A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Rhodes vs. San Jose for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Rhodes or San Jose?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Rhodes and San Jose. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Rhodes

Rhodes is a world famous, ancient, and beautiful island. Rhodes is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Rhodes travel costs.

San Jose

San Jose is a authentic, traditional, and colorful city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See San Jose travel costs.

Rhodes and San Jose: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rhodes or San Jose?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rhodes than San Jose. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Rhodes is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while San Jose attracts visitors for its nightlife and big city activities. Rhodes is more touristy than San Jose and is popular for its beautiful beaches, rich cultural setting, and long running history. It is also well known for Rhodes Old Town. San Jose is famous for its colorful markets and vibrant nightlife, as well as its easy access to the rest of the country.

How is Rhodes different from San Jose?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between San Jose and Rhodes. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Rhodes or San Jose?

Rhodes is very popular for its museums and history. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Rhodes from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. Many of the villages feel like outdoor museums, with churches and archaeological sites throughout. Some of the most well known sites include the Palace of the Grand Masters, the Hospital of the Knights, Süleyman Mosque, and Roloi Clock Tower.

San Jose offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Despite most people rushing through town, there are a number of museums, plazas, and interesting buildings that are worth checking out.

Is the Food Better in Rhodes or San Jose? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rhodes is very popular for its restaurants. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Rhodes is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The island offers Greek classics with a local flair. Common ingredients include wheat, olives, legumes, wine, and cheese. Many dishes are flavored with cumin, which is more heavily used here than elsewhere in Greece. Popular local dishes include matsi (a pasta cooked in meat broth and prepared with cheese, butter, and legumes), tsouka (a veal and pasta casserole), and lakani (veal, goat, or lamb meat that is slow-cooked in tomato sauce).

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in San Jose. Most people miss out on local cuisine during their time in Costa Rica, but the capital city offers the best opportunities to eat like a local. You can sample favorite local dishes such as chifrijo, gallo pinto, rondón, and casado. You should also wander through the Central Market and dine at one of the many local restaurants.

Is Rhodes or San Jose Better for Nightlife?

San Jose is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Rhodes is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

San Jose is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. This city has the best nightlife in all of Costa Rica. You'll find a diversity of clubs and bars that are fun to explore. Check out the reggae bars, dance clubs, and sports bars (where you can enjoy a soccer game) while you're in town.

If you're looking for night time activities Rhodes has a few options to choose from. It's not the most party-oriented island, but you'll find plenty to do at night. Most of the clubs are found in Rhodes Town near Hippocrates Square, along Menekleous Street, or near Orfanidou Street. Faliraki has long been a popular nightlife area that brings in the British crowd, but it's not as lively as it once was. Some resorts offer more of a nightlife scene than others so if that's a priority, do your research before you book.

Is Rhodes or San Jose Better for Resorts?

Rhodes is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, San Jose is not a resort destination.

Rhodes offers an unforgettable resort vacation. It is a large and diverse island with a variety of resorts and towns to choose from. There are quiet areas like those around Kallithea Beach, Kolymbia, and Kalathos, as well as more lively areas like Faliraki. There are a number of all-inclusive resorts around the island but there are also boutique hotels and apartments if that's more your style.

San Jose is not a resort destination.

Is Rhodes or San Jose Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Rhodes is a very popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, San Jose is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Rhodes to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. The island has many snorkeling and dive spots where you can enjoy the underwater world. There are plenty of snorkeling or scuba diving trips that you can organize in advance as well. Because of the island's large size, there's a diversity of vendors and areas to pick between.

San Jose is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Rhodes or San Jose Better for Beaches?

Rhodes is very popular for its beaches. However, San Jose is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Rhodes are among the best in the world. The island has spectacular beaches with crystal blue waters. Many of the beaches are sandy with swimming or snorkeling opportunities. The island is also known for its watersports and several beaches are great windsurfing or kite surfing locations. There are countless beaches to choose from but some of the favorites are Tsambika, Saint Paul's Bay, Ladiko, and Kallithea.

San Jose is not a beach destination.

Is Rhodes or San Jose Better for Hiking?

Rhodes is very popular for its hiking trails. However, San Jose is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Rhodes draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The breathtaking landscapes, sweeping views, and beautiful waters make this an amazing hiking island. There are a wide range of trails to choose from with easy, moderate, and challenging options available. The many quaint villages and unique archaeological sites all make this a fantastic place to hike.

