Which place is cheaper, San Jose or Strasbourg?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Strasbourg or San Jose?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Strasbourg and San Jose can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Strasbourg or San Jose?
Strasbourg
Strasbourg is the capital and largest city of the Grand Est region of France and is the official seat of the European Parliament. Located close to the border with Germany in the historic region of Alsace, Strasbourg is the perfect introduction to all that is unique about Alsace - walking a fine tightrope between France and Germany and between a medieval past and a progressive future. Strasbourg has a range of attractions from a fascinating Gothic Cathedral to the old town's twisting alleys lined with crooked half-timbered houses and cozy winstubs (Alsatian taverns) by the canals. Strasbourg is famous for its Christmas market and gingerbread and is also home to the glittering EU Quarter and hosts France's second-largest student population. Strasbourg is immersed in the Franco-German culture and although violently disputed throughout history, has been a bridge of unity between France and Germany for centuries. The city center is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the first entire city to earn such an honor.
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 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, 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 dayStrasbourg €138San Jose €85
The average daily cost (per person) in Strasbourg is €138, 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 Strasbourg and San Jose in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personStrasbourg €67San Jose €46
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomStrasbourg €134San Jose €92
Compare Hotels in Strasbourg and San Jose
Looking for a hotel in Strasbourg 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: Strasbourg Hotel Prices and San Jose Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Strasbourg €44San Jose €18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Strasbourg
Also for Strasbourg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Arrival or Departure Transfer: $58
- Strasbourg Private Transfer from Strasbourg city centre to Strasbourg Airport: $82
- Strasbourg Entzheim Airport - Private Transfer from/to Hotels: $79
- Private transfer Strasbourg Airport: $59
- Private Transfer from Strasbourg Train Station to Hotel: $65
- Private Transfer Strasbourg to Europa Park: $252
- Door-to-Door private transfer and driver from Strasbourg to Basel: $233
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 Strasbourg or San Jose?
Prices for flights to both San Jose and Strasbourg 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 dayStrasbourg €44San Jose €17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Strasbourg
For Strasbourg, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 3 hours Cooking lesson: $53
- Strasbourg Private Food Tour: experience the city like a local!: $93
- Strasbourg Food Tour : Gourmet private Tour with tastings: $102
- Strasbourg Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $108
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.Strasbourg €24San Jose €20
Tours and Activities in Strasbourg
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Strasbourg.
- 2-Hour Strasbourg Euro Tour by Segway: $65
- Alsace Christmas Markets Day Tour from Strasbourg: $148
- Alsace Wine Odyssey: Full-Day Private Tour from Strasbourg: $2,044
- Alsace Wine Route Small Group Half-Day Tour with Tasting from Strasbourg: $107
- Alsace Wine Route Wineries & Tasting Small Group Guided Tour from Strasbourg: $175
- Alsatian brunch with immersive cellar tour: $49
- Alsatian tour, tasting and meal - 100% immersive experience: $60
- Christmas Joy in Strasbourg Walking Tour: $645
- Culinary city tour in Strasbourg with tastings: $104
- From Half-Day Tour of Alsace Villages: $86
- Full-Day Highlights of the Alsace Tour: from Strasbourg: $178
- Gems of Alsace: Private Full-Day Tour from Strasbourg: $2,044
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 dayStrasbourg €19San Jose €16
Sample the Local Flavors in Strasbourg
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Strasbourg:
- Aperitif at the winemaker with cellar visit and wine tasting in Alsace: $11
- Wine tasting and immersive cellar tour: $20
- Wine tour, tasting and picnic basket: $38
- Alsace Half-Day Wine Tour from Strasbourg: $105
- From Medieval Villages & Wine Tasting Day Trip: $118
- Medieval Villages and Wine Tasting from Strasbourg: $120
- Strasbourg : Wine Tour by bike with a local: $151
- Alsace: Full-Day Wine Tour & Tastings from Strasbourg: $172
- Wine Tasting Private Tour: $549
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 Strasbourg and San Jose, we can see that Strasbourg is more expensive. And not only is San Jose much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg Expensive? and Is San Jose Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Strasbourg or San Jose?
San Jose has a larger population, and is about 22% larger than the population of Strasbourg. When comparing the sizes of Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg or San Jose?
Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg or San Jose in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Strasbourg and San Jose. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Strasbourg this time of year. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Strasbourg is cooler than San Jose in the summer. The daily temperature in Strasbourg averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and San Jose fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
In Strasbourg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Strasbourg usually receives more sunshine than San Jose during summer. Strasbourg gets 240 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, Strasbourg usually receives less rain than San Jose. Strasbourg gets 57 mm (2.2 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 JulyStrasbourg 20°C (68°F)San Jose 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Strasbourg or San Jose in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Strasbourg as well as San Jose. Many travelers come to Strasbourg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Jose throughout the year.
In the autumn, Strasbourg is much colder than San Jose. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Strasbourg in October average around 12°C (53°F), and San Jose averages at about 27°C (81°F).
In the autumn, Strasbourg often gets less sunshine than San Jose. Strasbourg gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 169 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in San Jose. Strasbourg usually gets less rain in October than San Jose. Strasbourg gets 43 mm (1.7 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 OctoberStrasbourg 12°C (53°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Strasbourg or San Jose in the Winter?
Both San Jose and Strasbourg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Strasbourg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to San Jose because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Strasbourg can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Strasbourg is generally much colder than San Jose. Daily temperatures in Strasbourg average around 2°C (35°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It's quite sunny in San Jose. Strasbourg usually receives less sunshine than San Jose during winter. Strasbourg gets 42 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Strasbourg usually receives more rain than San Jose. Strasbourg gets 33 mm (1.3 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 JanuaryStrasbourg 2°C (35°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Strasbourg or San Jose in the Spring?
Both San Jose and Strasbourg during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Strasbourg for the natural beauty during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round.
Strasbourg is much colder than San Jose in the spring. The daily temperature in Strasbourg averages around 11°C (51°F) in April, and San Jose fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
In San Jose, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Strasbourg often gets less sunshine than San Jose. Strasbourg gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 255 hours of full sun.
Strasbourg usually gets more rain in April than San Jose. Strasbourg gets 48 mm (1.9 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 AprilStrasbourg 11°C (51°F)San Jose 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for San Jose and Strasbourg
| Strasbourg | San Jose | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 2°C (35°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (38°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 7°C (45°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 20°C (68°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 20°C (67°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 17°C (62°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (53°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (43°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 3°C (37°F) | 40 mm (1.6 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.