Is San Juan expensive to visit?
San Juan is a smaller spot that entices a mix of tourists, showcasing various travel styles, financial habits, and budget considerations. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
San Juan can certainly rack up expenses, but there are strategies to minimize costs, including looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $99 per day, mid-range travelers spend $218 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $447 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to San Juan.
Within the Caribbean Islands, which is known to be an expensive region, San Juan is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Port-of-Spain or Oranjestad (Sint Eustatius).
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is San Juan Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to San Juan?
The average San Juan trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these San Juan travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to San Juan cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to be realistic about your travel budget when visiting San Juan. Although some travelers believe they can get by on a shoestring budget, most people aren't comfortable with that type of travel. Consider what you enjoy on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you like staying in resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or hostels? Are dining out and visiting attractions a priority? Your preferences will affect your overall budget and itinerary.
What Defines a Budget Traveler?
You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $99 per day that younger budget travelers manage.
Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.
Luckily, San Juan has plenty of hostels, including Mango Mansion, Fortaleza Guest House, and Villa Eshta. Here, you can enjoy budget dorm accommodation along with a friendly, social vibe, but amenities are quite limited.
So, are you average?
If you're a couple or family taking a fun trip, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at favorite restaurants, and visit the main museums and attractions that require entry fees. Tourists visiting San Juan generally aim to explore the major attractions, museums, and significant landmarks. Most activities have costs involved. Thus, it's realistic to expect your daily budget to be closer to $218 per person, per day.
San Juan offers a fantastic variety of hotels and vacation rentals. When traveling with others, you can share your hotel with a partner, friend, or your children, which can help save money. Families should focus on hotels and restaurants that cater to kids. Villa Herencia Hotel is an excellent choice, while La Concha Renaissance San Juan Resort is also a great option. To find more accommodations that are family and couple-friendly, check our hotel guide for San Juan.
Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?
If your ideal trip includes every luxury and top-tier service, be ready to budget around $447 per day. A stay at nicer hotels, meals at prestigious restaurants, fancy excursions, and getting around the destination with taxis or private drivers will cost you more. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, 14Pax Lux Sprinter Van - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in San Juan
The range of hotel prices in San Juan can be pretty surprising. Luxury hotels tend to offer more amenities, but come with higher price tags, especially during peak season. The average off-season room is $174, but during peak season the average price can reach $325. From $111 for budget hotels to $549 for luxury, there's something for everyone. Hostels are cheaper, especially dorms. Book early or travel during the off-season to save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in San Juan for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $248. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $124 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in San Juan? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in San Juan include:
- AC Hotel by Marriott San Juan Condado starting at $225
- The Dreamcatcher starting at $157
- Villa Herencia Hotel starting at $161
- CasaBlanca Hotel San Juan starting at $104
If you plan to avoid and visit during the low or shoulder season, you'll find cheaper accommodation rates and fewer tourists.
Transportation Budget in San Juan
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $14 per person, per day, on local transportation in San Juan. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in San Juan is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$14
Since this city is so used to catering to tourists, there are plenty of options for getting around the city. Renting your own car is definitely a choice if you're used to driving in large cities like Miami, Boston or New York. The road signs are in Spanish, but they are shaped like American signs, so deciphering them is pretty simple. Parking, however, can be a bit of a problem, and not every street has a sign. Use a GPS when driving through smaller parts of the city.
There is a public bus system in San Juan. Remember to keep a load of change on you, though, as they only accept quarters. The routes are being re-worked to accommodate the new rail system so double check your map, and note that direct routes between tourist destinations don't really exist. While waiting for your bus, be sure to wave them down because they may pass right by you. Plan for another mode of transportation when the sun goes down, buses tend to stop running around 9 pm.
Taxis might be your best bet around San Juan. They can be found at any hotel. Routes to common destinations tend to have fixed fares, but cabbies are also well aware that tourists don't know these fares. Google them before going out so you don't wind up paying way more than you should.
When you're driving, make sure that your hotel has convenient parking, and confirm how much you'll need to pay for it.
