Which place is cheaper, Philadelphia or San Jose?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit San Jose or Philadelphia?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Jose or Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia?
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.
Philadelphia
Philadelphia is the fourth largest urban area, and the fifth largest city in the United States. It's located in southeastern Pennsylvania and has a rich history, having once been the capital of the United States. The city has very impressive architecture, museums, universities, and entertainment venues. It's a cultural and artistic center for the country and it continues to climb as a top travel destination.
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 Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySan Jose $89Philadelphia $188
The average daily cost (per person) in San Jose is $89, while the average daily cost in Philadelphia is $188. 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 Philadelphia in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Jose $48Philadelphia $119
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Jose $96Philadelphia $238
Compare Hotels in San Jose and Philadelphia
Looking for a hotel in San Jose or Philadelphia? 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 Philadelphia Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Jose $19Philadelphia $28
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Philadelphia
Also for Philadelphia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer: Philadelphia Airport PHL to Philadelphia in Business Car: $95
- Philadelphia to Philadelphia Airport (PHL) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
- Philadelphia City to Washington City - Private Car Transfer: $135
- Philadelphia Airport (PHL): Private Transfer to Philadelphia: $355
- Philadelphia Airport (PHL) to Philadelphia - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $131
Is it cheaper to fly into San Jose or Philadelphia?
Prices for flights to both Philadelphia 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 $18Philadelphia $49
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 Philadelphia
For Philadelphia, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Casual Lunch (for 3)$27
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Philadelphia
For Philadelphia, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Locals' Favorites Food Tour: $52
- Best of Philly Food Tour: $55
- Best of Philadelphia Food Tour-Small Group Walking Tour: $59
- 9th Street Italian Market Walking Food Tour: $61
- Bites and Booze: Walking Food Tour in Philadelphia : $65
- Flavors of Philly Food Tour: $65
- Philadelphia's Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $65
- Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise: $66
- Secret Food Tour: $84
- Highlights of East Passyunk Food Tour: $85
- Chef-Led Taste of the Italian Market Food Tour: $90
- Spirit of Philadelphia Signature Dinner Cruise with Buffet: $95
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.San Jose $21Philadelphia $28
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 Philadelphia
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Philadelphia's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Big Bus Tour (family of 3)$99
Tours and Activities in Philadelphia
For Philadelphia, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2 Hours Ben Franklin Yacht Brunch Cruise with Buffet: $65
- A Magical Christmas Tour in Philadelphia: $558
- Amazing Philadelphia Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
- Art and Controversy: An audio tour of Philadelphia's most infamous art scandals: $5.40
- BYOB Historically Hilarious Trolley Tour of Philadelphia: $49
- Best of Philadelphia Small Group Walking Tour: $104
- City Sightseeing Walking Tour – Founding Fathers and Mothers: $32
- Classic Philadelphia City Bike Tour: $75
- Cocktail Caravan: Philly Walking Bar Tour: $35
- Dark Philly Adult Night Tour: $38
- Discovering Colonial Philadelphia Private Walking Tour: $250
- Double Decker Hop-On Hop-Off City Sightseeing Philadelphia (1, 2, or 3-Day): $36
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySan Jose $16Philadelphia $21
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 Philadelphia
Also in Philadelphia, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Liberty History Tour Pub Crawl: $45
- Guided Tour with Pub Crawl: $45
- Half-Day Philadelphia's Brewery Bike Tour with Tastings: $100
- Philly Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105
- Guided Craft Brewery Tours with a Snack: $120
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Jose and Philadelphia, we can see that Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, San Jose or Philadelphia?
Philadelphia has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of San Jose. When comparing the sizes of San Jose and Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia?
Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia in the Summer?
Both Philadelphia 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, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Philadelphia this time of year.
In the summer, San Jose is a little warmer than Philadelphia. Typically, the summer temperatures in San Jose in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Philadelphia averages at about 77°F (25°C).
It's quite sunny in Philadelphia. San Jose usually receives less sunshine than Philadelphia during summer. San Jose gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 273 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Philadelphia. It's quite rainy in San Jose. In July, San Jose usually receives more rain than Philadelphia. San Jose gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySan Jose 28°C (82°F)Philadelphia 77°F (25°C)
Should I visit San Jose or Philadelphia in the Autumn?
Both Philadelphia 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 travelers come to Philadelphia for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, San Jose is generally much warmer than Philadelphia. Daily temperatures in San Jose average around 27°C (81°F), and Philadelphia fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).
In Philadelphia, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, San Jose often gets less sunshine than Philadelphia. San Jose gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 202 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 Philadelphia. San Jose gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSan Jose 27°C (81°F)Philadelphia 56°F (14°C)
Should I visit San Jose or Philadelphia in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both San Jose and Philadelphia. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Philadelphia in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
Philadelphia can get quite cold in the winter. San Jose is much warmer than Philadelphia in the winter. The daily temperature in San Jose averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Philadelphia fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).
In San Jose, it's very sunny this time of the year. San Jose usually receives more sunshine than Philadelphia during winter. San Jose gets 264 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 152 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, San Jose usually receives less rain than Philadelphia. San Jose gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Philadelphia 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)Philadelphia 30°F (-1°C)
Should I visit San Jose or Philadelphia in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to San Jose as well as Philadelphia. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Philadelphia for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, San Jose is much warmer than Philadelphia. Typically, the spring temperatures in San Jose in April average around 29°C (85°F), and Philadelphia averages at about 52°F (11°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Philadelphia. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Jose this time of the year. In the spring, San Jose often gets more sunshine than Philadelphia. San Jose gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 216 hours of full sun.
San Jose usually gets less rain in April than Philadelphia. San Jose gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSan Jose 29°C (85°F)Philadelphia 52°F (11°C)
Typical Weather for Philadelphia and San Jose
| San Jose | Philadelphia | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 33°F (1°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 42°F (6°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Apr | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 52°F (11°C) | 2.8 inches (70 mm) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 2.8 inches (70 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) | 56°F (14°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 46°F (8°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 36°F (2°C) | 2.7 inches (69 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.