Which place is cheaper, San Jose or Seville?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Seville 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 Seville 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: Seville or San Jose?
Seville
The capital city of Andalucia, Seville is both the cultural and financial hub of southern Spain. It's also a popular tourist destination. The city has over 700,000 residents and 1.6 million in the metropolitan area, making it the fourth largest city in the country. It is cut in half by the Guadalquivir River, with the two halves referred to as Sevilla and Triana. Seville has continued to grow in popularity as a tourist destination since the 19th century when it was included as a stop on the Romantic "Grand Tour" of Europe. In 1992 Seville hosted the International Exposition which led to the construction of a new airport, train station, as well as other infrastructural improvements. Today Seville remains very popular with tourists for its many festivals, interesting attractions, great restaurants and nightlife scene.
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 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySeville €125San Jose €85
The average daily cost (per person) in Seville is €125, while the average daily cost in San Jose is €85. 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 Seville and San Jose in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSeville €58San Jose €46
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSeville €116San Jose €92
Compare Hotels in Seville and San Jose
Looking for a hotel in Seville 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: Seville Hotel Prices and San Jose Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Seville €18San Jose €18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seville
Also for Seville, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfeR in Seville APT-HTL (SVQ): $64
- Transfer from Seville to Malaga: $323
- Transfer from Seville to Jerez: $262
- Transfer from Seville to Cadiz: $273
- Transfer from Seville to Cadiz: $269
- Transfer Hotel Seville-Seville Airport: $44
- Transfer Algarve/ Seville city center or for Airport Private: $414
- Shared Departure Transfer: Hotel to Seville Airport: $47
- Shared Arrival Transfer: Seville Airport to Hotel: $47
- Transfer to Seville Airport: $43
- Transfer to Santa Justa Train Station: $38
- Private Transfer IN or OUT in Upscale Vehicle with Professional Driver: $148
Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Jose
Some typical examples of transportation costs in San Jose are as follows:
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Taxi from SJO€24
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Local Bus€2.58
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Jose
Also for San Jose, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private transfer from San Jose or Airport with welcome service to Tortuguero: $300
- Transfer SJO Airport TO & FROM Dominical OR Uvita (One Way): $290
- Transfer from San Jose Airport CR (SJO) to Arenal La Fortuna Hotels: $279
- Private transfer from San Jose or Airport with welcome service to Tambor beach: $276
- Private Transfer from San Jose Airport or Guanacaste Hotels: $276
- Private transfer from San Jose Airport welcome service to Manuel Antonio Quepos: $269
- Private Transfer from San Jose downtown to Liberia Airport: $267
- Private transfer from San Jose or Airport with welcome service to Samara Beach: $265
- Private Transfer: $260
- Private Transfer Airport or San Jose hotels to Puerto Viejo Limon: $259
- Private transfer from San Jose Airport welcome service to La Fortuna Arenal: $259
- Private transfer from San Jose Airport welcome service to Liberia: $257
Is it cheaper to fly into Seville or San Jose?
Prices for flights to both San Jose and Seville 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 daySeville €37San Jose €17
Typical Food Prices in Seville
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Seville:
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Lunch€9.50
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Ice Cream€2.30
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Jamon (Dry Cured Ham)€12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seville
For Seville, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Flamenco at El Palacio Andaluz with Optional Dinner: $28
- Ugly Delicious Food Tour: $38
- Paella Showcooking with Rooftop Views in Seville City: $43
- El Patio Sevillano Flamenco Show Ticket & Dinner: $43
- Paella-Cooking Experience with Sangria & Full Meal: $46
- Flavors of Andalucía Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $46
- Flamenco Show at Tablao El Arenal with Drink and Optional Dinner or Tapas : $47
- Oriental dinner with a view of the Giralda: $57
- Paella & Sangria Showcooking Experience on a Rooftop: $60
- Paella Showcooking Experience on a Rooftop: $60
- Paella Cooking Experience on a Rooftop Terrace: $64
- The Seville Morning Food Tour: $69
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Seville €29San Jose €20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Seville
For Seville, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Entrance to Cathedral€8.00
Tours and Activities in Seville
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Seville.
