Which place is cheaper, Boston 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 Boston?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit San Juan or Boston? 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 Boston?
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.
Boston
Boston is one of the oldest and most historic cities in New England. It is also the capital of the state of Massachusetts and the largest city in the region. The city proper covers 48 square miles and has a population of more than 600,000. The Greater Boston area has 4.5 million people and is the tenth largest metropolitan area in the country.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.
-
San Juan Prices
Puerto Rico PricesBoston Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySan Juan $218Boston $291
The average daily cost (per person) in San Juan is $218, while the average daily cost in Boston is $291. 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 Boston in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Juan $124Boston $166
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Juan $248Boston $332
Compare Hotels in San Juan and Boston
Looking for a hotel in San Juan or Boston? 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 Boston Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Juan $14Boston $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan
Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- San Juan hotels to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $29
- Private Transfer-TO or FROM: SJUAirport,Cruise,Hotels Puerto Rico: $34
- Premium Transfer Service FROM or TO Rio Grande Puerto Rico: $50
- San Juan Airport (SJU) to San Juan Port Arrival Private Transfer: $58
- San Juan hotels to San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $58
- San Juan Port to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $58
- San Juan Airport (SJU) to San Juan hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $58
- One-way transfer from SJU Airport to Cruise Port or Vice Versa: $65
- Transfer SJU Airport to Cruise Port / Vice Versa in Old S.J ONLY: $65
- Roundtrip-Transfer from: SJU Airport,Cruises and Hotels in Puerto Rico LuxurySUV: $70
- Transfer TO or FROM: Airport,Cruise,Hotel in DORADO or RIO GRANDE: $70
- Roundtrip-Transfer in Puerto Rico: From Airports, Hotels, Cruises: $71
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Boston
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Boston are as follows:
-
Taxi$35
-
Subway Daily Pass$9.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Boston
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Boston:
- Luxury Private Limousine Transfer in Boston – 24/7 Service: $300
- Private Transfer from Boston Airport to Providence RI: $294
- Flynn Cruise port Boston to Boston hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $238
- Boston Logan Airport Chauffeur, Boston Airport private Transfer: $220
- Private Transfer in Boston (BOS) Airport/Home/Hotel/Work: $190
- Private Transfer from Newport Cruise Port to Boston city hotels: $188
- Private Transfer from Boston Logan Airport (BOS) to Newport Port: $188
- Private Transfer from Newport Port to Boston Logan Airport (BOS): $188
- Private Transfer from Boston (BOS) Airport to Boston City: $185
- Boston Logan Airport Private Transfer to Downtown Hotels: $180
- Luxury Logan Airport Transfer Service: $175
- Limo Private Transfer Boston to Logan International Airport: $160
Is it cheaper to fly into San Juan or Boston?
Prices for flights to both Boston 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 $62Boston $86
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:
- Fly Dining 4 Course Sunset and City Light Dinner Over San Juan: $159
- Morning Old San Juan Food Tour: $169
- Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $170
- Savor the Sunset: Old San Juan Walking Food Tour: $179
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Boston
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Boston.
- Self-Guided "The North End Pizza, Cannoli and Picnic" Tour: $5.50
- Morning Walks with Salem Food Tours: $34
- Freedom Trail History and Food Tour: $39
- Boston Food Tour: Pizza & North End Italian Classics: $69
- Boston’s North End Food Tour: Italian Flavors and Heritage Walk: $70
- Harvard Square French Fry and Pairings Food Tour: $73
- 2-Hour North End Food Tour with Chowder & Pizza: $74
- North End & Little Italy Food Tour with Local Dishes: $74
- 2-Hour Boston North End Food Tour with Authentic Italian Flavors: $75
- Boston North End Food Tour with Authentic Local Flavors & Dishes: $75
- Pizza Beer and Paul Revere Tour: $75
- City Cruises Harbor Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise: $79
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.San Juan $49Boston $33
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.
