Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Tromso?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Tromso or San Juan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tromso and San Juan 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.
Where Should I go: Tromso or San Juan?
Tromso
The city of Tromso, in northern Norway, is named after the island of Tromsoya, on which it stands. Tromso is located 350 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle and is the largest city in Northern Norway. From September to March many people come to Tromso to see the northern lights. From 20 May to 20 July the midnight sun makes it possible to do as the locals and participate in various activities around the clock. In general, Tromso has a mild climate for such a northerly destination because of its seaside location and the warming effect of the Gulf stream. The area has a modern mix of outdoor activities, a vibrant nightlife, and places to eat local food.
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 Coach Bus Tours in Norway, and The Best Adventure Tours to Norway.
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Tromso Prices
Norway PricesSan Juan Prices
Puerto Rico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTromso $89San Juan $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Tromso is $89, while the average daily cost in San Juan is $218. 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 Tromso and San Juan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTromso $35San Juan $124
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTromso $70San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Tromso and San Juan
Looking for a hotel in Tromso 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: Tromso Hotel Prices and San Juan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tromso $12San Juan $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tromso
Also for Tromso, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Tromso Airport TOS to Tromso City: $82
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan
Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Double ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $289
- Luxury Puerto Rico Private Transfers: $220
- San Juan Airport (SJU) to Ponce hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $200
- Private Transfer from SJU Airport to Humacao Hotels: $180
- Transfer from San Juan to Rincon or Rincon to San Juan: $167
- San Juan Airport (SJU) to Rio Grande hotel – Round-Trip Private Transfer: $165
- Transfer SJU Airport to Dorado. Hotels and Airbnb. Vice Versa One Way Trip.: $140
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, 14Pax Lux Sprinter Van: $124
- San Juan Airport (SJU) to San Juan Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $118
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $118
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, 11Pax Lux Sprinter Van: $103
- San Juan PR Transfer in Luxury SUV (Airports,Ports,Hotel,Airbnb): $103
Is it cheaper to fly into Tromso or San Juan?
Prices for flights to both San Juan and Tromso 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 dayTromso $46San Juan $62
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tromso
For Tromso, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Night Reindeer Sledding with Camp Dinner and Chance of Northern Lights: $226
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:
- FlyDining: 4 Course Sunset & City Light Dinner Over Old San Juan: $159
- Morning Old San Juan Food Tour: $169
- Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $170
- Savor the Sunset: Old San Juan Walking Food Tour: $179
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tromso $7.08San Juan $49
Tours and Activities in Tromso
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tromso.
- 1 Hour Photo & History Cruise: $96
- 5 Fjords Tour by Minivan in 4 Hours: $205
- A Tromsø Introduction: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- An All-Inclusive Tour - Aurora & Arctic Experience: $259
- Arctic Fjordcruise & Safari in Tromso with Luxury Catamaran: $157
- Arctic Stand Up Paddleboarding Adventure near Tromsø: $193
- Aurora tour with free portrait and bonfire: $157
- Discover Tromsø: A Self-Guided Tour: $3.53
- Evening Fishing Cruise: $172
- Evening tour: Sledding, mini skiing, lasso and reindeer hides: $76
- Express Fjord Road trip with Cruise Ship Pick up and Drop off: $124
- Fjord & History Cruise: $150
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.
- 1 Hour Bull Maze Adventure at Toroverde Urban Park San Juan: $45
- 1 Hour Historical UTV Tour in San Juan: $200
- 1)El Yunque Rainforest and Famous Luquillo Beach Experience: $96
- 2 Tours in 1 Day: Rainforest Waterslides & Beach Tour w/Transport: $60
- 3 Tours in 1 Day: Old San Juan, Rainforest, Beach with Transport: $65
- ATV Double Rider Adventure Near San Juan - Hacienda Campo Rico: $221
- ATV Single Rider Adventure Near San Juan - Hacienda Campo Rico: $149
- Adventure Water Bike in Condado Lagoon, San Juan: $60
- Arecibo Cave Cliffside Waterfall Adventure: $139
- Arecibo Indian Cave Coastal Adventure: $65
- Bio Bay Night Kayak Tour with Transport from San Juan: $125
- BioBay Kayak Tour with San Juan Roundtrip Transportation: $179
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTromso $5.88San Juan $12
Sample the Local Flavors in San Juan
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Juan:
- Old San Juan Bar Crawl: Experience Local Hotspots: $65
- Puerto Rico Tobacco Farm and Local Brewery Tour: $109
- Puerto Rico's First and Only Craft Beer Brewery Tour!: $150
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tromso and San Juan, we can see that San Juan is more expensive. And not only is Tromso much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tromso is in Europe 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 Tromso would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tromso 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 Tromso.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tromso Expensive? and Is San Juan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tromso or San Juan?
San Juan has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Tromso. When comparing the sizes of Tromso 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 Tromso or San Juan?
Tromso 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 Tromso or San Juan in the Summer?
Both San Juan and Tromso are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tromso for the hiking, the small town charm, 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, Tromso is much colder than San Juan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tromso in July average around 12°C (54°F), and San Juan averages at about 28°C (83°F).
It's quite sunny in San Juan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tromso. Tromso usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during summer. Tromso gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Tromso usually receives less rain than San Juan. Tromso gets 72 mm (2.8 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 JulyTromso 12°C (54°F)San Juan 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Tromso or San Juan in the Autumn?
Both San Juan and Tromso during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tromso in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.
Tromso can get quite cold in the autumn. In October, Tromso is generally much colder than San Juan. Daily temperatures in Tromso average around 3°C (37°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, Tromso often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Tromso gets 49 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 Tromso. Tromso usually gets less rain in October than San Juan. Tromso gets 125 mm (4.9 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 OctoberTromso 3°C (37°F)San Juan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Tromso or San Juan in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tromso and San Juan. Most visitors come to Tromso for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Tromso can be very cold during winter. Tromso is much colder than San Juan in the winter. The daily temperature in Tromso averages around -4°C (25°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. Tromso usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during winter. Tromso gets 3 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Tromso usually receives more rain than San Juan. Tromso gets 81 mm (3.2 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 JanuaryTromso -4°C (25°F)San Juan 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Tromso or San Juan in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Tromso as well as San Juan. The spring months attract visitors to Tromso because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.
The weather in Tromso can be very cold. In the spring, Tromso is much colder than San Juan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tromso in April average around 1°C (33°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, Tromso often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Tromso gets 160 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun.
Tromso usually gets less rain in April than San Juan. Tromso gets 60 mm (2.4 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 AprilTromso 1°C (33°F)San Juan 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for San Juan and Tromso
| Tromso | San Juan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -4°C (25°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | -4°C (25°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | -2°C (28°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 1°C (33°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 5°C (41°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 10°C (49°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 12°C (54°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (51°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 7°C (44°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 3°C (37°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | -1°C (31°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | -3°C (27°F) | 104 mm (4.1 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.