A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tallinn vs. San Jose for Backpackers, Attractions, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Tallinn or San Jose?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tallinn or San Jose, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Tallinn

Tallinn is a charming, quaint, and whimsical city. Tallinn is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Tallinn travel costs.

San Jose

San Jose is a bustling, authentic, and traditional city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See San Jose travel costs.

Tallinn and San Jose: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tallinn or San Jose?

Both San Jose and Tallinn have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Tallinn is very popular for its museums and attractions, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while San Jose attracts visitors for its big city activities. Tallinn is more touristy than San Jose and is known for its well preserved old town and its active nightlife scene. San Jose is famous for its colorful markets and vibrant nightlife, as well as its easy access to the rest of the country.

How is Tallinn different from San Jose?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between San Jose and Tallinn. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tallinn or San Jose?

Tallinn is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Tallinn can be an interesting and educational experience. There are beautiful historic churches, particularly in the city's old town. A highlight is the stunning Alexander Nevski Cathedral. You'll also find some unique museums around town as well as Toompea Castle.

San Jose offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Despite most people rushing through town, there are a number of museums, plazas, and interesting buildings that are worth checking out.

Is the Food Better in Tallinn or San Jose? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Tallinn and San Jose offer a number of nice restaurants to choose from.

Tallinn has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Food is affordable and hearty. Many dishes incorporate rye bread, pork, smoked fish, potatoes, or dairy products. You'll also find a lot of variation in dishes between seasons.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the San Jose area. Most people miss out on local cuisine during their time in Costa Rica, but the capital city offers the best opportunities to eat like a local. You can sample favorite local dishes such as chifrijo, gallo pinto, rondón, and casado. You should also wander through the Central Market and dine at one of the many local restaurants.

Is Tallinn or San Jose Better for Nightlife?

The superb nightlife scene is relatively similar in Tallinn and San Jose.

Tallinn has a large number of nightlife venues. As it's grown in popularity with tourists, the city has put itself on the map as a top party destination in Eastern Europe. There's an active bar and club scene, but there are also art venues and other creative activities for everyone.

San Jose is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. This city has the best nightlife in all of Costa Rica. You'll find a diversity of clubs and bars that are fun to explore. Check out the reggae bars, dance clubs, and sports bars (where you can enjoy a soccer game) while you're in town.

Is Tallinn or San Jose Better for its Old Town?

Tallinn is very popular for its historic old town. However, San Jose does not have a historic old town.

Tallinn has a world-famous historical area. The city's medieval old town is at the heart of it's tourist attractions. The Gothic architecture, local restaurants, and cobblestone streets give the city a fairytale charm.

San Jose does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallinn or San Jose?

Shoppers can find a variety of superb stores in both Tallinn and San Jose.

Tallinn is well-known for its shopping. There's a mix of quirky shops and recognizable brands around town. Old town is a popular shopping area, as is nearby Kalamaja. Visitors enjoy picking up marzipan, local crafts, and unique art.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in San Jose. There are a number of unique things you can buy in the city including jewelry, handbags, and wood workings. Make sure you check out the Central Market.

Is Tallinn or San Jose More Beautiful?

Tallinn is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, San Jose is not a destination known for its beauty.

Tallinn is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The beautiful architecture and impressive old town makes this a top tourist destination in Eastern Europe.

San Jose is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Tallinn or San Jose Better for Families?

Tallinn is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, San Jose is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

Tallinn is a family-friendly city. Your kids will feel like they stepped into a fairytale in this beautiful city. It has countless museums including an open air museum and a zoo. There's also nearby Pirita Beach, where you and your kids can enjoy ice cream in a seaside setting.

San Jose doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Most people pass through the city quickly, but if you have a day or two to explore, you can visit the Children's Museum (Museo de los Niños), Spirogyra Butterfly Gardens, or explore the Central Market.

Is Tallinn or San Jose Better for Couples?

Tallinn is a very popular place for romance. However, San Jose is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Tallinn makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Filled with gardens, romantic walks, and impressive views, this city makes for a great couple's getaway. Base yourself in the city's beautiful old town and dine in one of the many local restaurants. There are also nice hotels around town that are great for couples.