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Transfer from or to San Juan and Ceiba Ferry for $80 details
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, 16Pax Mercedes Van, Select Zone for $130 details
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Tesla Y Luxury SUV, Select Zone for $77 details
How much does it cost to go to San Juan? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in San Juan will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in San Juan
Tasting the local cuisine is a key reason for travel, so be sure to sample the unique dishes offered in the area.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in San Juan can vary significantly, the average cost of food in San Juan is $62 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$62
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in San Juan is around $62 ($62) per person, with previous travelers spending from $26 to $127. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in San Juan are as follows:
- Breakfast: $6 to $19
- Lunch: $9 to $25
- Dinner: $19 to $43
- Coffee: $5
- Fast Food or Street Food: $9
San Juan is a huge city that is prepared to please any tourists. Your meals can be expensive, but are definitely worth it. For the hottest, most inventive plates in the city, head to San Juan's SoFo (South of Fortaleza) district. This is where the latest and greatest cuisine trends are happening and you won't want to miss out.
Many establishments feature breakfast in their pricing, although some tack it on as an added expense. The price and quality can fluctuate depending on the hotel. Being aware of this beforehand helps you gauge if you'll need extra cash. The hotel buffet might be a delicious choice, or you could save some cash by heading to a nearby bakery or cafe.
Bring a water bottle to avoid frequent drink purchases. It's also a sustainable choice.
Planning a tour? Be sure to confirm in advance which meals are provided. You could find yourself footing the bill for some meals, which can affect your budget.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in San Juan, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour for $165 details
- Piñones Bar Crawl and Beach Hop Food Tour with Drinks for $85 details
- Puerto Rican food tasting and beginner cooking Tour for $79 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in San Juan
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in San Juan typically cost an average of $49 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$49
No matter what kind of traveler you are, the allure of Old San Juan is tough to resist. With cobblestone streets, pastel buildings and umbrella covered patio tables it's so easy to fall in love, especially if you take a walking tour of Old San Juan. You'll find shops, restaurants, museums, cafes, and historic sights everywhere. Enjoy the sangria for lunch and a tango for dessert.
San Juan is surrounded by water, which means plenty of choices for sunbathing. From one of the world's best beaches at Playa Flamenco to Playa Isle Verde, there's no end to the stretches of paradise.
For the most beautiful sunset on the whole island, make your way to Castillo San Felipe de Morro. Constructed in 1539, this former fortress offers gorgeous views of the bay and ocean with little cannon holes to peek through. If you have other plans during the day, visit the fort in the afternoon for a fun atmosphere of picnicking and children flying kites. It's a great place to sit on the grass and enjoy the historical beauty of the fort. And there's plenty more to see as well, because many of San Juan's attractions are on the list of the most famous landmarks in Puerto Rico, so don't miss them on your next trip.
The city offers up something for every nautical nut. The coral reefs in the southwest offer some of the most beautiful underwater views you'll ever see. Take a dived to visit with vibrantly colored fish and maybe even a stingray or two.
If you're in the mood to get in a workout, a hike through the rainforest isn't a bad way to do it. The lush area of El Yunque is the only true rainforest in the US. This short hike passes cascading waterfalls and massive ferns. Don't forget to take a look in the sky, there are 26 species of parrots soaring through the skies – including the very endangered Puerto Rican parrot.
Be sure to leave time for a trip to the Bacardi Rum distillery. This experience details the history of sugar cane and outlines how the Bacardi rum is made. Not to mention, there are free drinks.
For a truly unique night out, skip the clubs and get underwater. Take a kayak, a canoe or just a swim out to the bioluminescent bays. Watch the water glitter off your fingertips as you take in this otherworldly phenomenon.
Nightlife is also a hugely popular activity in San Juan. From bars and clubs to cafes and events, there is something for everyone. Check out the bars in the early part of the night, then move on to the dance clubs until morning. And here's some information for Gay Puerto Rico, too, including some annual events.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore San Juan. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Yunque Rainforest River Rope Swing with Waterslide and Beach Tour for $109 details
- Private El Yunque Half-Day Tour with Transport for $125 details
- Utuado Canyon, River & Waterfall Adventure in Puerto Rico for $165 details
Outlined below are some typical prices for entry fees and activities in San Juan. They have been reported from the expenses of previous travelers. These costs provide an idea of what you might need to spend, though your individual expenses will depend on the activities you participate in, the places you visit, and how often you choose budget-friendly or free activities.
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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
San Juan, Puerto Rico
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.