Which place is cheaper, Atlanta or San Jose?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit San Jose or Atlanta?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Jose or Atlanta, 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 Atlanta?
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.
Atlanta
Atlanta is a city rich in history but modern in its development and industry. It has a population of just under 500,000 with more than five million people living in the metropolitan area. It is also the ninth largest metropolitan area in the United States The city is rich in culture and was at the center of the civil rights movement. It is the capital of the state of Georgia, and was home to the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games. It has the world's busiest airport and arguably some of the country's worst traffic, but the residents are recognized for their friendly and welcoming nature and the city is lush with green trees and wonderful parks.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySan Jose $89Atlanta $173
The average daily cost (per person) in San Jose is $89, while the average daily cost in Atlanta is $173. 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 Atlanta in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Jose $48Atlanta $90
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Jose $96Atlanta $180
Compare Hotels in San Jose and Atlanta
Looking for a hotel in San Jose or Atlanta? 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 Atlanta Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Jose $19Atlanta $44
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:
- Private transfer from San Jose or Airport with welcome service to Tortuguero: $300
- Transfer SJO Airport TO & FROM Dominical OR Uvita (One Way): $290
- Transfer from San Jose Airport CR (SJO) to Arenal La Fortuna Hotels: $279
- Private transfer from San Jose or Airport with welcome service to Tambor beach: $276
- Private Transfer from San Jose Airport or Guanacaste Hotels: $276
- Private transfer from San Jose Airport welcome service to Manuel Antonio Quepos: $269
- Private Transfer from San Jose downtown to Liberia Airport: $267
- Private transfer from San Jose or Airport with welcome service to Samara Beach: $265
- Private Transfer: $260
- Private Transfer Airport or San Jose hotels to Puerto Viejo Limon: $259
- Private transfer from San Jose Airport welcome service to La Fortuna Arenal: $259
- Private transfer from San Jose Airport welcome service to Liberia: $257
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Atlanta
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Atlanta:
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MARTA Subway Ticket$4.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Atlanta
Also for Atlanta, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer in executiveprivate vehicle from Atlanta Downtown -Atlanta Airport(ATL): $53
- Transfer in Executive Private Minivan from Atlanta Downtown to Atlanta Airport: $67
- Transfer in Executive Private Minivan from Atlanta Airport to Atlanta Downtown: $67
- Sno Roth Luxury Car Service and Airport Transfer : $75
- Roundtrip transfer in executive private car from Atlanta Airport to Alpharetta: $144
- RoundTrip Transfer in Executive Private Minivan from-to Airport-Atlanta Downtown: $133
- Private Transfer: H. J. Airport ATL to Atlanta in Luxury SUV/Van: $134
- Private Transfer: H. J. Airport ATL to Atlanta in Luxury SUV: $136
- Private Transfer: H. J. Airport ATL to Atlanta in Business Car: $119
- Private Transfer: Atlanta to H. J. Airport ATL in Luxury SUV : $136
- Private Transfer: Atlanta to H. J. Airport ATL in Business Car: $119
- Private Transfer from Atlanta (ATL) Airport to Atlanta City: $94
Is it cheaper to fly into San Jose or Atlanta?
Prices for flights to both Atlanta 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 $18Atlanta $43
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 Atlanta
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Atlanta:
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Fast Food Lunch (for 2)$15
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Lunch$20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Atlanta
For Atlanta, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 2 Hour Guided Wood Fired Pizza Class in Atlanta: $55
- City Lights Atlanta Night-Time Tour with Photos & Dinner Stop: $65
- City Lights Night Tour with Photos & Dinner Stop: $65
- 2 Hour Historic Market Food Tour and Hands-On Biscuit Class: $70
- Historic Market Food Tour and Biscuit Cooking Class: $70
- Ponce City Market 2.5-Hour Weekend Food Tour: $99
- Food Tour of Inman Park and the Atlanta Beltline: $99
- Secret Food Tours Atlanta w/ Private Tour Option: $109
- Private Truist Park and Battery Braves Atlanta Food Tour: $199
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.San Jose $21Atlanta $56
Tours and Activities in San Jose
For San Jose, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Explore San Jose on Foot: Food Delights and Sights Tour: $47
- Street Food Walking Tour in Downtown San Jose: $60
- 3 in 1 Eco Tour Rain Forest Aerial Tram, River Cruise & Nature Walk Private Tour: $299
- 6 in 1 RainForest Adventure From San Jose: $189
- A taste of Aquiares - 2 hours Coffee Tour: $42
- AERIAL TRAM TOUR - HALF DAY PASS Rainforest Adventures Braulio Ca: $78
- AWA Water Museum - Waterfall Adventure (Organic Food Experience): $98
- Arenal Volcano Eco Tour & Baldi Hot Springs Private Tour from San Jose: $285
- Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose: $159
- Arenal Volcano Hanging Bridges & Baldi Hot Springs. Private Tour from San Jose: $285
- Arenal Volcano Hike and Hot Springs Tour from San Jose: $142
- Arenal Volcano Horseback Riding & Baldi Hot Springs. Private Tour: $295
Tours and Activities in Atlanta
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Atlanta.
