Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Tokyo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Tokyo or San Juan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Tokyo or San Juan? 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: Tokyo or San Juan?
Tokyo
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is by far the most populous city in the world with a staggering 37 million people. As a worldwide hub for technology and business, it hosts millions of visitors annually. But Tokyo is not just a place for business trips. With its incredible mixture of historical temples and shrines, remarkably beautiful parks, endless shopping malls, and genuinely wonderful people, Tokyo is a terrific place to visit and to explore.
San Juan
If you've ever set foot on a Caribbean cruise, you've probably spent a bit of time in San Juan, Puerto Rico. However, maybe you should consider spending more than just a port day in this beautiful and historically rich city.
As the capital and largest city in all of Puerto Rico, San Juan is home to approximately 400,000 people. Established in 1521, it is also the second oldest European-founded settlement in the Americas.
As this city fuses a historic paradise with modern day energy, it has absolutely everything to offer. Intellectual wanderers, beach bums, rainforest adventurers and radical surfers will all find plenty to do in San Juan.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTokyo $157San Juan $192
The average daily cost (per person) in Tokyo is $157, while the average daily cost in San Juan is $192. 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 Tokyo and San Juan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTokyo $77San Juan $124
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTokyo $154San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Tokyo and San Juan
Looking for a hotel in Tokyo or San Juan? 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: Tokyo Hotel Prices and San Juan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tokyo $17San Juan $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tokyo
Also for Tokyo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer between Tokyo and Hakuba or Nozawa: $1,177
- Hakuba: Private transfer from/to Tokyo/HND by minibus max 9: $843
- Private Transfers between Tokyo and Snow Monkey Park: $822
- One Way Shuttle Van Transfer, Tokyo ⇔ Nagano: $732
- Haneda airport to/from Naeba city Private Transfer: $673
- From Tokyo:Private tour to Kamakura with Round-way transfer: $599
- Haneda airport to/from Karuizawa Town Private Transfer: $588
- 10-hour Customizable Private Tour with Hotel Transfer: $562
- One Way Shuttle Van Transfer, Tokyo ⇔ Nikko: $536
- Haneda Airport to/from Kamakura City Private Transfer: $497
- Narita Airport: Private one way transfer by Luxury car/Van: $497
- Private Customizable Tour with Transfer: $471
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan
Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- San Juan Airport (SJU): Private Transfer to San Juan Port: $272
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port: Transfer to San Juan hotel: $272
- Carabali Rain Forest Round Trip Private Taxi Transfer: $210
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, 16Pax Mercedes Van, Select Zone: $130
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, 14Pax Lux Sprinter Van: $124
- Private Transfer from SJU Airport to San Juan / Rio Grande: $105
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, 11Pax Lux Sprinter Van: $103
- Old San Juan Sunset Cruise with Drinks & Transfer: $99
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Mercedes ECO Van, Select Zone: $87
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Ford Premium SUV, Select Zone: $87
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Lexus Luxury Sedan, Select Zone: $81
- Oneway Transfer San Juan to Ceiba: Ferry, Vieques/Culebra Airport: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Tokyo or San Juan?
Prices for flights to both San Juan and Tokyo 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 dayTokyo $37San Juan $36
Typical Food Prices in Tokyo
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:
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Late Night Noodles$5.23
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Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack$5.23
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Meal at Airport$6.81
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo
For Tokyo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Takoyaki cooking experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: $23
- Easy Ramen Cooking Experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: $26
- 2 Hours Japanese Style Pub and Food Tour in Ueno: $33
- Private Sushi Roll Cooking Class in Japan: $38
- Food Tour in Tsukiji : $48
- Sushi Making Experience in Tsukiji 90-Minute cooking class: $54
- Japanese Traditional Cooking Class: $59
- Wagyu and 7 Japanese Dishes Cooking Class: $61
- 【Contemporary Culture】Food tour I Always Visit in Shibuya: $65
- Tokyo Wagyu Culinary Tour Cooking Culture and Tasting: $66
- Small-Group Wagyu Beef and 7 Japanese Dishes Tokyo Cooking Class: $68
- Private Food Tour in Downtown Yanesen and Nezu Shrine: $73
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Juan
For San Juan, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Old San Juan Sunset Food Tour with Drinks: $156
- Savor the Sunset: Old San Juan Walk and Food Tour: $159
- City Lights Sky High Dinner Experience: $165
- Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $170
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tokyo $69San Juan $49
Tours and Activities in Tokyo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tokyo.
