Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Ushuaia?
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 Ushuaia or San Juan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Ushuaia 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: Ushuaia or San Juan?
Ushuaia
Ushuaia is a city on the Tierra del Fuego island of Argentina on the Beagle Strait. The city is considered to be one of the southernmost cities in the world and is often used as a base for cruises to Antarctica. Ushuaia's close proximity to Antarctica and their amazing hiking trails have made it a popular tourist destination over the past few decades.
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 3-Week Tours in Argentina, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Buenos Aires.
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Ushuaia Prices
Argentina PricesSan Juan Prices
Puerto Rico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayUshuaia $0.00San Juan $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Ushuaia is $0.00, 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 Ushuaia and San Juan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personUshuaia -San Juan $124
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomUshuaia $0.00San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Ushuaia and San Juan
Looking for a hotel in Ushuaia 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: Ushuaia Hotel Prices and San Juan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ushuaia -San Juan $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ushuaia
Also for Ushuaia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Antarctic Experience W/Snowmobile Ride & Transfer: $242
- National Park, Train and Navigation. Airport transfer included: $204
- Ushuaia:Trekking Glaciar & Ice Caves W/Lunch and Transfer: $176
- Private Transfer Airport-Hotel-Airport (Ushuaia): $160
- Complete Husky Experience + Buoy Park with Transfer: $124
- Ushuaia Guided Visit to the National Park with Transfer: $120
- Navigation to Beagle Channel and Sea Lions Island with Transfers: $116
- Escondido and Fagnano Lakes with transfer: $112
- Transfer Ushuaia Airport - Hotel in Ushuaia - Ushuaia Airport : $67
- Private Transfer from Ushuaia Airport(USH) to Ushuaia Cruise Port: $62
- Private Transfer from Ushuaia Cruise Port to Ushuaia Airport(USH): $62
- Husky Trekking with Transfer: $62
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
- Transfer in Puerto Rico with Minivan from Airport: $280
- Transfer SJU Airport to Ponce and Juana Diaz. Hotels and Airbnb Vice Versa 1 Way: $260
- Carabali Rain Forest Round Trip Private Taxi Transfer: $200
- Single ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $195
- Private Airport Transfers to Ceiba Ferry Terminal and Airport: $155
- Transfer SJU Airport to Dorado. Hotels and Airbnb. Vice Versa One Way Trip.: $140
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, 16Pax Mercedes Van, Select Zone: $130
- Transfer from San Juan to Ponce or Ponce to San Juan: $125
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, 14Pax Lux Sprinter Van: $124
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $120
- Arrival Private Transfer SJU Airport to Old San Juan by Sedan: $120
Is it cheaper to fly into Ushuaia or San Juan?
Prices for flights to both San Juan and Ushuaia 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 dayUshuaia -San Juan $62
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ushuaia
For Ushuaia, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Adventure and Snow Moto + Buffet Lunch or Pizza Rodizio + Transfer: $96
- Beaver Sighting with Dinner off Lake Fagnano: $170
- Ushuaia City Tour: Vespertine Tour with Dinner: $189
- Snowmobile + Snowshoeing + Huskies + Skiing + Lunch or Pizza Buffet: $195
- Tierra del Fuego National Park PM - with Dinner included: $210
- Discovering Lakes Escondido and Fagnano with sunset dinner: $210
- Puerto Almanza and Punta Paraná Tour with Dinner: $210
- Tierra del Fuego National Park: vespertine tour with dinner: $210
- Snow and Fire with Dinner in Firepit, Sledge Ride and Snowmobile: $250
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:
- Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $165
- FlyDining: Sunset & City Lights Dinner Over Old San Juan: $165
- Morning Old San Juan Food Tour: $169
- Cooking and Connecting with a Local in Puerto Rico: $173
- Savor the Sunset: Old San Juan Walking Food Tour: $179
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ushuaia -San Juan $49
Tours and Activities in Ushuaia
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ushuaia.
- 3-Hour Tour Sailing through the Beagle Channel: $105
- 4×4 Off Road Tour to Escondido and Khami Lakes: $200
- 4W4 Adventure in Lagos Full Day with Roast : $170
- 4WD Off-Road Lakes Adventure in Tierra del Fuego: $167
- 4x4 Adventure at Lago Fagnano from Ushuaia: $236
- 4x4 Lake Fagnano Adventure from Ushuaia: $218
- 5-Hour National Park + City tour - USHUAIA (Private Tour): $205
- 5.5-Hour Nat Park w/ Hiking *Shore Excursion* USHUAIA (Shared tour for cruises): $150
- 5hrs of Trekking Experience in Martial Glacier: $115
- Adventure in the Lakes Fueguinos quadricycles and Patagonian lamb: $238
- Adventure through Lagos 4X4 in Ushuaia: $162
- Albino's Eye Glacier Full-Day Trekking Tour from Ushuaia: $286
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.
