Which place is cheaper, Anchorage or San Jose?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit San Jose or Anchorage?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Jose or Anchorage, 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 Jose or Anchorage?
San Jose
San Jose is the capital city of Costa Rica and is likely to be your first and last stop in a visit to the country. The city is situated in the Central Valley and is surrounded by beautiful mountains and valleys, making for a beautiful flight in. The city has an elevation of 1200 meters and sits on a plateau with a beautiful backdrop of lush green forest. Half of the people in Costa Rica reside in the country's capital city. You are likely to stay only a day or two, but there are a handful of things to do and see including museums and markets. You will also find many embassies, as well as the University of Costa Rica in San Jose.
Anchorage
Anchorage, Alaska's largest city, is in the south-central part of the state on the Cook Inlet. It's known for its cultural sites and also as a gateway to nearby wilderness areas and mountains. From the sparkling waters of Cook Inlet to the tallest peaks of the Chugach Mountains, Anchorage encompasses incredible adventures and metropolitan appeals that are larger than life. With 1,500 moose, incredible national parks nearby and 60 glaciers a short drive away, it's a dream destination in Alaska.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySan Jose $89Anchorage $191
The average daily cost (per person) in San Jose is $89, while the average daily cost in Anchorage is $191. 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 Jose and Anchorage in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Jose $48Anchorage $117
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Jose $96Anchorage $234
Compare Hotels in San Jose and Anchorage
Looking for a hotel in San Jose or Anchorage? 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 Jose Hotel Prices and Anchorage Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Jose $19Anchorage $27
Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Jose
Some typical examples of transportation costs in San Jose are as follows:
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Taxi from SJO$25
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Local Bus$2.71
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Jose
Also for San Jose, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- San Jose to Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) – Departure Private Transfer: $32
- Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) to San Jose – Arrival Private Transfer: $32
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from SanJose Juan Santamaría Airport to SanJose City: $39
- Private One-way Juan Santamaria Airport Transfer to from San Jose: $41
- Transfer Costa Rica SJO Airport To OR From Hotels nearby Private : $45
- Private Airport and Hotel Transfer: Alajuela and San Jose: $45
- Private Transfer from San Jose City to Puntarenas Cruise Port: $50
- Private Transfer from San Jose Airport (SJO) to Puntarenas Port: $50
- Private Transfer from San Jose Airport One Way: $56
- Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) to San Jose – Round-Trip Private Transfer: $64
- Private transfer from SJO Intl Airport to downtown Hotels: $65
- Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) to Jaco - Arrival Private Transfer: $68
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Anchorage
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Anchorage:
- Seward to Anchorage- Post Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $197
- SUV-Private Transfer, Whittier Cruise ship to Anchorage: $299
- SUV-Private Transfer, Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal: $299
- Private Arrival Transfer from Anchorage Airport ANC: $62
- Anchorage to Seward- Pre-Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $219
Is it cheaper to fly into San Jose or Anchorage?
Prices for flights to both Anchorage and San Jose 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 Jose $18Anchorage $50
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Jose
For San Jose, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Bites and Sights: Walking Food Tour in San Jose, Costa Rica: $34
- San Jose By Night Tour: Farm to Table Dinner & Cocktail Class: $57
- San Jose Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour and visit Gold Museum : $60
- Half-Day San Jose Evening Bus Tour with Dinner and Pickup: $76
- Explore San Jose By Night: Food and Culture Tour with Local Dinner: $80
- Dinner + Typical Show in the best viewpoint of the City: $99
- Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner: $179
Typical Food Prices in Anchorage
Some typical examples of dining costs in Anchorage are as follows:
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Bread$4.25
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Breakfast for Two$17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Anchorage
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Anchorage.
