Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or San Jose?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit San Jose or Cuenca?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Jose or Cuenca, 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 Cuenca?
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.
Cuenca
Cuenca is a vibrant colonial city in southern Ecuador, the third largest in the country, and the capital of Azuay Province. Cuenca is considered as Ecuador's most important and beautiful colonial city after Quito. Dating from the 16th century, Cuenca's historic center, a Unesco World Heritage Site with its trademark skyline of massive rotundas and soaring steeples, is a magical sight in which you will feel like you are moving back in time. Cuenca is the center of many craft traditions, including ceramics, metalwork and the internationally famous panama hat. The nearby villages also offer many other handicrafts. Tourists enjoy wandering the ancient streets discovering picturesque alleys and hidden corners, where nuns march along cobblestone streets and kids in Catholic-school uniforms skip past historic churches. Fascinating historic monuments and fabulous views are found at every turn. Cuenca also has outstanding art museums and festivals. For a rewarding cultural experience, visit during Easter to attend the Festival of Religious Music.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica, The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySan Jose $90Cuenca $42
The average daily cost (per person) in San Jose is $90, while the average daily cost in Cuenca is $42. 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 Cuenca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Jose $49Cuenca $13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Jose $98Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in San Jose and Cuenca
Looking for a hotel in San Jose or Cuenca? 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 Cuenca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Jose $19Cuenca $11
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$2.72
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
- Direct Transfer From San Jose to Cahuita, English Speaking Driver: $240
- Direct Transfer From San Jose to Limon, English Speaking Driver: $192
- Direct Transfer From San Jose to Monteverde, English Speaking Driver: $180
- Direct transfer from San Jose to La Fortuna, English Speaking Driver: $153
- Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) to Jaco - Arrival Private Transfer: $68
- Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) to Jaco - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $135
- Juan Santamaria Intl Airport(SJO) to Puntarenas city-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $166
- Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) to San Jose – Round-Trip Private Transfer: $63
- One way Transfer from SJO airport or San José to Playa Dominical max 5 passenger: $240
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cuenca
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cuenca:
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Taxi Ride$2.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cuenca
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cuenca:
- Private Transfer from Cuenca to Guayaquil.: $104
Is it cheaper to fly into San Jose or Cuenca?
Prices for flights to both Cuenca 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 $18Cuenca $15
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 & Cocktails Classes: $57
- 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
- Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner: $179
Typical Food Prices in Cuenca
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cuenca:
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Lunch$10
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Snacks$5.00
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Empanada$1.50
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Hot Dog$1.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cuenca
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cuenca.
- Street food Tour in Cuenca,Ecuador: $33
- Cooking Class & Market Tour in Cuenca: $55
- Private Cooking Class: $125
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.San Jose $21Cuenca $16
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 Hacienda Orosi: $21
- Hiking Experience in El Quetzal Private Reserve: $26
- Visit a Butterfly Chapel, Gardens, Coffee Tour with Typical Lunch: $30
- Hacienda Alsacia Starbucks Coffe Tour: $31
- San Jose Walking Nature Tour: Sloths, Birds and Trees: $33
- San Jose ART Walking Tour - small groups, creative experience: $35
- Historical Tour and Old Houses by Dota: $35
- Skip the Line: Rescate Wildlife Rescue Centre General Admission Ticket: $35
- San Jose Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $35
- Corso Lecheria Tour: $40
- Zipline Tour Arenal + Indigenous culture + Thermomineral pools: $48
- Chocolate and Coffee Tour Farm Don Jorge: $50
Tours and Activities in Cuenca
Here are a few actual costs in Cuenca for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cuenca-Ec- City Tour with Panama Hat factory Half Day: $30
- Amazing Cajas National Park Tour from Cuenca: $48
- Azuay: San Bartolomé, Gualaceo, and Chordeleg Artisanal Tour: $63
- Biking Cuenca City Tour: $50
- Birdwatching Tour in Cajas National Park from Cuenca: $100
- Birdwatching Tour in Giron and Yunguilla Jocotoco Reserve from Cuenca: $150
- Birdwatching Tour, Via Gualaceo to the Eastern slope from Cuenca: $130
- Cañari Bike Tour: $96
- Cajas National Park Half Day Tour from Cuenca: $40
- Cajas National Park Small-Group tour from Cuenca: $49
- Cajas National Park Tour from Cuenca: $49
- Cajas National Park and Cuenca City private Tour: $115
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySan Jose $17Cuenca $14
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Jose and Cuenca, we can see that San Jose is more expensive. And not only is Cuenca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since San Jose is in Central America and Cuenca is in South 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 Cuenca would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cuenca 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 San Jose would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Jose than you might in Cuenca.
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 Cuenca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, San Jose or Cuenca?
San Jose has a larger population, and is about 21% larger than the population of Cuenca. When comparing the sizes of San Jose and Cuenca, 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 Cuenca?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit San Jose or Cuenca in the Summer?
Both Cuenca 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.
It rains a lot this time of the year in San Jose. San Jose usually gets more rain in July than Cuenca. San Jose gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, San Jose is a little warmer than Cuenca. Typically, the summer temperatures in San Jose in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Cuenca averages at about 22°C (72°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySan Jose 28°C (82°F)Cuenca 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit San Jose or Cuenca in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both San Jose and Cuenca. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
San Jose gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, San Jose usually receives more rain than Cuenca. San Jose gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In October, San Jose is generally much warmer than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in San Jose average around 27°C (81°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSan Jose 27°C (81°F)Cuenca 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit San Jose or Cuenca in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to San Jose as well as Cuenca. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
San Jose usually gets less rain in January than Cuenca. San Jose gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
The weather in Cuenca can be very cold. San Jose is much warmer than Cuenca in the winter. The daily temperature in San Jose averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Cuenca fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySan Jose 27°C (81°F)Cuenca 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit San Jose or Cuenca in the Spring?
Both Cuenca 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. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, San Jose usually receives less rain than Cuenca. San Jose gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In the spring, San Jose is much warmer than Cuenca. Typically, the spring temperatures in San Jose in April average around 29°C (85°F), and Cuenca averages at about 10°C (50°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSan Jose 29°C (85°F)Cuenca 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cuenca and San Jose
| San Jose | Cuenca | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
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.