A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers San Juan vs. Kennebunkport for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit San Juan or Kennebunkport?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit San Juan or Kennebunkport? 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 Kennebunkport?

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.

Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a beautiful coastal town in southern Maine that attracts a number of tourists who enjoy it's quaint atmosphere, upscale shopping, and great restaurants. While the town's history is grounded in the shipbuilding and fishing industries, it long ago became a summer holiday destination for wealthy New Englanders. The town is now one of the wealthiest areas in the state of Maine. It's also notable as the location of Walker's Point, which is a vacation estate for the Bush Family.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Kennebunkport or San Juan?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in San Juan is $192, while the average daily cost in Kennebunkport is $220. 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 Kennebunkport in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    San Juan $124
    Kennebunkport $124
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    San Juan $248
    Kennebunkport $248
Compare Hotels in San Juan and Kennebunkport

Looking for a hotel in San Juan or Kennebunkport? 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.

Hotels in San Juan


Hotels in Kennebunkport


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 Kennebunkport Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    San Juan $14
    Kennebunkport $49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan

Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • San Juan Airport (SJU): Private Transfer to San Juan Port: $271
  • San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port: Transfer to San Juan hotel: $271
  • Carabali Rain Forest Round Trip Private Taxi Transfer: $210
  • Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, 16Pax Mercedes Van, Select Zone: $130
  • Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, 14Pax Lux Sprinter Van: $124
  • Private Transfer from SJU Airport to San Juan / Rio Grande: $105
  • Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, 11Pax Lux Sprinter Van: $103
  • Old San Juan Sunset Cruise with Drinks & Transfer: $99
  • Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Mercedes ECO Van, Select Zone: $87
  • Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Ford Premium SUV, Select Zone: $87
  • Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Lexus Luxury Sedan, Select Zone: $81
  • Oneway Transfer San Juan to Ceiba: Ferry, Vieques/Culebra Airport: $80

Is it cheaper to fly into San Juan or Kennebunkport?

Prices for flights to both Kennebunkport 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 day
    San Juan $36
    Kennebunkport $67

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:

  • Old San Juan Sunset Food Tour with Drinks: $156
  • Savor the Sunset: Old San Juan Walk and Food Tour: $159
  • City Lights Sky High Dinner Experience: $165
  • Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $170

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    San Juan $49
    Kennebunkport $21
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.

  • Full-Day Tour: El Yunque, Luquillo Beach, Bio Bay Night Kayaking: $155
  • Rum Craft Cocktail Tour in San Juan: $65
  • 1 or 2 Hour Puerto Rico Horseback Ride Experience!: $210
  • Arte Boriken-Urban Art & Beach Sip & Paint Tour: $145
  • Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Adventure from San Juan: $110
  • Black Sand Beach- See The Southeast of Puerto Rico Private Tour: $150
  • Carolina: ATV Adventure at Campo Rico Ranch with Guide: $136
  • Cave Day Tour From San Juan: $109
  • Craft Beer Private Tour in San Juan: $168
  • Cruise Ship Travelers: Hike to a Hidden Puerto Rican Waterfall: $85
  • Culebra Snorkeling Tour by Catamaran from Fajardo: $175
  • Discover El Yunque: Half-Day Rainforest Tour: $115

Tours and Activities in Kennebunkport

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kennebunkport.

  • 90 Minutes Ghost Walking Tour in Kennebunkport: $30
  • 2-Hour Historical Walking Tour: $50
  • A Tasty Lunchtime Walking Tour: $140
  • Ghost Tour with Folklore, Gossip & Scandals: $29
  • Haunted Ghost Walking Tour: $27
  • Historic District Walking Tour: $45

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    San Juan $12
    Kennebunkport $31

Sample the Local Flavors in San Juan

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Juan:

  • Pinones Pub crawl in Puerto Rico: $50


When comparing the travel costs between San Juan and Kennebunkport, we can see that Kennebunkport is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though San Juan is in Caribbean Islands and Kennebunkport is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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 Kennebunkport Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, San Juan or Kennebunkport?

San Juan has a larger population, and is about 270 times larger than the population of Kennebunkport. When comparing the sizes of San Juan and Kennebunkport, 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 Kennebunkport?

Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport in the Summer?

Both Kennebunkport and San Juan are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year. Also, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kennebunkport this time of year.

San Juan is a little warmer than Kennebunkport in the summer. The daily temperature in San Juan averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Kennebunkport fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Kennebunkport. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. San Juan usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kennebunkport during summer. San Juan gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Kennebunkport receives 282 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, San Juan usually receives more rain than Kennebunkport. San Juan gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    San Juan 28°C (83°F) 
    Kennebunkport 69°F (20°C)

Should I visit San Juan or Kennebunkport in the Autumn?

Both Kennebunkport and San Juan during the autumn 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, many travelers come to Kennebunkport for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, San Juan is much warmer than Kennebunkport. Typically, the autumn temperatures in San Juan in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Kennebunkport averages at about 49°F (9°C).

It's quite sunny in San Juan. In the autumn, San Juan often gets more sunshine than Kennebunkport. San Juan gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kennebunkport receives 196 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Juan. San Juan usually gets more rain in October than Kennebunkport. San Juan gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    San Juan 28°C (82°F) 
    Kennebunkport 49°F (9°C)

Should I visit San Juan or Kennebunkport in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both San Juan and Kennebunkport. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kennebunkport in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Kennebunkport can get quite cold in the winter. In January, San Juan is generally much warmer than Kennebunkport. Daily temperatures in San Juan average around 25°C (77°F), and Kennebunkport fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

In San Juan, it's very sunny this time of the year. San Juan usually receives more sunshine than Kennebunkport during winter. San Juan gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Kennebunkport receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, San Juan usually receives less rain than Kennebunkport. San Juan gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    San Juan 25°C (77°F) 
    Kennebunkport 21°F (-6°C)

Should I visit San Juan or Kennebunkport in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to San Juan as well as Kennebunkport. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Kennebunkport for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

San Juan is much warmer than Kennebunkport in the spring. The daily temperature in San Juan averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Kennebunkport fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kennebunkport. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan this time of the year. In the spring, San Juan often gets more sunshine than Kennebunkport. San Juan gets 272 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kennebunkport receives 212 hours of full sun.

San Juan usually gets less rain in April than Kennebunkport. San Juan gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    San Juan 26°C (79°F) 
    Kennebunkport 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Kennebunkport and San Juan

San Juan Kennebunkport
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 21°F (-6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 24°F (-5°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Mar 26°C (78°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 33°F (1°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
May 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 63°F (17°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 69°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 49°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 39°F (4°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Dec 26°C (78°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 27°F (-3°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)


Related Articles for San Juan