Which place is cheaper, Huaraz or San Jose?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit San Jose or Huaraz?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Jose or Huaraz, 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 Huaraz?
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.
Huaraz
Huaraz is a large town in the Cordillera Blanca region of Peru's Central Sierra. Huaraz stands tall at 3100m; travellers from Lima might need a day or two to acclimatize to the change in atmosphere. Nearly wiped out by the earthquake of 1970, the town of 100,000 blends a mix of modern and native culture. Huarez is first and foremost a trekking metropolis. During high season the streets buzz with hundreds of backpackers and adventurers freshly returned from arduous hikes or planning their next expedition. The town has many markets, shops, quality restaurants and hopping bars catering to tourist and local needs. Mountain adventures in the off-season can be equally rewarding, but the vibe is calmer and some places go into hibernation once the rains set in.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Peru, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Peru.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySan Jose $90Huaraz $50
The average daily cost (per person) in San Jose is $90, while the average daily cost in Huaraz is $50. 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 Huaraz in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Jose $49Huaraz $20
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Jose $98Huaraz $40
Compare Hotels in San Jose and Huaraz
Looking for a hotel in San Jose or Huaraz? 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 Huaraz Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Jose $19Huaraz $10
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
- Arrival Transfer San Jose Airport SJO to San Jose City by Minivan: $35
- Arrival Transfer San Jose Airport to Manuel Antonio by Minivan: $158
- 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 San Jose - Private Transfer: $70
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Huaraz
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Huaraz are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$2.17
Is it cheaper to fly into San Jose or Huaraz?
Prices for flights to both Huaraz 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 $18Huaraz $18
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
- Tropical Cooking Classes: $52
- 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
- Private Authentic Food Tour in San José: $84
- Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner: $179
Typical Food Prices in Huaraz
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Huaraz:
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Lunch$5.97
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Chips$1.49
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.San Jose $21Huaraz $19
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
- Private Roasting and Cupping Coffee Experience: $30
- Hacienda Alsacia Starbucks Coffe Tour: $31
- Poas Volcano National Park - Admission Ticket: $32
- 2-Hour Downtown San Jose Walking Tour: $33
- Private Custom Guided Tour in San Jose: $33
- 2-Hour Orosi Nocturnal Tour: $33
- San Jose Walking Nature Tour: Sloths, Birds and Trees: $33
- Skip the Line: Rescate Wildlife Rescue Centre General Admission Ticket: $35
- Historical Tour and Old Houses by Dota: $35
Typical Entertainment Prices in Huaraz
Here are a few typical costs in Huaraz for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Climbing Gear$17
Tours and Activities in Huaraz
Here are a few actual costs in Huaraz for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 3-day tour to Parón, Llanganuco and Laguna 69 from Huaraz: $150
- 69 Lake Tour of Peru: $26
- Ancash: Adventure and Climbing to Mountain Alpamayo |6D-5N|: $3,303
- Ancash: Nevado pastors and puyas Raymondi Tour | Full Day |: $40
- Ancash: Trek and Adventure to Quillcayhuanca |3Days-2Nights|: $410
- From Ancash: Fantastic tour Huaraz/Nevado Pastoruri |4D-3N|: $192
- From Ancash: Huaraz Adventure with meals |3Days-2Nights|: $142
- From Ancash: Tour Huaraz with Puya Raymondi |4Days-3Nights|: $197
- From Ancash: Tour fantastic in Huaraz |2Days-1Night|: $92
- From Ancash: Tour in Huaraz with tickets and Hotel |5D-4N|: $250
- From Huaraz | Live an adventure between mountains and lakes: $214
- From Huaraz || Full day tour Laguna 69 in -Cordillera Blanca: $36
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySan Jose $17Huaraz $15
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 Huaraz, we can see that San Jose is more expensive. And not only is Huaraz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since San Jose is in Central America and Huaraz 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 Huaraz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Huaraz 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 Huaraz.
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 Huaraz Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, San Jose or Huaraz?
San Jose has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Huaraz. When comparing the sizes of San Jose and Huaraz, 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 Huaraz?
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 Huaraz in the Summer?
Both Huaraz 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 Huaraz year-round.
It rains a lot this time of the year in San Jose. San Jose usually gets more rain in July than Huaraz. San Jose gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Huaraz receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
The weather in Huaraz can be very cold. San Jose is much warmer than Huaraz in the summer. The daily temperature in San Jose averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Huaraz fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySan Jose 28°C (82°F)Huaraz 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit San Jose or Huaraz in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both San Jose and Huaraz. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round. Huaraz 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 Huaraz. San Jose gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while Huaraz receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
It's quite cold in Huaraz in the autumn. In the autumn, San Jose is much warmer than Huaraz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in San Jose in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Huaraz averages at about 4°C (39°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSan Jose 27°C (81°F)Huaraz 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit San Jose or Huaraz in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to San Jose as well as Huaraz. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Huaraz throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Huaraz. San Jose usually gets less rain in January than Huaraz. San Jose gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Huaraz receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
In January, San Jose is generally much warmer than Huaraz. Daily temperatures in San Jose average around 27°C (81°F), and Huaraz fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySan Jose 27°C (81°F)Huaraz 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit San Jose or Huaraz in the Spring?
Both Huaraz 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 Huaraz because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, San Jose usually receives less rain than Huaraz. San Jose gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Huaraz receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
San Jose is much warmer than Huaraz in the spring. The daily temperature in San Jose averages around 29°C (85°F) in April, and Huaraz fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSan Jose 29°C (85°F)Huaraz 6°C (43°F)
Typical Weather for Huaraz and San Jose
| San Jose | Huaraz | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 112 mm (4.4 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.