A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tartu vs. San Jose for Nightlife, Backpackers, Food, and Families

Should you visit Tartu or San Jose?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tartu and San Jose can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Tartu

Tartu is a student-oriented, cultural, and historical university town. Tartu is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife. See Tartu travel costs.

San Jose

San Jose is a traditional, colorful, and bustling city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See San Jose travel costs.

Tartu and San Jose: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tartu or San Jose?

You'll generally find more things to do in San Jose than Tartu. San Jose is bigger than Tartu, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. San Jose is better known for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Tartu is more popular for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Tartu is well known for its vibrant student population and long running university. San Jose is well known for its colorful markets and vibrant nightlife, as well as its easy access to the rest of the country. Also, San Jose is famous for The National Museum of Costa Rica.

How is Tartu different from San Jose?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

San Jose is a city with good options for its historical sights. However, Tartu does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around San Jose. Despite most people rushing through town, there are a number of museums, plazas, and interesting buildings that are worth checking out.

Tartu does not have museums and landmarks.

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

San Jose is a city with good options for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Tartu is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

San Jose is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Tartu offers some easy restaurants to choose from. The restaurant scene is surprisingly limited because of the large student population. Most students prefer saving their money for a night out drinking over a quiet meal at a restaurant. There are some cafes around town as well as pastry shops and a few good ethnic restaurants to choose between.

Is Tartu or San Jose Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find high quality options in both Tartu and San Jose.

The nightlife in Tartu has something for everybody. With its huge student population, there is plenty of activity year round. The nightlife scene includes many bars, dance clubs, and pubs that are popular with students and visitors alike. You'll find large parties and music festivals throughout the year that bring crowds to the city.

San Jose offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Tartu or San Jose Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Tartu to see the historical old town. The old town is where you'll find one of the oldest universities in Northern Europe. There is also Town Hall Square and St. John’s Quarter with many historic buildings and beautiful architecture.

San Jose does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Tartu or San Jose?

San Jose is a great city for its shopping areas. However, Tartu is not known for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Tartu is a good destination for shopping. While most people don't visit to go shopping, there is an active art scene in town so you can find some creative pieces that are worth checking out.

Is Tartu or San Jose More Beautiful?

Tartu is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, San Jose is not a destination known for its beauty.

Tartu is a gorgeous place to visit. It's a beautiful city with a long history and a number of unique historical buildings.

San Jose is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Tartu or San Jose Better for Families?

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

Tartu is a family-friendly university town. Many of the kid-friendly activities are outdoors, so summer visits are better if you're traveling with children. There are adventure parks, animal parks, and educational museums that you can choose from.

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 Tartu or San Jose Better for Couples?

Neither Tartu or San Jose is generally regarded as a top spot for a couple to visit.

Tartu is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The city has a young population, so you'll find many activities center around a more youthful vibe. There are some great museums that couples will enjoy, as well as a lively nightlife scene. Outside of old town, couples will enjoy wandering through the Karlova and Supilinn districts.

San Jose is not the best destination for a couple to visit. While Costa Rica is a popular honeymoon destination, the capital city is often overlooked for the beaches and rainforests around the country.

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

For backpackers, both Tartu and San Jose are high quality places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Tartu. With it's young population and budget friendly entertainment options, there are many things that backpackers will enjoy. It's not nearly as popular with backpackers as some other cities, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have a lot to offer.

Backpackers come from all over to visit San Jose. 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 Tartu or San Jose Better for Students?

Tartu is very popular for its student-friendly activities. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Tartu is a great destination for students. It is a university town and home to one of the oldest universities in Northern Europe. The student population is large here, with many activities, museums, and nightlife options to choose from. There always seems to be something going on in this vibrant city.

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

Tartu and San Jose both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Tartu offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive bus system around the town.

San Jose has a few public transit options. There are local buses that travel through the city during the daytime hours.

Is Tartu or San Jose a more walkable city?

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

Tartu is very walkable. The city is compact with most of its sights and restaurants close together along a couple of streets.

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 Tartu Worth Visiting? and Is San Jose Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Jose or Tartu?

How long in Tartu or San Jose?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Tartu or San Jose to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Tartu than San Jose because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Tartu, and 1-2 days is enough time in San Jose.

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

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

One day in Tartu or San Jose?

The university town of Tartu offers nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In San Jose, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this traditional destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Tartu or San Jose?

Tartu is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this university town 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 Tartu, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Jose. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tartu or San Jose?

Tartu 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 fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of San Jose. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tartu or San Jose?

Tartu 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 university town offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the bustling destination of San Jose. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Estonia, The Best Budget 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 Tartu and San Jose, we can see that Tartu is more expensive. And not only is San Jose much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tartu 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 Tartu would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tartu 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 Tartu Expensive? and Is San Jose Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tartu or San Jose?

San Jose has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Tartu. When comparing the sizes of Tartu 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 Tartu or San Jose?

Tartu 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 Tartu or San Jose in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tartu and San Jose. Most visitors come to Tartu for the family-friendly experiences during these months. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the summer, Tartu is much colder than San Jose. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tartu in July average around 17°C (62°F), and San Jose averages at about 28°C (82°F).

In Tartu, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tartu usually receives more sunshine than San Jose during summer. Tartu gets 265 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, Tartu usually receives less rain than San Jose. Tartu gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tartu or San Jose in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tartu as well as San Jose. The autumn months attract visitors to Tartu because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Jose throughout the year.

In October, Tartu is generally much colder than San Jose. Daily temperatures in Tartu average around 6°C (43°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In the autumn, Tartu often gets less sunshine than San Jose. Tartu gets 86 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 169 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in San Jose. Tartu usually gets less rain in October than San Jose. Tartu gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 254 mm (10 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.

Should I visit Tartu or San Jose in the Winter?

Both San Jose and Tartu are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Tartu this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to San Jose because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It's quite cold in Tartu in the winter. Tartu is much colder than San Jose in the winter. The daily temperature in Tartu averages around -7°C (19°F) in January, and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

It's quite sunny in San Jose. Tartu usually receives less sunshine than San Jose during winter. Tartu gets 36 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tartu usually receives more rain than San Jose. Tartu gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tartu or San Jose in the Spring?

Both San Jose and Tartu during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Tartu for the natural beauty. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Tartu. In the spring, Tartu is much colder than San Jose. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tartu in April average around 5°C (41°F), and San Jose averages at about 29°C (85°F).

In San Jose, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Tartu often gets less sunshine than San Jose. Tartu gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 255 hours of full sun.

Tartu usually gets more rain in April than San Jose. Tartu gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year. December to April is the dry season in San Jose. Also, the hurricane season in San Jose is May to November.

Typical Weather for San Jose and Tartu