- City of Anchorage SIGHTSEEING & FOOD Tour: $190
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.San Jose $21Anchorage $30
Tours and Activities in San Jose
For San Jose, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Entrance Ticket to the Farm of Hacienda Orosi: $11
- Entrance ticket to the Hacienda Orosi: $21
- Hiking Experience in El Quetzal Private Reserve: $26
- Private Roasting and Cupping Coffee Experience: $30
- Sarapiqui Frog Tour: $30
- Hacienda Alsacia Starbucks Coffe Tour: $31
- Poas Volcano National Park - Admission Ticket: $32
- San Jose Walking Nature Tour: Sloths, Birds and Trees: $33
- Skip the Line: Rescate Wildlife Rescue Centre General Admission Ticket: $35
- San Jose Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $35
- San Jose ART Walking Tour - small groups, creative experience: $35
- Corso Lecheria Tour: $40
Typical Entertainment Prices in Anchorage
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Anchorage are as follows:
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1 Day Bike Rental$33
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1/2 Day Rafting Trip$105
Tours and Activities in Anchorage
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Anchorage are as follows:
- 26 Glacier Tour, Self-Drive from Anchorage, AK: $226
- 3 Hour Ladies Only Kayak Tour in Knik River: $130
- Advanced Snowshoeing Adventure: $238
- Alaska 9 Day Ocean Wildlife to Interior Wilderness Adventure: $6,999
- Alaska Wildlife Day Tour with Free Hotel Pickup: $115
- Alaska Wildlife Tour: $110
- Alaska's Most Scenic E-Bike Adventure: $224
- Anchorage Brews Tour: $169
- Anchorage City Tour w/ Taste of Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage: $69
- Anchorage City Tour w/ Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage: $73
- Anchorage City Tour, w/Chocolate Factory Samplings & Much More!: $59
- Anchorage Ice Fishing Adventure: $199
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySan Jose $16Anchorage $20
Sample the Local Flavors in San Jose
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Jose:
- Bar Crawl in Downtown San Jose: $38
- Wine Tour and Tasting: $85
- Bar Crawl in San Jose in a Deluxe Party Bus: $100
Sample the Local Flavors in Anchorage
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Anchorage:
- Chocolate and Wine Tasting Tour: $109
- Half-Day Anchorage Craft Brewery Tour and Tastings: $179
- Guided Tour on Matanuska Glacier w/Alaska Honey & Wine Tasting: $285
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Jose and Anchorage, we can see that Anchorage is more expensive. And not only is San Jose much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since San Jose is in Central America and Anchorage is in North 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 Anchorage would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Anchorage 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 San Jose Expensive? and Is Anchorage Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, San Jose or Anchorage?
San Jose has a larger population, and is about 29% larger than the population of Anchorage. When comparing the sizes of San Jose and Anchorage, 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 Jose or Anchorage?
Anchorage 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 San Jose or Anchorage in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to San Jose as well as Anchorage. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Anchorage for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
San Jose is much warmer than Anchorage in the summer. The daily temperature in San Jose averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Anchorage fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Anchorage. In the summer, San Jose often gets less sunshine than Anchorage. San Jose gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 240 hours of full sun.
San Jose receives a lot of rain in the summer. San Jose usually gets more rain in July than Anchorage. San Jose gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySan Jose 28°C (82°F)Anchorage 59°F (15°C)
Should I visit San Jose or Anchorage in the Autumn?
Both Anchorage and San Jose are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Jose throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Anchorage in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Anchorage can get quite cold in the autumn. In the autumn, San Jose is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the autumn temperatures in San Jose in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Anchorage averages at about 35°F (2°C).
San Jose usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during autumn. San Jose gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 118 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in San Jose. In October, San Jose usually receives more rain than Anchorage. San Jose gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSan Jose 27°C (81°F)Anchorage 35°F (2°C)
Should I visit San Jose or Anchorage in the Winter?
Both Anchorage and San Jose during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to San Jose because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Anchorage for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Anchorage can be very cold during winter. In January, San Jose is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in San Jose average around 27°C (81°F), and Anchorage fluctuates around 15°F (-9°C).
It's quite sunny in San Jose. In the winter, San Jose often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. San Jose gets 264 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 80 hours of full sun.
San Jose usually gets less rain in January than Anchorage. San Jose gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySan Jose 27°C (81°F)Anchorage 15°F (-9°C)
Should I visit San Jose or Anchorage in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both San Jose and Anchorage. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Anchorage because of the natural beauty.
The weather in Anchorage can be very cold. San Jose is much warmer than Anchorage in the spring. The daily temperature in San Jose averages around 29°C (85°F) in April, and Anchorage fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Anchorage this time of the year. In San Jose, it's very sunny this time of the year. San Jose usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during spring. San Jose gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 233 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, San Jose usually receives more rain than Anchorage. San Jose gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSan Jose 29°C (85°F)Anchorage 36°F (2°C)
Typical Weather for Anchorage and San Jose
| San Jose | Anchorage | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 15°F (-9°C) | 0.7 inches (19 mm) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 19°F (-7°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 26°F (-3°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) |
| Apr | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 36°F (2°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 47°F (8°C) | 0.8 inches (20 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.7 inches (44 mm) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) | 49°F (9°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) | 35°F (2°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 22°F (-6°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 17°F (-8°C) | 1.1 inches (28 mm) |
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.