Which place is cheaper, Los Angeles or San Jose?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit San Jose or Los Angeles?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Jose or Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles?
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.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California is probably one of the most well known cities in the United States. It is the second most populated metro area in the country with more than 17 million people. The city's diversity is wide reaching, giving it a character that is unique from any other place in the country. LA has many world famous sights and neighborhoods including Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, and Santa Monica, but there is really so much more to this city.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySan Jose $89Los Angeles $258
The average daily cost (per person) in San Jose is $89, while the average daily cost in Los Angeles is $258. 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 Los Angeles in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Jose $48Los Angeles $140
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Jose $96Los Angeles $280
Compare Hotels in San Jose and Los Angeles
Looking for a hotel in San Jose or Los Angeles? 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 Los Angeles Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Jose $19Los Angeles $42
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:
- Transfers to Occidental Papagayo - Secrets Resort, Round-Trip: $130
- Transfer to Los Sueños Marriot Playa Herradura from San Jose or Airport: $215
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from SanJose Juan Santamaría Airport to SanJose City: $39
- Transfer from San Jose Airport CR (SJO) to Arenal La Fortuna Hotels: $279
- Transfer from Juan Santamaria Airport (SJO) to Quepos Cruise Port: $72
- Transfer TO & FROM SJO Airport to Esterillos - Bejuco Not Shared.: $180
- Transfer SJO Airport TO & FROM Dominical OR Uvita (One Way): $290
- Transfer Costa Rica SJO Airport To OR From Hotels nearby Private : $45
- Transfer Airport area to Manuel Antonio Hotels Private One Way: $185
- Transfer Airport Area to Jaco Hotels Private One Way Transport: $150
- Shuttle & transfer rides to Jaco beach: $137
- Shared transfer to Manuel Antonio: $70
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Los Angeles
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Los Angeles:
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Hotel Parking for a Day$22
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Taxi to Airport$55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Los Angeles
Also for Los Angeles, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- World Cruise Center to Long Beach Airport(LGB)-Departure Transfer: $66
- World Cruise Center to Long Beach - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $121
- World Cruise Center to Long Beach - Arrival Private Transfer: $60
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Los Angeles APT-HTL (LAX): $141
- Transfer from Los Angeles airport. Transfer to LAX Airport: $160
- San Diego Private Transfer To or From Universal Studios/Burbank.: $248
- Roundtrip transfer in private car Los Angeles Airport (LAX)-Los Angeles Downtown: $100
- RoundTrip private transfer from Los Angeles airportLAX to Anaheim: $133
- Private transfer from Los Angeles airport LAX to Anheim: $67
- Private Transfers between LAX Airport and Los Angeles: $519
- Private Transfers between LAX Airport and LA City Center: $97
- Private Transfer: Los Angeles to Ontario Airport ONT in Business Car: $240
Is it cheaper to fly into San Jose or Los Angeles?
Prices for flights to both Los Angeles 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 $18Los Angeles $60
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
Typical Food Prices in Los Angeles
For Los Angeles, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Mexican Dinner (family of 4)$32
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Burritos for Two$15
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Coffee and Danish$7.70
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Los Angeles
For Los Angeles, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Venice Beach Food Tour with Tastings: $75
- Santa Monica Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $82
- 3-Hour Secret Food Tour: $88
- Downtown Los Angeles Food Tour: $89
- West Hollywood Food Tour: $89
- Venice Beach LA Food Tour: $89
- Downtown Food Tour: $89
- Venice Beach Food Tour: $89
- LA Venice Beach Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
- Original Downtown Los Angeles Walking Food Tour with Six Taste: $110
- Night Cruise in Marina del Rey with Dinner: $124
- Vegan African Dinner Party in Playa Del Ray: $132
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.San Jose $21Los Angeles $82
Tours and Activities in San Jose
For San Jose, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Explore San Jose on Foot: Food Delights and Sights Tour: $47
- Street Food Walking Tour in Downtown San Jose: $60
- 3 in 1 Eco Tour Rain Forest Aerial Tram, River Cruise & Nature Walk Private Tour: $299
- 6 in 1 RainForest Adventure From San Jose: $189
- A taste of Aquiares - 2 hours Coffee Tour: $42
- AERIAL TRAM TOUR - HALF DAY PASS Rainforest Adventures Braulio Ca: $78
- AWA Water Museum - Waterfall Adventure (Organic Food Experience): $98
- Arenal Volcano Eco Tour & Baldi Hot Springs Private Tour from San Jose: $285
- Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose: $159
