Which place is cheaper, Orlando or San Jose?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit San Jose or Orlando?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Jose or Orlando, 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 Orlando?
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.
Orlando
Orlando is a haven for tourists from the entire United States and abroad. The most famous sight in Orlando, Walt Disney World, is not actually located in the city at all, but in nearby Lake Buena Vista. The area attracts over 50 million visitors a year and the city's sprawling development has created amenities and entertainment options for tourists of all ages.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySan Jose $89Orlando $321
The average daily cost (per person) in San Jose is $89, while the average daily cost in Orlando is $321. 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 Orlando in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Jose $48Orlando $154
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Jose $96Orlando $308
Compare Hotels in San Jose and Orlando
Looking for a hotel in San Jose or Orlando? 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 Orlando Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Jose $19Orlando $66
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:
- Private transfer from San Jose or Airport with welcome service to Tortuguero: $300
- Transfer SJO Airport TO & FROM Dominical OR Uvita (One Way): $290
- Transfer from San Jose Airport CR (SJO) to Arenal La Fortuna Hotels: $279
- Private transfer from San Jose or Airport with welcome service to Tambor beach: $276
- Private Transfer from San Jose Airport or Guanacaste Hotels: $276
- Private transfer from San Jose Airport welcome service to Manuel Antonio Quepos: $269
- Private Transfer from San Jose downtown to Liberia Airport: $267
- Private transfer from San Jose or Airport with welcome service to Samara Beach: $265
- Private Transfer: $260
- Private Transfer Airport or San Jose hotels to Puerto Viejo Limon: $259
- Private transfer from San Jose Airport welcome service to La Fortuna Arenal: $259
- Private transfer from San Jose Airport welcome service to Liberia: $257
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Orlando
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Orlando are as follows:
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Parking$14
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Taxi Ride$45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Orlando
Also for Orlando, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Orlando APT-HTL (MCO): $96
- Transfer service in Orlando. MCO: $75
- Transfer from Orlando International Airport to Central Florida: $115
- Sedan Transfer Orlando Airport to Disney Resort up to 4 Passengers: $150
- Sanford Intl. Airport (SFB) to Hotels near Universal - Arrival Private Transfer: $87
- SUV Transfer TO or FROM MCO to Lake Buena Vista (Disney Hotels): $145
- SUV Port Transfer TO or FROM Orlando International Airport MCO: $187
- Roundtrip transfer Orlando Airport-Hotels in Disney and Universal: $96
- Private Transfers from Port Canaveral to Disney Hotels: $250
- Private Transfer: Sanford Airport to Lake Buena Vista Resort Area: $75
- Private Transfer: Orlando to Orlando International Airport (MCO): $80
- Private Transfer: Legoland to Orlando Airport MCO in Luxury SUV: $153
Is it cheaper to fly into San Jose or Orlando?
Prices for flights to both Orlando 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 $18Orlando $65
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 Orlando
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Orlando:
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Lunch for Two at Epcot$29
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Orlando
For Orlando, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show: $38
- Tastes of the World Food Tour in Winter Haven : $50
- Señor Frogs Lunch / Dinner Package: $50
- Dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe with Live Music: $58
- Downtown Murder Mystery Walking Dinner Tour: $66
- Sleuth's Mystery Dinner Show, Orlando: $69
- Polynesian Fire Luau with Dinner and Live Show: $75
- Pirates Dinner Adventure - Top Orlando Dinner Attraction: $78
- Teatro Martini Dinner Show in Orlando: $79
- Food Tour of Local Orlando's Ivanhoe Village : $89
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.San Jose $21Orlando $204
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 Orlando
For Orlando, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Universal Studios for Two$110
Tours and Activities in Orlando
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Orlando.
- 2 HR Interactive Walking Ghost Tour in Downtown Orlando: $77
- Everglades Airboat Tour near Orlando Florida: $89
- 1 Hour Historical Wildlife Tour of The Famous Chain of Lakes: $27
- 16 mile Heli Tour Over Disney Spring, Epcot, Hollywood Studios: $86
- 16 miles Private Helicopter Day Tour over Fun Spot: $65
- 2 Hour Historical Wildlife Tour of the Chain of Lakes: $42
- 2 Hour Investigative Walking Ghost Tour of Downtown Orlando: $50
- 23 mile Heli Tour, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom &more: $127
- 23 miles Day Flight Heli Coaster Adventure Ride: $128
- 3- or 4-Park Magic Ticket at Walt Disney World Resort: $284
- 8-Hour Automatic Polaris Slingshot SL Adventure Rental: $300
- Beer Spirits and Ghosts Walking Tour: $170
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySan Jose $16Orlando $30
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 Orlando
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Orlando:
- Orlando Virtual Bar Crawl & Scavenger Hunt: $12
- Orlando Haunts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
- Pontoon Pub Crawl, 5 Lakeside Pubs and Restaurants Visit by Boat: $85
- Chef's Table and Wine Tasting Tour: $300
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Jose and Orlando, we can see that Orlando 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 Orlando 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 Orlando would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Orlando 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 Orlando Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, San Jose or Orlando?
San Jose has a larger population, and is about 61% larger than the population of Orlando. When comparing the sizes of San Jose and Orlando, 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 Orlando?
Orlando 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 Orlando in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both San Jose and Orlando. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round. Also, most visitors come to Orlando for the family-friendly experiences during these months.
San Jose is around the same temperature as Orlando in the summer. The daily temperature in San Jose averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Orlando fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).
Orlando receives a lot of rain in the summer. San Jose gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, San Jose usually receives less rain than Orlando. San Jose gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Orlando receives 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySan Jose 28°C (82°F)Orlando 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit San Jose or Orlando in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to San Jose as well as Orlando. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Orlando because of the shopping scene.
In the autumn, San Jose is a little warmer than Orlando. Typically, the autumn temperatures in San Jose in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Orlando averages at about 75°F (24°C).
It's quite rainy in Orlando. San Jose receives a lot of rain in the autumn. San Jose usually gets more rain in October than Orlando. San Jose gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while Orlando receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSan Jose 27°C (81°F)Orlando 75°F (24°C)
Should I visit San Jose or Orlando in the Winter?
Both Orlando 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, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Orlando this time of year.
In January, San Jose is generally much warmer than Orlando. Daily temperatures in San Jose average around 27°C (81°F), and Orlando fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).
In January, San Jose usually receives less rain than Orlando. San Jose gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Orlando receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySan Jose 27°C (81°F)Orlando 59°F (15°C)
Should I visit San Jose or Orlando in the Spring?
Both Orlando 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.
San Jose is a little warmer than Orlando in the spring. The daily temperature in San Jose averages around 29°C (85°F) in April, and Orlando fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).
San Jose usually gets less rain in April than Orlando. San Jose gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Orlando receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSan Jose 29°C (85°F)Orlando 72°F (22°C)
Typical Weather for Orlando and San Jose
| San Jose | Orlando | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 62°F (16°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 67°F (19°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) |
| Apr | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 7.1 inches (181 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 8.3 inches (211 mm) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 6.7 inches (171 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 7.2 inches (183 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 4.1 inches (103 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.9 inches (48 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.