Which place is cheaper, San Juan or New Orleans?
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 New Orleans or San Juan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between New Orleans and San Juan can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: New Orleans or San Juan?
New Orleans
New Orleans is the largest city in the state of Louisiana, and it is a cultural city that is the home of jazz, unique cuisine, and Mardi Gras in the U.S. It was established in 1718 and is one of the oldest cities in the country. The culture of the city has a mix of French, Creole, African American, Caribbean, Irish, Haitian, German and Vietnamese. There's an energy and atmosphere that is unlike any place else.
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 Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.
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New Orleans Prices
USA PricesSan Juan Prices
Puerto Rico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNew Orleans $271San Juan $218
The average daily cost (per person) in New Orleans is $271, 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 New Orleans and San Juan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNew Orleans $125San Juan $124
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNew Orleans $250San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in New Orleans and San Juan
Looking for a hotel in New Orleans 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: New Orleans Hotel Prices and San Juan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.New Orleans $51San Juan $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in New Orleans
Some typical examples of transportation costs in New Orleans are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in New Orleans
Also for New Orleans, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Handicap New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $260
- New Orleans Airport One way Transfer to Baton Rouge or Slidell: $250
- New Orleans Louis Armstrong Airport MSY Round-Trip Private Transfer: $226
- Private Transfer from Port Of New of New Orleans Cruise: $210
- NOLA Cruise Port to New Orleans hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $209
- One-Way Private New Orleans Arrival or Departure Transfer: $200
- Transfer from New Orleans MSY or Port to New Orleans by Minibus: $190
- Private Airport Transfer From New Orleans To Baton Rouge: $177
- Airport Transfer in New Orleans: $175
- Private Mercedes Sprinter Transfer NOLA, Airport, Cruise Ship: $175
- Airport and City Transfers in New Orleans : $135
- New Orleans Departure Transfers: $135
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan
Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer in Puerto Rico with Minivan from Airport: $280
- Transfer from San Juan to Ponce or Ponce to San Juan: $125
- Transfer SJU Airport to Ponce and Juana Diaz. Hotels and Airbnb Vice Versa 1 Way: $260
- Transfer SJU Airport to Dorado. Hotels and Airbnb. Vice Versa One Way Trip.: $140
- Single ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $195
- San juan Puerto Rico PrivateTransfers Airport,Hotels,Cruise Ports: $66
- San Juan hotels to San Juan PR Cruise Port - Departure Transfer: $30
- San Juan Puerto Rico Private Transfers: $105
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $120
- San Juan Port to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $60
- San Juan One-way Transfer - Cruise, SJU, Hotels, Airbnb: $30
- San Juan Airport (SJU) to San Juan - Arrival Private Transfer: $28
Is it cheaper to fly into New Orleans or San Juan?
Prices for flights to both San Juan and New Orleans 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 dayNew Orleans $78San Juan $62
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in New Orleans
For New Orleans, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- New Orleans Demonstration Cooking Class with Meal: $42
- Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option: $58
- Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Dinner Cruise in New Orleans: $60
- French Quarter Food Tour: Signature Tastes of New Orleans: $75
- New Orleans Sunset Food Tour Experience: $85
- Private New Orleans Food Tour of the French Quarter : $85
- Lower Garden District Food Tour: $89
- NOLA Carte Food Tours: $96
- Voodoo, Vampires and Delicious Bites Food Tour: $97
- New Orleans Cooking Class and Cocktail Walking Tour: $106
- New Orleans Small-Group Food Walking Tour and Cooking Class: $109
- Food Tour of New Orleans Garden District: Group of Nine or Less: $129
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.New Orleans $55San Juan $49
Typical Entertainment Prices in New Orleans
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for New Orleans's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Zoo & Aquarium Tickets (2)$75
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Riverboat Cruise$70
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French Quarter City Tour$100
Tours and Activities in New Orleans
For New Orleans, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Bom Creole Dining Experience w/ Pool and Louisiana Native Chef : $135
- Creole French Quarter Walking Tour: $35
- 45-Minute French Quarter Highlights Tour in New Orleans: $23
- 45-Minute Garden District Highlights Tour in New Orleans: $22
- 45-Minute Marigny Triangle Highlights Tour in New Orleans: $22
- 60-minute Tremé Walking Tour & Photo Experience: $15
- 90-Minute Jean Lafitte Swamp and Bayou Tour with Transportation: $62
- A Local's Garden District Tour: $165
- A Locals' Drink Dat! Cocktail Tour: $200
- A Walk in the Park: City Park New Orleans Audio Tour: $9.99
- Adults-Only Garden District Cemetery Anne Rice True Crime Tour: $35
- Adults-Only New Orleans Ghost, Crime, Voodoo, and Vampire Tour: $37
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 dayNew Orleans $60San Juan $12
Sample the Local Flavors in New Orleans
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in New Orleans:
- Ghost Tour and Haunted Pub Crawl Party with Free Shot!: $24
- New Orleans Small-Group History Tour Pub Crawl of The Irish Channel: $25
