Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Rome?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Rome 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 Rome 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: Rome or San Juan?
Rome
Rome is the kind of city that refuses to stay in the past, even though history is everywhere you look. Ancient ruins rise beside buzzing cafes, scooters zip past Renaissance palaces, and quiet cobblestone lanes suddenly open onto grand piazzas filled with fountains, churches, and street performers. It is a city of layers: the Colosseum and Roman Forum, the Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica, neighborhood trattorias, stylish boutiques, and late-night gelato walks all woven together into one unforgettable experience. Whether you come for the art, the food, the history, or the simple pleasure of wandering without a plan, Rome has a way of making every day feel like a discovery.
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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.
-
Rome Prices
Italy PricesSan Juan Prices
Puerto Rico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRome $232San Juan $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Rome is $232, 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 Rome and San Juan in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRome $101San Juan $124
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRome $202San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Rome and San Juan
Looking for a hotel in Rome 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: Rome Hotel Prices and San Juan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rome $24San Juan $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rome
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rome:
-
Metro Ride (for Two)$2.25
-
Train to the Airport$17
-
Taxi to Airport$51
-
Bicycle Rental (Full Day)$11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rome
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rome:
- Private Transfer from and to Civitavecchia from Rome City Center: $297
- Transfer from Rome to the Beverello pier (Naples): $290
- Civitavecchia DA transfer and vice versa: $288
- Transfer from Civitavecchia 4 people: $286
- Transfer from Rome Hotel to Civitavecchia Cruise Port and vice versa: $286
- Private transfer from Rome to S. Felice Circeo, Sabaudia or Terracina: $286
- Private Express Tour of Roman Catacombs with Transfer: $285
- Rome to Civitavecchia Port Private Door to Ship Cruise Transfer: $280
- Fiumicino Airport (FCO) to Saturnia - Arrival Private Transfer: $280
- Civitavecchia Port to Rome Luxury Private Pier Side Transfer: $280
- Civitavecchia Port to Rome FCO Airport Private Pier Transfer: $280
- Private Transfer Civitavecchia Port to/from Rome City & Airport: $274
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan
Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer to Cruise Ships, Hotels, Airbnb in San Juan: $75
- Arrival Private Transfer SJU Airport to Old San Juan by Sedan: $120
- Carabali Rain Forest Round Trip Private Taxi Transfer: $160
- Dorado Transfers: $75
- 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
- One Way Airport Transfer Condado Isla Verde Old San Juan: $95
- Ponce Transfers: $150
- Premium Transfer Service from or to Río Grande Puerto Rico: $50
- Private Airport Transfers to Ceiba Ferry Terminal and Airport: $155
- Private Transfer Airport SJU to Old San Juan Vice versa One way: $65
Is it cheaper to fly into Rome or San Juan?
Prices for flights to both San Juan and Rome 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 dayRome $94San Juan $62
Typical Food Prices in Rome
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rome:
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)$16
-
4 Ice Cream Sandwiches$3.36
-
Cafe e doce$4.49
-
Pizza (Fast Food)$2.98
-
Sitdown Lunch (for Two)$36
-
Cheese and bread$11
-
Espresso$2.25
-
Dinner$65
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rome
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rome.
- Pizzas and Piazzas: A Self-Guided Walk of Rome’s Culinary Culture: $20
- Hard Rock Cafe Rome with Set Lunch or Dinner: $33
- Rome Pasta & Tiramisu Making Class & Fine Wine by Cooking Italy: $40
- Rome Pizza & Gelato Class with Wine by Cooking Italy: $40
- Rome Small Group Gnocchi and Tiramisu Cooking Class: $43
- Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Prosecco in Rome: $45
- Rome Early Morning Breakfast and Sightseeing Food Tour: $45
- Rome Testaccio Market Food Tour - Eat Like a Local: $45
- Rome Pizza Making Class for Families in Trastevere: $45
- Milan Street Food Tour and City Guided Sightseeing: $45
- Authentic Gnocchi Cooking Class in Rome - Piazza Navona: $46
- Pesto and Pasta Cooking Class in Rome City Center: $48
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
- Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $170
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Rome $41San Juan $49
Typical Entertainment Prices in Rome
Here are a few typical costs in Rome for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Rome Museum Vaticano (for 2)$77
-
Coliseum Tickets (for Two)$37
-
Roma Pass$34
-
Hop on Hop Off Bus (All Day)$22
-
Segway Tour$84
Tours and Activities in Rome
Here are a few actual costs in Rome for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- " Private pantheon tour: Explore Rome's Divine masterpiece": $102
- "Rome of the Popes" E-bike Tour with Guide for Small Groups: $82
- "Villa Borghese" Rome tour with high quality electric bicycle!: $67
- 1 Day Rome Tour from Civitavecchia for Cruise Passengers: $88
- 1 Hour Pantheon Tour: A Time Travel Experience in Rome + Ebook: $109
- 1.5 Hour Rome Iconic Sights Golf Cart Tour: $28
- 10 kilometer Running Experience in Rome: $80
- 2 Hour Guided Walking Tour in Trastevere and Jewish Ghetto: $40
- 2-Hour Private Shopping Tour in Rome with Personal Stylist - Personal Shopper: $114
- 2.5 Hours Private Tour in Rome on a Vintage Fiat 500 open cabrio: $182
- 3 Hour Private Tour Wonders of Rome by Golf Car with Pick up: $113
- 3 Hours Private Photographic and Historical Tour in Rome: $114
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.
