Which place is cheaper, San Jose or Guilin?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Guilin 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 Guilin and San Jose can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Guilin or San Jose?
Guilin
Guilin is a city in Southern China situated on the west bank of the Li River with Hunan to the north. Its name means, "Forest of Sweet Osmanthus," owing to the large number of fragrant Sweet Osmanthus trees located in the city. Products like tea, sugar, and wine, can be made from the tree and are found in many shops throughout Guilin. A popular tourist destination, the city is renowned for its scenery of karst topography with unique mountains jutting out of the urban landscape.
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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.
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Guilin Prices
China PricesSan Jose Prices
Costa Rica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGuilin $84San Jose $103
The average daily cost (per person) in Guilin is $84, while the average daily cost in San Jose is $103. 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 Guilin and San Jose in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGuilin $35San Jose $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGuilin $70San Jose $98
Compare Hotels in Guilin and San Jose
Looking for a hotel in Guilin 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: San Jose Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Guilin $5.85San Jose $19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Guilin
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Guilin are as follows:
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Taxi$2.80
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guilin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guilin:
- [Airport Transfer] Haikou Airport ⇔ Haikou City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter> *: $23
- Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Round way private transfer from Guilin hotel: $120
- Transfer from Guilin Liangjiang Airport to Guilin City Center: $41
- Transfer from Guilin Hotels to Yangshuo Town: $37
- Private Transfer: Guilin to/from Zhangjiajie/Fenghuang: $256
- Private Transfer: Guilin Airport to Yangshuo Hotel: $115
- Private Transfer from/to Zhangjiajie to Guilin: $387
- Private Transfer from Guilin to Zhaoxing and stops at Longji terraces: $168
- Private Transfer from Guilin to Zhaoxing and stops at Chengyang Dong Village: $197
- Private Transfer from Guilin to Fenghuang and stops at Chengyang Dong Village: $267
- Private Transfer from Guilin hotel to Longsheng hotel: $80
- Private One Way Transfer Service to Longsheng Hotel from Guilin City or Airport: $78
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:
- Airport transfer from SJO Airport to Los Sueños Marriott: $185
- Arrival Transfer San Jose Airport SJO to Arenal by Minivan: $205
- Arrival Transfer San Jose Airport SJO to San Jose City by Minivan: $50
- Braulio Carrillo 6 in 1 Full Day Pass with Optional Transfer: $112
- Direct Transfer From San Jose to Cahuita, English Speaking Driver: $263
- Direct Transfer From San Jose to Limon, English Speaking Driver: $210
- Direct Transfer From San Jose to Monteverde, English Speaking Driver: $197
- Juan Santamaria Intl Airport (SJO) to San Jose - Private Transfer: $76
- Luxury transfer to Fortuna & Arenal from San José: $175
- One way Transfer from Arenal or La Fortuna to Conchal beach up to 5 passengers: $240
- One way Transfer from SJO airport or San José to Playa Dominical max 5 passenger: $240
- One-Way Private Transfer: SJO Airport to/from Uvita or Dominical: $290
Is it cheaper to fly into Guilin or San Jose?
Prices for flights to both San Jose and Guilin 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 dayGuilin $39San Jose $31
Typical Food Prices in Guilin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Guilin:
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Fresh Coconut Drink$1.40
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guilin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guilin.
