A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Salzburg vs. San Juan for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Salzburg or San Juan?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salzburg or San Juan, 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.

Where Should I go: Salzburg or San Juan?

Salzburg

Most people know of Salzburg from its roll in the infamous movie "The Sound of Music." Every child who fell in love with this movie knows the gazebo scene in the rain, or could sing "My Favorite Things" as they skip down the Salzach River, but once you get past the obvious cliches, you can see that Salzburg is a city with a lot of depth and culture aside from the movie.

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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Austria, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Austria.


Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Salzburg?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Salzburg is $215, 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 Salzburg and San Juan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Salzburg $106
    San Juan $124
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Salzburg $212
    San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Salzburg and San Juan

Looking for a hotel in Salzburg 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 Salzburg


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: Salzburg Hotel Prices and San Juan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Salzburg $23
    San Juan $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salzburg

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Salzburg:

  • Salzburg daytrip: Private transfer to Salzburg and back: $506
  • Transfer from Munich to Salzburg with 2 hours of sightseeing: $308
  • Private Transfer from Salzburg to Prague with 2h of Sightseeing: $290
  • Saalbach-Hinterglemm to Innsbruck Airport(INN)-Departure Transfer: $288
  • Private Transfer From Salzburg To Innsbruck, English Speaking Driver: $282
  • From Salzburg to Munich Airport- Private Transfer - punctual & friendly Driver: $278
  • Private Transfer from Salzburg to Munich With 2h of Sightseeing: $272
  • Private Transfer Salzburg → Munich, Hotel-to-Hotel, English-speaking driver: $270
  • Private Transfer from Salzburg to Munich 2h Stop in Hallein: $264
  • Private transfer from Salzburg to Zell am See ski area: $260
  • Private transfer from Salzburg to Passau with Local English Speaking Driver: $253
  • Private Salzburg transfer: $237

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan

Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer San Juan from or to SJU Airport, Hotel, Cruises: $16
  • San Juan Airport (SJU) to San Juan - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • San Juan Airport (SJU) to San Juan Arrival Private Transfer: $30
  • San Juan Port to San Juan Airport (SJU)- Departure Transfer: $30
  • Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Premium Sedan, Select Zone: $59
  • San Juan Airport (SJU) to San Juan hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $59
  • San Juan Airport (SJU) to San Juan Port Arrival Private Transfer: $59
  • Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, Tesla 3 Luxury Sedan.: $63
  • One-way transfer from SJU Airport to Cruise Port or Vice Versa: $65
  • Transfer TO or FROM: Airport,Cruise,Hotel in DORADO or RIO GRANDE: $70
  • Private Transfer in San Juan: $75
  • Private Transfer from San Juan Airport (SJU) to Ponce Cruise Port: $77

Is it cheaper to fly into Salzburg or San Juan?

Prices for flights to both San Juan and Salzburg 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
    Salzburg $83
    San Juan $62
Typical Food Prices in Salzburg

Some typical examples of dining costs in Salzburg are as follows:


  • Lunch Salad
    $10

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Salzburg

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Salzburg.

  • Apple Strudel & Salzburg Prezel Cooking Class Experience & Lunch: $70
  • Austrian Apple Strudel Cooking Class including Lunch in Salzburg: $70
  • Best of Mozart Concert and Dinner or VIP Dinner at Fortress Hohensalzburg: $99
  • Apple Strudel & Prezel Cooking Class incl. Dinner & Music: $100
  • Mozart Dinner Concert in Salzburg: $100
  • Mozart and Advent/Christmas Concert with Dinner at Fortress Hohensalzburg: $100
  • Mozart Concert and Dinner or VIP Dinner at Fortress Salzburg with River Cruise: $133
  • Best of Mozart Concert and GOLDEN VIP Dinner at Fortress Hohensalzburg: $157

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:

  • FlyDining: 4 Course Sunset & City Light Dinner Over Old San Juan: $159
  • Morning Old San Juan Food Tour: $169
  • Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $170
  • Savor the Sunset: Old San Juan Walking Food Tour: $179

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Salzburg $34
    San Juan $49

Tours and Activities in Salzburg

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Salzburg are as follows:

