Which place is cheaper, New Orleans or San Jose?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit San Jose or New Orleans?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Jose or New Orleans, 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 New Orleans?
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.
New Orleans
New Orleans is the largest city in the state of Louisiana, and it is a cultural city that is the home of jazz, unique cuisine, and Mardi Gras in the U.S. It was established in 1718 and is one of the oldest cities in the country. The culture of the city has a mix of French, Creole, African American, Caribbean, Irish, Haitian, German and Vietnamese. There's an energy and atmosphere that is unlike any place else.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySan Jose $89New Orleans $239
The average daily cost (per person) in San Jose is $89, while the average daily cost in New Orleans is $239. 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 New Orleans in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Jose $48New Orleans $125
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Jose $96New Orleans $250
Compare Hotels in San Jose and New Orleans
Looking for a hotel in San Jose or New Orleans? 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 New Orleans Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Jose $19New Orleans $51
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 New Orleans
Some typical examples of transportation costs in New Orleans are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in New Orleans
Also for New Orleans, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from New Orleans MSY or Port to New Orleans City by SUV: $93
- Private transfer: New Orleans to New Orleans Airport (MSY): $133
- Private Transfer: New Orleans to Louis Armstrong Airport MSY in Luxury SUV : $115
- Private Transfer: New Orleans to Louis Armstrong Airport MSY in Business Car: $103
- Private Transfer: New Orleans Airport MSY to Cruise Port in SUV: $115
- Private Transfer: Louis Armstrong Airport MSY to New Orleans in Business Car: $103
- Private Transfer: Cruise Port to New Orleans Airport MSY in SUV: $115
- Private Transfer in a Luxury Sedan from Louis Armstrong Airport: $69
- Private Transfer in (Rover RSD) New Orleans MSY/Home/Hotel/Work : $47
- Private Transfer from Port Of New of New Orleans Cruise: $210
- Private Transfer New Orleans MSY or Port to New Orleans by Sedan: $76
- Private Transfer From New Orleans To Baton Rouge: $157
Is it cheaper to fly into San Jose or New Orleans?
Prices for flights to both New Orleans 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 $18New Orleans $45
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 New Orleans
For New Orleans, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cajun and Creole Cooking Class with Meal: $38
- New Orleans Demonstration Cooking Class with Meal: $42
- Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Dinner Cruise in New Orleans: $55
- Evening Jazz Boat Cruise with Optional Dinner: $55
- Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option: $55
- French Quarter Food Tour: Signature Flavors of New Orleans: $59
- The Premier New Orleans Food Tour: $77
- Taste Of New Orleans Food Tour and Experience: $80
- Private New Orleans Food Tour of the French Quarter : $85
- French Quarter Food Tour with Tastings: $89
- New Orleans' Lower Garden Food Tour: $89
- Lower Garden District Food Tour: $89
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.San Jose $21New Orleans $55
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 New Orleans
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for New Orleans's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Zoo & Aquarium Tickets (2)$75
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Riverboat Cruise$70
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French Quarter City Tour$100
Tours and Activities in New Orleans
For New Orleans, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Bom Creole Dining Experience w/ Pool and Louisiana Native Chef : $135
- Creole French Quarter Walking Tour: $30
- Walking Instagram Photo Tour in the French Quarter New Orleans: $27
- 2-Hour Guided French Quarter Vampire Walking Tour: $25
- 45 Minute Highlights Tour of the French Quarter: $23
- 90-Minute Jean Lafitte Swamp and Bayou Tour with Transportation: $57
- A Local's Private French Quarter Walking or Biking Tour : $175
- Adults-Only History, Ghost, Vampire, and Voodoo Walking Tour: $30
- Adults-Only New Orleans Ghost, Crime, Voodoo, and Vampire Tour: $37
- Airboat Tour of Louisiana Swamps: $130
- Audio-Guided Whitney Plantation Tour with Transportation: $90
- Automated Historical Ghost Bus Tour of New Orleans: $55
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySan Jose $16New Orleans $60
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 New Orleans
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in New Orleans:
- Haunted Pub Crawl In-App Audio Tour (ENG): $13
- Guided Rum Distillery Tour and Tasting: $15
- Guided Distillery Tour & Rum Tasting: $15
- New Orleans Distillery Tour and Rum Tasting with Guide: $15
- Private New Orleans Seafood Bar Crawl: $15
- Spooky Ghost and Haunted Pub Crawl Tour: $17
- New Orleans Small-Group History Tour Pub Crawl of The Irish Channel: $25
- Haunted Pub Crawl in New Orleans: $26
- Adults Only True Crime Pub Crawl: $27
- New Orleans Bar Crawl: $28
- True Crime Pub Crawl in New Orleans: $30
- Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Jose and New Orleans, we can see that New Orleans 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 New Orleans 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 New Orleans would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in New Orleans 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 New Orleans Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, San Jose or New Orleans?
New Orleans has a larger population, and is about 45% larger than the population of San Jose. When comparing the sizes of San Jose and New Orleans, 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 New Orleans?
New Orleans 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 New Orleans in the Summer?
Both New Orleans 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 travelers come to New Orleans for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
San Jose is around the same temperature as New Orleans in the summer. The daily temperature in San Jose averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and New Orleans fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).
It's quite sunny in New Orleans. San Jose usually receives less sunshine than New Orleans during summer. San Jose gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 264 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. It's quite rainy in San Jose. In July, San Jose usually receives more rain than New Orleans. San Jose gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySan Jose 28°C (82°F)New Orleans 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit San Jose or New Orleans in the Autumn?
Both New Orleans 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to New Orleans in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.
In the autumn, San Jose is a little warmer than New Orleans. Typically, the autumn temperatures in San Jose in October average around 27°C (81°F), and New Orleans averages at about 69°F (21°C).
In New Orleans, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, San Jose often gets less sunshine than New Orleans. San Jose gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 240 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in San Jose. San Jose usually gets more rain in October than New Orleans. San Jose gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSan Jose 27°C (81°F)New Orleans 69°F (21°C)
Should I visit San Jose or New Orleans in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both San Jose and New Orleans. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to New Orleans for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.
In January, San Jose is generally much warmer than New Orleans. Daily temperatures in San Jose average around 27°C (81°F), and New Orleans fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).
In San Jose, it's very sunny this time of the year. San Jose usually receives more sunshine than New Orleans during winter. San Jose gets 264 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.
New Orleans receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, San Jose usually receives less rain than New Orleans. San Jose gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySan Jose 27°C (81°F)New Orleans 51°F (11°C)
Should I visit San Jose or New Orleans in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to San Jose as well as New Orleans. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the activities around the city.
San Jose is a little warmer than New Orleans in the spring. The daily temperature in San Jose averages around 29°C (85°F) in April, and New Orleans fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Jose this time of the year. In the spring, San Jose often gets around the same amount of sunshine as New Orleans. San Jose gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 254 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in New Orleans. San Jose usually gets less rain in April than New Orleans. San Jose gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSan Jose 29°C (85°F)New Orleans 68°F (20°C)
Typical Weather for New Orleans and San Jose
| San Jose | New Orleans | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 51°F (11°C) | 5.2 inches (131 mm) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 5.8 inches (147 mm) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 62°F (16°C) | 5 inches (126 mm) |
| Apr | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 4.3 inches (110 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 80°F (27°C) | 5.9 inches (151 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 5.9 inches (149 mm) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 6.2 inches (157 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 5.5 inches (140 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) | 69°F (21°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 61°F (16°C) | 4.8 inches (122 mm) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 5.7 inches (146 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.