A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saint John's vs. San Juan for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Saint John's or San Juan?

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

Should I visit Saint John's or San Juan? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Saint John's or San Juan?

Saint John's

If you've been to St. John's, Antigua, you were likely on a cruise - which means you likely did not have enough time to truly experience the magic of this tiny island getaway.

St. Johns is the capital of the tiny islands of Antigua and Barbuda. Located on Antigua, this tropical city lives up to its status as a tropical paradise. With 365 beaches on the island, you can enjoy the luxury of lounging in the sand every day of the year.

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 Saint John's?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint John's is $222, 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 Saint John's and San Juan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint John's $120
    San Juan $124
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint John's $240
    San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Saint John's and San Juan

Looking for a hotel in Saint John's 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 Saint Johns


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: San Juan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint John's $17
    San Juan $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint John's

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint John's:


  • Local Bus
    $1.52
  • Taxi From Airport
    $6.99

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint John's

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint John's:

  • Antigua&BarbudaV.C.Bird Airport(ANU)to island hotels-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $257
  • Private Roundtrip Airport Transfers & Tour in Antigua & Barbuda: $200
  • Antigua V.C. Bird Airport (ANU) to Island - Round-Trip Transfer : $156
  • 3-Hours Snorkeling Activity in Stingray City - Transfer Included: $135
  • Private Airport Transfers 1- 2 Pax Zone D: Hotels: $130
  • Private Airport Transfers 1- 2 Pax. Zone C: Hotels: $120
  • Private Transfer from Antigua & Barbuda V.C. Bird Airport (ANU) to island: $113
  • Private Round Trip Transfer From Antigua Airport To NonSuch Bay: $99
  • Airport Transfers to Antigua Hotels/Resorts: $95
  • Private Antigua Airport Roundtrip Transfer to Hammock Cove: $90
  • Private Transfer from St. John's Port to Antigua Island Hotels: $79
  • Island to Antigua&Barbuda V.C.Bird Airport(ANU)- Private Transfer: $78

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 Saint John's or San Juan?

Prices for flights to both San Juan and Saint John's 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
    Saint John's $68
    San Juan $36

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint John's

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Saint John's.

  • City Lime Food Tour: Taste our culture on Antigua's only food tour in the city!: $105
  • Private Art Tour or Food Tour: $150

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.
    Saint John's $103
    San Juan $49
Typical Entertainment Prices in Saint John's

Here are a few typical costs in Saint John's for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Entrance to the Museum of Antigua & Barbu
    $3.00

Tours and Activities in Saint John's

Here are a few actual costs in Saint John's for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2-Hours Stingray City Experience in Antigua: $77
  • 6-Hours Guided Stingray Tour in the East Coast of Antigua: $190
  • Adventure Antigua - Eli's Original Eco Tour: $125
  • Adventure Antigua - The Xtreme Circumnavigation: $190
  • Adventure Power Boat Tour Antigua and Private Laviscount Island: $170
  • Animal Lovers Dream Tour: Stingray/Snorkeling Tours are Available: $128
  • Antigua Historic Fort & Beach Tour on Segway From St. John's: $125
  • Antigua Historical Sites Island Tour: $75
  • Antigua Reef Riders Self-Drive Boat and Snorkeling Tour: $150
  • Antigua Round Island Tour: $85
  • Antigua Seafood Lunch Cruise From St. John's: $135
  • Antigua Shore Excursion: City of St John's Sightseeing Tour: $59

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
    Saint John's $18
    San Juan $12


When comparing the travel costs between Saint John's and San Juan, we can see that Saint John's 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 Saint John's Expensive? and Is San Juan Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint John's or San Juan?

San Juan has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Saint John's. When comparing the sizes of Saint John's 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 Saint John's 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 Saint John's or San Juan in the Summer?

Both San Juan and Saint John's during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Saint John's 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 Saint John's. Saint John's usually gets more rain in July than San Juan. Saint John's gets 150 mm (5.9 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 Saint John's. In the summer, Saint John's often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Saint John's gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun.

In July, Saint John's is generally around the same temperature as San Juan. Daily temperatures in Saint John's average around 27°C (81°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint John's 27°C (81°F) 
    San Juan 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Saint John's or San Juan in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint John's and San Juan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint John's 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. Saint John's gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Saint John's usually receives more rain than San Juan. Saint John's gets 228 mm (9 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 Saint John's, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint John's usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during autumn. Saint John's gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Saint John's is around the same temperature as San Juan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint John's averages around 27°C (80°F) in October, and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint John's 27°C (80°F) 
    San Juan 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Saint John's or San Juan in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint John's as well as San Juan. Saint John's attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.

Saint John's usually gets more rain in January than San Juan. Saint John's gets 84 mm (3.3 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 Saint John's this time of the year. In the winter, Saint John's often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Juan. Saint John's gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun.

In the winter, Saint John's is around the same temperature as San Juan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint John's in January average around 24°C (76°F), and San Juan averages at about 25°C (77°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint John's 24°C (76°F) 
    San Juan 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Saint John's or San Juan in the Spring?

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

It's quite rainy in Saint John's. In April, Saint John's usually receives more rain than San Juan. Saint John's gets 123 mm (4.8 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 Saint John's. Saint John's usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during spring. Saint John's gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint John's is generally around the same temperature as San Juan. Daily temperatures in Saint John's average around 26°C (78°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint John's 26°C (78°F) 
    San Juan 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for San Juan and Saint John's

Saint John's San Juan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 24°C (76°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 25°C (76°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 26°C (78°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 26°C (78°F) 123 mm (4.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 27°C (80°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 28°C (83°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 198 mm (7.8 in) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 236 mm (9.3 in) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 228 mm (9 in) 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 220 mm (8.7 in) 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 26°C (78°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)


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