- 2-Hour Food, History and Street Art Tour of Ponce City Market: $95
- 2.5hr Guided Segway Tour of Historic Atlanta: $69
- 2.5hr Guided Segway Tour of Midtown Atlanta: $69
- 3-Hour Atlanta Beltline Food, Street Art and History Tour : $99
- 3-Hour Private Atlanta MCU Comics Inspired Film Location Tour: $175
- 90-Minute Guided Sightseeing Tour by E-Car or MiniBus: $36
- 90-Minute Narrated Sightseeing Trolley Tour in Atlanta: $36
- African American Atlanta Culture Tour by Private Car Service : $90
- African-American Heritage&Civil Rights Atlanta Half-Day Tour: $660
- Atlanta 5 Hour City Tour by Air-Conditioned Bus: $70
- Atlanta Beltline Cocktails and Bites Experience: $129
- Atlanta Brew Bus Tour: $115
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySan Jose $16Atlanta $17
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 Atlanta
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Atlanta:
- Drag Queen Guided Pub Crawl and Cabaret Show: $36
- ATLANTA Yes, Queen! Drag Queen Pub Crawl : $40
- Half-Day Wine Tastings in the North Georgia Mountains : $115
- North Georgia Mountains Two Vineyard Wine Tasting Tour: $150
- Bartram Trail Hike plus Wine Tasting: $159
- North Georgia Mountains Three Vineyard Wine Tasting Tour: $165
- North Georgia Mountains Private Three Vineyard Wine Tasting Tour: $180
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Jose and Atlanta, we can see that Atlanta 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 Atlanta 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 Atlanta would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Atlanta 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 Atlanta Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, San Jose or Atlanta?
Atlanta has a larger population, and is about 26% larger than the population of San Jose. When comparing the sizes of San Jose and Atlanta, 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 Atlanta?
Atlanta 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 Atlanta in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both San Jose and Atlanta. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Atlanta this time of year.
In July, San Jose is generally around the same temperature as Atlanta. Daily temperatures in San Jose average around 28°C (82°F), and Atlanta fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Atlanta this time of the year. San Jose usually receives less sunshine than Atlanta during summer. San Jose gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Atlanta receives 271 hours of full sun in the summer.
Atlanta receives a lot of rain in the summer. San Jose gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, San Jose usually receives more rain than Atlanta. San Jose gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Atlanta receives 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySan Jose 28°C (82°F)Atlanta 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit San Jose or Atlanta in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to San Jose as well as Atlanta. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Atlanta for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
San Jose is a little warmer than Atlanta in the autumn. The daily temperature in San Jose averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Atlanta fluctuates around 66°F (19°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. In the autumn, San Jose often gets less sunshine than Atlanta. San Jose gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlanta receives 222 hours of full sun.
San Jose receives a lot of rain in the autumn. San Jose usually gets more rain in October than Atlanta. San Jose gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while Atlanta receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSan Jose 27°C (81°F)Atlanta 66°F (19°C)
Should I visit San Jose or Atlanta in the Winter?
Both Atlanta and San Jose are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Jose throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Atlanta in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, San Jose is much warmer than Atlanta. Typically, the winter temperatures in San Jose in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Atlanta averages at about 45°F (7°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Jose. San Jose usually receives more sunshine than Atlanta during winter. San Jose gets 264 hours of sunny skies, while Atlanta receives 164 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. In January, San Jose usually receives less rain than Atlanta. San Jose gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Atlanta receives 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySan Jose 27°C (81°F)Atlanta 45°F (7°C)
Should I visit San Jose or Atlanta in the Spring?
Both Atlanta and San Jose during the spring 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 Atlanta for the activities around the city during these months.
In April, San Jose is generally much warmer than Atlanta. Daily temperatures in San Jose average around 29°C (85°F), and Atlanta fluctuates around 65°F (18°C).
In Atlanta, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in San Jose. In the spring, San Jose often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Atlanta. San Jose gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlanta receives 262 hours of full sun.
Atlanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. San Jose usually gets less rain in April than Atlanta. San Jose gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Atlanta receives 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSan Jose 29°C (85°F)Atlanta 65°F (18°C)
Typical Weather for Atlanta and San Jose
| San Jose | Atlanta | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 45°F (7°C) | 4.7 inches (120 mm) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 49°F (9°C) | 4.8 inches (123 mm) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 5.8 inches (147 mm) |
| Apr | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 65°F (18°C) | 4.1 inches (104 mm) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 80°F (27°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 5.2 inches (133 mm) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 48°F (9°C) | 4.4 inches (111 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.