Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Baltimore?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Baltimore or San Juan?
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 Baltimore and San Juan can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Baltimore or San Juan?
Baltimore
Baltimore is a large, industrial city and popular tourist destination in the state of Maryland. It is about an hour outside of Washington, D.C. and is a hub of tourism and entertainment for the area. It has a vibrant nightlife, comfortable climate, and is a great place to visit when you're in the area. The city proper has a population of about 600,000 and the metropolitan area has 2.7 million. Its economy is centered around science, technology, engineering and math and it has many undergraduate and graduate schools including the world renowned Johns Hopkins University.
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 Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.
-
Baltimore Prices
USA PricesSan Juan Prices
Puerto Rico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBaltimore $217San Juan $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Baltimore is $217, 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 Baltimore and San Juan in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBaltimore $93San Juan $124
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBaltimore $186San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Baltimore and San Juan
Looking for a hotel in Baltimore 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: Baltimore Hotel Prices and San Juan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Baltimore $21San Juan $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Baltimore
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Baltimore:
- Private Airport Transfer from Baltimore to DCA or vice versa: $300
- Airport transfer to or from Silver Spring, MD and Dulles Airport: $275
- Airport Transfer Baltimore/Washington International Airport BWI to Baltimore, MD: $245
- Private transfer To or Form Bethesda and Dulles International Airport: $240
- Arrival Private Transfer: Baltimore Airport BWI to Washington in Luxury Van: $206
- Private Transfer from BWI Airport ⇄ Washington DC : $199
- Baltimore City to Washington City - Private Transfer: $172
- Airport Transfer BWI Airport to Baltimore Downtown Area Only: $160
- Airport Transfer Downtown Baltimore to BWI Airport: $160
- Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $153
- Oakland Airport (OAK) to San Francisco - Round-Trip Private Car Transfer: $153
- Departure Private Transfer Baltimore to Baltimore Airport BWI: $114
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan
Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer to Cruise Ships, Hotels, Airbnb in San Juan: $76
- Arrival Private Transfer SJU Airport to Old San Juan by Sedan: $120
- Carabali Rain Forest Round Trip Private Taxi Transfer: $200
- Departure Transfer from Old San Juan to to SJU Airport by Car: $86
- Double ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $289
- Premium Transfer in Airport, Hotel, Airbnb, Cruise: $25
- Private Airport Transfers to Ceiba Ferry Terminal and Airport: $155
- Private Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to San Juan Airport: $22
- Private Transfer Puerto Rico:To or From Airports, Hotels &Cruises: $33
- Private Transfer from SJU Airport to Cruise Port Roundtrip Servic: $109
- Private Transfer from SJU Airport to San Juan / Rio Grande: $115
- Private Transfer from or to San Juan and Ceiba Ferry: $93
Is it cheaper to fly into Baltimore or San Juan?
Prices for flights to both San Juan and Baltimore 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 dayBaltimore $79San Juan $62
Typical Food Prices in Baltimore
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Baltimore:
-
Seafood Dinner (for 2) in Fells Point$76
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Baltimore
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Baltimore.
- Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery in Baltimore: $75
- Ravioli Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery in Baltimore: $75
- Thai Curry Cooking Class with Local Chef in Baltimore: $75
- Pasta Making Cooking Classes at a Local Brewery: $75
- Fells Point Food Tour in Baltimore: $78
- City Cruises Signature Dinner Cruise: $125
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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Baltimore $18San Juan $49
Tours and Activities in Baltimore
Here are a few actual costs in Baltimore for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Assateague Island Cruise Departs from Ocean Pines: $40
- Baltimore Bewitched: Raven's Revenge, Bones & Ballads Ghost Tour: $26
- Baltimore Downtown Poe Ruth and More GPS Self Guided Walking Tour: $9.75
- Baltimore Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $96
- Baltimore Monuments Walking Tour: $20
- Baltimore Ravens Football Game Ticket at M&T Bank Stadium: $109
- Baltimore Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $49
- Baltimore Scavenger Hunt Experience by Operation City Quest: $10
- Baltimore Walking & Driving Self-Guided Audio Tour: $17
- Baltimore Walking Foodie Tour in Fells Point: $104
- Baltimore's Cruise ship Tour-shuttle service: $25
- Baltimore's Historical Sightseeing Tour: $44
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.
