Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Sarasota?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sarasota or San Juan?
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 Sarasota and San Juan. 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: Sarasota or San Juan?
Sarasota
Located on the Gulf Coast of southwest Florida, Sarasota is a popular city known for its thriving arts scene, selection of restaurants, plenty of shopping, and beautiful beaches. The metropolitan area is a hub of city culture, while the beaches offer escapes of fine white sand and aqua waters.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySarasota $249San Juan $192
The average daily cost (per person) in Sarasota is $249, while the average daily cost in San Juan is $192. 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 Sarasota and San Juan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSarasota $108San Juan $124
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSarasota $216San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Sarasota and San Juan
Looking for a hotel in Sarasota or San Juan? 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: Sarasota Hotel Prices and San Juan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sarasota -San Juan $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sarasota
Also for Sarasota, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Sarasota–Bradenton Airport (SRQ) to Sarasota Round-Trip Transfer: $96
- Sarasota to Sarasota–Bradenton Intl. Airport (SRQ) - Departure Private Transfer: $48
- Sarasota–Bradenton Intl. Airport (SRQ) to Sarasota - Arrival Private Transfer: $48
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 Sarasota or San Juan?
Prices for flights to both San Juan and Sarasota 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 daySarasota $137San Juan $36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sarasota
For Sarasota, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Sarasota Street Food Tour: $85
- Taste of Downtown Food Tour: $105
- Downtown Walking Food Tour in Sarasota: $110
- Sarasota Kayak and Food Tour: $165
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sarasota $11San Juan $49
Tours and Activities in Sarasota
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sarasota.
- Lido Key Pedal Kayak Tour in Sarasota: $75
- Parasailing Adventure above the Gulf of Mexico: $95
- 2 Hour Guided Stand Up Paddle Board Tour along Upper Manatee River: $65
- 2 Hour Jet ski Rental Fast And Fun Adventure Florida Thrill : $240
- 2 Hour Sunset Cabaret Tour in Sarasota: $68
- 2 Hours Guided Robinson Preserve Mangrove Tour: $55
- 90 minute South Florida Jet Ski Adventure Fun Thrilling : $195
- 90-Minute Parasailing Adventure Above Anna Maria Island, FL: $75
- Adventure and Wildlife Watch Kayak Rentals in Sarasota: $50
- Amish Experience: Bridges to Understanding: $68
- Anna Maria Island Paddleboard Tours: $65
- Bradenton: Guided Pedal Kayak Tour: $999
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySarasota -San Juan $12
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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sarasota and San Juan, we can see that Sarasota is more expensive. And not only is San Juan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sarasota is in North America and San Juan is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Sarasota would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sarasota 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 Sarasota Expensive? and Is San Juan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sarasota or San Juan?
San Juan has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Sarasota. When comparing the sizes of Sarasota and San Juan, 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 Sarasota or San Juan?
Sarasota 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 Sarasota or San Juan in the Summer?
Both San Juan and Sarasota are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sarasota this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Sarasota is generally around the same temperature as San Juan. Daily temperatures in Sarasota average around 82°F (28°C), and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
It's quite sunny in San Juan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sarasota. Sarasota usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during summer. Sarasota gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Sarasota. In July, Sarasota usually receives more rain than San Juan. Sarasota gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySarasota 82°F (28°C)San Juan 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Sarasota or San Juan in the Autumn?
Both San Juan and Sarasota during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Sarasota for the shopping scene. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.
Sarasota is cooler than San Juan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sarasota averages around 76°F (24°C) in October, and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
In San Juan, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sarasota. In the autumn, Sarasota often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Juan. Sarasota gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 235 hours of full sun.
San Juan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Sarasota usually gets less rain in October than San Juan. Sarasota gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Sarasota.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSarasota 76°F (24°C)San Juan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Sarasota or San Juan in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sarasota and San Juan. Many visitors come to Sarasota in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the winter, Sarasota is much colder than San Juan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sarasota in January average around 59°F (15°C), and San Juan averages at about 25°C (77°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan this time of the year. In Sarasota, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sarasota usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during winter. Sarasota gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Sarasota usually receives around the same amount of rain as San Juan. Sarasota gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySarasota 59°F (15°C)San Juan 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Sarasota or San Juan in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Sarasota as well as San Juan. Most visitors come to Sarasota for the beaches during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.
In April, Sarasota is generally cooler than San Juan. Daily temperatures in Sarasota average around 73°F (23°C), and San Juan fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sarasota this time of the year. In the spring, Sarasota often gets more sunshine than San Juan. Sarasota gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun.
Sarasota usually gets less rain in April than San Juan. Sarasota gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Sarasota is the hurricane season.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSarasota 73°F (23°C)San Juan 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for San Juan and Sarasota
| Sarasota | San Juan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 59°F (15°C) | 2.3 inches (59 mm) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 62°F (17°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 67°F (20°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 73°F (23°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 78°F (25°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 82°F (28°C) | 6.5 inches (165 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 8.4 inches (214 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 82°F (28°C) | 8 inches (203 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 81°F (27°C) | 6.3 inches (161 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 76°F (24°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 69°F (20°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 62°F (17°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 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.