- Arenal Volcano Hanging Bridges & Baldi Hot Springs. Private Tour from San Jose: $285
- Arenal Volcano Hike and Hot Springs Tour from San Jose: $142
- Arenal Volcano Horseback Riding & Baldi Hot Springs. Private Tour: $295
Typical Entertainment Prices in Los Angeles
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Los Angeles's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Santa Monica Pier Rides (family of 4)$37
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Bowling$13
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Hollywood Tour for Two$30
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Six Flags for 2$96
Tours and Activities in Los Angeles
For Los Angeles, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1-Hour Private Ferrari Driving Tour: Hollywood to Beverly Hills: $289
- 17 Miles and Pebble Beach Tour from Los Angeles to San Francisco: $144
- 2 Hour Celebrity Homes Tour: $175
- 2 Hour Griffith Park Observatory Tour: $20
- 2 Hour Private Tour of Hollywood and Beverly Hills Celebrity Homes: $175
- 2-Hour Hollywood Bus Tour: $45
- 2-Hour Shared Celebrities Home Tours in Hollywood: $35
- 2-Hour Venice Beach Art and History Walking Tour: $39
- 2-Hours Guided Black and Brown Hollywood Tour: $77
- 2.5 Hour Fright Sights Tour of Hollywood and Beverly Hills: $219
- 2.5 Hour Private Tour of Hollywood and Beverly Hills: $219
- 2.5-hour Hollywood Chills Tour - Celebrity Scandals and Cemeteries : $219
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySan Jose $16Los Angeles $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
Sample the Local Flavors in Los Angeles
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Los Angeles:
- LA Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $40
- Salsa Lesson, Burlesque and Mojitos : $149
- Salsa Lesson and Burlesque Show: $149
- Malibu: Vintage VW Sightseeing Tour and Wine Tasting: $195
- Wine Tour at Fess Parker Winery by Helicopter: $4,299
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Jose and Los Angeles, we can see that Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, San Jose or Los Angeles?
Los Angeles has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of San Jose. When comparing the sizes of San Jose and Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles?
Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles in the Summer?
Both Los Angeles and San Jose are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Jose throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Los Angeles in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, San Jose is generally a little warmer than Los Angeles. Daily temperatures in San Jose average around 28°C (82°F), and Los Angeles fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).
It's quite rainy in San Jose. In July, San Jose usually receives more rain than Los Angeles. San Jose gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySan Jose 28°C (82°F)Los Angeles 72°F (22°C)
Should I visit San Jose or Los Angeles in the Autumn?
Both Los Angeles and San Jose during the autumn 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 Los Angeles for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.
San Jose is much warmer than Los Angeles in the autumn. The daily temperature in San Jose averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Los Angeles fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in San Jose. San Jose usually gets more rain in October than Los Angeles. San Jose gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSan Jose 27°C (81°F)Los Angeles 64°F (18°C)
Should I visit San Jose or Los Angeles in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both San Jose and Los Angeles. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Los Angeles because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
In the winter, San Jose is much warmer than Los Angeles. Typically, the winter temperatures in San Jose in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Los Angeles averages at about 55°F (13°C).
In January, San Jose usually receives less rain than Los Angeles. San Jose gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySan Jose 27°C (81°F)Los Angeles 55°F (13°C)
Should I visit San Jose or Los Angeles in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to San Jose as well as Los Angeles. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Los Angeles this time of year.
In April, San Jose is generally much warmer than Los Angeles. Daily temperatures in San Jose average around 29°C (85°F), and Los Angeles fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).
San Jose usually gets more rain in April than Los Angeles. San Jose gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 1 inches (25 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSan Jose 29°C (85°F)Los Angeles 61°F (16°C)
Typical Weather for Los Angeles and San Jose
| San Jose | Los Angeles | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Apr | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 61°F (16°C) | 1 inches (25 mm) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 0.4 inches (10 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 0 inches (0 mm) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 0 inches (0 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) | 70°F (21°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.6 inches (15 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 1.2 inches (31 mm) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.6 inches (66 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.