Most people don't think of San Jose as a couple's destination. While Costa Rica is a popular honeymoon destination, the capital city is often overlooked for the beaches and rainforests around the country.

Is Tallinn or San Jose Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallinn is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Tallinn. The city is both affordable and unique, which is perfect for travelers on a budget. There are plenty of hostels around town as well as casual places to grab a cheap bite to eat.

San Jose is a great city to visit for backpackers. Backpackers appreciate the affordability of the city and the wide range of hostels that you can choose from. The city also offers an authentic glimpse of life in Costa Rica.

Is Tallinn or San Jose Better for Students?

Both Tallinn and San Jose are nice destinations for students.

Plenty of students visit Tallinn. International students appreciate the vibrant atmosphere and the affordable options around town.

San Jose is popular with students. Many students come to Costa Rica to study the country's amazing environment and unique ecological systems. San Jose makes a good base as its easy to travel to other parts of this small country.

Is Tallinn or San Jose Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Tallinn is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Tallinn is fairly effecient and thorough. There are buses trolleys and trams around town.

You'll find some public transit in San Jose, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses that travel through the city during the daytime hours.

Is Tallinn or San Jose a more walkable city?

Tallinn is very popular for its walkability. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Tallinn. The city is compact and easily explored on foot, particularly in the most touristy areas.

San Jose is a somewhat walkable place. It can feel a bit chaotic, but it's relatively easy to get around on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Tallinn Worth Visiting? and Is San Jose Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Jose or Tallinn?

How long in Tallinn or San Jose?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Tallinn or San Jose to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Tallinn than San Jose because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Tallinn, and 1-2 days is enough time in San Jose.

Families should spend more time in Tallinn than San Jose. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Tallinn, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Tallinn than San Jose. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Tallinn that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tallinn than San Jose if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Tallinn.

One day in Tallinn or San Jose?

The beautiful city of Tallinn offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In San Jose, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Tallinn or San Jose?

Tallinn is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Tallinn, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In San Jose, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that San Jose has to offer.

Five days in Tallinn or San Jose?

Tallinn is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

San Jose is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Tallinn or San Jose?

Tallinn is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Jose. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting San Jose. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Tallinn, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Estonia, The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tallinn and San Jose, we can see that Tallinn is more expensive. And not only is San Jose much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tallinn 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 Tallinn would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tallinn 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 Tallinn Expensive? and Is San Jose Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tallinn or San Jose?

Tallinn has a larger population, and is about 18% larger than the population of San Jose. When comparing the sizes of Tallinn 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 Tallinn or San Jose?

Tallinn 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 Tallinn or San Jose in the Summer?

Both San Jose and Tallinn are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Tallinn because of the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to San Jose because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In July, Tallinn is generally much colder than San Jose. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around 17°C (62°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tallinn. Tallinn usually receives more sunshine than San Jose during summer. Tallinn gets 279 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, Tallinn usually receives less rain than San Jose. Tallinn gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tallinn or San Jose in the Autumn?

Both San Jose and Tallinn during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Tallinn this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round.

Tallinn is much colder than San Jose in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around 7°C (44°F) in October, and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In the autumn, Tallinn often gets less sunshine than San Jose. Tallinn gets 92 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. Tallinn usually gets less rain in October than San Jose. Tallinn gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year. December to April is the dry season in San Jose. Keep in mind that May to November is the hurricane season in San Jose.

Should I visit Tallinn or San Jose in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallinn and San Jose. Many travelers come to Tallinn for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Tallinn. In the winter, Tallinn is much colder than San Jose. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tallinn in January average around -5°C (22°F), and San Jose averages at about 27°C (81°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Jose this time of the year. Tallinn usually receives less sunshine than San Jose during winter. Tallinn gets 25 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tallinn usually receives more rain than San Jose. Tallinn gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tallinn or San Jose in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tallinn as well as San Jose. Many visitors come to Tallinn in the spring for the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Jose throughout the year.

Tallinn can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Tallinn is generally much colder than San Jose. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around 4°C (39°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Jose. In the spring, Tallinn often gets less sunshine than San Jose. Tallinn gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 255 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets more rain in April than San Jose. Tallinn gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to April in San Jose is the dry season. Also, May to November in San Jose is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for San Jose and Tallinn