paris and San Juan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Paris $172
    San Juan $124
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Paris $344
    San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Paris and San Juan

Looking for a hotel in Paris 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 Paris


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: Paris Hotel Prices and San Juan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Paris $24
    San Juan $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Paris

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


  • Metro
    $7.19
  • Train from Airport
    $10
  • Metro tickets
    $7.64
  • Train
    $22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Paris

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

  • Transfer from Paris to Airport: CDG, Orly, Beauvais: $297
  • Private Disneyland Return Transfer Up to 6 People: $285
  • Charles De Gaule Airport Private Transfer: $285
  • Private Transfer from CDG Airport to Paris: $285
  • Private Transfer from Paris to CDG Airport: $285
  • Private Airport Transfer Paris - Round Trip: $285
  • Private Transfer from Paris City to Le Havre: $285
  • Louvre Museum Paris Private Tour with Tickets and Transfers: $284
  • Private Mercedes luxury transfer from PARIS to => DISNEYLAND Paris with Cab-Bel-Air: $279
  • Panthéon Paris Private Guided Tour with Transfers: $279
  • Airport Transfers from and to Paris and Beauvais Tille Airport: $274
  • Private Transfer from Charles De Gaulle Airport to Disneyland: $274

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
  • Luxury Puerto Rico Private Transfers: $220
  • Single ATV Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $195
  • San Juan Airport (SJU) to Ponce hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $194
  • Private Transfer from SJU Airport to Humacao Hotels: $180
  • Carabali Rain Forest Round Trip Private Taxi Transfer: $160
  • San Juan Airport (SJU) to Rio Grande hotel – Round-Trip Private Transfer: $160
  • Private Luxury transfer - SJU, Hotel, Airbnb - Car seat available: $145
  • Transfer SJU Airport to Dorado. Hotels and Airbnb. Vice Versa One Way Trip.: $140
  • Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, 16Pax Mercedes Van, Select Zone: $130
  • Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, 14Pax Lux Sprinter Van: $124

Is it cheaper to fly into Paris or San Juan?

Prices for flights to both San Juan and Paris 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
    Paris $81
    San Juan $62
Typical Food Prices in Paris

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


  • Ice Cream
    $8.98
  • Breakfast
    $7.86
  • Breakfast for 2
    $33
  • Dinner on River Cruise
    $97
  • Dinner
    $64
  • Cheese
    $15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Paris

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

  • Paris Morning Food Tour: French Pastries, Cheese & Coffee: $56
  • Paris Capitaine Fracasse 3 Course Seine River Dinner Cruise: $65
  • Paris Seine River dinner cruise from Alexandre III bridge: $67
  • Paris Vegan Street Food Tour: $74
  • Authentic Indian Dinner in Paris: $74
  • Paris en Scene 3 Course Seine River Dinner Cruise: $74
  • Seine River Sightseeing Cruise and Dinner at Le Bistro Parisien: $82
  • Paris Le Marais Food Tour – Full French Meal by Do Eat Better: $86
  • Paris Guided Food Tour by Bike - Ile de la Cité and Marais: $90
  • Paris Le Marais Food Tour with Wine: 10 Tastings & 6 Stops: $90
  • Montmartre Food Tour - Chocolate, Crepes, Pastries and More!: $90
  • Paris Food Tour: 10+ Tastings, French Wine, Cheeses & Secret Dish: $91

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
  • Morning Old San Juan Food Tour: $169
  • Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $170

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Paris $86
    San Juan $49
Typical Entertainment Prices in Paris

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


  • Louvre Entry for Two
    $20
  • Admission to Pantheon
    $5.62
  • Catacombs (2)
    $26