- Half day Yangshuo Cooking lesson Small Group Tour: $62
- Wukong Guilin Neighborhood Food Tour: $65
- Countryside Cycling 1-day Tour with Cooking Class: $306
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 including Markets: $34
- San Jose By Night: Farm to Table Dinner, Cooking & Cocktail Class: $47
- San Jose Cooking Classes visit Central Market: $52
- Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour and National Museum : $65
- San Jose By Night: Sights & Culture Tour with Local Dinner : $80
- Dinner + Typical dance show at the best viewpoint in San José: $92
- Street Food Tour in San Jose with a Local Guide: $114
- Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner: $185
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Guilin $28San Jose $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Guilin
Here are a few typical costs in Guilin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entrance to the Caves$17
Tours and Activities in Guilin
Here are a few actual costs in Guilin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2-Day Self-Guided Guilin Tour with 4 Star Boat, Yangshuo and Longji Terraces : $200
- Full-Day Guilin Li-River Cruise with 4 star boat and Reed Flute Cave Tour: $262
- Full-Day Yangshuo Sunrise and Li-River cruise with the 4 Star Boat Private Tour: $272
- Longji Rice Terraces Day Tour with the Ping'an and Dazhai Village: $209
- 1 Day Congjiang Ethnic Dong Village Private Tour from Guilin: $219
- 1 Day Guilin Tour: Village Visit, Waterfall Viewing, Hiking: $230
- 1 Day Li River Cruise and Yangshuo Biking Adventure: $80
- 1 Day Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo with Private Guide: $209
- 1 Day Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo with Private Guide & Driver: $209
- 1 Day Private Longji Rice Terraces and Minority Village Tour: $202
- 1 Day Private Tour: Li River Cruise from Guilin & Yangshuo Biking: $172
- 1 Day Relaxing Guilin Li River Cruise and Yangshuo Private Tour: $205
Tours and Activities in San Jose
For San Jose, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Hiking Experience in El Quetzal Private Reserve: $26
- Sarapiqui Frog Experience: Night Experience in the Jungle.: $30
- Private Guided Tour of Cheese in Canaan de Rivas: $30
- Hacienda Alsacia Starbucks Coffe Tour: $31
- 2-Hour Orosi Nocturnal Tour: $33
- Sarapiqui Rainforest Night Walk : Wildlife & Adventure.: $35
- San Jose ART Walking Tour - small groups, creative experience: $35
- San Jose Walking Nature Tour: Sloths, Birds and Trees: $35
- Skip the Line: Rescate Wildlife Rescue Centre General Admission Ticket: $35
- San Jose : Private Custom Guided Tour With A Guide (Private Tour): $36
- San Jose Highlights Walking Tour with a Guide: $36
- Corso Lecheria Tour: $40
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGuilin $5.81San Jose $16
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Guilin and San Jose, we can see that San Jose is more expensive. And not only is Guilin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Guilin is in Asia 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 Guilin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Guilin 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 Jose would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Jose than you might in Guilin.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Guilin Expensive? and Is San Jose Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Guilin or San Jose?
Guilin has a larger population, and is about 94% larger than the population of San Jose. When comparing the sizes of Guilin 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 Guilin or San Jose?
Guilin 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 Guilin or San Jose in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Guilin as well as San Jose. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Jose throughout the year.
Guilin is around the same temperature as San Jose in the summer. The daily temperature in Guilin averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and San Jose fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It's quite rainy in San Jose. Guilin receives a lot of rain in the summer. Guilin usually gets more rain in July than San Jose. Guilin gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGuilin 30°C (86°F)San Jose 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Guilin or San Jose in the Autumn?
Both San Jose and Guilin are popular destinations to visit in the autumn 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 autumn, Guilin is cooler than San Jose. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Guilin in October average around 23°C (73°F), and San Jose averages at about 27°C (81°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in San Jose. In October, Guilin usually receives less rain than San Jose. Guilin gets 93 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. May to November in San Jose is the hurricane season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGuilin 23°C (73°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Guilin or San Jose in the Winter?
Both San Jose and Guilin during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round.
In January, Guilin is generally much colder than San Jose. Daily temperatures in Guilin average around 10°C (49°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
Guilin usually gets more rain in January than San Jose. Guilin gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGuilin 10°C (49°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Guilin or San Jose in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Guilin and San Jose. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Guilin is cooler than San Jose in the spring. The daily temperature in Guilin averages around 20°C (68°F) in April, and San Jose fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
Guilin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Guilin usually receives more rain than San Jose. Guilin gets 263 mm (10.3 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. The hurricane season in San Jose is May to November.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGuilin 20°C (68°F)San Jose 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for San Jose and Guilin
| Guilin | San Jose | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (49°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 20°C (68°F) | 263 mm (10.3 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 334 mm (13.2 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (86°F) | 168 mm (6.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 47 mm (1.9 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.