- Art Japanese Fan Crafting Experience in Tokyo Asakusa: $23
- Authentic Samurai Experience With Real Actors: $99
- Feel the History Walking Tour Starting from Imperial Palace: $51
- Mt. Fuji Roundtrip Tours From Shinjuku, Japan: $84
- Tokyo Full Day Tour With Guide and Foods Included: $275
- Walking Tour to Temple and Izakaya from the River: $116
- "Nippori Fabric Town" Walking Tour: $41
- *Starting / Ending at Your Hotel* 3hr Private E-bike Tour Tokyo: $136
- 1 Day Bus Tour To Mitsumine Shrine From Shinjuku: $89
- 1 Day Tokyo Private Charter Sightseeing Tour with Guide: $500
- 1 Day Tokyo Sightseeing Tour Private Wagon: $490
- 1 Day Walking Tour in Asakusa Traditional Tokyo and Nature: $145
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Juan
For San Juan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Horseback Riding Tour$40
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Full Day Snorkeling Trip$100
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1 Hr Windsurfing Lesson$75
Tours and Activities in San Juan
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Juan.
- Full-Day Tour: El Yunque, Luquillo Beach, Bio Bay Night Kayaking: $155
- Rum Craft Cocktail Tour in San Juan: $65
- 1 or 2 Hour Puerto Rico Horseback Ride Experience!: $210
- Arenales Caves, Waterfall & River Swimming Adventure: $140
- Arte Boriken-Urban Art & Beach Sip & Paint Tour: $145
- Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Adventure from San Juan: $110
- Black Sand Beach- See The Southeast of Puerto Rico Private Tour: $150
- Carolina: ATV Adventure at Campo Rico Ranch with Guide: $136
- Craft Beer Private Tour in San Juan: $168
- Cruise Ship Travelers: Hike to a Hidden Puerto Rican Waterfall: $85
- Culebra Beach Day Tour with Snorkeling from San Juan by Ferry: $200
- Culebra Snorkeling Tour by Catamaran from Fajardo: $175
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTokyo $33San Juan $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Tokyo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:
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Sake$3.92
Sample the Local Flavors in Tokyo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tokyo:
- Tokyo Pub Crawl: $25
- 3-Hour Tokyo Pub Crawl Weekly Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $52
- Toshimaya Sake Brewery Tour with Sake Tasting: $92
- barhopping tour&bar crawl in Retro Town Shimokitazawa: $98
- Tokyo | 3 Hours Brewery Tour with Sake Sommelier: $105
- Private Sake Tasting at 300 Years Old Sake Brewery in Tokyo : $105
- 【Harajuku】Night Pub Crawl with Local Japanese: $125
- Private Local Craft Brewery Tour in Tokyo: $150
- Wooden Barrel Sake Brewery Tour and Unlimited Tasting Near Tokyo: $167
- Private Walking Tour with Sake Brewery Visit in Chichibu: $190
Sample the Local Flavors in San Juan
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Juan:
- Pinones Pub crawl in Puerto Rico: $50
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tokyo and San Juan, we can see that San Juan is more expensive. And not only is Tokyo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tokyo is in Asia and San Juan is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Tokyo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tokyo 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 San Juan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Juan than you might in Tokyo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tokyo Expensive? and Is San Juan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tokyo or San Juan?
Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of San Juan. When comparing the sizes of Tokyo and San Juan, 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 Tokyo or San Juan?
Tokyo has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Juan experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Tokyo or San Juan in the Summer?
Both San Juan and Tokyo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the summer, Tokyo is around the same temperature as San Juan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tokyo in July average around 26°C (78°F), and San Juan averages at about 28°C (83°F).
It's quite sunny in San Juan. Tokyo usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during summer. Tokyo gets 137 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Tokyo. In July, Tokyo usually receives more rain than San Juan. Tokyo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyTokyo 26°C (78°F)San Juan 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Tokyo or San Juan in the Autumn?
Both San Juan and Tokyo during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.
In October, Tokyo is generally much colder than San Juan. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 18°C (64°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
In San Juan, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Tokyo gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 235 hours of full sun.
San Juan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Tokyo. Tokyo usually gets more rain in October than San Juan. Tokyo gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTokyo 18°C (64°F)San Juan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Tokyo or San Juan in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tokyo and San Juan. Many travelers come to Tokyo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Tokyo is much colder than San Juan in the winter. The daily temperature in Tokyo averages around 5°C (42°F) in January, and San Juan fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan this time of the year. Tokyo usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during winter. Tokyo gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Tokyo usually receives less rain than San Juan. Tokyo gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryTokyo 5°C (42°F)San Juan 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Tokyo or San Juan in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Tokyo as well as San Juan. Many visitors come to Tokyo in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.
In the spring, Tokyo is much colder than San Juan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tokyo in April average around 14°C (58°F), and San Juan averages at about 26°C (79°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. In the spring, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Tokyo gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun.
Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the spring. Tokyo usually gets more rain in April than San Juan. Tokyo gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilTokyo 14°C (58°F)San Juan 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for San Juan and Tokyo
| Tokyo | San Juan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (42°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (47°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (58°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (71°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (78°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 180 mm (7.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 8°C (46°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 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.