- Transportation in San Juan, Isla verde, Condado, Hotels, Cruises & Airbnb's SJU: $14
- San Juan Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $17
- Eco Friendly Farming Tour to Explore Dorado's Most Beautiful Farm: $20
- Discover Superb Self-Guided Audio Tour: $20
- Group Transportation in airport, cruise ships, hotels, bnb's in San Juan, PR: $23
- Old San Juan Walking Tour with a Local Certified Guide: $25
- San Juan Ghost Tour: Shrieks in the Sugarcane: $32
- Old San Juan Walking Tour: $39
- Old San Juan City Walking Tour: $39
- Historic Old San Juan Sunset Walking Tour: $39
- Top Rated El Yunque Rainforest & Waterslide – VIP SmallGroup Tour: $45
- Ron del Barrilito Heritage Skip-the-Line Tour: $46
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayBaltimore $17San Juan $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Baltimore
Also in Baltimore, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Baltimore Boos & Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $29
- Original Fells Point Haunted Pub Tour by Baltimore Ghost Tours: $29
- Enchanted Full Day Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour from Oakland: $285
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 comparing the travel costs between Baltimore and San Juan, we can see that San Juan is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Baltimore is in North America and San Juan is in Caribbean Islands, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Baltimore Expensive? and Is San Juan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Baltimore or San Juan?
Baltimore has a larger population, and is about 46% larger than the population of San Juan. When comparing the sizes of Baltimore 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 Baltimore or San Juan?
Baltimore 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 Baltimore or San Juan in the Summer?
Both San Juan and Baltimore during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Baltimore for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.
In July, Baltimore is generally cooler than San Juan. Daily temperatures in Baltimore average around 78°F (25°C), and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
In San Juan, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Baltimore. In the summer, Baltimore often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Juan. Baltimore gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Baltimore. Baltimore usually gets more rain in July than San Juan. Baltimore gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyBaltimore 78°F (25°C)San Juan 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Baltimore or San Juan in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Baltimore and San Juan. The autumn months attract visitors to Baltimore because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Baltimore is much colder than San Juan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 57°F (14°C) in October, and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan this time of the year. Baltimore usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during autumn. Baltimore gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
San Juan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Baltimore usually receives less rain than San Juan. Baltimore gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBaltimore 57°F (14°C)San Juan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Baltimore or San Juan in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Baltimore as well as San Juan. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.
It's quite cold in Baltimore in the winter. In the winter, Baltimore is much colder than San Juan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Baltimore in January average around 32°F (0°C), and San Juan averages at about 25°C (77°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. In the winter, Baltimore often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Baltimore gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun.
Baltimore usually gets more rain in January than San Juan. Baltimore gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBaltimore 32°F (0°C)San Juan 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Baltimore or San Juan in the Spring?
Both San Juan and Baltimore are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Baltimore for the activities around the city. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Baltimore is generally much colder than San Juan. Daily temperatures in Baltimore average around 54°F (12°C), and San Juan fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It's quite sunny in San Juan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Baltimore. Baltimore usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during spring. Baltimore gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Baltimore usually receives more rain than San Juan. Baltimore gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilBaltimore 54°F (12°C)San Juan 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for San Juan and Baltimore
| Baltimore | San Juan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 32°F (0°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 35°F (2°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 45°F (7°C) | 3.7 inches (94 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 54°F (12°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 64°F (18°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 73°F (23°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 78°F (25°C) | 4.1 inches (103 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 76°F (25°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 69°F (21°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 57°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 47°F (9°C) | 3.1 inches (80 mm) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 37°F (3°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 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.