Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Rotterdam?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Rotterdam or San Juan?
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 Rotterdam and San Juan. 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.
Where Should I go: Rotterdam or San Juan?
Rotterdam
Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands and has the largest port in Europe. It's famously known as a city of architecture. In a few square kilometers of the city center you can get a complete overview of twentieth century architecture within Rotterdam.
Rotterdam is a very diverse, international, and hard working city. Nearly half of the city's population is not native to the Netherlands or have at least one parent from outside the country. Muslim's make up a significant portion of the population. Other area's represented include Cape Verde and the Dutch Antilles.
There's an air of optimism that permeates the entire city. There are frequent events, festivals and performances, making Rotterdam an enjoyable place to spend some time. Water is also an integral part of the city design.
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 River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRotterdam $162San Juan $192
The average daily cost (per person) in Rotterdam is $162, 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 Rotterdam and San Juan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRotterdam $82San Juan $124
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRotterdam $164San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Rotterdam and San Juan
Looking for a hotel in Rotterdam 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: Rotterdam Hotel Prices and San Juan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rotterdam $28San Juan $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotterdam
Also for Rotterdam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Minivan Transfer from Rotterdam: $295
- Private Minivan Transfer from Rotterdam : $274
- Private Transfer From Rotterdam to Amsterdam, With a 2 Hour Stop: $241
- Private Transfer from Rotterdam City to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $208
- Private Rotterdam Cruise Port Departure Transfer to Amsterdam: $170
- Private Direct Transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam: $170
- Private transfer Schiphol (AMS) to/from Rotterdam.: $167
- Private Transfer from Rotterdam to AMS Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $165
- Private Transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam: $165
- Private taxi transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $165
- Private Rotterdam Cruise Port Departure Transfer to AMS Schiphol Airport : $164
- Rotterdam Airport RTM Round-Trip Private Transfer: $162
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan
Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- San Juan Airport (SJU): Private Transfer to San Juan Port: $272
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port: Transfer to San Juan hotel: $272
- Carabali Rain Forest Round Trip Private Taxi Transfer: $210
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, 16Pax Mercedes Van, Select Zone: $130
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, 14Pax Lux Sprinter Van: $124
- Private Transfer from SJU Airport to San Juan / Rio Grande: $105
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, 11Pax Lux Sprinter Van: $103
- Old San Juan Sunset Cruise with Drinks & Transfer: $99
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Mercedes ECO Van, Select Zone: $87
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Ford Premium SUV, Select Zone: $87
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Lexus Luxury Sedan, Select Zone: $81
- Oneway Transfer San Juan to Ceiba: Ferry, Vieques/Culebra Airport: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Rotterdam or San Juan?
Prices for flights to both San Juan and Rotterdam 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 dayRotterdam $58San Juan $36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rotterdam
For Rotterdam, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Self-Guided Rotterdam BiteMe Food Tour: $43
- 4-Hour Food Tour - Self-guided: $48
- Guided Food Tour: $80
- Guided Walking Food Tour: $85
- Biking Rotterdam Food Tour with Local Guide: $86
- Walking Rotterdam Food Tour: $86
- WALKING DINNER ROTTERDAM | 3 courses + 3 drinks and a lot of fun: $87
- Food Tour by Bike: $91
- Private Walking Food Tour of Rotterdam: $120
- Rotterdam Walking Dutch Food Tour: $153
- Rotterdam Private 2-Hour Food Tour with Tastings: $161
- Private Multicultural Bike Food Tour: $274
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.Rotterdam $34San Juan $49
Tours and Activities in Rotterdam
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rotterdam.
- "Remastered" Audiovisual Experience in Rotterdam: $27
- 2 hour Guided Walking Tour Rotterdam: $3.23
- 2-Hour Walking Tour in Gouda All inclusive: $19
- 90 Minutes Self-Guided Family Friendly Walking Tour in Gouda: $27
- All Inclusive, Private Tour Rotterdam + Euromast 360º view: $209
- Best of small-group walking tour: $97
- Boat & Beer Walking Tour: $97
- Breda Highlight Bike Tour: $32
- Breda: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $7.29
- Discover Breda with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
- Discover Dordrecht with this Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
- Discover Gouda with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
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 dayRotterdam $20San Juan $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Rotterdam
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rotterdam:
- Beer Brewery Noordt Tastings with Optional Tour: $8.07
- Heineken Building former brewery | Guided Tour: $8.07
- Stadshaven Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings: $12
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 Rotterdam and San Juan, we can see that San Juan is more expensive. And not only is Rotterdam much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Rotterdam Expensive? and Is San Juan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or San Juan?
Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 43% larger than the population of San Juan. When comparing the sizes of Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam or San Juan?
Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam or San Juan in the Summer?
Both San Juan and Rotterdam are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the summer, Rotterdam is much colder than San Juan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Rotterdam in July average around 17°C (62°F), and San Juan averages at about 28°C (83°F).
It's quite sunny in San Juan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rotterdam. Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during summer. Rotterdam gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Rotterdam usually receives less rain than San Juan. Rotterdam gets 75 mm (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 JulyRotterdam 17°C (62°F)San Juan 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Rotterdam or San Juan in the Autumn?
Both San Juan and Rotterdam during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Rotterdam for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.
In October, Rotterdam is generally much colder than San Juan. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 11°C (51°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
In San Juan, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Rotterdam gets 105 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. Rotterdam usually gets less rain in October than San Juan. Rotterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 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 OctoberRotterdam 11°C (51°F)San Juan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Rotterdam or San Juan in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Rotterdam and San Juan. Many visitors come to Rotterdam in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Rotterdam can get quite cold in the winter. Rotterdam is much colder than San Juan in the winter. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, 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. Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during winter. Rotterdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Rotterdam usually receives more rain than San Juan. Rotterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 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 JanuaryRotterdam 2°C (36°F)San Juan 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Rotterdam or San Juan in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Rotterdam as well as San Juan. Most visitors come to Rotterdam for the activities around the city during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.
In the spring, Rotterdam is much colder than San Juan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Rotterdam in April average around 8°C (46°F), and San Juan averages at about 26°C (79°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. In the spring, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Rotterdam gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun.
Rotterdam usually gets less rain in April than San Juan. Rotterdam gets 52 mm (2 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 AprilRotterdam 8°C (46°F)San Juan 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for San Juan and Rotterdam
| Rotterdam | San Juan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 2°C (36°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (37°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 8°C (46°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 17°C (62°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (57°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 11°C (51°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (43°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 3°C (38°F) | 80 mm (3.1 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.