Which place is cheaper, San Juan or San Fernando?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit San Fernando or San Juan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Fernando 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: San Fernando or San Juan?
San Fernando
As the industrial capital of Trinidad & Tobago, San Fernando is an oil city which attracts more business visitors than tourists. While it is primarily focused on industry, the city has a certain charm with its old buildings and sloping streets that frame pretty views of the sea. It is the big city of Trinidad's southern half with plenty to offer in nightlife, especially during Carnival.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySan Fernando $153San Juan $192
The average daily cost (per person) in San Fernando is $153, 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 San Fernando and San Juan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Fernando $74San Juan $124
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Fernando $148San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in San Fernando and San Juan
Looking for a hotel in San Fernando 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: San Juan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Fernando $50San Juan $14
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: $270
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port: Transfer to San Juan hotel: $270
- Private Airport Transfers to Ceiba Ferry Terminal and Airport: $155
- Oneway Transfer from San Juan (SJU, hotel, airbnb, port) to Ponce: $125
- Private Transfer from SJU Airport to San Juan / Rio Grande: $104
- 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
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Tesla S Lux Sedan, Select Zone: $79
Is it cheaper to fly into San Fernando or San Juan?
Prices for flights to both San Juan and San Fernando 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 daySan Fernando $48San Juan $36
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.San Fernando $28San Juan $49
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
- 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
- Cave Day Tour From San Juan: $109
- Culebra Beach Day Tour with Snorkeling from San Juan by Ferry: $200
- Culebra Snorkeling Tour by Catamaran from Fajardo: $175
- Discover El Yunque: Half-Day Rainforest Tour: $115
- Discover Old In-App Audio Tour of History: $11
- El Yunque National Forest and Luquillo Beach Tour: $75
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySan Fernando $22San Juan $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 San Fernando and San Juan, we can see that San Juan is more expensive. And not only is San Fernando much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to San Fernando would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Fernando 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 San Fernando.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is San Fernando Expensive? and Is San Juan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, San Fernando or San Juan?
San Juan has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of San Fernando. When comparing the sizes of San Fernando 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 San Fernando or San Juan?
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 San Fernando or San Juan in the Summer?
Both San Juan and San Fernando are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Fernando 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 San Fernando. In July, San Fernando usually receives more rain than San Juan. San Fernando gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in San Juan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Fernando. San Fernando usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during summer. San Fernando gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, San Fernando is generally around the same temperature as San Juan. Daily temperatures in San Fernando average around 27°C (81°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySan Fernando 27°C (81°F)San Juan 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit San Fernando or San Juan in the Autumn?
Both San Juan and San Fernando during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to San Fernando because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.
San Juan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in San Fernando. San Fernando usually gets more rain in October than San Juan. San Fernando gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 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 San Fernando. In the autumn, San Fernando often gets less sunshine than San Juan. San Fernando gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 235 hours of full sun.
San Fernando is around the same temperature as San Juan in the autumn. The daily temperature in San Fernando averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSan Fernando 27°C (81°F)San Juan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit San Fernando or San Juan in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both San Fernando and San Juan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Fernando year-round. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, San Fernando usually receives more rain than San Juan. San Fernando gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan this time of the year. In San Fernando, it's very sunny this time of the year. San Fernando usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Juan during winter. San Fernando gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In the winter, San Fernando is around the same temperature as San Juan. Typically, the winter temperatures in San Fernando in January average around 26°C (78°F), and San Juan averages at about 25°C (77°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySan Fernando 26°C (78°F)San Juan 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit San Fernando or San Juan in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to San Fernando as well as San Juan. San Fernando attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.
San Fernando usually gets less rain in April than San Juan. San Fernando gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 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 San Fernando this time of the year. In the spring, San Fernando often gets less sunshine than San Juan. San Fernando gets 238 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun.
In April, San Fernando is generally around the same temperature as San Juan. Daily temperatures in San Fernando average around 27°C (81°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSan Fernando 27°C (81°F)San Juan 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for San Juan and San Fernando
| San Fernando | San Juan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (78°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (80°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 252 mm (9.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 225 mm (8.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 203 mm (8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 199 mm (7.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 155 mm (6.1 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.