- 'Game of Thrones' Walking Tour in Seville with Optional Trip to Osuna: $51
- Alcazar and Cathedral Combo Tour: $62
- Flamenco tour of Seville: $39
- Seville Electric Bike Private Tour: $77
- 1 Hour Jet Ski Experience in Isla Canela: $159
- 1 Hour Seville Panoramic Segway Tour: $38
- 1.5 hour tour of the Alcázar of Seville: $51
- 2 Hour Tour Discover Seville like a local on an ELECTRIC BIKE: $38
- 2-Hour Private Guided Walking Tour of Triana: $140
- 2-Hour Private Guided Walking Tour of Triana: $149
- 2-Hour Private Walking Tour in Alcazar of Seville: $161
- 2-Hour Seville Panoramic Walking Tour: $96
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySeville €10San Jose €16
Sample the Local Flavors in Seville
Also in Seville, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Sherry Wine Tasting with Views of Sevilla: $32
- Sherry Wine Tasting with Views of Sevilla: $33
- Sherry Wine Tasting with Views of Sevilla: $39
- Sherry Wine Tasting with Views of Sevilla: $43
- Flamenco show with wine tasting and tapas at Bodega La Jara: $49
- Seville Traditional Tapas and Wine Tour: $93
- Half-Day Wine Tour in Andalusia: $96
- Flamenco, Tapas and Wine Tour in Sevilla Spain: $97
- From Tour of Jerez with Horse Show & Wine Tasting: $113
- Tapas and Wine Tasting Tour: $114
- Jerez and Cadiz Wine Tasting & Horse Show Day Trip: $128
- County Wine Tasting: $164
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 Seville and San Jose, we can see that Seville is more expensive. And not only is San Jose much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Seville 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 San Jose would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Jose 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 Seville would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Seville than you might in San Jose.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Seville Expensive? and Is San Jose Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Seville or San Jose?
Seville has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of San Jose. When comparing the sizes of Seville 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 Seville or San Jose?
Seville 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 Seville or San Jose in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Seville and San Jose. Many visitors come to Seville in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Seville is generally around the same temperature as San Jose. Daily temperatures in Seville average around 27°C (81°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
In Seville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Seville usually receives more sunshine than San Jose during summer. Seville gets 360 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.
San Jose receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Seville usually receives less rain than San Jose. Seville gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySeville 27°C (81°F)San Jose 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Seville or San Jose in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Seville as well as San Jose. Most visitors come to Seville for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Jose throughout the year.
Seville is cooler than San Jose in the autumn. The daily temperature in Seville averages around 20°C (67°F) in October, and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seville this time of the year. In the autumn, Seville often gets more sunshine than San Jose. Seville gets 208 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 169 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in San Jose. Seville usually gets less rain in October than San Jose. Seville gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSeville 20°C (67°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Seville or San Jose in the Winter?
Both San Jose and Seville are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Seville because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to San Jose because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the winter, Seville is much colder than San Jose. Typically, the winter temperatures in Seville in January average around 11°C (51°F), and San Jose averages at about 27°C (81°F).
It's quite sunny in San Jose. Seville usually receives less sunshine than San Jose during winter. Seville gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Seville usually receives more rain than San Jose. Seville gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySeville 11°C (51°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Seville or San Jose in the Spring?
Both San Jose and Seville during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Seville this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round.
In April, Seville is generally much colder than San Jose. Daily temperatures in Seville average around 16°C (61°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
In San Jose, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Seville. In the spring, Seville often gets less sunshine than San Jose. Seville gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 255 hours of full sun.
Seville usually gets more rain in April than San Jose. Seville gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSeville 16°C (61°F)San Jose 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for San Jose and Seville
| Seville | San Jose | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 11°C (51°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (54°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 20°C (67°F) | 32 mm (1.2 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (74°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (67°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (52°F) | 88 mm (3.5 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.