Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Valdivia?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Valdivia or San Juan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Valdivia 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: Valdivia or San Juan?
Valdivia
Valdivia is a vibrant university city situated in southern Chile. It sits at the meeting point of three rivers in the aptly named Region de Los Rios (The Rivers Region) and is approximately 200 kilometers from both Temuco and Puerto Montt. Due to a large student population, Valdivia boasts a youthful and energetic vibe that is visible in its many bars, cafes and restaurants. The city is also known for having one of Chile's best craft beer cultures, which had its early beginnings when German settlers arrived in the 1840s. The rivers, nearby Pacific coastline and wetlands offer plenty for lovers of the outdoors, too.
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 10-Day Tours in Chile, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayValdivia $69San Juan $179
The average daily cost (per person) in Valdivia is $69, while the average daily cost in San Juan is $179. 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 Valdivia and San Juan in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personValdivia $40San Juan $124
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomValdivia $80San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Valdivia and San Juan
Looking for a hotel in Valdivia 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: Valdivia Hotel Prices and San Juan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Valdivia $8.08San Juan $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valdivia
Also for Valdivia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Valdivia Airport Private Transfer: $52
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: $271
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port: Transfer to San Juan hotel: $271
- Carabali Rain Forest Round Trip Private Taxi Transfer: $210
- Private Airport Transfers to Ceiba Ferry Terminal and Airport: $155
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, 16Pax Mercedes Van, Select Zone: $130
- Oneway Transfer from San Juan (SJU, hotel, airbnb, port) to Ponce: $125
- 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
Is it cheaper to fly into Valdivia or San Juan?
Prices for flights to both San Juan and Valdivia 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
-
Food Meals for one dayValdivia $21San Juan $36
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
- Private Local Food Tour in San Juan: $275
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Valdivia $13San Juan $49
Tours and Activities in Valdivia
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Valdivia.
- Sightseeing Tour in Valdivia : $76
- Valdivia SUP Cruises for 6 People with Transportation Included: $35
- Private City Tour: $90
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Juan
For San Juan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Horseback Riding Tour$40
-
Full Day Snorkeling Trip$100
-
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.
- Rum Craft Cocktail Tour in San Juan: $65
- 1 or 2 Hour Puerto Rico Horseback Ride Experience!: $210
- Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Adventure from San Juan: $110
- Carolina: ATV Adventure at Campo Rico Ranch with Guide: $136
- Cave Day Tour From San Juan: $109
- 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
- Discover El Yunque: Half-Day Rainforest Tour: $115
- Discover Old In-App Audio Tour of History: $11
- El Yunque National RainForest: Tour with Nature walk: $75
- El Yunque Rainforest Guided Day Tour from San Juan: $85
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayValdivia $4.79San Juan $12
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 Valdivia and San Juan, we can see that San Juan is more expensive. And not only is Valdivia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Valdivia 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 Valdivia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Valdivia 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 Valdivia.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Valdivia Expensive? and Is San Juan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Valdivia or San Juan?
San Juan has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Valdivia. When comparing the sizes of Valdivia 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 Valdivia or San Juan?
Valdivia 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 Valdivia or San Juan in the Summer?
Both San Juan and Valdivia 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.
Valdivia is much colder than San Juan in the summer. The daily temperature in Valdivia averages around 16°C (61°F) in January, and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (83°F)in July.
It's quite sunny in San Juan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valdivia. Valdivia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Juan during summer. Valdivia gets 296 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
In January, Valdivia usually receives less rain than San Juanin July. Valdivia gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyValdivia 16°C (61°F)San Juan 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Valdivia or San Juan in the Autumn?
Both San Juan and Valdivia during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.
In the autumn, Valdivia is much colder than San Juan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Valdivia in April average around 11°C (52°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, Valdivia often gets less sunshine than San Juanin October. Valdivia gets 132 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 Valdivia. Valdivia usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as San Juanin October. Valdivia gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberValdivia 11°C (52°F)San Juan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Valdivia or San Juan in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Valdivia and San Juan. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Valdivia is generally much colder than San Juanin January. Daily temperatures in Valdivia average around 7°C (45°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. Valdivia usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during winter. Valdivia gets 66 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
Valdivia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Valdivia usually receives more rain than San Juanin January. Valdivia gets 312 mm (12.3 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryValdivia 7°C (45°F)San Juan 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Valdivia or San Juan in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Valdivia as well as San Juan. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.
Valdivia is much colder than San Juan in the spring. The daily temperature in Valdivia averages around 11°C (52°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, Valdivia often gets less sunshine than San Juanin April. Valdivia gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun.
Valdivia receives a lot of rain in the spring. Valdivia usually gets more rain in October than San Juanin April. Valdivia gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilValdivia 11°C (52°F)San Juan 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for San Juan and Valdivia
| Valdivia | San Juan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (61°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (62°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (52°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 9°C (48°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 8°C (46°F) | 297 mm (11.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 7°C (45°F) | 312 mm (12.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 8°C (46°F) | 247 mm (9.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 9°C (48°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 11°C (52°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (60°F) | 63 mm (2.5 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.