A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers San Jose vs. Crete for Food, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit San Jose or Crete?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Jose or Crete, 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.

San Jose

San Jose is a authentic, traditional, and colorful city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See San Jose travel costs.

Crete

Crete is a breathtaking, world-renowned, and scenic island. Crete is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Crete travel costs.

San Jose and Crete: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Jose or Crete?

You'll generally find more things to do in Crete than San Jose. Crete is bigger than San Jose, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Crete is better known for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while San Jose is more popular for its shopping and big city activities. Crete is more touristy than San Jose and is popular for its breathtaking beaches, wild nightlife, and impressive archeological ruins. Also, Crete is famous for the Palace of Knossos. San Jose is well known for its colorful markets and vibrant nightlife, as well as its easy access to the rest of the country.

How is San Jose different from Crete?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Crete and San Jose. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in San Jose or Crete?

Crete is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Crete can be an interesting and educational experience. The island is filled with archeological sites including the famous Palace of Knossos. While most people come to Crete for the natural beauty, in the cities you'll find some great museums and landmarks.

San Jose offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Despite most people rushing through town, there are a number of museums, plazas, and interesting buildings that are worth checking out.

Is the Food Better in San Jose or Crete? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Crete is very popular for its restaurants. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Crete is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Local cuisine is influenced by the island's fertile environment and excellent agriculture. You'll find olive oil in most dishes and seafood is a major staple. You'll also find a lot of stews and recipes that incorporate local ingredients.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in San Jose. Most people miss out on local cuisine during their time in Costa Rica, but the capital city offers the best opportunities to eat like a local. You can sample favorite local dishes such as chifrijo, gallo pinto, rondón, and casado. You should also wander through the Central Market and dine at one of the many local restaurants.

Is San Jose or Crete Better for Nightlife?

The very good nightlife scene is relatively similar in San Jose and Crete.

San Jose has a large number of nightlife venues. This city has the best nightlife in all of Costa Rica. You'll find a diversity of clubs and bars that are fun to explore. Check out the reggae bars, dance clubs, and sports bars (where you can enjoy a soccer game) while you're in town.

Crete is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The island has excellent nightlife with clubs and bars found in Chania, Malia and Stalis to Elounda. The area is popular with British tourists and you'll find many bars open until 2 or 3 in the morning.

Is San Jose or Crete Better for Resorts?

Crete is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, San Jose is not a resort destination.

Crete offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The island has world class resorts that include pools and buffet meals. There are many beachfront resorts that range in style from romantic to family-friendly.

San Jose is not a resort destination.

Is San Jose or Crete Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Crete is a very popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, San Jose is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Crete to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. The island is surrounded by clear waters that make for great snorkeling and diving. There's a number of beautiful fish and other sea life that you can see. Be on the lookout for crabs, sea stars, sponges, and even octopi.

San Jose is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is San Jose or Crete Better for Beaches?

Crete is very popular for its beaches. However, San Jose is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Crete are among the best in the world. There are some of the best beaches in the world on Crete. The areas around Chania have some of the island's best beaches, with one of the most beautiful being Balos. On the northern side of the island, be on the lookout for strong winds, particularly in August, which can make for larger waves. The island is large, so you'll find everything from secluded and quiet beaches to more active and lively places.

San Jose is not a beach destination.

Is San Jose or Crete Better for Hiking?

Crete is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, San Jose is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Crete. The island is filled with beautiful hikes that run along the shoreline or head inland through the island's beautiful landscapes. There are hikes for every ability level that offer spectacular views and an incredible experience.

San Jose is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in San Jose or Crete?

San Jose is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Crete is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in San Jose. There are a number of unique things you can buy in the city including jewelry, handbags, and wood workings. Make sure you check out the Central Market.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Crete. The island has many markets that sell local foods and handicrafts. There are also shops and boutiques where you can buy anything from souvenirs to homemade artwork.

Is San Jose or Crete More Beautiful?

Crete is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, San Jose is not a destination known for its beauty.

Crete is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The island has some of the world's most beautiful beaches. The blue waters and striking landscapes make this a world class destination.

San Jose is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is San Jose or Crete Better for Families?

Crete is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. However, San Jose is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

Crete is an amazing family-friendly island to visit. The island is large and filled with countless family-friendly activities. You can spend several days at the beach, explore Lake Kournas, visit a water park, or even take a pirate themed boat cruise. There's also the amusement park, ​​Labyrinth Park, aquariums and more.

San Jose doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Most people pass through the city quickly, but if you have a day or two to explore, you can visit the Children's Museum (Museo de los Niños), Spirogyra Butterfly Gardens, or explore the Central Market.

Is San Jose or Crete Better for Couples?

Crete is very popular for romance. However, San Jose is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Crete has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's stunning beaches, beautiful landscapes, world renowned restaurants, and amazing resorts make this a top honeymoon spot for international travelers and romance seekers.

Most people don't think of San Jose as a couple's destination. While Costa Rica is a popular honeymoon destination, the capital city is often overlooked for the beaches and rainforests around the country.

Is San Jose or Crete Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Jose and Crete are both very good destinations for backpackers.

San Jose is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Backpackers appreciate the affordability of the city and the wide range of hostels that you can choose from. The city also offers an authentic glimpse of life in Costa Rica.

Crete is a great city to visit for backpackers. It's a large island with a great social scene and no shortage of hostels for backpackers to choose from.

Is San Jose or Crete Better for Students?

Crete is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Crete is a great island to visit as a student. It's affordability and great coastal activities is a big draw for students in the area.

San Jose is popular with students. Many students come to Costa Rica to study the country's amazing environment and unique ecological systems. San Jose makes a good base as its easy to travel to other parts of this small country.

Is San Jose or Crete Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find notable public transit in both San Jose and Crete.

San Jose has some public transit options. There are local buses that travel through the city during the daytime hours.

You'll find some public transit in Crete, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a decent bus system that travels around the island and offers access to many areas.

Is San Jose or Crete a more walkable city?

San Jose is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Crete is not particularly known for its walkability.

San Jose is a somewhat walkable city. It can feel a bit chaotic, but it's relatively easy to get around on foot.

Crete is generally not a very walkable city. The island is large and requires a vehicle to get around, but there are short strolls that let you enjoy the stunning landscapes.

For even more information, also check out Is San Jose Worth Visiting? and Is Crete Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Crete or San Jose?

How long in San Jose or Crete?

Both San Jose and Crete have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Crete than in San Jose. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for San Jose, and 5-7 days is enough time in Crete.

Families should spend more time in Crete than San Jose. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Crete, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Crete than San Jose. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Crete that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Crete than San Jose if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Crete.

One day in San Jose or Crete?

In San Jose, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this bustling destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

The beautiful island of Crete offers museums and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in San Jose or Crete?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Jose. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Crete is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in San Jose or Crete?

San Jose is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of San Jose. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Crete is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Crete, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in San Jose or Crete?

You'll find food and shopping around the traditional destination of San Jose. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Crete is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Crete has to offer. This island offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica, The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Greece.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Jose and Crete, we can see that Crete 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 Crete is in Europe, 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 Crete would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Crete 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 Crete Expensive?.

Which has a larger population, San Jose or Crete?

Crete has a larger population, and is about 79% larger than the population of San Jose. When comparing the sizes of San Jose and Crete, 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.