- The Ultimate Self-Guided Hidden Gems Tour in Puerto Rico: $5.00
- San Juan’s Historic Streets Audio Guided Walking Tour: $12
- Transportation in San Juan, Isla verde, Condado, Hotels, Cruises & Airbnb's SJU: $14
- San Juan Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $15
- Outdoor Salsa Class Experience in San Juan: $19
- Eco Friendly Farming Tour to Explore Dorado's Most Beautiful Farm: $20
- Old San Juan Tour (1 Hour) by DUHO: $25
- San Juan Ghost Tour: Shrieks in the Sugarcane: $26
- Old San Juan Tour in Spanish: $30
- San Juan Cruise Port: Puerto Rico Artisan Rum Tasting: $39
- San Juan Guided Turtle Snorkel Tour and Complimentary Videos: $40
- Legacy Tour at Casa BACARDÍ in Puerto Rico: $45
Typical Entertainment Prices in Boston
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Boston are as follows:
-
Two Tickets to Celtics Game$101
-
Duck Tour$32
Tours and Activities in Boston
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Boston are as follows:
- "Witch Trials" Walking Tour in Salem: $30
- 1 Hour Boston Segway Tour: $79
- 1 or 2 Day HOP-ON & HOP-OFF Narrated Trolley Tour of Boston: $48
- 1692 Salem Day Tour: $35
- 1692 Salem Night Walking Tour: $35
- 2 Days Boston & Charlestown Hop-On Hop-Off Tour: $88
- 2 Hour North End 'Little Italy' Walking Tour: $35
- 2-Hour Beacon Hill True Crime Expert Guided Tour: $35
- 2026 Halloween Cruises - Sinners, Saints, Witches, Zombies: $58
- A Ghost Hunting Tour Specters and Apparitions in Salem: $36
- A Journey Through Time: a walking/driving tour of Boston: $680
- A Revolutionary Running Tour of Boston: $49
For more ideas for your next trip, check out Free Things to Do in Boston, Must-See Monuments and Memorials In Boston, and The Best Things To Do in Boston with Kids.
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySan Juan $12Boston $27
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
- Puerto Rico Tobacco Farm and Local Brewery Tour: $109
- Puerto Rico's First and Only Craft Beer Brewery Tour!: $150
Sample the Local Flavors in Boston
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Boston:
- Amazing Bar Crawl: Boston Back Bay Beat: $15
- Boston Ghosts Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl: $29
- Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl: $29
- Boston Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
- Haunted Pub Crawl of Historic Pubs and Taverns: $35
- Salem Booze and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl by US Ghost Adventures: $36
- History Pub Crawl Tour Along the Freedom Trail: $50
- DIY Candle Making Class at a Local Brewery: $55
- Boston Freedom Trail History Pub Crawl Small-Group Tour: $60
- Sushi Making Class at a Local Distillery in Boston: $75
- Sushi Making Class at a Local Brewery in Boston: $75
- DIY Candle Making Class at a Local Brewery in Boston: $75
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Juan and Boston, we can see that Boston is more expensive. And not only is San Juan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since San Juan is in Caribbean Islands and Boston 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 Juan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Juan 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 Boston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boston than you might in San Juan.
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 Boston Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, San Juan or Boston?
Boston has a larger population, and is about 41% larger than the population of San Juan. When comparing the sizes of San Juan and Boston, 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 Boston?
Boston 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 Boston in the Summer?
Both Boston and San Juan during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Boston because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
San Juan is a little warmer than Boston in the summer. The daily temperature in San Juan averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Boston fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).
In Boston, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in San Juan. In the summer, San Juan often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Boston. San Juan gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 304 hours of full sun.
San Juan usually gets more rain in July than Boston. San Juan gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Boston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulySan Juan 28°C (83°F)Boston 73°F (23°C)
Should I visit San Juan or Boston in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both San Juan and Boston. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Boston this time of year.
In the autumn, San Juan is much warmer than Boston. Typically, the autumn temperatures in San Juan in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Boston averages at about 54°F (12°C).
In San Juan, it's very sunny this time of the year. San Juan usually receives more sunshine than Boston during autumn. San Juan gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.
San Juan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, San Juan usually receives more rain than Boston. San Juan gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSan Juan 28°C (82°F)Boston 54°F (12°C)
Should I visit San Juan or Boston in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to San Juan as well as Boston. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Boston for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Boston. In January, San Juan is generally much warmer than Boston. Daily temperatures in San Juan average around 25°C (77°F), and Boston fluctuates around 29°F (-2°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan this time of the year. In the winter, San Juan often gets more sunshine than Boston. San Juan gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 153 hours of full sun.
San Juan usually gets less rain in January than Boston. San Juan gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySan Juan 25°C (77°F)Boston 29°F (-2°C)
Should I visit San Juan or Boston in the Spring?
Both Boston and San Juan are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Boston in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
San Juan is much warmer than Boston in the spring. The daily temperature in San Juan averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Boston fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).
It's quite sunny in Boston. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. San Juan usually receives more sunshine than Boston during spring. San Juan gets 272 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, San Juan usually receives less rain than Boston. San Juan gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilSan Juan 26°C (79°F)Boston 48°F (9°C)
Typical Weather for Boston and San Juan
| San Juan | Boston | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 29°F (-2°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 30°F (-1°C) | 3.7 inches (94 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 38°F (4°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 48°F (9°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 58°F (15°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 45°F (7°C) | 4.3 inches (108 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 33°F (1°C) | 3.9 inches (99 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.