Which place is cheaper, Boston or San Jose?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit San Jose or Boston?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Jose or Boston, 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 Boston?
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.
Boston
Boston is one of the oldest and most historic cities in New England. It is also the capital of the state of Massachusetts and the largest city in the region. The city proper covers 48 square miles and has a population of more than 600,000. The Greater Boston area has 4.5 million people and is the tenth largest metropolitan area in the country.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySan Jose $89Boston $255
The average daily cost (per person) in San Jose is $89, while the average daily cost in Boston is $255. 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 Boston in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Jose $48Boston $166
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Jose $96Boston $332
Compare Hotels in San Jose and Boston
Looking for a hotel in San Jose or Boston? 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 Boston Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Jose $19Boston $37
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Boston
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Boston are as follows:
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Taxi$35
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Subway Daily Pass$9.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Boston
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Boston:
- Transfer in private vehicle from Boston Downtown to Boston Airport (BOS): $69
- Transfer in private vehicle from Boston Airport (BOS) to City Downtown: $69
- Round trip transfer in private vehicle from Boston downtown-to the Airport (BOS): $138
- Round trip Airport Transfer: Logan - Boston: $300
- Private transfer: Boston to Boston Airport (BOS): $96
- Private Transfer: between Manhattan and Boston: $968
- Private Transfer in Boston (BOS) Airport/Home/Hotel/Work : $160
- Private Transfer from Boston to Flynn Cruiseport Boston: $116
- Private Transfer from Boston City to Boston (BOS) Airport: $103
- Private Transfer from Boston City Hotels to Newport Cruise Port: $88
- Private Transfer from Boston (BOS) Airport to Boston City: $103
- Private Transfer between Boston Logan Airport and Boston City: $150
Is it cheaper to fly into San Jose or Boston?
Prices for flights to both Boston 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 $18Boston $49
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 Boston
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Boston.
- AM Coffee Walks with Salem Food Tours: $34
- Boston's North End Pizza & History Walking Food Tour: $49
- North End Pizza Tour with 3 Slices and Cannoli: $55
- Boston Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $70
- North End Food Experience with Pizza, Meats & Cheese: $75
- Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise on Boston Harbor: $77
- Boston's North End Small Group Food Tour : $81
- Ultimate Boston Food Tour: North End & Boston Public Market: $89
- Ultimate Food Tour of North End & Public Market: $89
- Union Square, Somerville Neighborhood Food Tour: $90
- Boston Harbor: Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $108
- Local Gems of the South End Neighborhood Food Tour: $110
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.San Jose $21Boston $33
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 Boston
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Boston are as follows:
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Two Tickets to Celtics Game$101
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Duck Tour$32
Tours and Activities in Boston
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Boston are as follows:
- "Ghosts of Boston" Walking Ghost Tour: $25
- "Witch Trials" Walking Tour in Salem: $25
- 1 If By Land Walking Tours: History Walking Tour of Boston: $45
- 1 or 2 Day Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour with Harbor Cruise Option: $46
- 1-Day Tour to Portland-Maine from Boston: $175
- 1692 Salem Day Tour: $32
- 1692 Salem Night Walking Tour: $32
- 2 Hour North End 'Little Italy' Walking Tour : $35
- 2-Hour Beacon Hill True Crime Expert Guided Tour: $35
- 90-Minute Boston Harbor Sunset Sightseeing Cruise: $43
- A Bostonian Christmas Tour: $425
- A Bostonian Christmas Tour: $216
For more ideas for your next trip, check out Free Things to Do in Boston, Must-See Monuments and Memorials In Boston, and The Best Things To Do in Boston with Kids.
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySan Jose $16Boston $27
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 Boston
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Boston:
- Boston Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
- Haunted Pub Crawl of Historic Pubs and Taverns: $30
- Boston Ghosts Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl : $34
- Salem Booze and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl by US Ghost Adventures: $35
- History Pub Crawl Tour Along the Freedom Trail: $59
- Boston Small-Group Freedom Trail History Tour Pub Crawl: $60
- Boston Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105
- Guided Craft Brewery Tour with a Snack: $105
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Jose and Boston, we can see that Boston 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 Boston 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 Boston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boston 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 Boston Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, San Jose or Boston?
Boston has a larger population, and is about 76% larger than the population of San Jose. When comparing the sizes of San Jose and Boston, 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 Boston?
Boston 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 Boston in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to San Jose as well as Boston. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Boston in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
San Jose is a little warmer than Boston in the summer. The daily temperature in San Jose averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Boston fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Boston. In the summer, San Jose often gets less sunshine than Boston. San Jose gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 304 hours of full sun.
San Jose receives a lot of rain in the summer. San Jose usually gets more rain in July than Boston. San Jose gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Boston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySan Jose 28°C (82°F)Boston 73°F (23°C)
Should I visit San Jose or Boston in the Autumn?
Both Boston 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, most visitors come to Boston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, San Jose is much warmer than Boston. Typically, the autumn temperatures in San Jose in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Boston averages at about 54°F (12°C).
San Jose usually receives less sunshine than Boston during autumn. San Jose gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in San Jose. In October, San Jose usually receives more rain than Boston. San Jose gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSan Jose 27°C (81°F)Boston 54°F (12°C)
Should I visit San Jose or Boston in the Winter?
Both Boston 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. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Boston because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
The weather in Boston can be very cold. In January, San Jose is generally much warmer than Boston. Daily temperatures in San Jose average around 27°C (81°F), and Boston fluctuates around 29°F (-2°C).
It's quite sunny in San Jose. In the winter, San Jose often gets more sunshine than Boston. San Jose gets 264 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 153 hours of full sun.
San Jose usually gets less rain in January than Boston. San Jose gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySan Jose 27°C (81°F)Boston 29°F (-2°C)
Should I visit San Jose or Boston in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both San Jose and Boston. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round. Furthermore, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Boston this time of year.
San Jose is much warmer than Boston in the spring. The daily temperature in San Jose averages around 29°C (85°F) in April, and Boston fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Boston this time of the year. In San Jose, it's very sunny this time of the year. San Jose usually receives more sunshine than Boston during spring. San Jose gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, San Jose usually receives less rain than Boston. San Jose gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Boston 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)Boston 48°F (9°C)
Typical Weather for Boston and San Jose
| San Jose | Boston | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 29°F (-2°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 30°F (-1°C) | 3.7 inches (94 mm) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 38°F (4°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) |
| Apr | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 48°F (9°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 58°F (15°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 45°F (7°C) | 4.3 inches (108 mm) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 33°F (1°C) | 3.9 inches (99 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.