Which place is cheaper, San Jose or Veracruz?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Veracruz or San Jose?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Veracruz and San Jose can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Veracruz or San Jose?
Veracruz
Veracruz is the name of both a state and city in the country of Mexico. Locals often call the city "Puerto" (port) in order to differentiate the city from the state. The general area runs along the Gulf of Mexico and encompasses ruins, old colonial cities, lush green mountains, and delicious seafood.
San Jose
San Jose is the capital city of Costa Rica and is likely to be your first and last stop in a visit to the country. The city is situated in the Central Valley and is surrounded by beautiful mountains and valleys, making for a beautiful flight in. The city has an elevation of 1200 meters and sits on a plateau with a beautiful backdrop of lush green forest. Half of the people in Costa Rica reside in the country's capital city. You are likely to stay only a day or two, but there are a handful of things to do and see including museums and markets. You will also find many embassies, as well as the University of Costa Rica in San Jose.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVeracruz $122San Jose $90
The average daily cost (per person) in Veracruz is $122, while the average daily cost in San Jose is $90. 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 Veracruz and San Jose in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVeracruz $54San Jose $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVeracruz $108San Jose $98
Compare Hotels in Veracruz and San Jose
Looking for a hotel in Veracruz or San Jose? 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: Veracruz Hotel Prices and San Jose Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Veracruz $28San Jose $19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Veracruz
Also for Veracruz, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer: $25
- Transfer from Veracruz Airport to Hotel in Veracruz Port: $32
- Shared Arrival Transfer: General Heriberto Jara International Airport to Veracruz Hotels: $23
- Colima Airport (CLQ) to Colima - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $28
- Colima Airport (CLQ) to Colima - Arrival Private Transfer: $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Jose
Some typical examples of transportation costs in San Jose are as follows:
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Taxi from SJO$25
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Local Bus$2.72
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Jose
Also for San Jose, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private transfer from San Jose or Airport with welcome service to Tortuguero: $300
- Private Transfer from San Jose Airport to Guanacaste Hotels: $299
- transfer from Juan Santamaria airport to Dominical and Uvita: $290
- Transfer SJO Airport TO & FROM Dominical OR Uvita (One Way): $290
- Private One Way Transfer from Manuel Antonio to Monteverde: $280
- Transfer from San Jose Airport CR (SJO) to Arenal La Fortuna Hotels: $279
- Private Transfer from San Jose Airport or Guanacaste Hotels: $276
- Private transfer from San Jose or Airport with welcome service to Tambor beach: $276
- Private transfer from San Jose Airport welcome service to Manuel Antonio Quepos: $269
- Private transfer from San Jose or Airport with welcome service to Samara Beach: $265
- Private Transfer: $260
- Private Transfer Airport or San Jose hotels to Puerto Viejo Limon: $259
Is it cheaper to fly into Veracruz or San Jose?
Prices for flights to both San Jose and Veracruz 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 dayVeracruz $50San Jose $18
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Jose
For San Jose, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Bites and Sights: Walking Food Tour in San Jose, Costa Rica: $34
- Tropical Cooking Classes: $52
- San Jose By Night Tour: Farm to Table Dinner & Cocktail Class: $57
- San Jose Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour and visit Gold Museum : $60
- Half-Day San Jose Evening Bus Tour with Dinner and Pickup: $76
- Explore San Jose By Night: Food and Culture Tour with Local Dinner: $80
- Private Authentic Food Tour in San José: $84
- Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner: $179
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Veracruz $15San Jose $21
Tours and Activities in Veracruz
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Veracruz.
