A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saaremaa vs. San Jose for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Saaremaa or San Jose?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saaremaa or San Jose, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Saaremaa

Saaremaa is a calm, peaceful, and relaxed island. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. Saaremaa is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food and beaches. See Saaremaa travel costs.

San Jose

San Jose is a traditional, colorful, and bustling city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See San Jose travel costs.

Saaremaa and San Jose: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saaremaa or San Jose?

Visitors will usually find more to do in San Jose than Saaremaa, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. San Jose is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Saaremaa is more popular for its food, beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Saaremaa is well known for its untouched, undiscovered rural setting. San Jose is well known for its colorful markets and vibrant nightlife, as well as its easy access to the rest of the country. Also, San Jose is famous for The National Museum of Costa Rica.

How is Saaremaa different from San Jose?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

San Jose is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Saaremaa does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around San Jose. Despite most people rushing through town, there are a number of museums, plazas, and interesting buildings that are worth checking out.

Saaremaa does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Saaremaa. Like most things on the island, traditional local food is still the norm here. The island is known for its smoked fish, homemade bread, and locally brewed beers. Popular fishes include garfish, herring, and flatfish, which you can enjoy at a local restaurant or one of the pop-up cafes that are popular during the summer months. You'll find the highest concentration of restaurants in Kuressaare, but there are still many options further out. It's also fun to visit during September during the Saaremaa Food Festival.

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 Saaremaa or San Jose Better for Nightlife?

San Jose is great for its evening party scene. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to San Jose for the nightlife scene. 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.

People don't go to Saaremaa for the nightlife. The island is known for it's quiet, laid-back atmosphere, so you'll be hard pressed to find a party or active club, even during the more popular summer months.

Is Saaremaa or San Jose Better for Beaches?

Saaremaa is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, San Jose is not a beach destination.

Saaremaa has a beach worth visiting. The beaches are quiet and relaxed, even during the summer months. In town, the best beach is Kuressaare Beach. Outside of town you'll find other nice beaches such as the sandy beaches between Mändjala and Järve. The beaches in Tuhkana and Jõiste villages are also well known. For swimming, most people prefer to visit Lake Karujärv.

San Jose is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saaremaa or San Jose?

San Jose is great for its shopping areas. However, Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in San Jose. 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.

Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Saaremaa or San Jose More Beautiful?

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

Saaremaa is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The island has a classic beauty that feels frozen in time.

San Jose is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Saaremaa or San Jose Better for Families?

Saaremaa is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, San Jose is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

Saaremaa is a family-friendly island. While the island is known for its slow pace, there are still a number of fun activities where the kids can run and jump. There are several outdoor adventure parks and playgrounds that are great for young legs. Check out the playgrounds in Kuressaare or head out of town for more outdoor activities. When the weather's nice you can head to Kuressaare Beach or check out the ostrich farm in Muhu.

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 Saaremaa or San Jose Better for Couples?

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

Saaremaa makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The peace and quiet of the island make for a relaxing couple's getaway. You can enjoy the outdoors and feel like you've stepped back in time as you explore the laid back island in the Baltics.

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 Saaremaa or San Jose Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Jose is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Saaremaa is not as popular, but is still a nice island for backpackers.

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.

Saaremaa is a good island to visit for backpackers. While prices are cheap, transportation isn't great so you'll likely want to rent a car if you want to really explore the island. There are a number of rooms available for rent at an affordable price, particularly in the shoulder season, but you'll you'll only find a handful of hostels on the island.

Is Saaremaa or San Jose Better for Students?

San Jose is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Saaremaa is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit San Jose. 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.

Saaremaa is not popular with students.

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

San Jose is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its public transit.

While San Jose offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local buses that travel through the city during the daytime hours.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Saaremaa. Most people arrive on the island by ferry. There are buses on the island but they cater mostly to locals. To really explore, you'll want to have access to a car.

Is Saaremaa or San Jose a more walkable city?

San Jose is a nice place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its walkability.

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

Saaremaa is not a walkable island. While their are some walking trails, you really need a car to explore the island in depth.

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

Should I spend more time in San Jose or Saaremaa?

How long in Saaremaa or San Jose?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Saaremaa or San Jose to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Saaremaa than San Jose because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saaremaa, and 1-2 days is enough time in San Jose.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Jose than Saaremaa 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 San Jose.

One day in Saaremaa or San Jose?

Saaremaa is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. 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.

The city of San Jose offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Saaremaa or San Jose?

Saaremaa is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Saaremaa, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

San Jose is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in San Jose, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Saaremaa or San Jose?

Saaremaa is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

San Jose is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Saaremaa or San Jose?

Saaremaa is a great place to explore. 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.

San Jose is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Tallinn, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Estonia, 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 Saaremaa and San Jose, we can see that Saaremaa is more expensive. And not only is San Jose much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa Expensive? and Is San Jose Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saaremaa or San Jose?

San Jose has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Saaremaa. When comparing the sizes of Saaremaa 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.

When is the best time to visit Saaremaa or San Jose?

Saaremaa has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Jose experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Saaremaa or San Jose in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saaremaa and San Jose. The summer months attract visitors to Saaremaa because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the summer, Saaremaa is much colder than San Jose. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saaremaa in July average around 17°C (62°F), and San Jose averages at about 28°C (82°F).

In Saaremaa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saaremaa usually receives more sunshine than San Jose during summer. Saaremaa gets 302 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.

San Jose receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Saaremaa usually receives less rain than San Jose. Saaremaa gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saaremaa or San Jose in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saaremaa as well as San Jose. The small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saaremaa this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Jose throughout the year.

In October, Saaremaa is generally much colder than San Jose. Daily temperatures in Saaremaa average around 8°C (47°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In the autumn, Saaremaa often gets less sunshine than San Jose. Saaremaa gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 169 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in San Jose. Saaremaa usually gets less rain in October than San Jose. Saaremaa gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to April in San Jose is the dry season. Also, May to November in San Jose is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Saaremaa or San Jose in the Winter?

Both San Jose and Saaremaa are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Saaremaa for the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to San Jose because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saaremaa. Saaremaa is much colder than San Jose in the winter. The daily temperature in Saaremaa averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

It's quite sunny in San Jose. Saaremaa usually receives less sunshine than San Jose during winter. Saaremaa gets 33 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saaremaa usually receives more rain than San Jose. Saaremaa gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saaremaa or San Jose in the Spring?

Both San Jose and Saaremaa during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Saaremaa in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round.

Saaremaa can get quite cold in the spring. In the spring, Saaremaa is much colder than San Jose. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saaremaa in April average around 4°C (38°F), and San Jose averages at about 29°C (85°F).

In San Jose, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Saaremaa often gets less sunshine than San Jose. Saaremaa gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 255 hours of full sun.

Saaremaa usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as San Jose. Saaremaa gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year. December to April is the dry season in San Jose. Also, the hurricane season in San Jose is May to November.

Typical Weather for San Jose and Saaremaa