Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Philadelphia?
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 Philadelphia or San Juan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Philadelphia or San Juan, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Philadelphia or San Juan?
Philadelphia
Philadelphia is the fourth largest urban area, and the fifth largest city in the United States. It's located in southeastern Pennsylvania and has a rich history, having once been the capital of the United States. The city has very impressive architecture, museums, universities, and entertainment venues. It's a cultural and artistic center for the country and it continues to climb as a top travel destination.
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 Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.
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Philadelphia Prices
USA PricesSan Juan Prices
Puerto Rico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPhiladelphia $224San Juan $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Philadelphia is $224, 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 Philadelphia and San Juan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPhiladelphia $119San Juan $124
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPhiladelphia $238San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Philadelphia and San Juan
Looking for a hotel in Philadelphia 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: Philadelphia Hotel Prices and San Juan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Philadelphia $28San Juan $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Philadelphia
Also for Philadelphia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Philadelphia City to Baltimore City - Private Car Transfer: $210
- Private Transfer Philadelphia to Philadephia Airport PHL by SUV: $146
- Private transfer from PHL to Philadelphia Downtown: $130
- Private Transfer: Philadelphia Airport PHL to Philadelphia in Luxury SUV: $115
- Philadelphia Airport (PHL) to Philadelphia - Arrival Private Transfer: $109
- Private Transfer: Philadelphia Airport PHL to Philadelphia in Business Car: $104
- Private Transfer Philadephia to Philadelphia Airport PHL by Sedan: $94
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 Philadelphia or San Juan?
Prices for flights to both San Juan and Philadelphia 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 dayPhiladelphia $84San Juan $62
Typical Food Prices in Philadelphia
For Philadelphia, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Casual Lunch (for 3)$27
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Philadelphia
For Philadelphia, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Nibble Food Tour: $58
- Philadelphia Italian Market Public Food Tour: $59
- Center City Philadelphia Food Tour with Reading Market : $59
- Flavors of Philly Food Tour: $65
- Behind The Scenes Food Tour: South Philly & Italian Market: $95
- Highlights of East Passyunk Food Tour: $105
- City Cruises Signature Dinner Cruise with Buffet: $123
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.Philadelphia $28San Juan $49
Typical Entertainment Prices in Philadelphia
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Philadelphia's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Big Bus Tour (family of 3)$99
Tours and Activities in Philadelphia
For Philadelphia, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2.5 Hour Philadelphia History Tour with Washington War Tent Show: $45
- 3-Hour Private Favorite & Secret Bars Walking Tour Philadelphia: $35
- 90 Minute History Walking Tour of Old City Philadelphia: $29
- Alexander Hamilton Private Group Walking Tour in Philadelphia: $250
- Arabic Walking Tour of Historic Philadelphia for 2 hours. : $75
- BYOB Historically Hilarious Trolley Tour of Philadelphia: $49
- Badass Women's History Walking Tour of Philadelphia: $59
- City Sightseeing Philadelphia Double Decker Hop-On Hop-Off (24, 48, 72 Hours): $68
- City Sightseeing Philadelphia Founding Fathers Walking Tour : $32
- City Sightseeing Philadelphia HOHO Bus Tour + Bookable Extras: $39
- Classic Philadelphia City Bike Tour: $79
- Dark Philly Adult Night Tour: $38
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: $51
- 3 Tours in 1 Day: Old San Juan, Rainforest, Beach with Transport: $64
- 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 dayPhiladelphia $21San Juan $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Philadelphia
Also in Philadelphia, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Philly Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $36
- Liberty History Tour Pub Crawl: $45
- Philadelphia Prohibition Pub Crawl: $50
- Philly Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105
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 Philadelphia and San Juan, we can see that Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia Expensive? and Is San Juan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Philadelphia or San Juan?
Philadelphia has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of San Juan. When comparing the sizes of Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia or San Juan?
Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia or San Juan in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Philadelphia and San Juan. Many visitors come to Philadelphia in the summer 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.
In July, Philadelphia is generally cooler than San Juan. Daily temperatures in Philadelphia average around 77°F (25°C), 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 Philadelphia, it's very sunny this time of the year. Philadelphia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Juan during summer. Philadelphia gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
Philadelphia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Philadelphia usually receives around the same amount of rain as San Juan. Philadelphia gets 3.9 inches (100 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 JulyPhiladelphia 77°F (25°C)San Juan 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Philadelphia or San Juan in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Philadelphia as well as San Juan. Most visitors come to Philadelphia for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.
Philadelphia is much colder than San Juan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Philadelphia averages around 56°F (14°C) in October, and San Juan fluctuates around 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 Philadelphia this time of the year. In the autumn, Philadelphia often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Philadelphia gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 235 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in San Juan. Philadelphia usually gets less rain in October than San Juan. Philadelphia gets 1.9 inches (48 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 OctoberPhiladelphia 56°F (14°C)San Juan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Philadelphia or San Juan in the Winter?
Both San Juan and Philadelphia are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Philadelphia because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The weather in Philadelphia can be very cold. In the winter, Philadelphia is much colder than San Juan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Philadelphia in January average around 30°F (-1°C), and San Juan averages at about 25°C (77°F).
It's quite sunny in San Juan. Philadelphia usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during winter. Philadelphia gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Philadelphia usually receives around the same amount of rain as San Juan. Philadelphia gets 2.3 inches (58 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 JanuaryPhiladelphia 30°F (-1°C)San Juan 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Philadelphia or San Juan in the Spring?
Both San Juan and Philadelphia during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Philadelphia this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.
In April, Philadelphia is generally much colder than San Juan. Daily temperatures in Philadelphia average around 52°F (11°C), 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 Philadelphia. In the spring, Philadelphia often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Philadelphia gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun.
Philadelphia usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as San Juan. Philadelphia gets 2.8 inches (70 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 AprilPhiladelphia 52°F (11°C)San Juan 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for San Juan and Philadelphia
| Philadelphia | San Juan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 33°F (1°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 42°F (6°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 52°F (11°C) | 2.8 inches (70 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 63°F (17°C) | 2.8 inches (70 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 72°F (22°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 77°F (25°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 76°F (24°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 68°F (20°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 56°F (14°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 46°F (8°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 36°F (2°C) | 2.7 inches (69 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.