- 1 day tour of Tlacotalpan and Alvarado from Veracruz: $102
- 3-hour tour to the San Juan de Ulúa Fortress: $25
- Adventure through the Chachalacas Beach and Dunes from Veracruz: $123
- Alvarado And Tlacotalpan Tour From Veracruz Or Boca Del Rio: $112
- Antigua and Zempoala Tour from Veracruz: $86
- Aquatico Inbursa Waterpark: Veracruz - Ticket: $27
- Catemaco And Los Tuxtlas Tour From Veracruz Or Boca Del Rio: $112
- City Tour en Veracruz y Acuario: $100
- Coffee Route, an adventure of aroma and flavor to Veracruz: $150
- From Veracruz or Boca del río: Coffee Tour in Coatepec: $96
- From Alvarado, Tlacotalpan and Agustín Lara Tour: $100
- From Catemaco, Nature, Waterfalls & Monkeys Tour: $100
Tours and Activities in San Jose
For San Jose, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Street Food Walking Tour in Downtown San Jose: $60
- 2-Hour Downtown San Jose Walking Tour: $33
- 2-Hour Orosi Nocturnal Tour: $33
- 3 in 1 Eco Tour Rain Forest Aerial Tram, River Cruise & Nature Walk Private Tour: $299
- 6 in 1 RainForest Adventure From San Jose: $189
- A taste of Aquiares - 2 hours Coffee Tour: $42
- AERIAL TRAM TOUR - HALF DAY PASS Rainforest Adventures Braulio Ca: $78
- AWA Water Museum - Waterfall Adventure (Organic Food Experience): $98
- Arenal Combo Experience: Canopy & Rapell + Thermals: $65
- Arenal Volcano Eco Tour & Baldi Hot Springs Private Tour from San Jose: $285
- Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose: $159
- Arenal Volcano Hanging Bridges & Baldi Hot Springs. Private Tour from San Jose: $285
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVeracruz $17San Jose $17
Sample the Local Flavors in San Jose
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Jose:
- Bar Crawl in Downtown San Jose: $38
- Wine Tour and Tasting: $85
- Bar Crawl in San Jose in a Deluxe Party Bus: $100
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Veracruz and San Jose, we can see that Veracruz is more expensive. And not only is San Jose much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Veracruz is in North America 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 Veracruz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Veracruz 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 Veracruz Expensive? and Is San Jose Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Veracruz or San Jose?
Veracruz has a larger population, and is about 70% larger than the population of San Jose. When comparing the sizes of Veracruz 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 Veracruz or San Jose?
Veracruz 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 Veracruz or San Jose in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Veracruz and San Jose. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Veracruz is generally around the same temperature as San Jose. Daily temperatures in Veracruz average around 27°C (81°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
In Veracruz, it's very sunny this time of the year. Veracruz usually receives more sunshine than San Jose during summer. Veracruz gets 208 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.
San Jose receives a lot of rain in the summer. Veracruz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Veracruz usually receives more rain than San Jose. Veracruz gets 410 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVeracruz 27°C (81°F)San Jose 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Veracruz or San Jose in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Veracruz as well as San Jose. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Jose throughout the year.
Veracruz is around the same temperature as San Jose in the autumn. The daily temperature in Veracruz averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
In the autumn, Veracruz often gets more sunshine than San Jose. Veracruz gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 169 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in San Jose. Veracruz receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Veracruz usually gets less rain in October than San Jose. Veracruz gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVeracruz 26°C (79°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Veracruz or San Jose in the Winter?
Both San Jose and Veracruz are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to San Jose because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the winter, Veracruz is cooler than San Jose. Typically, the winter temperatures in Veracruz in January average around 21°C (71°F), and San Jose averages at about 27°C (81°F).
It's quite sunny in San Jose. Veracruz usually receives less sunshine than San Jose during winter. Veracruz gets 156 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Veracruz usually receives more rain than San Jose. Veracruz gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVeracruz 21°C (71°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Veracruz or San Jose in the Spring?
Both San Jose and Veracruz during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round.
In April, Veracruz is generally cooler than San Jose. Daily temperatures in Veracruz average around 26°C (78°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
In San Jose, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Veracruz. In the spring, Veracruz often gets less sunshine than San Jose. Veracruz gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 255 hours of full sun.
Veracruz usually gets less rain in April than San Jose. Veracruz gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVeracruz 26°C (78°F)San Jose 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for San Jose and Veracruz
| Veracruz | San Jose | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (71°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (71°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (74°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (78°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 290 mm (11.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 410 mm (16.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 346 mm (13.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (76°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 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.