Which place is cheaper, San Juan del Sur or Saint John's?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Saint John's or San Juan del Sur?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint John's or San Juan del Sur? 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 del Sur?
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 del Sur
San Juan del Sur is a popular port destination on the Pacific coast of southwest Nicaragua. The town was once a quaint fishing village but has grown into a tourist town with activities for visitors that include surfing, fishing, and, of course, partying. The town has a population of just over 15,000, most of whom are either fishermen or involved in the tourism industry. There is also a large expat community from the United States, Canada, and Europe.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, and The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint John's $222San Juan del Sur $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint John's is $222, while the average daily cost in San Juan del Sur is $53. 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 del Sur in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint John's $120San Juan del Sur $21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint John's $240San Juan del Sur $42
Compare Hotels in Saint John's and San Juan del Sur
Looking for a hotel in Saint John's or San Juan del Sur? 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: San Juan del Sur Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint John's $17San Juan del Sur $18
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint John's
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint John's:
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Local Bus$1.52
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Taxi From Airport$6.99
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint John's
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint John's:
- 3-Hours Snorkeling Activity in Stingray City - Transfer Included: $128
- 3-Hours Stingray City - Transfer, Spanish-Italian Guide Included: $155
- Airport Transfer from/to all resorts in Antigua - Water Inc.: $59
- Airport Transfers to Antigua Hotels/Resorts: $170
- Antigua - VIP Fast Track On Arrival ONLY And Round Trip Transfer : $99
- Antigua V.C. Bird Airport (ANU) to Island - Round-Trip Transfer : $155
- Antigua VC Bird Airport to Island Hotels Private Arrival Transfer: $82
- Antigua&Barbuda V.C.Bird Airport(ANU) to island Private Transfer: $77
- Antigua&BarbudaV.C.Bird Airport(ANU)to island hotels-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $254
- Biggvee Airport Roundtrip Transfer: $70
- Island to Antigua&Barbuda V.C.Bird Airport(ANU)- Private Transfer: $77
- JTAT Private Transfers & Tours, Saint John's, Antigua and Barbuda: $160
Is it cheaper to fly into Saint John's or San Juan del Sur?
Prices for flights to both San Juan del Sur 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
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Food Meals for one daySaint John's $68San Juan del Sur $18
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
- Discover the Flavors of St. Johns Food Tour: $125
- Private Art Tour or Food Tour: $150
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saint John's $103San Juan del Sur $15
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:
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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:
- Chariot City Tour Antigua: $20
- City of St John's Sightseeing Tour: $59
- Antigua Shore Excursion: City of St John's Sightseeing Tour: $59
- Cultural and Historical Home Tour in The Antiguan Experience : $66
- Small-Group Hiking Experience in Antigua: $70
- Glenmon taxi and tours: $70
- 2-Hours Stingray City Experience in Antigua: $73
- Antigua Historical Sites Island Tour: $75
- Kayak Eco Adventures Glass Kayak Nature and Snorkeling Tour: $75
- Authentic Antiguan Experience: $79
- TRIPLE ACTIVITY TOUR, Bike Kayak Hike, ANTIGUA : $80
- Nightlife Tour of Antigua and Barbuda: $80
Tours and Activities in San Juan del Sur
Here are a few actual costs in San Juan del Sur for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- SJDS PORT EXCURSION: Zipline and Adventure Park: $103
- San Juan del Sur Shore Excursion: Private Masaya Volcano and Catarina Tour: $118
- ATV Adventure Tour in San Juan del Sur, NICARAGUA: $130
- atv tour also in Costa Rica: $132
- Mombacho Volcano Hike and Ziplining Adventure from San Juan del Sur: $159
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint John's $18San Juan del Sur $13
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint John's and San Juan del Sur, we can see that Saint John's is more expensive. And not only is San Juan del Sur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Saint John's is in Caribbean Islands and San Juan del Sur 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 Juan del Sur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Juan del Sur 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 Saint John's would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint John's than you might in San Juan del Sur.
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 del Sur Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Saint John's or San Juan del Sur?
Saint John's has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of San Juan del Sur. When comparing the sizes of Saint John's and San Juan del Sur, 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 del Sur?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Saint John's or San Juan del Sur in the Summer?
Both San Juan del Sur and Saint John's are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint John's throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan del Sur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in San Juan del Sur. It's quite rainy in Saint John's. In July, Saint John's usually receives around the same amount of rain as San Juan del Sur. Saint John's gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while San Juan del Sur receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint John's. Saint John's usually receives more sunshine than San Juan del Sur during summer. Saint John's gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan del Sur receives 175 hours of full sun in the summer.
Saint John's is around the same temperature as San Juan del Sur in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint John's averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and San Juan del Sur fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint John's 27°C (81°F)San Juan del Sur 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Saint John's or San Juan del Sur in the Autumn?
Both San Juan del Sur and Saint John's during the autumn 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 del Sur year-round.
San Juan del Sur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint John's. Saint John's usually gets more rain in October than San Juan del Sur. Saint John's gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while San Juan del Sur receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Saint John's. In the autumn, Saint John's often gets more sunshine than San Juan del Sur. Saint John's gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan del Sur receives 195 hours of full sun.
In the autumn, Saint John's is around the same temperature as San Juan del Sur. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint John's in October average around 27°C (80°F), and San Juan del Sur averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint John's 27°C (80°F)San Juan del Sur 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Saint John's or San Juan del Sur in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint John's and San Juan del Sur. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint John's year-round. San Juan del Sur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Saint John's usually receives more rain than San Juan del Sur. Saint John's gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while San Juan del Sur receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan del Sur this time of the year. In Saint John's, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint John's usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Juan del Sur during winter. Saint John's gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan del Sur receives 244 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Saint John's is generally around the same temperature as San Juan del Sur. Daily temperatures in Saint John's average around 24°C (76°F), and San Juan del Sur fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint John's 24°C (76°F)San Juan del Sur 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Saint John's or San Juan del Sur in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Saint John's as well as San Juan del Sur. Saint John's attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan del Sur throughout the year.
Saint John's receives a lot of rain in the spring. Saint John's usually gets more rain in April than San Juan del Sur. Saint John's gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while San Juan del Sur receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan del Sur. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint John's this time of the year. In the spring, Saint John's often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Juan del Sur. Saint John's gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan del Sur receives 242 hours of full sun.
Saint John's is cooler than San Juan del Sur in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint John's averages around 26°C (78°F) in April, and San Juan del Sur fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint John's 26°C (78°F)San Juan del Sur 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for San Juan del Sur and Saint John's
| Saint John's | San Juan del Sur | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (76°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (76°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (78°F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (80°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 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.