- The Ultimate Self-Guided Hidden Gems Tour in Puerto Rico: $5.00
- Transportation in San Juan, Isla verde, Condado, Hotels, Cruises & Airbnb's SJU: $14
- San Juan Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $14
- Outdoor Salsa Class Experience in San Juan: $19
- Eco Friendly Farming Tour to Explore Dorado's Most Beautiful Farm: $20
- Old San Juan Walking Tour with a Local Certified Guide: $25
- San Juan Ghost Tour: Shrieks in the Sugarcane: $26
- VIP San Juan Salsa Night Experience at Luxury Condado Beach: $35
- San Juan Guided Turtle Snorkel Tour and Complimentary Videos: $39
- SJU Airport to San Juan Cruise Port or return: $43
- 3 Tours in 1 Day Old San Juan Rainforest and Beach with Transport: $44
- 2 Tours in 1 Day Rainforest and Beach Adventure with Transport: $44
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayRome $20San Juan $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Rome
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Rome:
-
Bottle of Wine$7.30
-
Pint of Beer$7.12
-
Beer$11
Sample the Local Flavors in Rome
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rome:
- Unique Wine Tasting in Enoteca in Rome San Pietro Area: $32
- Rome [4in1] Pasta Making_Tiramisù_Wine Tasting_Secret Cellar: $36
- Winery Tour, Wine Tasting near Rome with Optional Lunch: $45
- Frascati Wine Tasting Experience with Food Pairing: $46
- Rome Premium Wine Tasting: 3, 4, 5 or 6 Wines with Expert Guide: $51
- Experience Rome Exclusive Wine Tasting in City Center: $55
- Vatican Wine Tasting Italian Wines e Food with a Sommelier: $56
- Small-Group Exclusive Winery and Wine Tasting Tour in Frascati: $63
- Rome Nightlife Party Tour Monti Bar Crawl and Local Drinks: $65
- Rome Night Tipsy Tour & Bar Crawl with Forbidden History: $67
- Trionfale Farmers Market and Vatican Quarter Food and Wine Tour: $79
- The greatest wine tour of Rome: $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 comparing the travel costs between Rome and San Juan, we can see that Rome 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. Even though Rome is in Europe and San Juan is in Caribbean Islands, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Rome Expensive? and Is San Juan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rome or San Juan?
Rome has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of San Juan. When comparing the sizes of Rome 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 Rome or San Juan?
Rome 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 Rome or San Juan in the Summer?
Both San Juan and Rome during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Rome for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.
In the summer, Rome is cooler than San Juan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Rome in July average around 25°C (77°F), and San Juan averages at about 28°C (83°F).
In San Juan, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Rome. In the summer, Rome often gets more sunshine than San Juan. Rome gets 338 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun.
Rome usually gets less rain in July than San Juan. Rome gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyRome 25°C (77°F)San Juan 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Rome or San Juan in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Rome and San Juan. Many visitors come to Rome in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Rome is generally much colder than San Juan. Daily temperatures in Rome average around 17°C (63°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan this time of the year. Rome usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during autumn. Rome gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
San Juan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Rome usually receives less rain than San Juan. Rome gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberRome 17°C (63°F)San Juan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Rome or San Juan in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Rome as well as San Juan. Most visitors come to Rome for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.
Rome is much colder than San Juan in the winter. The daily temperature in Rome averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and San Juan fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. In the winter, Rome often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Rome gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun.
Rome usually gets more rain in January than San Juan. Rome gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryRome 8°C (47°F)San Juan 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Rome or San Juan in the Spring?
Both San Juan and Rome are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Rome because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the spring, Rome is much colder than San Juan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Rome in April average around 14°C (57°F), and San Juan averages at about 26°C (79°F).
It's quite sunny in San Juan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rome. Rome usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during spring. Rome gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Rome usually receives less rain than San Juan. Rome gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilRome 14°C (57°F)San Juan 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for San Juan and Rome
| Rome | San Juan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 8°C (47°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 9°C (49°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 11°C (52°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (57°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 42 mm (1.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (71°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (71°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (63°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 9°C (49°F) | 94 mm (3.7 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.