Which place is cheaper, Austin or San Juan?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit San Juan or Austin?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit San Juan or Austin? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: San Juan or Austin?
San Juan
If you've ever set foot on a Caribbean cruise, you've probably spent a bit of time in San Juan, Puerto Rico. However, maybe you should consider spending more than just a port day in this beautiful and historically rich city.
As the capital and largest city in all of Puerto Rico, San Juan is home to approximately 400,000 people. Established in 1521, it is also the second oldest European-founded settlement in the Americas.
As this city fuses a historic paradise with modern day energy, it has absolutely everything to offer. Intellectual wanderers, beach bums, rainforest adventurers and radical surfers will all find plenty to do in San Juan.
Austin
Located in the Texas Hill Country, Austin is the capital city of the state. It is a relatively small city with a compact downtown area and many sprawling suburbs stretching out along the interstate. Austin prides itself on its eclectic culture and alternative vibe which is epitomized by the city's unofficial slogan "Keep Austin Weird." The University of Texas at Austin is also located downtown. The school's large student population helps give the city a youthful feel with a lively nightlife and no shortage of activities on weekends. The city is also the self proclaimed live music capital of the country. As such, it has many music venues and bars, most of which are clustered around the 6th Street area downtown. There are also many free outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.
-
San Juan Prices
Puerto Rico PricesAustin Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySan Juan $218Austin $167
The average daily cost (per person) in San Juan is $218, while the average daily cost in Austin is $167. 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 Juan and Austin in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Juan $124Austin $56
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Juan $248Austin $112
Compare Hotels in San Juan and Austin
Looking for a hotel in San Juan or Austin? 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 Juan Hotel Prices and Austin Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Juan $14Austin $47
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan
Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer to Cruise Ships, Hotels, Airbnb in San Juan: $76
- Arrival Private Transfer SJU Airport to Old San Juan by Sedan: $120
- Carabali Rain Forest Round Trip Private Taxi Transfer: $200
- Departure Transfer from Old San Juan to to SJU Airport by Car: $86
- From Private Transfer to Ceiba Ferry Terminal: $99
- Old Walking Tour with Shopping and Hotel Transfer: $70
- Premium Transfer in Airport, Hotel, Airbnb, Cruise: $25
- Private Airport Transfers to Ceiba Ferry Terminal and Airport: $155
- Private Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to San Juan Airport: $22
- Private Transfer Puerto Rico:To or From Airports, Hotels &Cruises: $33
- Private Transfer from SJU Airport to Cruise Port Roundtrip Servic: $109
- Private Transfer from SJU Airport to San Juan / Rio Grande: $115
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Austin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Austin:
- Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) to Austin City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $242
- Private Transfer in a Luxury Vehicle to and/or from AUS Airport: $125
- Private Transfer Austin Airport AUS to Austin City: $100
- Private Transfer Between Airport and Hotels: $80
- AUS Airport Private Transfer to Austin(downtown): $70
Is it cheaper to fly into San Juan or Austin?
Prices for flights to both Austin and San Juan 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
-
Food Meals for one daySan Juan $62Austin $60
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Juan
For San Juan, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Puerto Rican food tasting and beginner cooking Tour: $79
- From Pinones Beach & Bar Hopping Food Tour: $85
- Old San Juan Food Tour including Classic Piña Colada: $110
- Puerto Rico Secret Food Tour of Old San Juan: $147
- Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $165
- FlyDining: Sunset & City Lights Dinner Over Old San Juan: $165
- Morning Old San Juan Food Tour: $169
- Cooking and Connecting with a Local in Puerto Rico: $173
- Savor the Sunset: Old San Juan Walking Food Tour: $179
- Bad Bunny Origins & Cultural Food Tour: $230
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Austin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Austin.
- Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery in Austin: $75
- Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Tap Room in Austin: $75
- Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery: $75
- Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Tap Room: $75
- Street Art and Street Food Tour: $77
- Austin Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
- Austin South Congress Food Tour +6 Tastings, Local BBQ & Sweets: $99
- Austin Taco Tasting Walking Food Tour (Small Group): $99
- Secret Food Tour: $106
- Secret Food Tour of South Congress: $117
- Austin Small-Group BBQ Walking Food Tour: $129
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.San Juan $49Austin $28
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Juan
For San Juan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Horseback Riding Tour$40
-
Full Day Snorkeling Trip$100
-
1 Hr Windsurfing Lesson$75
Tours and Activities in San Juan
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Juan.