- Culebra Swim with Turtles Adventure and Flamenco Beach by Ferry: $130
- El Yunque Rainforest Tour Half Day Earlybird/ Small Groups: $85
- Full-Day Tour: El Yunque, Luquillo Beach, Bio Bay Night Kayaking: $155
- Puerto Rican Food Experience: $99
- "Exclusive Tour": VIP Rum Tasting at San Juan Artisan Distillers: $150
- "Yo Soy de PfknR" Bad Bunny Party Bus Experience: $145
- 1 Hour Historical UTV Tour in San Juan: $200
- 2 Tours in 1 Day: Rainforest Waterslides & Beach Tour w/Transport: $60
- 3 Tours in 1 Day: Old San Juan, Rainforest, Beach with Transport: $75
- 30-Minute Freestyle Jet Ski Adventure in the Bay: $100
- ATV Double Rider Adventure Near San Juan - Hacienda Campo Rico: $221
- ATV Single Rider Adventure Near San Juan - Hacienda Campo Rico: $149
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayUshuaia -San Juan $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Ushuaia
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Ushuaia:
- Photo tour and Wine Tasting in Ushuaia City: $115
- City tour and Wine tasting: $115
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
- The Pinones Pub crawl Bar crawl : $70
- Local Puerto Rican Rum Distillery Tour - Ron Pepon: $90
- Puerto Rico's First and Only Craft Beer Brewery Tour! : $99
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ushuaia and San Juan, we can see that San Juan is more expensive. And not only is Ushuaia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ushuaia is in South America 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 Ushuaia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ushuaia 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 Ushuaia.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ushuaia Expensive? and Is San Juan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ushuaia or San Juan?
San Juan has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Ushuaia. When comparing the sizes of Ushuaia 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 Ushuaia or San Juan?
Ushuaia 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 Ushuaia or San Juan in the Summer?
Both San Juan and Ushuaia are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Ushuaia is much colder than San Juan in the summer. The daily temperature in Ushuaia averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (83°F)in July.
It's quite sunny in San Juan. Ushuaia usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during summer. Ushuaia gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
In January, Ushuaia usually receives less rain than San Juanin July. Ushuaia gets 40 mm (1.6 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 January and JulyUshuaia 10°C (50°F)San Juan 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Ushuaia or San Juan in the Autumn?
Both San Juan and Ushuaia during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.
In the autumn, Ushuaia is much colder than San Juan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ushuaia in April average around 6°C (43°F), and San Juan averages at about 28°C (82°F)in October.
In San Juan, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Ushuaia often gets less sunshine than San Juanin October. Ushuaia gets 74 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. Ushuaia usually gets less rain in April than San Juanin October. Ushuaia gets 40 mm (1.6 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 April and OctoberUshuaia 6°C (43°F)San Juan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Ushuaia or San Juan in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ushuaia and San Juan. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Ushuaia. In July, Ushuaia is generally much colder than San Juanin January. Daily temperatures in Ushuaia average around 2°C (36°F), 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. Ushuaia usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during winter. Ushuaia gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Ushuaia usually receives less rain than San Juanin January. Ushuaia gets 30 mm (1.2 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 July and JanuaryUshuaia 2°C (36°F)San Juan 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Ushuaia or San Juan in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Ushuaia as well as San Juan. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.
Ushuaia is much colder than San Juan in the spring. The daily temperature in Ushuaia averages around 6°C (43°F) in October, and San Juan fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in April.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. In the spring, Ushuaia often gets less sunshine than San Juanin April. Ushuaia gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun.
Ushuaia usually gets less rain in October than San Juanin April. Ushuaia gets 30 mm (1.2 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 October and AprilUshuaia 6°C (43°F)San Juan 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for San Juan and Ushuaia
| Ushuaia | San Juan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (50°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (46°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 6°C (43°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 3°C (37°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 1°C (34°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 2°C (36°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 2°C (36°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 4°C (39°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (43°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 8°C (46°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 9°C (48°F) | 30 mm (1.2 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.