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

Should you visit Sosua or San Juan del Sur?

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

Should I visit Sosua or San Juan del Sur? 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: Sosua or San Juan del Sur?

Sosua

Nestled on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, Sosua is a charming town renowned for its stunning beaches, rich cultural history, and vibrant nightlife. Originally a quiet fishing village, Sosua transformed during World War II when Jewish refugees settled in the area, bringing with them a unique cultural blend that still influences the town today. With its turquoise waters, lively beachfront, and diverse culinary scene, Sosua offers a mix of relaxation and adventure for all types of travelers.

San Juan del Sur

San Juan del Sur is a popular port destination on the Pacific coast of southwest Nicaragua. The town was once a quaint fishing village but has grown into a tourist town with activities for visitors that include surfing, fishing, and, of course, partying. The town has a population of just over 15,000, most of whom are either fishermen or involved in the tourism industry. There is also a large expat community from the United States, Canada, and Europe.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Dominican Republic, The Best Adventure Tours to Dominican Republic, The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, and The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua.


Which place is cheaper, San Juan del Sur or Sosua?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Sosua is $276, while the average daily cost in San Juan del Sur is $66. 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 Sosua and San Juan del Sur in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sosua $145
    San Juan del Sur $21
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sosua $290
    San Juan del Sur $42
Compare Hotels in Sosua and San Juan del Sur

Looking for a hotel in Sosua or San Juan del Sur? 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 Sosua


Hotels in San Juan del Sur


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: Sosua Hotel Prices and San Juan del Sur Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sosua $50
    San Juan del Sur $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan del Sur

Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Juan del Sur:

  • Granada: One way shared transfer to San Juan del Sur: $39

Is it cheaper to fly into Sosua or San Juan del Sur?

Prices for flights to both San Juan del Sur and Sosua 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
    Sosua $96
    San Juan del Sur $32

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sosua $41
    San Juan del Sur $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sosua $18
    San Juan del Sur $13


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sosua and San Juan del Sur, we can see that Sosua is more expensive. And not only is San Juan del Sur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sosua is in Caribbean Islands and San Juan del Sur 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 Juan del Sur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Juan del Sur 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 Sosua would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sosua than you might in San Juan del Sur.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sosua Expensive? and Is San Juan del Sur Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Sosua or San Juan del Sur?

Sosua has a larger population, and is about 22% larger than the population of San Juan del Sur. When comparing the sizes of Sosua and San Juan del Sur, 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.