Which place is cheaper, San Diego or San Jose?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit San Jose or San Diego?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Jose or San Diego, 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 San Diego?
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.
San Diego
For many visitors and locals alike, San Diego is a paradise. Located in southern California, not far from Los Angeles, it has the perfect climate, wonderful beaches, and a culturally rich environment. It's surrounded by beautiful landscape and has a strong focus on wildlife conservation and eco-friendly living. Home to about 1.3 million residents, it is California's second largest city. It also has many universities, a large tech industry, and a thriving economy. Despite its size, many people perceive San Diego as a slower, more relaxed city with a pleasant vibe away from the chaos of a large city.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySan Jose $89San Diego $202
The average daily cost (per person) in San Jose is $89, while the average daily cost in San Diego is $202. 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 San Diego in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Jose $48San Diego $115
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Jose $96San Diego $230
Compare Hotels in San Jose and San Diego
Looking for a hotel in San Jose or San Diego? 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 San Diego Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Jose $19San Diego $24
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 San Diego
Also for San Diego, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in San Diego HTL-APT(SAN): $47
- Transfer in private minivan from San Diego Downtown to San Diego Airport (SAN): $68
- Transfer in private minivan from San Diego Airport (SAN) to San Diego Downtown: $68
- Tijuana to Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $110
- Tijuana to Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) – Departure Private Transfer: $55
- Tijuana Intl Airport (TIJ) to Playas de Rosarito -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $241
- Tijuana Intl Airport (TIJ) to Playas de Rosarito - Arrival Private Transfer: $121
- Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) to Tijuana hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $55
- San Diego Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to San Diego: $70
- San Diego Airport - Private Round Trip Transfer: $70
- San Diego Airport (SAN): Private Transfer to San Diego: $190
- San Diego Airport (SAN) to San Marcos, CA - Arrival Private Transfer: $64
Is it cheaper to fly into San Jose or San Diego?
Prices for flights to both San Diego 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 $18San Diego $45
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 San Diego
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to San Diego:
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Mexican Lunch for Two$27
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Breakfast at Starbucks$20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Diego
For San Diego, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Pizza and Gelato Tour in San Diego: $80
- San Diego Vegan Food Tour: $85
- Old Town Tequila and Tacos Walking Food Tour: $85
- Gaslamp Quarter Food Tour: $89
- Gaslamp Quarter Downtown San Diego Food Tour: $89
- San Diego Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $95
- San Diego, Seaport Village: Waterfront Walking Food Tour: $99
- Seaport Village Food Tour in San Diego : $99
- Guided Secret Food Tour: $103
- Scenic Buffet Dinner Cruise: $108
- San Diego Dinner Cruise: $116
- Gourmet Dinner Cruise: $118
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.San Jose $21San Diego $48
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 San Diego
For San Diego, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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San Diego Zoo$15
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Sea World Parking$12
Tours and Activities in San Diego
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Diego.
- Maritime Museum of San Diego Admission Ticket: $24
- "Drink, Ride, Sing, & Dance!" Bar Tour (4 bars included): $33
- 1 Hour GPS Guided Scooter Tour: Harbor/Gaslamp Quarter: $92
- 1-Hour Private Scenic Tandem Sidecar Tour in San Diego: $99
- 1-Hour Voodoo Escape Room Experience in San Diego: $35
- 1.5 Hour Walking Tour from La Jolla in San Diego: $59
- 1Hr GPS Self Guided Scooter Tour: Harbor/Gaslamp Quarter: $63
- 4 Hour Self-Guided Electric Bike Tour or Rental: $87
- A Seaside Stroll: La Jolla's Hidden Treasures Self-Guided Tour: $9.99
- All Day San Diego Scenic Tour: $125
- Apple Pies & Desert Skies: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
- Balboa Park Puzzling Adventure: $35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySan Jose $16San Diego $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 San Diego
Also in San Diego, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- San Diego Bar Hunt: Slammin' San Diego Bar Crawl: $13
- History Tour Pub Crawl of Famous Gaslamp Quarter: $30
- Brewery Tour with Tastings and Food Pairings: $85
- Vino! Vino! Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
- Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
- Private Wine Tasting Tour in Valle de Guadalupe: $133
- Cruise & Booze Brewery tours : $149
- Baja Tour Guide wine tour: $169
- Sidecar Wine Tasting Tour: $199
- Brewery and Tap Room Sidecar Tour: $199
- California Sunset Brewery Tour: $199
- Brewery and Beer Tasting Tour in San Diego: $215
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Jose and San Diego, we can see that San Diego 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 San Diego 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 San Diego would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Diego 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 San Diego Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, San Jose or San Diego?
San Diego has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of San Jose. When comparing the sizes of San Jose and San Diego, 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 San Diego?
San Diego 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 San Diego in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both San Jose and San Diego. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round. Also, many visitors come to San Diego in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, San Jose is a little warmer than San Diego. Typically, the summer temperatures in San Jose in July average around 28°C (82°F), and San Diego averages at about 71°F (22°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Diego this time of the year. San Jose usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during summer. San Jose gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 306 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 San Diego. San Jose gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySan Jose 28°C (82°F)San Diego 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit San Jose or San Diego in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to San Jose as well as San Diego. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to San Diego for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, San Jose is generally a little warmer than San Diego. Daily temperatures in San Jose average around 27°C (81°F), and San Diego fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Diego. In the autumn, San Jose often gets less sunshine than San Diego. San Jose gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 244 hours of full sun.
San Jose receives a lot of rain in the autumn. San Jose usually gets more rain in October than San Diego. San Jose gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSan Jose 27°C (81°F)San Diego 68°F (20°C)
Should I visit San Jose or San Diego in the Winter?
Both San Diego 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 winter months attract visitors to San Diego because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
San Jose is much warmer than San Diego in the winter. The daily temperature in San Jose averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and San Diego fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).
It's quite sunny in San Diego. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Jose. San Jose usually receives more sunshine than San Diego during winter. San Jose gets 264 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 239 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, San Jose usually receives less rain than San Diego. San Jose gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySan Jose 27°C (81°F)San Diego 57°F (14°C)
Should I visit San Jose or San Diego in the Spring?
Both San Diego 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. Furthermore, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to San Diego this time of year.
In the spring, San Jose is much warmer than San Diego. Typically, the spring temperatures in San Jose in April average around 29°C (85°F), and San Diego averages at about 62°F (17°C).
In San Diego, 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 San Diego. San Jose gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 277 hours of full sun.
San Jose usually gets more rain in April than San Diego. San Jose gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSan Jose 29°C (85°F)San Diego 62°F (17°C)
Typical Weather for San Diego and San Jose
| San Jose | San Diego | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.8 inches (46 mm) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.5 inches (39 mm) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) |
| Apr | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.8 inches (20 mm) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 67°F (19°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 0.4 inches (9 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.5 inches (37 mm) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.6 inches (40 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.