  • 3-Night Salzburg Winter Package with City Highlights Tour: $258
  • A day in the life of Salzburg - Private tour with a local: $248
  • Best of Salzburg 1-Hour Private Sightseeing Tour: $201
  • Canyoning Adventure in the Salzkammergut from Salzburg: $93
  • Christmas Markets Tour with St.Gilgen + St.Wolfgang + Hallstatt: $175
  • City Walking Tour in Salzburg with Historic Sites: $24
  • DomQuartier Salzburg Residence and Cathedral Private Tour: $245
  • Eagle's Nest Hiking Tour: $234
  • Explore Hitlers Mountain World War II Tour: $140
  • Full Day UNESCO Hallstatt, Austrian Lakes and Mountains Tour: $163
  • Full-Day Minivan Tour From Salzburg to Hallstatt with 5 Fingers,Lakes&Mountains: $163
  • Hallstatt Half-Day Tour from Salzburg: $100

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
  • Outdoor Salsa Class Experience in San Juan: $19
  • Discover Superb Self-Guided Audio Tour: $20
  • Old San Juan Tour in Spanish: $30
  • Paddleboard Adventure: Explore Marine Life in Condado Lagoon: $32
  • SJU Airport to San Juan Cruise Port or return: $33
  • VIP Glow San Juan Salsa Night Experience at Luxury Condado Beach: $35
  • San Juan Cruise Port: Puerto Rico Artisan Rum Tasting: $39
  • Historic Old San Juan Sunset Walking Tour: $39
  • San Juan Guided Turtle Snorkel Tour and Complimentary Videos: $45
  • Legacy Tour at Casa BACARDÍ in Puerto Rico: $45

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Salzburg $30
    San Juan $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Salzburg

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Salzburg:


  • Beer
    $4.31

Sample the Local Flavors in Salzburg

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Salzburg:

  • Guided Wine Tasting in a Hidden Wine Bar: $45

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 Salzburg and San Juan, we can see that San Juan 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 Salzburg 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 Salzburg Expensive? and Is San Juan Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Salzburg or San Juan?

San Juan has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Salzburg. When comparing the sizes of Salzburg 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 Salzburg or San Juan?

Salzburg 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 Salzburg or San Juan in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Salzburg as well as San Juan. Many visitors come to Salzburg in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.

In the summer, Salzburg is cooler than San Juan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Salzburg in July average around 20°C (68°F), and San Juan averages at about 28°C (83°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Salzburg this time of the year. In the summer, Salzburg often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Salzburg gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun.

Salzburg usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as San Juan. Salzburg gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Salzburg 20°C (68°F) 
    San Juan 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Salzburg or San Juan in the Autumn?

Both San Juan and Salzburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Salzburg for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In October, Salzburg is generally much colder than San Juan. Daily temperatures in Salzburg average around 11°C (52°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It's quite sunny in San Juan. Salzburg usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during autumn. Salzburg gets 108 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Juan. In October, Salzburg usually receives less rain than San Juan. Salzburg gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Salzburg 11°C (52°F) 
    San Juan 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Salzburg or San Juan in the Winter?

Both San Juan and Salzburg during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Salzburg because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.

The weather in Salzburg can be very cold. Salzburg is much colder than San Juan in the winter. The daily temperature in Salzburg averages around -0°C (31°F) in January, and San Juan fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In San Juan, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Salzburg often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Salzburg gets 44 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun.

Salzburg usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as San Juan. Salzburg gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Salzburg -0°C (31°F) 
    San Juan 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Salzburg or San Juan in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Salzburg and San Juan. The natural beauty are the main draw to Salzburg this time of year. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the spring, Salzburg is much colder than San Juan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Salzburg in April average around 11°C (51°F), and San Juan averages at about 26°C (79°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan this time of the year. Salzburg usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during spring. Salzburg gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Salzburg usually receives less rain than San Juan. Salzburg gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Salzburg 11°C (51°F) 
    San Juan 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for San Juan and Salzburg

Salzburg San Juan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (31°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 2°C (36°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 11°C (51°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Jun 18°C (65°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 28°C (83°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Aug 19°C (67°F) 93 mm (3.6 in) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 51 mm (2 in) 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Dec 1°C (35°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 26°C (78°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)