Which place is cheaper, San Jose or Stuttgart?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Stuttgart or San Jose?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Stuttgart or San Jose? 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: Stuttgart or San Jose?
Stuttgart
Stuttgart is a large city in southern Germany, notably famous for being the headquarters to some auto industry giants such as Porsche and Mercedes-Benz. The population of the city proper is about 600,000 and there are two and half million people in the metropolitan area. The city dates back to the 10th century and today it is a large city that still maintains a small town vibe. The local residents are quite friendly and eager to welcome you to their city. They are also very accommodating if you do not speak German, so you can always expect a little help with translation if it is needed.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, 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 dayStuttgart €164San Jose €85
The average daily cost (per person) in Stuttgart is €164, 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 Stuttgart and San Jose in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personStuttgart €101San Jose €46
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomStuttgart €202San Jose €92
Compare Hotels in Stuttgart and San Jose
Looking for a hotel in Stuttgart 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: Stuttgart Hotel Prices and San Jose Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Stuttgart €25San Jose €18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Stuttgart
Also for Stuttgart, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Stuttgart Airport to Baden-Baden: $293
- Private Transfer to/from Stuttgart Airport (STR): $104
- Stuttgart Airport(STR) to Baden-Baden Thermal Round-Trip Transfer: $154
- Stuttgart Airport to Titisee-Neustadt Thermal Private Transfer: $154
- Stuttgart Airport to Titisee-Neustadt Thermal - Arrival Transfer: $77
- Stuttgart Airport to Oberstdorf Alpsee Grünten Arrival Transfer: $88
- Stuttgart Airport to Oberstdorf Alpse Grünten Round Trip Transfer: $176
- Stuttgart Airport (STR) to Baden-Baden Thermal - Arrival Transfer: $77
- Special Private Transfer from Stuttgart to Mercedes-Benz Museum: $91
- Private Transfer: Stuttgart to Stuttgart Airport STR by MB Van: $91
- Private Transfer: Stuttgart to Stuttgart Airport STR by MB Sedan: $91
- Private Transfer: Stuttgart Airport STR to Stuttgart by MB Van: $91
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:
- 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 Stuttgart or San Jose?
Prices for flights to both San Jose and Stuttgart 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 dayStuttgart €37San Jose €17
Typical Food Prices in Stuttgart
For Stuttgart, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Panini To Go€2.00
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.Stuttgart €24San Jose €20
Tours and Activities in Stuttgart
For Stuttgart, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- City Tour Heilbronn in a double-decker bus: $22
- Mulled winetour before christmas in Stuttgart: $46
- Private Guided Walking Tour in Stuttgart: $71
- Private Shopping Tour from Stuttgart City to Outletcity Metzingen: $163
- Private Shopping Tour from Stuttgart to Outletcity Metzingen: $148
- Private digital puzzle tour in the Stuttgart Höhenpark Killesberg: $44
- SUP BASIC COURSE Stuttgart Neckar Stand Up Paddling / Paddling Adventure Jones Tours: $54
- Stuttgart 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour: $22
- Stuttgart City walk - Private tour: $358
- Stuttgart Crime Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
- Stuttgart Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour in a double-decker bus: $22
- Stuttgart Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $53
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 dayStuttgart €22San Jose €16
Sample the Local Flavors in Stuttgart
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Stuttgart:
- Vineyard hike along one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Stuttgart with wine tasting: $29
- Wine hike with wine tasting: $31
- Guided Wine Walk & Wine Tasting: $44
- Wine Tour with wines of the best winemakers: $46
- Fußball Weintour - Football & Wine Tour: $46
- Private Premium Pub Crawl Tour: $517
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 Stuttgart and San Jose, we can see that Stuttgart is more expensive. And not only is San Jose much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart Expensive? and Is San Jose Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Stuttgart or San Jose?
Stuttgart has a larger population, and is about 79% larger than the population of San Jose. When comparing the sizes of Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart or San Jose?
Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart or San Jose in the Summer?
Both San Jose and Stuttgart are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Stuttgart for 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 the summer, Stuttgart is cooler than San Jose. Typically, the summer temperatures in Stuttgart in July average around 22°C (71°F), and San Jose averages at about 28°C (82°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Stuttgart. Stuttgart usually receives more sunshine than San Jose during summer. Stuttgart gets 238 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, Stuttgart usually receives less rain than San Jose. Stuttgart gets 62 mm (2.4 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 JulyStuttgart 22°C (71°F)San Jose 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Stuttgart or San Jose in the Autumn?
Both San Jose and Stuttgart during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Stuttgart in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round.
In October, Stuttgart is generally much colder than San Jose. Daily temperatures in Stuttgart average around 13°C (56°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
In the autumn, Stuttgart often gets less sunshine than San Jose. Stuttgart gets 122 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. Stuttgart usually gets less rain in October than San Jose. Stuttgart gets 51 mm (2 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 OctoberStuttgart 13°C (56°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Stuttgart or San Jose in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Stuttgart and San Jose. Most visitors come to Stuttgart for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Stuttgart can be very cold during winter. Stuttgart is much colder than San Jose in the winter. The daily temperature in Stuttgart averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Jose this time of the year. Stuttgart usually receives less sunshine than San Jose during winter. Stuttgart gets 60 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Stuttgart usually receives more rain than San Jose. Stuttgart gets 44 mm (1.7 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 JanuaryStuttgart 3°C (38°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Stuttgart or San Jose in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Stuttgart as well as San Jose. The spring months attract visitors to Stuttgart because of the activities around the city. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Jose throughout the year.
In the spring, Stuttgart is much colder than San Jose. Typically, the spring temperatures in Stuttgart in April average around 11°C (53°F), and San Jose averages at about 29°C (85°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Jose. In the spring, Stuttgart often gets less sunshine than San Jose. Stuttgart gets 154 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 255 hours of full sun.
Stuttgart usually gets more rain in April than San Jose. Stuttgart gets 59 mm (2.3 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 AprilStuttgart 11°C (53°F)San Jose 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for San Jose and Stuttgart
| Stuttgart | San Jose | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (47°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (53°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 16°C (61°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (71°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (70°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (65°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (56°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 54 mm (2.1 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.