Which place is cheaper, Washington or San Jose?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit San Jose or Washington?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Jose or Washington, 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 Washington?
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.
Washington
Washington, DC is the capital city of the United States of America. It is also a city rich in history and culture. The city dates back to 1791 when the states of Maryland and Virginia donated the land to create the capital. In 1846, Congress returned the land that was ceded by Virginia and in 1871 it created a single municipal government with the remaining area. Today, Washington, DC has a population of over 600,000 people. The metropolitan area includes suburbs in Maryland and Virginia and has a population of about 5.8 million.
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 $89Washington $198
The average daily cost (per person) in San Jose is $89, while the average daily cost in Washington is $198. 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 Washington in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Jose $48Washington $113
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Jose $96Washington $226
Compare Hotels in San Jose and Washington
Looking for a hotel in San Jose or Washington? 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 Washington Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Jose $19Washington $47
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Washington
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Washington are as follows:
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Metro Day Pass$9.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Washington
Also for Washington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Washington, DC: Airport Transfer to/from DCA or IAD: $350
- Washington to Washington Airport (IAD) Departure Private Transfer: $64
- Washington to Newark Airport Departure Private Transfer: $187
- Washington to NY Kennedy Airport(JFK)- Departure Private Transfer: $199
- Washington to Baltimore Washington Airport (BWI) - Departure Private Transfer: $93
- Washington to Baltimore Airport (BWI) Departure Private Transfer: $75
- Washington R. Reagan Airport (DCA): Transfer to Washington: $174
- Washington R. Reagan Airport (DCA) to Washington - Arrival Private Transfer: $52
- Washington DC: Private Transfer to Airports or Baltimore: $160
- Washington DC: DCA Private Transfer from/to Downtown: $110
- Washington DC: Bus transfer from/to Philadelphia: $5.74
- Washington Airport (DCA) to Washington RoundTrip Private Transfer: $116
Is it cheaper to fly into San Jose or Washington?
Prices for flights to both Washington 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 $18Washington $38
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 Washington
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Washington:
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Water$2.00
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Snacks on Monuments Tour$6.15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Washington
For Washington, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- DC: Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise on the Spirit: $69
- Washington DC Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $70
- DC: Gourmet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise on the Odyssey: $74
- Acquired Taste Food Tour in Georgetown: $85
- Washington D.C.: Georgetown Guided Secret Food Tour: $98
- Washington, DC: African American History Tour with Dinner: $108
- Washington,DC: Union Market Private Food Tour: $125
- Washington D.C.: Taste of Georgetown Walking Food Tour: $129
- Washington DC: Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $140
- Washington DC Premier Dinner Cruise: $144
- Washington DC: Personalized & Private Food Tour with a Local: $152
- Private Traditional Filipino Cooking Class Near Washington DC : $154
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.San Jose $21Washington $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 Washington
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Washington.
- See DC In A Day: Guided Small Group Ultimate Day Tour : $99
- 2 For 1! DC Highlights & Arlington Cemetery Tour Bundle: $84
- 2 Hour Guided Bike Tour of Capitol Hill: $55
- 2-Hour African American Heritage Tour in Washington DC: $25
- 2-Hour Arlington Cemetery Guided Walking Tour : $75
- 2-Hour National Mall Walking Tour from Washington DC: $25
- 4 Hours Washington Tour with Boat Cruise: $169
- A 9D Salt Cave Experience: $95
- A Self-Guided Tour of Washington DC's Monumental Marvels: $25
- Admission & Guided Tour of Mount Vernon and Old Town Alexandria: $99
- African American History Private Tour w/ Museum Entry: $450
- African American History Tour with Museum Admission: $89
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySan Jose $16Washington $19
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 Washington
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Washington:
- Epic Washington DC Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
- Washington DC: Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
- Small-Group History Tour Pub Crawl of Washington, D.C.: $59
- Washington, D.C.: History Tour Pub Crawl: $59
- DC: Guided Craft Brewery Tours with a Snack: $105
- From Washington DC: Seneca Creek Region Wine Tour with Lunch: $175
- Full-Day Private Virginia Wine Tour Experience from Washington : $242
- Private Washington DC Virginia Winery Wine Tasting Tour -Spirited: $255
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Jose and Washington, we can see that Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Washington 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 Washington Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, San Jose or Washington?
Washington has a larger population, and is about 65% larger than the population of San Jose. When comparing the sizes of San Jose and Washington, 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 Washington?
Washington 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 Washington in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both San Jose and Washington. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Washington because of the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
San Jose is around the same temperature as Washington in the summer. The daily temperature in San Jose averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Washington fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Washington this time of the year. San Jose usually receives less sunshine than Washington during summer. San Jose gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Washington receives 278 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 Washington. San Jose gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Washington receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySan Jose 28°C (82°F)Washington 79°F (26°C)
Should I visit San Jose or Washington in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to San Jose as well as Washington. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Washington this time of year.
In the autumn, San Jose is much warmer than Washington. Typically, the autumn temperatures in San Jose in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Washington averages at about 60°F (15°C).
In the autumn, San Jose often gets less sunshine than Washington. San Jose gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Washington receives 197 hours of full sun.
San Jose receives a lot of rain in the autumn. San Jose usually gets more rain in October than Washington. San Jose gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSan Jose 27°C (81°F)Washington 60°F (15°C)
Should I visit San Jose or Washington in the Winter?
Both Washington 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, many travelers come to Washington for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Washington. In January, San Jose is generally much warmer than Washington. Daily temperatures in San Jose average around 27°C (81°F), and Washington fluctuates around 35°F (1°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Jose. San Jose usually receives more sunshine than Washington during winter. San Jose gets 264 hours of sunny skies, while Washington receives 139 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, San Jose usually receives less rain than Washington. San Jose gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySan Jose 27°C (81°F)Washington 35°F (1°C)
Should I visit San Jose or Washington in the Spring?
Both Washington 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, many visitors come to Washington in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
San Jose is much warmer than Washington in the spring. The daily temperature in San Jose averages around 29°C (85°F) in April, and Washington fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).
In Washington, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in San Jose. In the spring, San Jose often gets more sunshine than Washington. San Jose gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Washington receives 228 hours of full sun.
San Jose usually gets less rain in April than Washington. San Jose gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSan Jose 29°C (85°F)Washington 56°F (14°C)
Typical Weather for Washington and San Jose
| San Jose | Washington | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 35°F (1°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 37°F (3°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 47°F (8°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Apr | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 56°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 79°F (26°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) | 60°F (15°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 50°F (10°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 39°F (4°C) | 3.2 inches (82 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.