- NOLA Distillery Tour: $30
- New Orleans Spooky Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl and Ghost Tour: $30
- Vixens and Villains Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
- New Orleans Happy Hour Ghost Walking Tour Pub Crawl: $33
- New Orleans Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
- Till Death Do Us Part: Haunted Pub Crawl Where Love Meets Death: $35
- Sin and Tonic Pub Crawl in New Orleans: $35
- New Orleans Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $36
- Adults Only Haunted Pub Crawl in New Orleans: $37
- New Orleans' Finest Haunted Pub Tour: $40
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 New Orleans and San Juan, we can see that New Orleans is more expensive. And not only is San Juan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since New Orleans is in North America 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 San Juan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Juan 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 New Orleans would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in New Orleans than you might in San Juan.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is New Orleans Expensive? and Is San Juan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, New Orleans or San Juan?
New Orleans has a larger population, and is about 16% larger than the population of San Juan. When comparing the sizes of New Orleans 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 New Orleans or San Juan?
New Orleans 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 New Orleans or San Juan in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both New Orleans and San Juan. Many travelers come to New Orleans for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
New Orleans is around the same temperature as San Juan in the summer. The daily temperature in New Orleans averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan this time of the year. In New Orleans, it's very sunny this time of the year. New Orleans usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during summer. New Orleans gets 264 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
New Orleans gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, New Orleans usually receives more rain than San Juan. New Orleans gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNew Orleans 82°F (28°C)San Juan 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit New Orleans or San Juan in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to New Orleans as well as San Juan. Many visitors come to New Orleans in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.
In the autumn, New Orleans is cooler than San Juan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in New Orleans in October average around 69°F (21°C), and San Juan averages at about 28°C (82°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in New Orleans this time of the year. In the autumn, New Orleans often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Juan. New Orleans gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 235 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in San Juan. New Orleans usually gets less rain in October than San Juan. New Orleans gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNew Orleans 69°F (21°C)San Juan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit New Orleans or San Juan in the Winter?
Both San Juan and New Orleans are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to New Orleans for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, New Orleans is generally much colder than San Juan. Daily temperatures in New Orleans average around 51°F (11°C), and San Juan fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It's quite sunny in San Juan. New Orleans usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during winter. New Orleans gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in New Orleans. In January, New Orleans usually receives more rain than San Juan. New Orleans gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNew Orleans 51°F (11°C)San Juan 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit New Orleans or San Juan in the Spring?
Both San Juan and New Orleans during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the activities around the city. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.
New Orleans is cooler than San Juan in the spring. The daily temperature in New Orleans averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and San Juan fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
In San Juan, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in New Orleans. In the spring, New Orleans often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Juan. New Orleans gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. New Orleans usually gets more rain in April than San Juan. New Orleans gets 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNew Orleans 68°F (20°C)San Juan 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for San Juan and New Orleans
| New Orleans | San Juan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 51°F (11°C) | 5.2 inches (131 mm) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 54°F (12°C) | 5.8 inches (147 mm) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 62°F (16°C) | 5 inches (126 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 68°F (20°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 75°F (24°C) | 4.3 inches (110 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 80°F (27°C) | 5.9 inches (151 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 5.9 inches (149 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 82°F (28°C) | 6.2 inches (157 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 78°F (26°C) | 5.5 inches (140 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 69°F (21°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 61°F (16°C) | 4.8 inches (122 mm) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 55°F (13°C) | 5.7 inches (146 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.