Which place is cheaper, Phoenix or San Jose?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit San Jose or Phoenix?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Jose or Phoenix, 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 Phoenix?
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.
Phoenix
The most populous city in the American Southwest, Phoenix is the capital city of Arizona and busiest hub of activity in the general area. Geographically it is located in the Sonoran Desert, making for long hot summers and mild winters. This climate has ensured a thriving tourism industry with plenty of attractions both in and around Phoenix.
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 $89Phoenix $238
The average daily cost (per person) in San Jose is $89, while the average daily cost in Phoenix is $238. 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 Phoenix in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Jose $48Phoenix $144
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Jose $96Phoenix $288
Compare Hotels in San Jose and Phoenix
Looking for a hotel in San Jose or Phoenix? 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 Phoenix Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Jose $19Phoenix $39
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phoenix
Also for Phoenix, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Luxury SUV: $104
- Private Transfer from Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Business Car: $90
- Private Transfer from Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury SUV: $104
- Private Transfer From Hotels To Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport PHX : $41
- One-Way Transfer Sky Harbor Airport to Phoenix: $104
- Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) to Phoenix - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $116
- Phoenix International Airport (PHX) - Private transfer From/to Hotels: $118
- Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury Van: $140
- Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury SUV: $104
- Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Business Car: $90
- Departure Private Transfer Phoenix City to Phoenix Airport PHX : $110
- Arrival Private Transfer: Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Luxury SUV: $104
Is it cheaper to fly into San Jose or Phoenix?
Prices for flights to both Phoenix 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 $18Phoenix $52
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 Phoenix
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Phoenix:
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Nice Lunch (for 2)$36
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Indian Food Dinner (for 2)$32
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phoenix
For Phoenix, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Awesome French Crêpes Cooking Class: $75
- Old Town Scottsdale Food Tour: $92
- Downtown Phoenix Food Tour: $92
- Scottsdale Waterfront Food Tour: $95
- Quiche Lorraine French Cooking Class in Scottsdale: $129
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.San Jose $21Phoenix $40
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
Tours and Activities in Phoenix
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Phoenix.
- 1.5 Hour Stretch Limo Golf Cart Tour, Ultimate Old Town Exploration: $89
- 2 Hour Scottsdale Segway Tours - Ultimate Old Town Exploration: $89
- 2 Hour Segway Tour - Sunsets, Segways & City Lights: $89
- 2-Hour Arizona Desert Guided E-Bike Tour: $135
- 2.5 Hour FAT Tire E-Bike Tour – Scottsdale Greenbelt Adventure: $100
- 3 Cities & Nature Tour. Shop, Art, History, Food. Scottsdale, Phoenix, & Tempe.: $168
- 3 Hour Guided TomCar ATV Tour in Sonoran Desert: $219
- Adventure Yoga Experience on Camelback Mountain: $75
- Apache Trail and Dolly Steamboat Van Tour: $160
- Black Ops Experience: $259
- Boat Cruise in Lake Pleasant Arizona: $89
- Box Canyon ATV Tour in Florence, Arizona: $235
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySan Jose $16Phoenix $17
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 Phoenix
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Phoenix:
- Scottsdale Bar Hunt: Scorching Scottsdale Bar Crawl: $12
- Pedal Bar Crawl of Old Town Scottsdale: $55
- Stretch Limo Party Cart - Custom Bar Crawls, Wine Tastings, Night Clubs & More: $155
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Jose and Phoenix, we can see that Phoenix 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Phoenix 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 Phoenix Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, San Jose or Phoenix?
Phoenix has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of San Jose. When comparing the sizes of San Jose and Phoenix, 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 Phoenix?
Phoenix 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 Phoenix in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both San Jose and Phoenix. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Phoenix for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
It's very hot in Phoenix this time of the year. In July, San Jose is generally cooler than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in San Jose average around 28°C (82°F), and Phoenix fluctuates around 98°F (36°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. San Jose usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during summer. San Jose gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 380 hours of full sun in the summer.
San Jose gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, San Jose usually receives more rain than Phoenix. San Jose gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySan Jose 28°C (82°F)Phoenix 98°F (36°C)
Should I visit San Jose or Phoenix in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to San Jose as well as Phoenix. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Phoenix in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
San Jose is around the same temperature as Phoenix in the autumn. The daily temperature in San Jose averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Phoenix fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phoenix. In the autumn, San Jose often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. San Jose gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 305 hours of full sun.
San Jose receives a lot of rain in the autumn. San Jose usually gets more rain in October than Phoenix. San Jose gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSan Jose 27°C (81°F)Phoenix 79°F (26°C)
Should I visit San Jose or Phoenix in the Winter?
Both Phoenix 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, most visitors come to Phoenix for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, San Jose is much warmer than Phoenix. Typically, the winter temperatures in San Jose in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Phoenix averages at about 58°F (14°C).
It's quite sunny in Phoenix. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Jose. San Jose usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Phoenix during winter. San Jose gets 264 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 254 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, San Jose usually receives less rain than Phoenix. San Jose gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySan Jose 27°C (81°F)Phoenix 58°F (14°C)
Should I visit San Jose or Phoenix in the Spring?
Both Phoenix 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.
In April, San Jose is generally a little warmer than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in San Jose average around 29°C (85°F), and Phoenix fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).
In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in San Jose. In the spring, San Jose often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. San Jose gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 355 hours of full sun.
San Jose usually gets more rain in April than Phoenix. San Jose gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSan Jose 29°C (85°F)Phoenix 74°F (23°C)
Typical Weather for Phoenix and San Jose
| San Jose | Phoenix | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 58°F (14°C) | 0.7 inches (17 mm) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.7 inches (17 mm) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 0.9 inches (22 mm) |
| Apr | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 83°F (28°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 92°F (34°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 98°F (36°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 96°F (35°C) | 0.9 inches (24 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) | 90°F (32°C) | 0.9 inches (22 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) | 79°F (26°C) | 0.7 inches (17 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 58°F (15°C) | 1 inches (25 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.