A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Valencia vs. San Jose for Food, Nightlife, Attractions, and Families

Should you visit Valencia or San Jose?

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

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

Valencia

Valencia is a friendly, coastal, and cultural coastal city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Valencia is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Valencia travel costs.

San Jose

San Jose is a authentic, traditional, and colorful city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See San Jose travel costs.

Valencia and San Jose: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valencia or San Jose?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Valencia than San Jose. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Valencia is more touristy than San Jose and is popular for its rich cultural, world class museums, beautiful old town, and local cuisine (which includes paella). It is also well known for La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències. San Jose is famous for its colorful markets and vibrant nightlife, as well as its easy access to the rest of the country.

How is Valencia different from San Jose?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Valencia is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Valencia can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is famous for its architecture and culture. Most of the main attractions are concentrated in Ciutat Vella and can be easily accessed on foot. Notable landmarks include La Lonja de Seda, Catedral de València, and Plaza de la Virgen. There are also several world class museums including Oceanogràfic de València and La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències de València.

San Jose offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Despite most people rushing through town, there are a number of museums, plazas, and interesting buildings that are worth checking out.

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

Valencia is very popular for its restaurants. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Valencia is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city is famous as the birthplace of paella, which is one of Spain's most famous dishes. Beyond the paella, there are a number of other amazing traditional dishes. Fideuà is similar to paella but made with noodles instead of rice. All i pebre is an eel and potato dish and clóchinas are tiny local mussels. For dessert make sure you try the flan de calabaza, which is pumpkin flavored. Many restaurants also have tapas that can be shared. Restaurants in the old town are charming and delicious, but out by the beaches the quality isn't as good.

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 Valencia or San Jose Better for Nightlife?

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

Valencia is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. Dinner starts late, so you can expect the nightlife to pick up even later. During the summer there are all night terrace parties and year round you'll find nightclubs filled from evening to dawn. If all night raves aren't really your thing, you'll also find plenty of local bars where you can hang out with friends in a more relaxed setting. The nightlife scene really is varied enough that there's something for everyone.

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 Valencia or San Jose Better for Resorts?

Valencia is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, San Jose is not a resort destination.

Valencia has a handful of resorts to choose from. You can choose between staying near the old town (Ciutat Vella) or out by the beach. One of the best beach areas is El Cabanyal. It's still close enough in to be well connected by public transit but offers a great coastal vibe as well.

San Jose is not a resort destination.

Is Valencia or San Jose Better for Beaches?

Valencia is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, San Jose is not a beach destination.

Valencia has a beach worth visiting. There are several urban beaches in town that are accessible by public transit. Many offer surprisingly long stretches of sand with wide beaches and plenty of activity. The beaches can get crowded during the summer months, but they are generally large enough to accommodate the crowds. La Malvarrosa Beach is one of the most popular because of its proximity to the city. El Saler Beach is further out and popular with the locals and Port Saplaya is a colorful area with shopping and beaches.

San Jose is not a beach destination.

Is Valencia or San Jose Better for its Old Town?

Valencia is very popular for its historic old town. However, San Jose does not have a historic old town.

Valencia has a world-famous historical area. For culture, history, and the majority of the city's attractions, you'll want to spend your time in Ciutat Vella (old town).

San Jose does not have a historic old town.

Is Valencia or San Jose Better for Hiking?

Valencia is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, San Jose is not a hiking destination.

Valencia has hiking trails worth exploring. Most people miss out on the beautiful hikes through the nearby countryside, but if you venture out of town you can enjoy some beautiful walking trails. Many run along the coastline or pass through rolling hills. There is varied landscape in the area with pine forests, orange groves, and vineyards all common.

San Jose is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Valencia or San Jose?

Shopping is a popular activity in both San Jose and Valencia.

Valencia is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. As the third largest city in Spain, you'll find most designer brands around town. The main shopping street is Calle Colon where you'll find the well-known European brands mixed in with the lesser-known Spanish brands. For a more local experience head to Mercado Central where you'll find local produce, colorful seafood, and a unique foodie vibe.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in San Jose. 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 Valencia or San Jose More Beautiful?

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

Valencia is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. With its impressive architecture and coastal setting, it's really hard not to fall in love with this city's beauty.

San Jose is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Valencia or San Jose Better for Families?

