A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Port-of-Spain vs. San Juan for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Port-of-Spain or San Juan?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Port-of-Spain and San Juan can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Port-of-Spain or San Juan?

Port-of-Spain

Located on the northwest coast of Trinidad island, Port of Spain is the capital of the Caribbean island nation Trinidad & Tobago. It is a hub of activity, especially during the celebration of Carnival for which the island nation is famous.

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.

Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Port-of-Spain?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Port-of-Spain is $174, 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 Port-of-Spain and San Juan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Port-of-Spain $80
    San Juan $124
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Port-of-Spain $160
    San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Port-of-Spain and San Juan

Looking for a hotel in Port-of-Spain 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 Port-of-Spain


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: Port-of-Spain Hotel Prices and San Juan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Port-of-Spain $49
    San Juan $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan

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

  • Carabali Rain Forest Round Trip Private Taxi Transfer: $210
  • Mendoza: One-Way Private Transfer from Airport: $25
  • Old Walking Tour with Shopping and Hotel Transfer: $70
  • One-way transfer from SJU Airport to Cruise Port or Vice Versa: $55
  • Oneway Transfer San Juan to Ceiba: Ferry, Vieques/Culebra Airport: $80
  • Oneway Transfer- San Juan (SJU,hotel,airbnb,port) to Dorado City: $68
  • Private Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to San Juan Airport: $22
  • Private Transfer Airport SJU to Old San Juan Vice versa One way: $58
  • Private Transfer from Port to SJU Airport/SJU Airport to Port: $55
  • Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, Tesla 3 Luxury Sedan.: $63
  • Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Ford Premium SUV, Select Zone: $87
  • Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Lexus Luxury Sedan, Select Zone: $81

Is it cheaper to fly into Port-of-Spain or San Juan?

Prices for flights to both San Juan and Port-of-Spain 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
    Port-of-Spain $54
    San Juan $36

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:

  • Pinones Bar Crawl Beach Hop Food Tour with Free Adult Drinks: $50
  • Pinones Bar crawl Beach Hop Food Tour Free Adult Drinks: $50
  • City Lights Sky High Dinner Experience: $132
  • Old San Juan Sunset Food Tour with Drinks: $156
  • Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $170

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Port-of-Spain $59
    San Juan $49

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
  • Transportation in San Juan, Isla verde, Condado, Hotels, Cruises & Airbnb's SJU: $14
  • Self-Guided Tour with Audio Guide: $14
  • Old Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $25
  • Beginner Puerto Rican Salsa Experience: $25
  • Historical Walking Tour in Old San Juan: $30
  • Old San Juan Walking Tour: $39
  • Old San Juan City Walking Tour: $39
  • Old San Juan Walking Tour: Ponce de Leon Statue to El Arsenal: $41
  • Legacy Tour at Casa BarcadÍ in Puerto Rico: $45
  • Walking tour of Oaxaca City: $48
  • El Morro Fort Entry Ticket & Old Town Walking Tour: $49

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Port-of-Spain $22
    San Juan $12


When comparing the travel costs between Port-of-Spain and San Juan, we can see that San Juan is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Caribbean Islands, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Port-of-Spain Expensive? and Is San Juan Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Port-of-Spain or San Juan?

San Juan has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Port-of-Spain. When comparing the sizes of Port-of-Spain 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 Port-of-Spain or San Juan?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Port-of-Spain or San Juan in the Summer?

Both San Juan and Port-of-Spain during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Port-of-Spain because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Port-of-Spain. Port-of-Spain usually gets more rain in July than San Juan. Port-of-Spain gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

In San Juan, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Port-of-Spain. In the summer, Port-of-Spain often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Port-of-Spain gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun.

In the summer, Port-of-Spain is around the same temperature as San Juan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Port-of-Spain in July average around 27°C (81°F), and San Juan averages at about 28°C (83°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Port-of-Spain 27°C (81°F) 
    San Juan 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Port-of-Spain or San Juan in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Port-of-Spain and San Juan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Port-of-Spain year-round. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

San Juan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Port-of-Spain gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Port-of-Spain usually receives more rain than San Juan. Port-of-Spain gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan this time of the year. In Port-of-Spain, it's very sunny this time of the year. Port-of-Spain usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during autumn. Port-of-Spain gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Port-of-Spain is generally around the same temperature as San Juan. Daily temperatures in Port-of-Spain average around 27°C (81°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Port-of-Spain 27°C (81°F) 
    San Juan 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Port-of-Spain or San Juan in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Port-of-Spain as well as San Juan. Port-of-Spain attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.

Port-of-Spain usually gets more rain in January than San Juan. Port-of-Spain gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Port-of-Spain this time of the year. In the winter, Port-of-Spain often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Juan. Port-of-Spain gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun.

Port-of-Spain is around the same temperature as San Juan in the winter. The daily temperature in Port-of-Spain averages around 26°C (78°F) in January, and San Juan fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Port-of-Spain 26°C (78°F) 
    San Juan 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Port-of-Spain or San Juan in the Spring?

Both San Juan and Port-of-Spain are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Port-of-Spain throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In April, Port-of-Spain usually receives less rain than San Juan. Port-of-Spain gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

It's quite sunny in San Juan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Port-of-Spain. Port-of-Spain usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during spring. Port-of-Spain gets 238 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.

In the spring, Port-of-Spain is around the same temperature as San Juan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Port-of-Spain in April average around 27°C (81°F), and San Juan averages at about 26°C (79°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Port-of-Spain 27°C (81°F) 
    San Juan 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for San Juan and Port-of-Spain

Port-of-Spain San Juan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (78°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 26°C (78°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 51 mm (2 in) 26°C (79°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 252 mm (9.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 266 mm (10.5 in) 28°C (83°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 225 mm (8.9 in) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 203 mm (8 in) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 199 mm (7.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 228 mm (9 in) 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 155 mm (6.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)


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