Which place is cheaper, Phoenix or San Juan?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit San Juan or Phoenix?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit San Juan or Phoenix? 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 Phoenix?
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.
Phoenix
The most populous city in the American Southwest, Phoenix is the capital city of Arizona and busiest hub of activity in the general area. Geographically it is located in the Sonoran Desert, making for long hot summers and mild winters. This climate has ensured a thriving tourism industry with plenty of attractions both in and around Phoenix.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySan Juan $192Phoenix $238
The average daily cost (per person) in San Juan is $192, while the average daily cost in Phoenix is $238. 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 Phoenix in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Juan $124Phoenix $144
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Juan $248Phoenix $288
Compare Hotels in San Juan and Phoenix
Looking for a hotel in San Juan or Phoenix? 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 Phoenix Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Juan $14Phoenix $39
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phoenix
Also for Phoenix, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury Van: $140
- Phoenix International Airport (PHX) - Private transfer From/to Hotels: $118
- Arrival Private Transfer Phoenix Airport PHX to Phoenix City : $117
- Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) to Phoenix - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $116
- Departure Private Transfer Phoenix City to Phoenix Airport PHX : $110
- One-Way Transfer Sky Harbor Airport to Phoenix: $104
- Arrival Private Transfer: Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Luxury SUV: $104
- Private Transfer from Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury SUV: $104
- Private Transfer from Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Luxury SUV: $104
- Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury SUV: $104
- Private Transfer from Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Business Car: $90
- Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Business Car: $90
Is it cheaper to fly into San Juan or Phoenix?
Prices for flights to both Phoenix 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
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Food Meals for one daySan Juan $36Phoenix $52
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
Typical Food Prices in Phoenix
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Phoenix:
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Nice Lunch (for 2)$36
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Indian Food Dinner (for 2)$32
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phoenix
For Phoenix, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Awesome French Crêpes Cooking Class: $75
- Old Town Scottsdale Food Tour: $92
- Downtown Phoenix Food Tour: $92
- Scottsdale Waterfront Food Tour: $95
- Quiche Lorraine French Cooking Class in Scottsdale: $129
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.San Juan $49Phoenix $40
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Juan
For San Juan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Horseback Riding Tour$40
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Full Day Snorkeling Trip$100
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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 Phoenix
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Phoenix.
- 1.5 Hour Stretch Limo Golf Cart Tour, Ultimate Old Town Exploration: $89
- 2 Hour Scottsdale Segway Tours - Ultimate Old Town Exploration: $89
- 2 Hour Segway Tour - Sunsets, Segways & City Lights: $89
- 2 Hour Sonoran Desert Private Guided Mountain Bike Tour: $115
- 2-Hour Arizona Desert Guided E-Bike Tour: $135
- 2.5 Hour FAT Tire E-Bike Tour – Scottsdale Greenbelt Adventure: $100
- 3 Cities & Nature Tour. Shop, Art, History, Food. Scottsdale, Phoenix, & Tempe.: $168
- 3 Hour Guided TomCar ATV Tour in Sonoran Desert: $219
- Adventure Yoga Experience on Camelback Mountain: $75
- Apache Trail and Dolly Steamboat Van Tour: $160
- Black Ops Experience: $259
- Boat Cruise in Lake Pleasant Arizona: $89
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySan Juan $12Phoenix $17
Sample the Local Flavors in San Juan
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Juan:
- Pinones Pub crawl in Puerto Rico: $50
Sample the Local Flavors in Phoenix
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Phoenix:
- Scottsdale Bar Hunt: Scorching Scottsdale Bar Crawl: $12
- Pedal Bar Crawl of Old Town Scottsdale: $55
- Stretch Limo Party Cart - Custom Bar Crawls, Wine Tastings, Night Clubs & More: $155
- Ghost town of Jerome, Brew and Wine Tour: $215
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Juan and Phoenix, we can see that Phoenix 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Phoenix 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 Phoenix Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, San Juan or Phoenix?
Phoenix has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of San Juan. When comparing the sizes of San Juan and Phoenix, 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 Phoenix?
Phoenix 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 Phoenix in the Summer?
Both Phoenix 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, most visitors come to Phoenix for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
It's very hot in Phoenix this time of the year. In July, San Juan is generally cooler than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in San Juan average around 28°C (83°F), and Phoenix fluctuates around 98°F (36°C).
It's quite sunny in Phoenix. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. San Juan usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during summer. San Juan gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 380 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, San Juan usually receives more rain than Phoenix. San Juan gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySan Juan 28°C (83°F)Phoenix 98°F (36°C)
Should I visit San Juan or Phoenix in the Autumn?
Both Phoenix 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. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Phoenix because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
San Juan is around the same temperature as Phoenix in the autumn. The daily temperature in San Juan averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Phoenix fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).
In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in San Juan. In the autumn, San Juan often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. San Juan gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 305 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 Phoenix. San Juan gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSan Juan 28°C (82°F)Phoenix 79°F (26°C)
Should I visit San Juan or Phoenix in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both San Juan and Phoenix. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Phoenix this time of year.
In the winter, San Juan is much warmer than Phoenix. Typically, the winter temperatures in San Juan in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Phoenix averages at about 58°F (14°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. In San Juan, it's very sunny this time of the year. San Juan usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Phoenix during winter. San Juan gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 254 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, San Juan usually receives more rain than Phoenix. San Juan gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySan Juan 25°C (77°F)Phoenix 58°F (14°C)
Should I visit San Juan or Phoenix in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to San Juan as well as Phoenix. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, San Juan is generally a little warmer than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in San Juan average around 26°C (79°F), and Phoenix fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phoenix. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan this time of the year. In the spring, San Juan often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. San Juan gets 272 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 355 hours of full sun.
San Juan usually gets more rain in April than Phoenix. San Juan gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSan Juan 26°C (79°F)Phoenix 74°F (23°C)
Typical Weather for Phoenix and San Juan
| San Juan | Phoenix | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 58°F (14°C) | 0.7 inches (17 mm) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.7 inches (17 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 0.9 inches (22 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 83°F (28°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 92°F (34°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 98°F (36°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 96°F (35°C) | 0.9 inches (24 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 90°F (32°C) | 0.9 inches (22 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 79°F (26°C) | 0.7 inches (17 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 58°F (15°C) | 1 inches (25 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.