Tours and Activities in Paris

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

  • Île de la Cité Guided Tour & Exterior Notre Dame: $56
  • Île de la Cité, the Old Town of Paris Private Guided Tour: $208
  • 1 Day Paris City Tour on River & Land with Louvre Museum ticket: $136
  • 1 Hour Private Photo Session experience with the Eiffel Tower: $108
  • 1-Hour Seine River Cruise Ticket from Eiffel Tower: $21
  • 1.5-hour cruise on the Seine departing at 6:30 PM: $21
  • 1H Orsay Museum Express Small Group Guided Tour: $103
  • 2 Hour Private Paris Tour in a French vintage car - Hidden Gems: $227
  • 2 Hours Private Guided Tour in a Pink Citroën 2CV: $143
  • 2 Hours Small Group Tour in Orsay Museum: $144
  • 2-Hour Private Tour of Versailles in a Vintage Car (2CV): $205
  • 2-hour Walking Tour Through The Charms of Montmartre: $44

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-Hour Jet Ski Adventure in the Bay: $150
  • 2 Tours in 1 Day Rainforest and Beach Adventure with Transport: $55
  • 3 Tours in 1 Day Old San Juan Rainforest and Beach with Transport: $55
  • 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: River and Natural Waterslide Adventure from San Juan: $105
  • Around the Island Tour From San Juan: $148
  • Bio Bay Night Kayak Tour with Transport from San Juan: $125
  • Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Adventure Tour from San Juan: $108

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Paris $27
    San Juan $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Paris

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Paris are as follows:


  • Wine
    $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Paris

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Paris:

  • The Original Pub Crawl + Free Shots + VIP Club Entry: $17
  • Social Pub Crawl – Come Alone, Leave With Friends: $20
  • Paris Montmartre Cheese Charcuterie Wine Tasting with Audio Tour: $29
  • Paris Guided Pub Crawl with Bars Shots and Club Entry: $31
  • Visit and tasting at the distillery L'Alambic Parisien: $32
  • Paris Gin Craft Distillery Tour and Tasting: $34
  • Vineyard tour and wine tasting in Davron: $40
  • A burlesque cabaret in an old brothel: $42
  • Wine Tasting in Paris right next to Père Lachaise & l'Atelier des lumières: $51
  • Wine tasting Paris Saint Germain des Pres: $53
  • Cheese and Wine Tasting in the Latin Quarter with Chef Alex: $67
  • Paris Art of Pairing Cheese and Wine Tasting in a Cheese Cellar: $80

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 Paris and San Juan, we can see that Paris is more expensive. And not only is San Juan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Paris 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 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 Paris would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paris 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 Paris Expensive? and Is San Juan Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Paris or San Juan?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of San Juan. When comparing the sizes of Paris 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 Paris or San Juan?

Paris 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 Paris or San Juan in the Summer?

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

Paris is cooler than San Juan in the summer. The daily temperature in Paris averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

It's quite sunny in San Juan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Paris. Paris usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during summer. Paris gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Paris usually receives less rain than San Juan. Paris gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Paris 20°C (68°F) 
    San Juan 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Paris or San Juan in the Autumn?

Both San Juan and Paris during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Paris this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.

In the autumn, Paris is much colder than San Juan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Paris in October average around 13°C (56°F), and San Juan averages at about 28°C (82°F).

In San Juan, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Paris often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Paris gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 235 hours of full sun.

San Juan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Paris usually gets less rain in October than San Juan. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Paris 13°C (56°F) 
    San Juan 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Paris or San Juan in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Paris and San Juan. Many travelers come to Paris for the museums, 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.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Paris. In January, Paris is generally much colder than San Juan. Daily temperatures in Paris average around 5°C (40°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan this time of the year. Paris usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during winter. Paris gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Paris usually receives around the same amount of rain as San Juan. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Paris 5°C (40°F) 
    San Juan 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Paris or San Juan in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Paris as well as San Juan. Many visitors come to Paris in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.

Paris is much colder than San Juan in the spring. The daily temperature in Paris averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and San Juan fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. In the spring, Paris often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Paris gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun.

Paris usually gets less rain in April than San Juan. Paris gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Paris 11°C (52°F) 
    San Juan 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for San Juan and Paris

Paris San Juan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (1.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 28°C (83°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Aug 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Nov 8°C (47°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 26°C (78°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)