- Transportation in San Juan, Isla verde, Condado, Hotels, Cruises & Airbnb's SJU: $14
- Old San Juan iPhone Photo Tour—Candid Shots & Local Stories: $15
- San Juan Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $17
- Eco Friendly Farming Tour to Explore Dorado's Most Beautiful Farm: $20
- Discover Superb Self-Guided Audio Tour: $20
- Group Transportation in airport, cruise ships, hotels, bnb's in San Juan, PR: $23
- San Juan Ghost Tour: Shrieks in the Sugarcane: $24
- Old San Juan Guided Walking Tour: $24
- Old San Juan Walking Tour with a Local Certified Guide: $25
- Old San Juan Walking Tour with a Certified Guide: $26
- Tour de Viejo San Juan en Español: $30
- San Juan Ghost Tour: Shrieks in the Sugarcane: $32
Typical Entertainment Prices in Austin
Here are a few typical costs in Austin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Austin Duck Tour$31
Tours and Activities in Austin
Here are a few actual costs in Austin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Austin's Best Speakeasies 3-Hour Guided Tour: $50
- 1 Hour Private Electric Duffy Cruise on Lake Austin: $200
- 1 Hour Private Electric Duffy Cruise on Lake Austin: $200
- 3D Printer Factory Tour plus 2 ft Tall Rocket!: $22
- Austin Aquarium Entry Ticket: $31
- Austin Art & Architecture Bicycle Tour: $56
- Austin Art and Architecture Bicycle Tour: $56
- Austin Biker Gang E-Bike Tour: $85
- Austin E-Bike Brunch Tour : $118
- Austin E-Bike Tour: $75
- Austin Electric Bike Tour: Let it Ride: $54
- Austin Good Vibes E-Bike Tours: $68
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySan Juan $12Austin $28
Sample the Local Flavors in San Juan
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Juan:
- Old San Juan Bar Crawl: Experience Local Hotspots: $65
- The Pinones Pub crawl Bar crawl : $70
- Local Puerto Rican Rum Distillery Tour - Ron Pepon: $90
- Puerto Rico's First and Only Craft Beer Brewery Tour! : $99
- Puerto Rico: Ocean Lab Brewery and Tobaco Farm Tour: $139
Sample the Local Flavors in Austin
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Austin:
- Austin’s Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
- Austin Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35
- Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35
- Austin Bar Crawl: Austin's 6th Street Bar Crawl: $43
- Austin 6th Street Bar Crawl | The Epic Group: $43
- Public Party Bike Pub Crawl Tour in Austin: $54
- East Austin Brewery Tour by Pedicab: $65
- At-Home Private Wine or NA Wine Tasting Experience in Austin: $75
- Street Art and Brewery Bike Tour: $77
- 4-Hour Austin Signature Brewery Tour: $100
- Brewery Tour with Live Music and Beer Tastings: $130
- Brewery 5K Fun Run, BBQ, and Texas History Museum in Austin : $175
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Juan and Austin, we can see that San Juan is more expensive. And not only is Austin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since San Juan is in Caribbean Islands and Austin 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 Austin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Austin 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 Juan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Juan than you might in Austin.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is San Juan Expensive? and Is Austin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, San Juan or Austin?
Austin has a larger population, and is about 62% larger than the population of San Juan. When comparing the sizes of San Juan and Austin, 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 Juan or Austin?
Austin has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Juan experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit San Juan or Austin in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to San Juan as well as Austin. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Austin in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
San Juan is around the same temperature as Austin in the summer. The daily temperature in San Juan averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Austin fluctuates around 87°F (30°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Austin. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan this time of the year. In the summer, San Juan often gets less sunshine than Austin. San Juan gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 318 hours of full sun.
San Juan usually gets more rain in July than Austin. San Juan gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulySan Juan 28°C (83°F)Austin 87°F (30°C)
Should I visit San Juan or Austin in the Autumn?
Both Austin and San Juan are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Austin 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 the autumn, San Juan is a little warmer than Austin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in San Juan in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Austin averages at about 73°F (23°C).
It's quite sunny in Austin. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. San Juan usually receives more sunshine than Austin during autumn. San Juan gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in San Juan. In October, San Juan usually receives more rain than Austin. San Juan gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSan Juan 28°C (82°F)Austin 73°F (23°C)
Should I visit San Juan or Austin in the Winter?
Both Austin and San Juan during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Austin because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, San Juan is generally much warmer than Austin. Daily temperatures in San Juan average around 25°C (77°F), and Austin fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).
It's quite sunny in San Juan. In the winter, San Juan often gets more sunshine than Austin. San Juan gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun.
San Juan usually gets more rain in January than Austin. San Juan gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySan Juan 25°C (77°F)Austin 51°F (11°C)
Should I visit San Juan or Austin in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both San Juan and Austin. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Austin this time of year.
San Juan is a little warmer than Austin in the spring. The daily temperature in San Juan averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Austin fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Austin this time of the year. In San Juan, it's very sunny this time of the year. San Juan usually receives more sunshine than Austin during spring. San Juan gets 272 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, San Juan usually receives less rain than Austin. San Juan gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilSan Juan 26°C (79°F)Austin 71°F (22°C)
Typical Weather for Austin and San Juan
| San Juan | Austin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 51°F (11°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 4 inches (101 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 83°F (29°C) | 3.1 inches (80 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 87°F (30°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 87°F (31°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 2 inches (52 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.2 inches (56 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.