Which place is cheaper, San Jose or Sarajevo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Sarajevo or San Jose?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Sarajevo and San Jose. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Sarajevo or San Jose?
Sarajevo
Sarajevo is the capital city of Bosnia and is one of the most culturally and historically interesting cities to visit in Europe. The city was at the crossroads where the Eastern and Western Roman Empires divided, and the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches divided. Today it is most associated with the Civil War that occurred here between 1992 and 1995. There are still many remnants of the war left, from the cemeteries that dot the countryside to the leftover damage done by bombs. Despite its brutal history, Sarajevo has begun to thrive again, both economically and as a tourist destination.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina, The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySarajevo $71San Jose $89
The average daily cost (per person) in Sarajevo is $71, while the average daily cost in San Jose is $89. 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 Sarajevo and San Jose in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSarajevo $27San Jose $48
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSarajevo $54San Jose $96
Compare Hotels in Sarajevo and San Jose
Looking for a hotel in Sarajevo or San Jose? 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: Sarajevo Hotel Prices and San Jose Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sarajevo $7.09San Jose $19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Sarajevo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Sarajevo:
-
Tram Tickets (for 2)$1.65
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sarajevo
Also for Sarajevo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from/to Sarajevo - Neum: $178
- Transfer from/to Sarajevo - Belgrade: $290
- Transfer from city of Sarajevo to city of Mostar: $252
- Transfer from Sarajevo to Kotor+Herzegovina tour: $127
- Split Private Transfer Service: $301
- Private Transfer to and from Sarajevo Airport: $25
- Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Split: $323
- Dubrovnik Private Transfer Service: $301
- Airport transfers and all other transfers 4 people: $27
- Sarajevo ⇄ Mostar / Private Transfer: $205
- Sarajevo to/from Zagreb Transfer Day Tour (North-central Bosnia): $154
- Sarajevo to/from Dubrovnik Transfer Tour via Mostar & Herzegovina: $143
Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Jose
Some typical examples of transportation costs in San Jose are as follows:
-
Taxi from SJO$25
-
Local Bus$2.71
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Jose
Also for San Jose, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfers to Occidental Papagayo - Secrets Resort, Round-Trip: $130
- Transfer to Los Sueños Marriot Playa Herradura from San Jose or Airport: $215
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from SanJose Juan Santamaría Airport to SanJose City: $39
- Transfer from San Jose Airport CR (SJO) to Arenal La Fortuna Hotels: $279
- Transfer from Juan Santamaria Airport (SJO) to Quepos Cruise Port: $72
- Transfer TO & FROM SJO Airport to Esterillos - Bejuco Not Shared.: $180
- Transfer SJO Airport TO & FROM Dominical OR Uvita (One Way): $290
- Transfer Costa Rica SJO Airport To OR From Hotels nearby Private : $45
- Transfer Airport area to Manuel Antonio Hotels Private One Way: $185
- Transfer Airport Area to Jaco Hotels Private One Way Transport: $150
- Shuttle & transfer rides to Jaco beach: $137
- Shared transfer to Manuel Antonio: $70
Is it cheaper to fly into Sarajevo or San Jose?
Prices for flights to both San Jose and Sarajevo 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 daySarajevo $31San Jose $18
Typical Food Prices in Sarajevo
For Sarajevo, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Restaurant Dinner (for 2)$12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sarajevo
For Sarajevo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Walking Food Tour with Local Craft Experience: $43
- Traditional Bosnian Dinner with your Host Family: $44
- Traditional Bosnian Dinner with Host Family: $54
- Bosnian Cooking Lessons: $80
- The 10 Tastings of Sarajevo Private Food Tour : $144
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
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sarajevo $12San Jose $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Sarajevo
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Sarajevo's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
National Museum (for 2)$7.71
Tours and Activities in Sarajevo
For Sarajevo, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2 hours Small Group Old Town of Sarajevo Walking Tour with Local Tour Guide: $13
- 4-Hour Sightseeing Walking Tour with Food Tastings and Craft Experience: $44
- 8 to 9 Hours Daily Tour To Travnik and Jajce From Sarajevo: $104
- BOSNIAN PYRAMIDS TOUR (nature, history & archeology): $65
- Bijambare Cave & Bosnia Spring Park: Half-Day Tour from Sarajevo: $81
- Bijambare Cave & Bosnia Spring Park: Tour from Sarajevo: $80
- Bijambare Cave Tour : $44
- Bijambare Cave and Spring of River Bosna Tour: $45
- Bosnia's Treasures: 7-Day Private Tour: $1,318
- Bosnian Castles Tour: Sarajevo, Vranduk, Tesanj, Srebrenik: $143
- Bosnian Castles Tour: Vranduk Tešanj Srebrenik from Sarajevo: $134
- Bosnian Kingdom Capitals: Travnik & Jajce Tour from Sarajevo: $142
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
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySarajevo $7.41San Jose $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Sarajevo
Also in Sarajevo, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Small-group Wine Tasting Expiriance, with lunch in vineyard: $71
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sarajevo and San Jose, we can see that San Jose is more expensive. And not only is Sarajevo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sarajevo is in Europe and San Jose is in Central 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 Sarajevo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sarajevo 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 Jose would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Jose than you might in Sarajevo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sarajevo Expensive? and Is San Jose Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sarajevo or San Jose?
Sarajevo has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of San Jose. When comparing the sizes of Sarajevo and San Jose, 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 Sarajevo or San Jose?
Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo or San Jose in the Summer?
Both San Jose and Sarajevo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Sarajevo in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to San Jose because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Sarajevo is generally around the same temperature as San Jose. Daily temperatures in Sarajevo average around 26°C (78°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sarajevo. Sarajevo usually receives more sunshine than San Jose during summer. Sarajevo gets 323 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in San Jose. In July, Sarajevo usually receives less rain than San Jose. Sarajevo gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulySarajevo 26°C (78°F)San Jose 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Sarajevo or San Jose in the Autumn?
Both San Jose and Sarajevo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Sarajevo for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round.
Sarajevo is much colder than San Jose in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sarajevo averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
In the autumn, Sarajevo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Jose. Sarajevo gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 169 hours of full sun.
San Jose gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Sarajevo. Sarajevo usually gets less rain in October than San Jose. Sarajevo gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSarajevo 17°C (62°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Sarajevo or San Jose in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sarajevo and San Jose. The winter months attract visitors to Sarajevo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the winter, Sarajevo is much colder than San Jose. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sarajevo in January average around 6°C (42°F), and San Jose averages at about 27°C (81°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Jose this time of the year. Sarajevo usually receives less sunshine than San Jose during winter. Sarajevo gets 113 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.
Sarajevo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Sarajevo usually receives more rain than San Jose. Sarajevo gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySarajevo 6°C (42°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Sarajevo or San Jose in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Sarajevo as well as San Jose. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Sarajevo this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Jose throughout the year.
In April, Sarajevo is generally much colder than San Jose. Daily temperatures in Sarajevo average around 14°C (58°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Jose. In the spring, Sarajevo often gets less sunshine than San Jose. Sarajevo gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 255 hours of full sun.
Sarajevo receives a lot of rain in the spring. Sarajevo usually gets more rain in April than San Jose. Sarajevo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilSarajevo 14°C (58°F)San Jose 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for San Jose and Sarajevo
| Sarajevo | San Jose | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (42°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 8°C (46°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 11°C (51°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (58°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (78°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (78°F) | 65 mm (2.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (71°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (62°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 11°C (52°F) | 203 mm (8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
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.