Which place is cheaper, La Paz or San Jose?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit San Jose or La Paz?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Jose or La Paz, 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 La Paz?
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.
La Paz
La Paz is the capital of Baja California Sur, Mexico. It has a population of about 215,000 people and is a significant commercial center for the region. The city has a good economy and a high standard of living when compared to much of Mexico. Much of the economy is focused on eco-tourism and there are many protected marine environments in the area.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica, The Best Budget Tours to Mexico, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Mexico.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySan Jose $90La Paz $118
The average daily cost (per person) in San Jose is $90, while the average daily cost in La Paz is $118. 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 La Paz in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Jose $49La Paz $52
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Jose $98La Paz $104
Compare Hotels in San Jose and La Paz
Looking for a hotel in San Jose or La Paz? 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 La Paz Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Jose $19La Paz $22
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:
- San Jose to Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) – Departure Private Transfer: $32
- Arrival Transfer San Jose Airport SJO to San Jose City by Minivan: $35
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from SanJose City to SanJose Juan Santamaría Airport: $39
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from SanJose Juan Santamaría Airport to SanJose City: $39
- Private One-way Juan Santamaria Airport Transfer to from San Jose: $41
- Private Airport and Hotel Transfer: Alajuela and San Jose: $45
- Transfer SJO Airport to Hotels nearby or Vice versa Private 6 PAX: $45
- Private San José Airport Transfer to San José Hotels : $50
- Private Transfer from San Jose Airport (SJO) to Puntarenas Port: $50
- Private Transfer from San Jose City to Puntarenas Cruise Port: $50
- Private Transfer from San Jose Airport One Way: $56
- Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) to San Jose – Round-Trip Private Transfer: $63
Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Paz
Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Paz:
- Private Transfer from La Paz to Cabo San Lucas: $240
- Roundtrip Transfer to La Paz International Airport: $73
- La Paz Int. Airport (LAP): Private Transfer to La Paz hotels: $174
- La Paz Airport: Private Roundtrip Transfer to La Ventan: $259
- La Paz Airport to Costa Baja Private Roundtrip Transfer: $89
Is it cheaper to fly into San Jose or La Paz?
Prices for flights to both La Paz 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 $18La Paz $38
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Paz
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in La Paz.
- 4 Hours of Guided La Paz Street Food Tour: $81
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.San Jose $21La Paz $13
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
Tours and Activities in La Paz
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for La Paz are as follows:
- 1 Day Espiritu Santo Island Wonders, Sea Lions and Paddleboard Adventure : $249
- 3 Hour La Paz Whale Shark Snorkeling Experience: $244
- Adventure to Espiritu Santo Island: Snorkel with Sea Lions and Beach: $131
- Balandra & San Rafaelito: Sightseeing & Snorkelling: $135
- Balandra Beach and City Tour: $128
- Balandra Snorkel & Sea Lion Adventure: $135
- Can-Am X3 Turbo Adventure: Cabo Desert Trails & Beach Ride: $291
- City Tour & Beaches from La Paz: $91
- Cruise Date Delight! Swim with Sea Lions! Apr-02: $186
- Espíritu Santo Island snorkel and sightseeing tour on Small Group: $167
- Espiritu Santo Island Day Tour: $170
- Espiritu Santo Island Snorkel & Sea Lion Adventure: $145
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySan Jose $17La Paz $12
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 La Paz, we can see that La Paz 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 La Paz 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 La Paz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in La Paz 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 La Paz Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, San Jose or La Paz?
San Jose has a larger population, and is about 95% larger than the population of La Paz. When comparing the sizes of San Jose and La Paz, 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 La Paz?
La Paz 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 La Paz in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to San Jose as well as La Paz. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to La Paz for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, San Jose is around the same temperature as La Paz. Typically, the summer temperatures in San Jose in July average around 28°C (82°F), and La Paz averages at about 30°C (86°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Paz. In the summer, San Jose often gets less sunshine than La Paz. San Jose gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Paz receives 287 hours of full sun.
San Jose receives a lot of rain in the summer. San Jose usually gets more rain in July than La Paz. San Jose gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySan Jose 28°C (82°F)La Paz 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit San Jose or La Paz in the Autumn?
Both La Paz and San Jose are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Jose throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to La Paz in the autumn for the shopping scene.
In October, San Jose is generally around the same temperature as La Paz. Daily temperatures in San Jose average around 27°C (81°F), and La Paz fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
It's quite sunny in La Paz. San Jose usually receives less sunshine than La Paz during autumn. San Jose gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while La Paz receives 272 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in San Jose. In October, San Jose usually receives more rain than La Paz. San Jose gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSan Jose 27°C (81°F)La Paz 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit San Jose or La Paz in the Winter?
Both La Paz and San Jose during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to San Jose because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to La Paz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
San Jose is much warmer than La Paz in the winter. The daily temperature in San Jose averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and La Paz fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
In La Paz, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in San Jose. In the winter, San Jose often gets more sunshine than La Paz. San Jose gets 264 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Paz receives 200 hours of full sun.
San Jose usually gets less rain in January than La Paz. San Jose gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySan Jose 27°C (81°F)La Paz 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit San Jose or La Paz in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both San Jose and La Paz. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to La Paz because of the beaches.
In the spring, San Jose is a little warmer than La Paz. Typically, the spring temperatures in San Jose in April average around 29°C (85°F), and La Paz averages at about 23°C (73°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Paz this time of the year. In San Jose, it's very sunny this time of the year. San Jose usually receives less sunshine than La Paz during spring. San Jose gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while La Paz receives 292 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, San Jose usually receives more rain than La Paz. San Jose gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSan Jose 29°C (85°F)La Paz 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for La Paz and San Jose
| San Jose | La Paz | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 30°C (87°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 21 mm (0.8 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.