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

Valencia is a very family-friendly destination. The city has some kid-friendly museums, an impressive zoo, and the largest aquarium in Europe (with its own dolphin show). Head to the Science Museum or simply wander around the museum complex. There are water activities and a beautiful futuristic style that attracts families and influencers with its photogenic atmosphere. There are also countless playgrounds of all sizes around town and a number of parks and outdoor spaces where kids can run around. There's a city park that runs through town and has playgrounds and bike trails. You can also spend a fun-filled day at the beach.

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 Valencia or San Jose Better for Couples?

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

Valencia makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is filled with interesting culture, beautiful weather, and delightful cuisine. There are sandy beaches and luxury hotels that will make for an amazing romantic getaway. There are also many beautiful gardens and charming neighborhoods that you can explore. Couples can split a paella and sip sangrias in one of the many charming restaurants around town.

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 Valencia or San Jose Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valencia and San Jose are superb places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Valencia is a great coastal city to visit for backpackers. It's often overlooked for more popular destinations, but this city has plenty to offer in the form of affordable accommodation and food as well as interesting sights.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit San Jose. 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.

Is Valencia or San Jose Better for Students?

Valencia is very popular for its student-friendly activities. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Valencia is a great destination for students. The city is young and vibrant with a lot of culture and beautiful neighborhoods. It's also well connected to the rest of Spain with a convenient central train station.

San Jose is popular with students. 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.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Valencia and San Jose.

You'll find some public transit in Valencia, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Public transit is available in the form of buses and a tram/metro system but the system isn't as comprehensive as it could be and much of the city is surprisingly dependent on cars.

While San Jose offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local buses that travel through the city during the daytime hours.

Is Valencia or San Jose a more walkable city?

Valencia is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Valencia is very walkable. Walking is the best way to explore many parts of the city and you can walk from one side of the Ciutat Vella to the other in about 20 minutes. This area is where you'll find most of the city's main attractions. There are other neighborhoods that are a bit less pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in San Jose or Valencia?

How long in Valencia or San Jose?

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

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

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

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

One day in Valencia or San Jose?

Valencia is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Valencia or San Jose?

Valencia is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Valencia, a weekend is sufficent for most. 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 Valencia or San Jose?

Valencia 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.

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 Valencia or San Jose?

Valencia is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal city 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Madrid, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, 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 Valencia and San Jose, we can see that Valencia is more expensive. And not only is San Jose much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Valencia 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 Valencia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Valencia 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 Valencia Expensive? and Is San Jose Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Valencia or San Jose?

Valencia has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of San Jose. When comparing the sizes of Valencia and San Jose, 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 Valencia or San Jose?

Valencia 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 Valencia or San Jose in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Valencia as well as San Jose. The summer months attract visitors to Valencia because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Jose throughout the year.

In July, Valencia is generally cooler than San Jose. Daily temperatures in Valencia average around 25°C (76°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valencia this time of the year. In the summer, Valencia often gets more sunshine than San Jose. Valencia gets 303 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 164 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in San Jose. Valencia usually gets less rain in July than San Jose. Valencia gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valencia or San Jose in the Autumn?

Both San Jose and Valencia are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Valencia this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to San Jose because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Valencia is cooler than San Jose in the autumn. The daily temperature in Valencia averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Valencia usually receives more sunshine than San Jose during autumn. Valencia gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Jose. In October, Valencia usually receives less rain than San Jose. Valencia gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in San Jose is December to April. The hurricane season in San Jose is May to November.

Should I visit Valencia or San Jose in the Winter?

Both San Jose and Valencia during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Valencia for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round.

In the winter, Valencia is much colder than San Jose. Typically, the winter temperatures in Valencia in January average around 12°C (53°F), and San Jose averages at about 27°C (81°F).

In San Jose, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Valencia often gets less sunshine than San Jose. Valencia gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 264 hours of full sun.

Valencia usually gets more rain in January than San Jose. Valencia gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valencia or San Jose in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Valencia and San Jose. Many visitors come to Valencia in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In April, Valencia is generally much colder than San Jose. Daily temperatures in Valencia average around 15°C (60°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Jose this time of the year. In Valencia, it's very sunny this time of the year. Valencia usually receives less sunshine than San Jose during spring. Valencia gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Valencia usually receives more rain than San Jose. Valencia gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring. December to April in San Jose is the dry season. May to November is the hurricane season in San Jose.

Typical Weather for San Jose and Valencia