A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers San Jose vs. Islamorada for Families, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit San Jose or Islamorada?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Jose or Islamorada, 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 traditional, colorful, and bustling city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See San Jose travel costs.

Islamorada

Islamorada is a adventurous, relaxing, and tropical village. Islamorada is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Islamorada travel costs.

San Jose and Islamorada: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Jose or Islamorada?

Tourists will generally find more to do in San Jose. Although San Jose and Islamorada are both popular with visitors, San Jose has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. San Jose is more popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Islamorada is known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Islamorada is more touristy than San Jose and is known for its sportfishing, state parks, and local vibe. San Jose is popular for its colorful markets and vibrant nightlife, as well as its easy access to the rest of the country. It is also home to The National Museum of Costa Rica.

How is San Jose different from Islamorada?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Islamorada 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 Islamorada?

Spend time exploring the good sights and museums in either San Jose or Islamorada.

San Jose is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Despite most people rushing through town, there are a number of museums, plazas, and interesting buildings that are worth checking out.

Islamorada offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a variety of museums and aquariums in the area such as the History of Diving Museum, the Keys History and Discovery Center, and the famous Theater of the Sea.

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

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

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Islamorada. Has a sports fishing destination, you'll find no shortage of seafood options in the area. There are cafes and bistros that have an old school Florida Key's atmosphere. Popular dishes include grilled fish and curry seafood.

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 Islamorada Better for Nightlife?

San Jose is a great city for nightlife. Also, Islamorada is not as popular, but is still a nice village for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in San Jose has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Islamorada. The nightlife consists of mostly bars and restaurants that serve cocktails and frozen drinks. There are sports bars and casual eateries where you can enjoy a drink in a relaxed atmosphere.

Is San Jose or Islamorada Better for Resorts?

Islamorada is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, San Jose is not a resort destination.

Islamorada has a handful of resorts to choose from. You'll find plenty of resorts with spas, pools or oceanfront views in the area.

San Jose is not a resort destination.

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

Islamorada is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, San Jose is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Islamorada has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are plenty of dive shops that offer snorkeling and dive trips to the surrounding areas. You could also grab a mask and head out into the water on your own. You're sure to see some beautiful marine life.

San Jose is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is San Jose or Islamorada Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Islamorada. Blue water and white sand make the beaches a true paradise. Favorite beaches in the area include Anne's Beach, which has a boardwalk and mangroves, Library Beach, which is small and well maintained, Holiday Isle Beach, which is near the hotels and restaurants, and Long Key State Park, which has camping and picnic spots.

San Jose is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in San Jose or Islamorada?

San Jose is a great city for shopping. Also, Islamorada is not as popular, but is still a nice village for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Islamorada offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find a few jewelry boutiques as well as sporting goods shops and souvenir stands.

Is San Jose or Islamorada More Beautiful?

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

Islamorada is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Striking blue water and white sand make this a truly tropical paradise. You can sip frozen drinks and relax in the sun as your troubles slip away.

San Jose is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is San Jose or Islamorada Better for Families?

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

Islamorada is an amazing family-friendly village to visit. Theater of the Sea is a highlight for kids and adults alike. You'll have the opportunity to interact with many types of sea life including dolphins, sea lions, and even sharks. Founders Park is another great place to take the kids. You can have a picnic, hang out at the beach, or hit up the playground. There's also plenty of snorkeling and diving in the area, particularly around Alligator Reef Lighthouse.

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 Islamorada Better for Couples?

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

Islamorada has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Couples will enjoy the resorts, spas, beaches, and adventures in the area. Head to Little Palm Spa for a little relaxation or hit up Florida Keys Brewing Company for some live music. There's also snorkeling, diving, and some good restaurants nearby as well.

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 Islamorada Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Jose is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Islamorada is not known 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.

Islamorada is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't any real hostels on this key and prices in general can be a bit high so backpackers will find it a bit challenging.

Is San Jose or Islamorada Better for Students?

San Jose is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Islamorada is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit San Jose. 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.

Islamorada is not popular with students.

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

San Jose is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Islamorada is not known for its public transit.

While San Jose offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local buses that travel through the city during the daytime hours.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Islamorada. There's no real public transit in the area and you must have your own vehicle.

Is San Jose or Islamorada a more walkable city?

San Jose is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Islamorada is not known for its high level of walkability.

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

Islamorada is not a walkable city. Like the rest of the Florida Keys, it's not very walkable and you'll need a car to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Islamorada or San Jose?

How long in San Jose or Islamorada?

Both San Jose and Islamorada have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Islamorada than in San Jose. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for San Jose, and 4-7 days is enough time in Islamorada.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Jose than Islamorada 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 San Jose.

One day in San Jose or Islamorada?

With museums and nightlife around the bustling city of San Jose, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in San Jose, one day is sufficent for most.

The beautiful village of Islamorada offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Islamorada?

With nightlife and food around the destination of San Jose, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Islamorada is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Islamorada?

San Jose, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Islamorada is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Islamorada, 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 Islamorada?

San Jose is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Islamorada is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Islamorada has to offer. This village 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 Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, San Jose or Islamorada?

San Jose has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Islamorada. When comparing the sizes of San Jose and Islamorada, 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 Islamorada?

Islamorada 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 Islamorada in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both San Jose and Islamorada. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Islamorada this time of year.

San Jose is around the same temperature as Islamorada in the summer. The daily temperature in San Jose averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Islamorada fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamorada this time of the year. San Jose usually receives less sunshine than Islamorada during summer. San Jose gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Islamorada receives 328 hours of full sun in the summer.

San Jose gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, San Jose usually receives more rain than Islamorada. San Jose gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Islamorada receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit San Jose or Islamorada in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to San Jose as well as Islamorada. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Islamorada for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, San Jose is around the same temperature as Islamorada. Typically, the autumn temperatures in San Jose in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Islamorada averages at about 80°F (27°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamorada. In the autumn, San Jose often gets less sunshine than Islamorada. San Jose gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamorada receives 258 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Islamorada. San Jose receives a lot of rain in the autumn. San Jose usually gets more rain in October than Islamorada. San Jose gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while Islamorada receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to April in San Jose is the dry season. Also, the hurricane season in San Jose is May to November. Also, the hurricane season in Islamorada is June to November.

Should I visit San Jose or Islamorada in the Winter?

Both Islamorada and San Jose are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Jose throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Islamorada in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, San Jose is generally a little warmer than Islamorada. Daily temperatures in San Jose average around 27°C (81°F), and Islamorada fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

It's quite sunny in Islamorada. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Jose. San Jose usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Islamorada during winter. San Jose gets 264 hours of sunny skies, while Islamorada receives 252 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, San Jose usually receives less rain than Islamorada. San Jose gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Islamorada receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit San Jose or Islamorada in the Spring?

Both Islamorada and San Jose during the spring 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, most visitors come to Islamorada for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

San Jose is a little warmer than Islamorada in the spring. The daily temperature in San Jose averages around 29°C (85°F) in April, and Islamorada fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

In Islamorada, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in San Jose. In the spring, San Jose often gets less sunshine than Islamorada. San Jose gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamorada receives 326 hours of full sun.

San Jose usually gets more rain in April than Islamorada. San Jose gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Islamorada receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year. December to April is the dry season in San Jose. Keep in mind that May to November is the hurricane season in San Jose. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Islamorada.

Typical Weather for Islamorada and San Jose