Which place is cheaper, Houston or San Jose?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit San Jose or Houston?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Jose or Houston, 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 Houston?
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.
Houston
The largest city in Texas and the fourth largest in the United States, Houston is a sprawling urban center that has grown from its wealth in the oil industry. Visitors today are drawn to its cultural diversity which has additionally made Houston a foodie destination. Other attractions to Houston include its proximity to NASA's Space Center Houston on the Gulf coast, and its Downtown which features a vibrant museum and arts scene, shopping, and dining.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySan Jose $89Houston $262
The average daily cost (per person) in San Jose is $89, while the average daily cost in Houston is $262. 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 Houston in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Jose $48Houston $142
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Jose $96Houston $284
Compare Hotels in San Jose and Houston
Looking for a hotel in San Jose or Houston? 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 Houston Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Jose $19Houston $72
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 Houston
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Houston:
- William P.Hobby Airport (HOU): Transfer to Port of Galveston: $544
- William P. Hobby Airport to Galveston Port Arrival Transfer: $168
- Transfer in private vehicle from Houston George Bush Airport to Houston Downtown: $60
- Transfer in private minivan from Houston George Bush Airport to Houston Downtown: $88
- Transfer in private minivan from Houston City Center to George Bush Airport: $88
- RoundTrip transfer in private minivan from-to HoustonAirport in Houston Downtown: $176
- Round trip transfer in private car from-to Houston Airport in Houston Downtown: $120
- Private One-way George Bush Airport Transfer To/From Houston: $71
- Private Arrival Transfer from Houston William P. Hobby Airport HOU: $48
- Private Arrival Transfer from Houston George Bush Airport (IAH): $51
- Privat Transfer from Houston Airport (HOU) to Port of Galveston: $168
- Round-Trip Shuttle Transfer to NASA Space Center: $54
Is it cheaper to fly into San Jose or Houston?
Prices for flights to both Houston 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 $18Houston $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 Houston
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Houston.
- Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $70
- Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $70
- Downtown Houston Food Tour: $76
- Houston Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $85
- Houston Downtown: Secret Food Tours: $87
- Howdy H-Town EADO Food Tour: $90
- East Downtown Food Tour: $90
- Montrose Food Tour: $97
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.San Jose $21Houston $14
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
Tours and Activities in Houston
Here are a few actual costs in Houston for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Houston Ghosts and Hauntings By US Ghost Adventures: $30
- 2 Hours H- Town Tour with 15ft Open Air Party Truck On Wheels: $49
- 2-Hour Private Sightseeing Cart Tour of Houston and Galveston: $256
- Astroville Best of Houston City Driving Tour with Live Guide: $45
- Astroville Best of Houston City Driving Tour with Live Guide: $45
- Astroville Driving Tour & NASA Space Center Admission and Shuttle: $80
- Astroville Private Best of Houston City Driving Tour: $370
- Astroville Tunnel Tour & NASA Space Center Admission with Shuttle: $80
- Astroville Tunnel Tour of Downtown Houston (Air-Conditioned): $32
- Astroville Tunnel Tour of Downtown Houston (Air-Condtioned): $32
- Austin & Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
- Downtown In App Audio Walking Tour: $9.00
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySan Jose $16Houston $13
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 Houston
Also in Houston, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Brewery Pass with Beer Tastings: $50
- Private Houston Brewery Tour by Cart: $57
- 2-Hour Downtown Brewery Tour by Electric Cart: $70
- Downtown Houston Brewery Bike Tour : $71
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Jose and Houston, we can see that Houston 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 Houston 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 Houston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Houston 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 Houston Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, San Jose or Houston?
Houston has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of San Jose. When comparing the sizes of San Jose and Houston, 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 Houston?
Houston 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 Houston in the Summer?
Both Houston 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. Also, many visitors come to Houston in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, San Jose is around the same temperature as Houston. Typically, the summer temperatures in San Jose in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Houston averages at about 84°F (29°C).
Houston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in San Jose. San Jose usually gets more rain in July than Houston. San Jose gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySan Jose 28°C (82°F)Houston 84°F (29°C)
Should I visit San Jose or Houston in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both San Jose and Houston. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round. Also, most visitors come to Houston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.
In October, San Jose is generally a little warmer than Houston. Daily temperatures in San Jose average around 27°C (81°F), and Houston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).
Houston receives a lot of rain in the autumn. San Jose gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, San Jose usually receives more rain than Houston. San Jose gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSan Jose 27°C (81°F)Houston 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit San Jose or Houston in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to San Jose as well as Houston. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Houston because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
San Jose is much warmer than Houston in the winter. The daily temperature in San Jose averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Houston fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).
San Jose usually gets less rain in January than Houston. San Jose gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySan Jose 27°C (81°F)Houston 52°F (11°C)
Should I visit San Jose or Houston in the Spring?
Both Houston 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, the activities around the city are the main draw to Houston this time of year.
In the spring, San Jose is a little warmer than Houston. Typically, the spring temperatures in San Jose in April average around 29°C (85°F), and Houston averages at about 70°F (21°C).
In April, San Jose usually receives less rain than Houston. San Jose gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSan Jose 29°C (85°F)Houston 70°F (21°C)
Typical Weather for Houston and San Jose
| San Jose | Houston | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 52°F (11°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Apr | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 70°F (21°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 5.2 inches (132 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 84°F (29°C) | 4.8 inches (122 mm) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 83°F (29°C) | 4.4 inches (113 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) | 80°F (27°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 4.1 inches (104 mm) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 3.4 inches (87 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.