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

Should you visit Tenerife or San Jose?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tenerife 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.

Tenerife

Tenerife is a adventure-filled, beautiful, and volcanic island. Tenerife is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Tenerife travel costs.

San Jose

San Jose is a bustling, authentic, and traditional city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See San Jose travel costs.

Tenerife and San Jose: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tenerife or San Jose?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Tenerife. Although Tenerife and San Jose are both popular with visitors, Tenerife has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Tenerife is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while San Jose is known for its museums and attractions and big city activities. Tenerife is more touristy than San Jose and is known for its volcanic landscapes, built-up resorts, and fun-filled beaches. It is also home to Mount Teide. San Jose is popular for its colorful markets and vibrant nightlife, as well as its easy access to the rest of the country.

How is Tenerife different from San Jose?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

San Jose is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Tenerife is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

San Jose is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Despite most people rushing through town, there are a number of museums, plazas, and interesting buildings that are worth checking out.

Tenerife offers a few options for museum-goers. The island is filled with national parks, beautiful landscapes, and stunning beaches, but if you're not into outdoor activities, then you won't find many museums or other historical sights to visit.

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

Both Tenerife and San Jose offer good local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Tenerife. Many visitors stick to the major touristy areas, eating in their resorts or other nearby restaurants. If you want to try a bit of the island's authentic Canarian cuisine, you'll need to do a little research. Head into the local areas near the markets for the best chance of finding something a little more authentic. Local dishes often include fish and seafood as well as local meats, but you'll rarely find beef as there isn't a lot of land for cows to graze on the island.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in San Jose. 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 Tenerife or San Jose Better for Nightlife?

Tenerife is very popular for nightlife. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Tenerife is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The island has a variety of nightclubs that range in style and personality. There are all night wild beach parties as well as laid back beach clubs and hole-in-the-wall pubs. Many bars have happy hours where you can relax with a drink and many nightclubs host famous DJs that keep the party going into the early morning hours.

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 Tenerife or San Jose Better for Resorts?

Tenerife is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, San Jose is not a resort destination.

Tenerife is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. You'll find everything from world-class resorts like the Ritz to more budget-friendly hotels and even some hostels around the island. You'll find most of the resorts on the south side of the island, which is also where you'll find the best weather.

San Jose is not a resort destination.

Is Tenerife or San Jose Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tenerife is a very popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, San Jose is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Tenerife to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. A highlight of snorkeling in this area is the opportunity to swim with sea turtles. Some of the best snorkeling is in El Puertito, which is known for its many turtles and there is no shortage of organized snorkeling trips to the area. The island also has excellent scuba diving trips with a variety of shipwrecks and marine species.

San Jose is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tenerife or San Jose Better for Beaches?

Tenerife is a very popular place for its beaches. However, San Jose is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Tenerife. The island has a large number of beaches that attract tourists, particularly during the peak winter months. The island's volcanic nature means that many of its natural beaches have black sand. The golden sand from the more developed beaches typically comes from the Sahara Desert. A favorite beach on the island is the 2 kilometer long Playa de las Teresitas.

San Jose is not a beach destination.

Is Tenerife or San Jose Better for Hiking?

Tenerife is very popular for its hiking trails. However, San Jose is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Tenerife draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The island's volcanic landscapes mean that there are dramatic and breathtaking hikes throughout the island. Some of the best hikes are found in the Anaga Rural Park, Teide National Park, and the Teno Mountains.

San Jose is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tenerife or San Jose?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Tenerife. The island's low tax rates make it a popular shopping destination for tourists. The are shopping streets, local markets, and luxury malls that you can explore.

San Jose is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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 Tenerife or San Jose More Beautiful?

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

Tenerife is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The island's volcanic scenery makes for a dramatic and beautiful setting.

San Jose is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Tenerife or San Jose Better for Families?

Tenerife is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. However, San Jose is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

Tenerife is an amazing family-friendly island to visit. The island has many great waterparks for kids, with one of the best being Siam Park. Other family-friendly destinations include Aqualand, Loro Parque, Jungle Park, and Monkey Park. There are whale watching trips, outdoor adventures, and kid-friendly beaches as well.

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 Tenerife or San Jose Better for Couples?

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

Tenerife makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The natural beauty, great landscapes, and lively beaches make this a great island for a romantic getaway. There's hiking and outdoor adventures as well as swimming, boat rides, and even whale watching.

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 Tenerife or San Jose Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

San Jose is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Tenerife is a good island to visit for backpackers. The island is large enough that there are a decent number of hostels and budget-friendly places to stay for backpackers.

Is Tenerife or San Jose Better for Students?

San Jose is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Tenerife is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit San Jose. 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.

Tenerife is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Tenerife and San Jose.

Tenerife has some public transit options. The island has a decent bus service that is operated by a company called "TITSA".

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 Tenerife or San Jose a more walkable city?

Tenerife and San Jose are good when it comes to walkability.

Tenerife is somewhat walkable. There are many walks on the island that make for a fun way to explore the setting.

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

Should I spend more time in San Jose or Tenerife?

How long in Tenerife or San Jose?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Tenerife or San Jose to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Tenerife than San Jose because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Tenerife, and 1-2 days is enough time in San Jose.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Jose than Tenerife 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 San Jose.

One day in Tenerife or San Jose?

The beautiful island of Tenerife offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

The city of San Jose offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Tenerife or San Jose?

Tenerife is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

San Jose 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in San Jose, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Tenerife or San Jose?

Tenerife is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Tenerife, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

San Jose 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.

A week in Tenerife or San Jose?

Tenerife is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Tenerife has to offer. This island offers something for everyone.

San Jose is a great place to explore. 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.

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

When is the best time to visit Tenerife or San Jose?

Tenerife 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 Tenerife or San Jose in the Summer?

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

Tenerife is cooler than San Jose in the summer. The daily temperature in Tenerife averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and San Jose fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tenerife. Tenerife usually receives more sunshine than San Jose during summer. Tenerife gets 268 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, Tenerife usually receives less rain than San Jose. Tenerife gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tenerife or San Jose in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Tenerife is cooler than San Jose. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tenerife in October average around 22°C (72°F), and San Jose averages at about 27°C (81°F).

It's quite sunny in Tenerife. In the autumn, Tenerife often gets more sunshine than San Jose. Tenerife gets 200 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. Tenerife usually gets less rain in October than San Jose. Tenerife gets 26 mm (1 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. Also, the hurricane season in San Jose is May to November.

Should I visit Tenerife or San Jose in the Winter?

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

In January, Tenerife is generally much colder than San Jose. Daily temperatures in Tenerife average around 17°C (63°F), 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. Tenerife usually receives less sunshine than San Jose during winter. Tenerife gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tenerife usually receives more rain than San Jose. Tenerife gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tenerife or San Jose in the Spring?

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

Tenerife is much colder than San Jose in the spring. The daily temperature in Tenerife averages around 18°C (64°F) in April, and San Jose fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Jose. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tenerife this time of the year. In the spring, Tenerife often gets less sunshine than San Jose. Tenerife gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 255 hours of full sun.

Tenerife usually gets less rain in April than San Jose. Tenerife gets 19 mm (0.7 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. Keep in mind that May to November is the hurricane season in San Jose.

Typical Weather for San Jose and Tenerife