Which place is cheaper, New York City 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 York City?
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 York City, 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 York City?
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 York City
The most populated city in the United States, New York City, sits at the mouth of the Hudson River and encompasses both the island of Manhattan as well as the surrounding land on Long Island, most of which is known as Brooklyn. It's a cultural, culinary, theatrical, and art center that has much to offer domestic and international travelers alike. The city covers an area of 305 square miles and has a population of about 8.2 million people in the city proper with 18.7 million in the metropolitan 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 Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySan Jose $89New York City $326
The average daily cost (per person) in San Jose is $89, while the average daily cost in New York City is $326. 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 York City in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Jose $48New York City $175
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Jose $96New York City $350
Compare Hotels in San Jose and New York City
Looking for a hotel in San Jose or New York City? 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 York City Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Jose $19New York City $49
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 York City
Some typical examples of transportation costs in New York City are as follows:
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Subway$4.50
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Taxi Ride$8.00
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Subway$2.50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in New York City
Also for New York City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer in New York HTL-APT (JFK,EWR,LGA): $116
- Transfer in private Minivan from New York (Manhattan) Airport to City: $122
- Skip-the-line Tickets to Bronx Zoo with Private Transfers: $410
- Skip-the-line One World Observatory Tour with Transfers: $296
- Skip-the-line Metropolitan Museum of Art Tour with Transfers: $276
- Skip the line One World Observatory Private Tour with Transfers : $296
- Private arrival OR departure transfer in New York (hotel OR airport pick-up): $289
- Private Transfers between LGA Airport and New York City: $106
- Private Transfers between EWR Airport and New York City: $141
- Private Transfer: between Manhattan and Philadelphia: $528
- Private Transfer: Newark Airport EWR to New York by Luxury SUV: $163
- Private Transfer: New York to Newark Airport EWR in Business Car: $152
Is it cheaper to fly into San Jose or New York City?
Prices for flights to both New York City 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 York City $50
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 New York City
For New York City, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Gelato$7.50
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Snacks for Two at Yankees Game$34
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Coffee$6.53
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Smoothie$6.95
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in New York City
For New York City, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- New York, Queens Culinary Stroll : Food Tour on Foot: $26
- Lower East Side and Essex Market Multicultural Food Tour: $39
- Half-Day Private Pizza Crawl in Manhattan: $40
- Ultimate Greenwich Village NYC Food Tour: $63
- NYC: Greenwich Village Guided Food Tour: $63
- Pizza Walking Tour of Downtown Brooklyn: $65
- Greenwich Village NYC Pizza Walking Tour: $65
- West Village Pizza Walk: $65
- East Village Pizza Walk: $65
- Downtown Brooklyn Pizza Walking Tour: $65
- East Village NYC Pizza Walking Tour: $65
- Gastro Pub Pre/Post Theater Dinner in Times Square: $67
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.San Jose $21New York City $180
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 York City
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for New York City's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Comedy Show Tickets$56
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City Map$8.00
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Broadway Musical$111
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Broadway Show Program$10
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Magazine$6.99
Tours and Activities in New York City
For New York City, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 3 Hour Session at Williamsburg's Adventure Park Area 53: $42
- BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir and Amish FarmNHouse Tour from NY: $137
- Classic 1-Hour Central Park Pedicab Tour : $69
- Grand Central Terminal Walking Tour: $35
- New York City Ghost Tour of Greenwich Village: $36
- Official Central Park Pedicab Tours: $50
- & Juliet on Broadway Ticket : $110
- & Juliet on Broadway Ticket with VIP Experience and Lunch: $299
- 1 Day Tour to Philadelphia and Hershey's Chocolate World: $195
- 1 HR - NYC Private Classic Car Experience - Downtown: $249
- 1 HR - NYC Private Classic Car Experience - Midtown: $75
- 1 Hour Private Guided Pedicab Tour in New York City: $45
For more ideas for your next trip, check out The Best Things to do in New York City with Kids, Things to Do in Central Park in NYC, and The Best Museums in New York City.
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySan Jose $16New York City $29
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 York City
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in New York City:
- NYC West Village Pub Crawl: $22
- Pub Crawl and Rooftop Clubbing Experience: $29
- New York Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $34
- NYC: Brooklyn Nightlife Pub Crawl: $34
- New York Rooftop Pub Crawl: $39
- NYC: Tour Manhattan's Only Whiskey Distillery with Tastings: $42
- Lower East Side & Alphabet City divebar crawl w the Bar Buds: $48
- Little Italy Prohibition Pub Crawl: $64
- Lower East Side Prohibition Pub Crawl: $74
- New York Wine Tasting Experience : $98
- Guided Brooklyn Craft Brewery Tour: $99
- Hudson Valley Craft Brewery Bike Tour: $145
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Jose and New York City, we can see that New York City 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 York City 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 York City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in New York City 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 York City Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, San Jose or New York City?
New York City has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of San Jose. When comparing the sizes of San Jose and New York City, 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 York City?
New York City 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 York City in the Summer?
Both New York City 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 New York City in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
San Jose is around the same temperature as New York City in the summer. The daily temperature in San Jose averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and New York City fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in New York City. It's quite rainy in San Jose. In July, San Jose usually receives more rain than New York City. San Jose gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while New York City receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySan Jose 28°C (82°F)New York City 77°F (25°C)
Should I visit San Jose or New York City in the Autumn?
Both New York City 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, most visitors come to New York City for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, San Jose is much warmer than New York City. Typically, the autumn temperatures in San Jose in October average around 27°C (81°F), and New York City averages at about 57°F (14°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in San Jose. San Jose usually gets more rain in October than New York City. San Jose gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSan Jose 27°C (81°F)New York City 57°F (14°C)
Should I visit San Jose or New York City in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both San Jose and New York City. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to New York City because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
The weather in New York City can be very cold. In January, San Jose is generally much warmer than New York City. Daily temperatures in San Jose average around 27°C (81°F), and New York City fluctuates around 31°F (-1°C).
In January, San Jose usually receives less rain than New York City. San Jose gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySan Jose 27°C (81°F)New York City 31°F (-1°C)
Should I visit San Jose or New York City in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to San Jose as well as New York City. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to New York City this time of year.
San Jose is much warmer than New York City in the spring. The daily temperature in San Jose averages around 29°C (85°F) in April, and New York City fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).
San Jose usually gets less rain in April than New York City. San Jose gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.8 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSan Jose 29°C (85°F)New York City 52°F (11°C)
Typical Weather for New York City and San Jose
| San Jose | New York City | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 31°F (-1°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 33°F (1°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 42°F (6°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
| Apr | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 52°F (11°C) | 3.8 inches (98 mm) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 4.1 inches (105 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 47°F (8°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 36°F (2°C) | 3.4 inches (88 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.