Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Lombok?
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 Lombok or San Juan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Lombok and San Juan. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Lombok or San Juan?
Lombok
Lombok is an island east of the well-tread Bali and west of lesser-developed Sumbawa. While Lombok is not as popular as its neighbor to the west, it is a great place to visit for that very reason. Less popularity means lower prices for accommodations, food, activities, and less-inundated tourist spots. Nonetheless, Lombok is rapidly developing in tourism, and the government is naming it and Sumbawa the number two tourism spots, following Bali.
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 Wildlife Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Indonesia.
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Lombok Prices
Indonesia PricesSan Juan Prices
Puerto Rico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLombok $59San Juan $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Lombok is $59, 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 Lombok and San Juan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLombok $28San Juan $124
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLombok $56San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Lombok and San Juan
Looking for a hotel in Lombok 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: Lombok Hotel Prices and San Juan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Lombok $11San Juan $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lombok
Also for Lombok, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Wisata Alam Semongkat to Sumbawa Besar Airport (SWQ): $230
- Private Transfer from Lopok to Sumbawa Besar Airport (SWQ): $165
- Private Transfer from Brang Biji to Sumbawa Besar Airport (SWQ): $101
- Private Transfer from Lempeh to Sumbawa Besar Airport (SWQ): $101
- Private Transfer from Sumbawa Besar Airport (SWQ) to Lempeh: $101
- Private Transfer from Sumbawa Besar Airport (SWQ) to Pekat: $101
- Private Transfer from Sumbawa Besar Airport (SWQ) to Brang Bara: $101
- Private Transfer from Lombok Airport (LOP) to Sokong: $77
- Private Transfer from Sokong to Lombok Airport (LOP): $77
- Private Transfer from Lombok Airport (LOP) to Sigar Penjalin: $77
- Eka Jaya Boat Transfer from Lombok to Serangan: $73
- Private Transfer from Lombok Airport (LOP) to Pengawisan: $73
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan
Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Double ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $289
- Transfer in Puerto Rico with Minivan from Airport: $280
- Transfer SJU Airport to Ponce and Juana Diaz. Hotels and Airbnb Vice Versa 1 Way: $260
- Carabali Rain Forest Round Trip Private Taxi Transfer: $200
- Single ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $195
- Private Airport Transfers to Ceiba Ferry Terminal and Airport: $155
- Transfer SJU Airport to Dorado. Hotels and Airbnb. Vice Versa One Way Trip.: $140
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, 16Pax Mercedes Van, Select Zone: $130
- Transfer from San Juan to Ponce or Ponce to San Juan: $125
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, 14Pax Lux Sprinter Van: $124
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $120
- Arrival Private Transfer SJU Airport to Old San Juan by Sedan: $120
Is it cheaper to fly into Lombok or San Juan?
Prices for flights to both San Juan and Lombok 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 dayLombok $20San Juan $62
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lombok
For Lombok, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Anggrek Putih Lombok Cooking Class : $25
- Kids Cooking Class at Tugu Hotel Lombok: $63
- Love and Legends: The Ultimate Romantic Dinner on the beach : $65
- Amazing Lombok BBQ Beach Sunset Dinner: $86
- Lombok Cooking Class at Tugu Hotel Lombok: $100
- Royal Dinner Experience in Lombok at Royal Tugudom: $119
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Lombok $9.90San Juan $49
Tours and Activities in Lombok
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lombok.
- Waterfall Tour And Sasak Traditional Tour: $77
- "Private 2D1N Adventure: Explore Pergasingan Hills": $163
- 1 Day Pink Beach Tour in East Lombok: $92
- 3 Days Tour in Mount Rinjani Summit with Lake Hiking : $285
- 3D 2N Mount Rinjani Trekking Tour To Summit And Lake: $195
- Best Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep Waterfalls Tour: $70
- Best Waterfall Sendang Gile & Tiu Kelep Private Tour: $59
- Car Hire Lombok tradition village tour: $99
- Dirt Bike Adventure at Kuta Lombok: $135
- Dolphins Cruise: $154
- Excursions for Cruise Ship Passengers : $71
- Exotic Lombok's Pink Beach Private Tour: $78
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Juan
For San Juan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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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
Tours and Activities in San Juan
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Juan.
- Culebra Swim with Turtles Adventure and Flamenco Beach by Ferry: $130
- El Yunque Rainforest Tour Half Day Earlybird/ Small Groups: $85
- Full-Day Tour: El Yunque, Luquillo Beach, Bio Bay Night Kayaking: $155
- Puerto Rican Food Experience: $99
- "Exclusive Tour": VIP Rum Tasting at San Juan Artisan Distillers: $150
- "Yo Soy de PfknR" Bad Bunny Party Bus Experience: $145
- 1 Hour Historical UTV Tour in San Juan: $200
- 2 Tours in 1 Day: Rainforest Waterslides & Beach Tour w/Transport: $60
- 3 Tours in 1 Day: Old San Juan, Rainforest, Beach with Transport: $75
- 30-Minute Freestyle Jet Ski Adventure in the Bay: $100
- ATV Double Rider Adventure Near San Juan - Hacienda Campo Rico: $221
- ATV Single Rider Adventure Near San Juan - Hacienda Campo Rico: $149
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLombok $7.84San Juan $12
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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lombok and San Juan, we can see that San Juan is more expensive. And not only is Lombok much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Lombok is in Asia and San Juan is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Lombok would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lombok 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 Juan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Juan than you might in Lombok.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lombok Expensive? and Is San Juan Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Lombok or San Juan?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Lombok or San Juan in the Summer?
Both San Juan and Lombok are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lombok throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Lombok is May to September. In July, Lombok usually receives less rain than San Juan. Lombok gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In July, Lombok is generally around the same temperature as San Juan. Daily temperatures in Lombok average around 26°C (79°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLombok 26°C (79°F)San Juan 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Lombok or San Juan in the Autumn?
Both San Juan and Lombok during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Lombok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.
November to April is the rainy season in Lombok. San Juan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Lombok. Lombok usually gets less rain in October than San Juan. Lombok gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
Lombok is around the same temperature as San Juan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lombok averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLombok 28°C (82°F)San Juan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Lombok or San Juan in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lombok and San Juan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lombok year-round. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Lombok usually receives more rain than San Juan. Lombok gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan this time of the year. Lombok usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during winter. Lombok gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In the winter, Lombok is a little warmer than San Juan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lombok in January average around 28°C (82°F), and San Juan averages at about 25°C (77°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLombok 28°C (82°F)San Juan 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Lombok or San Juan in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Lombok as well as San Juan. Lombok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.
Also, May to September in Lombok is the dry season. November to April in Lombok is the rainy season. Lombok usually gets more rain in April than San Juan. Lombok gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In April, Lombok is generally around the same temperature as San Juan. Daily temperatures in Lombok average around 28°C (82°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLombok 28°C (82°F)San Juan 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for San Juan and Lombok
| Lombok | San Juan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 216 mm (8.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 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.