Which place is cheaper, Portland or San Jose?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit San Jose or Portland?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Jose or Portland, 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 Portland?
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.
Portland
Referred to as "The City of Roses", Portland is the largest city in Oregon. It sits on the banks of the Columbia River and offers breathtaking views of Mount Hood when the weather allows. Portland is famous for its alternative vibe, live music scene, and popular microbreweries. It's also a mecca for environmentally conscious urban planning. The downtown area is quite compact and walkable. While the city itself may be smaller than you expect, it is still the largest metropolitan area between San Francisco and Seattle.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySan Jose $89Portland $180
The average daily cost (per person) in San Jose is $89, while the average daily cost in Portland is $180. 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 Portland in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Jose $48Portland $97
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Jose $96Portland $194
Compare Hotels in San Jose and Portland
Looking for a hotel in San Jose or Portland? 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 Portland Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Jose $19Portland $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 Portland
Also for Portland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Waterfall Express -PDX: Waterfall Trolley Tickets + Transfer: $60
- Tigard hotel or address to Portland Airport (PDX) - Departure Private Transfer: $75
- Private Transfer from Portland Airport (PDX) to Astoria Port: $88
- Portland downtown to Portland Airport (PDX) - Departure Private Transfer: $61
- Portland International Airport - Private transfer from/to Oregon City: $127
- Portland Airport (PDX) to Tigard hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $151
- Portland Airport (PDX) to Lake Oswego - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $142
- Portland Airport (PDX) to Beaverton hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $75
- Lake Oswego to Portland Airport (PDX) - Departure Private Transfer: $71
Is it cheaper to fly into San Jose or Portland?
Prices for flights to both Portland 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 $18Portland $43
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 Portland
For Portland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Afternoon Drinks (for 2)$9.50
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Portland
For Portland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Walking Pizza Tour: $75
- Secret Food Tour with Local Guide: $94
- Brunch on Mississippi Food Tour: $95
- Downtown Portland Food Tour : $99
- Downtown Food Tour: $102
- Mississippi Avenue Walking Food Tour: $105
- The Vibrant Kerns Hood Food Tour: $105
- The Bustling Buckman Hood Food Tour: $105
- Portland Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $109
- Mississippi Avenue Walking Food Tour: $110
- All-Inclusive Downtown Portland Food Tour: $119
- 2.5-hour Dinner Cruise on Willamette River: $127
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.San Jose $21Portland $24
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 Portland
For Portland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2-hour Champagne Brunch Cruise on Willamette River: $102
- 2-hour Lunch Cruise on Willamette River: $86
- 7 Wonders of the Gorge 3.5-hour Jetboat Cruise: $90
- 90 Minute Sailing Tour of Portland: $99
- Aerial adventure above Portland, Oregon: $189
- Afternoon Half-Day Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Tour from Portland: $75
- Afternoon Multnomah Falls and Gorge Waterfalls Tour: $85
- Air Tour of Mount Hood and Columbia River Gorge: $289
- Air Tour of Multnomah Falls & Columbia Gorge from Portland: $159
- Airplane Flight Tour over Portland, Oregon: $99
- All Day Northern Oregon Wineries and Forest Bike Tour: $245
- Beautiful Air Tour of the Columbia River Gorge : $99
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySan Jose $16Portland $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 Portland
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Portland:
- Haunted Underground Shanghai Tunnel Tour with Brewery Tastings: $40
- Portland Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $40
- Weird Bar Crawl with Fanatical Local: $59
- Guided Bike Tour with Brewery Visits: $65
- Portland, Maine: Old Port Brewery & Pub Walking Tour: $89
- Portland, Maine: Local Brewery & Spirits Bus Tour: $99
- Afternoon Tour in Columbia Gorge Waterfall with Free Wine Tasting: $111
- Waterfalls, Mt Hood, and Wine Tour (Tasting Fees Included): $135
- Silver Falls Hike and Wine Tour: $179
- Willamette Valley Wine Tasting from Portland: $189
- Bed and Breakfast Wine Tour - Small Group, Joinable/Sharable: $198
- From Willamette Valley Full-Day Wine Tour: $210
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Jose and Portland, we can see that Portland 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 Portland 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 Portland would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Portland 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 Portland Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, San Jose or Portland?
Portland has a larger population, and is about 61% larger than the population of San Jose. When comparing the sizes of San Jose and Portland, 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 Portland?
Portland 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 Portland in the Summer?
Both Portland 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 Portland for the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
San Jose is a little warmer than Portland in the summer. The daily temperature in San Jose averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Portland fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).
It's quite sunny in Portland. San Jose usually receives less sunshine than Portland during summer. San Jose gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in San Jose. In July, San Jose usually receives more rain than Portland. San Jose gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySan Jose 28°C (82°F)Portland 68°F (20°C)
Should I visit San Jose or Portland in the Autumn?
Both Portland 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. Also, many visitors come to Portland in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, San Jose is much warmer than Portland. Typically, the autumn temperatures in San Jose in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Portland averages at about 55°F (13°C).
In the autumn, San Jose often gets more sunshine than Portland. San Jose gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 155 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 Portland. San Jose gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSan Jose 27°C (81°F)Portland 55°F (13°C)
Should I visit San Jose or Portland in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both San Jose and Portland. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round. Also, most visitors come to Portland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Portland can be very cold during winter. In January, San Jose is generally much warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in San Jose average around 27°C (81°F), and Portland fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).
In San Jose, it's very sunny this time of the year. San Jose usually receives more sunshine than Portland during winter. San Jose gets 264 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.
Portland receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, San Jose usually receives less rain than Portland. San Jose gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySan Jose 27°C (81°F)Portland 40°F (4°C)
Should I visit San Jose or Portland in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to San Jose as well as Portland. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Portland because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.
San Jose is much warmer than Portland in the spring. The daily temperature in San Jose averages around 29°C (85°F) in April, and Portland fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Portland. 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 Portland. San Jose gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun.
San Jose usually gets less rain in April than Portland. San Jose gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSan Jose 29°C (85°F)Portland 51°F (11°C)
Typical Weather for Portland and San Jose
| San Jose | Portland | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 40°F (4°C) | 5.2 inches (132 mm) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 44°F (7°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 47°F (9°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) |
| Apr | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 2 inches (51 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 1.5 inches (39 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 69°F (20°C) | 1 inches (25 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 1.7 inches (44 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 46°F (8°C) | 5.4 inches (136 mm) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 40°F (5°C) | 6.1 inches (156 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.