Which place is cheaper, Austin or San Jose?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit San Jose or Austin?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Jose or Austin, 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 Austin?
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.
Austin
Located in the Texas Hill Country, Austin is the capital city of the state. It is a relatively small city with a compact downtown area and many sprawling suburbs stretching out along the interstate. Austin prides itself on its eclectic culture and alternative vibe which is epitomized by the city's unofficial slogan "Keep Austin Weird." The University of Texas at Austin is also located downtown. The school's large student population helps give the city a youthful feel with a lively nightlife and no shortage of activities on weekends. The city is also the self proclaimed live music capital of the country. As such, it has many music venues and bars, most of which are clustered around the 6th Street area downtown. There are also many free outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySan Jose $89Austin $142
The average daily cost (per person) in San Jose is $89, while the average daily cost in Austin is $142. 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 Austin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Jose $48Austin $56
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Jose $96Austin $112
Compare Hotels in San Jose and Austin
Looking for a hotel in San Jose or Austin? 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 Austin Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Jose $19Austin $47
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 San José Airport - La Fortuna: $180
- Airport transfer from SJO Airport to Los Sueños Marriott: $170
- Arrival Transfer San Jose Airport SJO to Arenal by Minivan: $177
- Arrival Transfer San Jose Airport to Manuel Antonio by Minivan: $158
- Direct Transfer From San Jose to Monteverde, English Speaking Driver: $181
- Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) to Jaco - Arrival Private Transfer: $68
- Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) to Jaco - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $136
- Juan Santamaria Intl Airport(SJO) to Puntarenas city-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $167
- Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) to Puntarenas city- Arrival Private Transfer: $83
- Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) to San Jose – Arrival Private Transfer: $32
- Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) to San Jose – Round-Trip Private Transfer: $64
- One way Transfer from SJO airport or San José to Playa Dominical max 5 passenger: $240
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Austin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Austin:
- Private Transfer Between Airport and Hotels: $80
- Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) to Austin City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $96
- Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) to Austin City - Arrival Private Transfer: $48
- Austin International Airport (AUS) - Private Round trip transfer: $215
- Austin Airport Group Pickup / Transfer up to 1 hour away.: $150
Is it cheaper to fly into San Jose or Austin?
Prices for flights to both Austin 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 $18Austin $35
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Austin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Austin.
- Devour Downtown Austin Walking Food Tour: $80
- Famous Texas BBQ & Food Tour in Austin: $89
- Famous Texas BBQ & Food Tour in Austin: $89
- Austin South Congress Walking Food Tour for Small Groups: $95
- Secret Food Tour: $98
- Austin Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
- Secret Food Tour of South Congress: $108
- The Brunch Bus: Food Tour with a Live Band on Board the Bus!: $125
- Private Guided Food Tour of Austin Neighborhoods: $150
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.San Jose $21Austin $28
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 Austin
Here are a few typical costs in Austin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Austin Duck Tour$31
Tours and Activities in Austin
Here are a few actual costs in Austin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Austin Glass Bottom Kayak Tour with Olympian: $50
- Afternoon in Austin Segway Tour: $99
- Austin Art & Architecture Bicycle Tour: $56
- Austin Art and Architecture Bicycle Tour: $56
- Austin Biker Gang E-Bike Tour: $90
- Austin Boat Tour with Full Sun Shading Available: $84
- Austin Breakfast Taco Tour: $85
- Austin E-Bike Brunch Tour : $118
- Austin E-Bike Foodie Tour : $128
- Austin Electric Bike Tour: Let it Ride: $70
- Austin Family Explorer Private Magical Urban Adventure Tour: $232
- Austin Family Explorer: A Magical Urban Adventure: $455
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySan Jose $16Austin $28
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 Austin
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Austin:
- Austin Bar Hunt: Sixth Street Spree: Austin Bar Crawl: $12
- Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
- Austin Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
- Downtown Austin Live Music Pub Crawl: $35
- Downtown Live Music Pub Crawl: $35
- Public Pedal Pub Tour in Austin: $39
- Austin Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $41
- Half-Day Hill Country Brewery and Distillery Shuttle from Austin: $65
- From Texas Hill Country Brewery & Distillery Shuttle: $65
- Private Austin Brewery Tour by Pedicab with All-Inclusive Beer Flight Option: $70
- 4-Hour Austin Signature Brewery Tour: $100
- The Brew Bus: Austin Brewery Tour with Live Band: $125
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Jose and Austin, we can see that Austin 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 Austin 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 Austin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Austin 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 Austin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, San Jose or Austin?
Austin has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of San Jose. When comparing the sizes of San Jose and Austin, 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 Austin?
Austin 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 Austin in the Summer?
Both Austin and San Jose during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to San Jose because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Austin this time of year.
San Jose is around the same temperature as Austin in the summer. The daily temperature in San Jose averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Austin fluctuates around 87°F (30°C).
In Austin, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, San Jose often gets less sunshine than Austin. San Jose gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 318 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in San Jose. San Jose usually gets more rain in July than Austin. San Jose gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySan Jose 28°C (82°F)Austin 87°F (30°C)
Should I visit San Jose or Austin in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both San Jose and Austin. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Austin for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, San Jose is a little warmer than Austin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in San Jose in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Austin averages at about 73°F (23°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Austin this time of the year. San Jose usually receives less sunshine than Austin during autumn. San Jose gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.
San Jose gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, San Jose usually receives more rain than Austin. San Jose gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSan Jose 27°C (81°F)Austin 73°F (23°C)
Should I visit San Jose or Austin in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to San Jose as well as Austin. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Austin in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, San Jose is generally much warmer than Austin. Daily temperatures in San Jose average around 27°C (81°F), and Austin fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Jose this time of the year. In the winter, San Jose often gets more sunshine than Austin. San Jose gets 264 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun.
San Jose usually gets less rain in January than Austin. San Jose gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySan Jose 27°C (81°F)Austin 51°F (11°C)
Should I visit San Jose or Austin in the Spring?
Both Austin and San Jose are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Jose throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Austin for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
San Jose is a little warmer than Austin in the spring. The daily temperature in San Jose averages around 29°C (85°F) in April, and Austin fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).
It's quite sunny in Austin. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Jose. San Jose usually receives more sunshine than Austin during spring. San Jose gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, San Jose usually receives less rain than Austin. San Jose gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSan Jose 29°C (85°F)Austin 71°F (22°C)
Typical Weather for Austin and San Jose
| San Jose | Austin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 51°F (11°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) |
| Apr | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 4 inches (101 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 83°F (29°C) | 3.1 inches (80 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 87°F (30°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 87°F (31°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 2 inches (52 mm) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.2 inches (56 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.