Which place is cheaper, Puerto Viejo or San Jose?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit San Jose or Puerto Viejo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Jose or Puerto Viejo, 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 Puerto Viejo?
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.
Puerto Viejo
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a small coastal town in Caribbean Costa Rica in the province of Limon. There are two gorgeous National Parks nearby - Cahuita and Manzanillo, and it rains more than on the Pacific side, which is why it is so lush and green with the rainforest coming down to the sea. Clear water, coconut palms, great surf and a laid-back Caribbean atmosphere make Puerto Viejo a favorite among travelers. Located on about an hour south of Limon, Puerto Viejo is the center of activity between the smaller villages of Cahuita and Manzanillo. The relaxed, seaside town is framed by jungle, turquoise seas, banana plantations and scenic rivers. It's known for the Salsa Brava surf break and beaches like black-sand Playa Negra, but this burgeoning party town is no longer a destination only for intrepid surfers; it's bustling with tourist activity. Stylish eateries serve global fusion, and intentionally rustic bamboo bars pump dancehall and reggaeton. With its blend of Afro-Caribbean descendants, expat Europeans and indigenous Costa Ricans, Puerto Viejo charms visitors with a unique mix of people and cultures. Rastafari culture has a firm foothold in the town, and many Rastas sell handmade jewelry and other wares along the town's vibrant roadside. Nearby you'll find rainforest fruit and cacao farms and wide-open beaches. If you're looking to chill a little, party a little and eat a little, you've come to the right place.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica, The Best G Adventures Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Costa Rica.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySan Jose $90Puerto Viejo $145
The average daily cost (per person) in San Jose is $90, while the average daily cost in Puerto Viejo is $145. 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 Puerto Viejo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Jose $49Puerto Viejo $71
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Jose $98Puerto Viejo $142
Compare Hotels in San Jose and Puerto Viejo
Looking for a hotel in San Jose or Puerto Viejo? 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 Puerto Viejo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Jose $19Puerto Viejo $38
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$2.72
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Jose
Also for San Jose, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 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: $189
- Transfer from SJO Airport to Jaco or vice versa: $125
- Transfer TO or FROM SJO Airport to Monteverde Area. Private, NOT SHARED: $215
- Transfer SJO Airport to Hotels nearby or Vice versa Private 6 PAX: $45
- Shuttle & transfer rides to Jaco beach: $137
- Shared transfer to Manuel Antonio: $70
- San Jose Juan Santamaria Airport (SJO) to Monteverde- Roundtrip Private Transfer: $174
- San Jose Juan Santamaria Airport (SJO) to Monteverde - Arrival Private Transfer: $87
- San Jose Airport Private Transfer to Jacó 1 to 4 People: $72
- San Jose Airport One way Luxury & Private Transfer to Jaco up to 5 people. : $170
- RoundTrip Private Transfer - San Jose Airport to your selected location: : $182
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Puerto Viejo
Also for Puerto Viejo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Puerto Viejo de Limon: Transfer to San Jose or Alajuela: $373
Is it cheaper to fly into San Jose or Puerto Viejo?
Prices for flights to both Puerto Viejo 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 $18Puerto Viejo $33
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 : $34
- San Jose By Night Tour: Farm to Table Dinner & Cocktails Classes: $57
- 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
- Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner: $179
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.San Jose $21Puerto Viejo $78
Tours and Activities in San Jose
For San Jose, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 6 in 1 RainForest Adventure From San Jose: $189
- AERIAL TRAM TOUR - HALF DAY PASS Rainforest Adventures Braulio Ca: $78
- AWA Water Museum - Waterfall Adventure (Organic Food Experience): $98
- Arenal Volcano & Baldi Hot Springs one day tour from San Jose: $199
- 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 Horseback Riding & Baldi Hot Springs. Private Tour: $295
- Arenal Volcano National Park Sloth Tour: $100
- Arenal Volcano and Baldi Hot Springs Full Day Tour from San Jose: $194
- Awesome Class 3 Balsa River Rafting 5-Hour Tour in La Fortuna: $90
- BRIBRI Chocolate tour & Cahuita National park from San Jose: $244
- Best of San José City Tour: $89
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySan Jose $17Puerto Viejo $13
Sample the Local Flavors in San Jose
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Jose:
- Wine Tour and Tasting: $85
- Bar Crawl in San Jose in a Deluxe Party Bus: $100
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Jose and Puerto Viejo, we can see that Puerto Viejo is more expensive. And not only is San Jose much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Puerto Viejo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Puerto Viejo 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 Puerto Viejo Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit San Jose or Puerto Viejo?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit San Jose or Puerto Viejo in the Summer?
Both Puerto Viejo 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. Plenty of visitors come to Puerto Viejo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Puerto Viejo. It's quite rainy in San Jose. In July, San Jose usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejo. San Jose gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
San Jose usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Viejo during summer. San Jose gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Viejo receives 124 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, San Jose is generally around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo. Daily temperatures in San Jose average around 28°C (82°F), and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySan Jose 28°C (82°F)Puerto Viejo 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit San Jose or Puerto Viejo in the Autumn?
Both Puerto Viejo 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Puerto Viejo year-round.
Puerto Viejo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in San Jose. San Jose usually gets more rain in October than Puerto Viejo. San Jose gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, San Jose often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Puerto Viejo. San Jose gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Viejo receives 159 hours of full sun.
San Jose is around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo in the autumn. The daily temperature in San Jose averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSan Jose 27°C (81°F)Puerto Viejo 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit San Jose or Puerto Viejo in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both San Jose and Puerto Viejo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round. Puerto Viejo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Puerto Viejo receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, San Jose usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejo. San Jose gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In San Jose, it's very sunny this time of the year. San Jose usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Viejo during winter. San Jose gets 264 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Viejo receives 159 hours of full sun in the winter.
In the winter, San Jose is around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo. Typically, the winter temperatures in San Jose in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Puerto Viejo averages at about 25°C (77°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySan Jose 27°C (81°F)Puerto Viejo 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit San Jose or Puerto Viejo in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to San Jose as well as Puerto Viejo. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Puerto Viejo throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Puerto Viejo. San Jose usually gets less rain in April than Puerto Viejo. San Jose gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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 Puerto Viejo. San Jose gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Viejo receives 172 hours of full sun.
In April, San Jose is generally a little warmer than Puerto Viejo. Daily temperatures in San Jose average around 29°C (85°F), and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSan Jose 29°C (85°F)Puerto Viejo 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Puerto Viejo and San Jose
| San Jose | Puerto Viejo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 402 mm (15.8 in) |
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.