San Jose is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Rhodes or San Jose?

Rhodes is very popular for shopping. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Rhodes. For a unique shopping experience head to Nea Agora (The New Market), which has a mix of shops and restaurants. You can also pick up fresh produce or pastries there. Sprinkled around the island you'll find many local artisan shops where you can buy ceramics, jewelry, soaps, leather goods, and more.

San Jose is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are a number of unique things you can buy in the city including jewelry, handbags, and wood workings. Make sure you check out the Central Market.

Is Rhodes or San Jose More Beautiful?

Rhodes is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, San Jose is not a destination known for its beauty.

Rhodes is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The island offers impressive archaeological ruins, stunning vistas, breathtaking landscapes, and world class beaches.

San Jose is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Rhodes or San Jose Better for Families?

Rhodes is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, San Jose is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

Rhodes is a very family-friendly destination. It's large size, varied activities, and wonderful outdoor setting makes this one of the most kid-friendly islands in Greece. There are many local villages that everyone will enjoy as well as beautiful walks and stunning beaches. Kids will appreciate the diversity of water activities that are available and the family-friendly restaurants ensure everyone can eat out comfortably.

San Jose doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Most people pass through the city quickly, but if you have a day or two to explore, you can visit the Children's Museum (Museo de los Niños), Spirogyra Butterfly Gardens, or explore the Central Market.

Is Rhodes or San Jose Better for Couples?

Rhodes is very popular for romance. However, San Jose is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Rhodes has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The larger size and diversity of activities make this island a great option for a honeymoon. The beaches are breathtaking, but there are also a number of water sports that couples will enjoy. The hiking, archaeological sites, and amazing restaurants will make for an unforgettable honeymoon.

Most people don't think of San Jose as a couple's destination. While Costa Rica is a popular honeymoon destination, the capital city is often overlooked for the beaches and rainforests around the country.

Is Rhodes or San Jose Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rhodes and San Jose are great places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Rhodes is a great island to visit for backpackers. The island has something for everyone, and because it's one of the larger islands, there are more hostels and budget restaurants to choose from. You'll find all kinds of travelers on the island and there really is something that everyone can enjoy.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit San Jose. Backpackers appreciate the affordability of the city and the wide range of hostels that you can choose from. The city also offers an authentic glimpse of life in Costa Rica.

Is Rhodes or San Jose Better for Students?

San Jose is a good destination for students. However, Rhodes is not popular with students.

San Jose is popular with students. Many students come to Costa Rica to study the country's amazing environment and unique ecological systems. San Jose makes a good base as its easy to travel to other parts of this small country.

Rhodes is not popular with students.

Is Rhodes or San Jose Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Rhodes is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Rhodes is fairly effecient and thorough. There is a comprehensive bus system that covers most of the island.

You'll find some public transit in San Jose, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses that travel through the city during the daytime hours.

Is Rhodes or San Jose a more walkable city?

San Jose is a good destination for its high level of walkability. However, Rhodes is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

San Jose is a somewhat walkable place. It can feel a bit chaotic, but it's relatively easy to get around on foot.

Rhodes is generally not a very walkable island. The island is large so unless you're interested in hiking, most places are best reached with a vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Rhodes Worth Visiting? and Is San Jose Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Jose or Rhodes?

How long in Rhodes or San Jose?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Rhodes or San Jose to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Rhodes than San Jose because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Rhodes, and 1-2 days is enough time in San Jose.

Families should spend more time in Rhodes than San Jose. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Rhodes, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Rhodes than San Jose. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Rhodes that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rhodes than San Jose if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Rhodes.

One day in Rhodes or San Jose?

The beautiful island of Rhodes offers museums and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of San Jose. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Rhodes or San Jose?

Rhodes is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

San Jose is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Rhodes or San Jose?

Rhodes is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Rhodes, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Jose. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Rhodes or San Jose?

Rhodes is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the traditional destination of San Jose. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Greece, The Best Bicycle Tours in Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rhodes and San Jose, we can see that Rhodes is more expensive. And not only is San Jose much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Rhodes 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 Rhodes would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rhodes 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 Rhodes Expensive? and Is San Jose Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Rhodes or San Jose?

Rhodes has a larger population, and is about 73% larger than the population of San Jose. When comparing the sizes of Rhodes 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.