A Travel Price Comparison for Costa Rica San Jose vs. La Fortuna for Couples, Nightlife, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit San Jose or La Fortuna?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Jose or La Fortuna, 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.

San Jose

San Jose is a colorful, bustling, and authentic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See San Jose travel costs.

La Fortuna

La Fortuna is a stunning, scenic, and popular town. La Fortuna is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking. See La Fortuna travel costs.

San Jose and La Fortuna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Jose or La Fortuna?

Travelers will usually find more to do in La Fortuna. Although San Jose and La Fortuna are popular destinations, La Fortuna has more sights and attractions for tourists. La Fortuna is very popular for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while San Jose attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities. La Fortuna is more touristy than San Jose and is popular for its hot springs, luxury resorts, and volcanic views. It is also well known for Arenal Volcano. San Jose is famous for its colorful markets and vibrant nightlife, as well as its easy access to the rest of the country.

How is San Jose different from La Fortuna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between La Fortuna and San Jose. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in San Jose or La Fortuna?

San Jose is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, La Fortuna is a mediocre town for its museums and history.

San Jose offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Despite most people rushing through town, there are a number of museums, plazas, and interesting buildings that are worth checking out.

While most people don't head to La Fortuna specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people spend their time outdoors exploring the area, but there are also some museums that highlight local art and culture.

Is the Food Better in San Jose or La Fortuna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both San Jose and La Fortuna offer nice local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around San Jose. Most people miss out on local cuisine during their time in Costa Rica, but the capital city offers the best opportunities to eat like a local. You can sample favorite local dishes such as chifrijo, gallo pinto, rondón, and casado. You should also wander through the Central Market and dine at one of the many local restaurants.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in La Fortuna. It's a touristy mecca, and there are a number of decent restaurants around town. The area has some of the freshest local ingredients and the food reflects that. You'll find restaurants both in the center of town and along the road between the town and the hot springs.

Is San Jose or La Fortuna Better for Nightlife?

San Jose is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, La Fortuna is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its evening party scene.

San Jose has plenty to do after the sun goes down. This city has the best nightlife in all of Costa Rica. You'll find a diversity of clubs and bars that are fun to explore. Check out the reggae bars, dance clubs, and sports bars (where you can enjoy a soccer game) while you're in town.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in La Fortuna. The larger resorts usually have a couple of bars onsite. There are also local bars and pubs throughout the town. While things often quiet down by 9:00, you will probably be able to find a laid back place to enjoy a drink with friends.

Is San Jose or La Fortuna Better for Resorts?

La Fortuna is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, San Jose is not a resort destination.

La Fortuna offers an unforgettable resort vacation. There are many larger international resorts in the area. Many offer spectacular views, spas, and beautifully maintained pools that take advantage of the area's hot springs.

San Jose is not a resort destination.

Is San Jose or La Fortuna Better for Hiking?

La Fortuna is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, San Jose is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting La Fortuna. The area is filled with stunning hikes that take you through different landscapes and ecosystems. You'll likely see some wildlife, visit spectacular waterfalls, and, of course, catch views of the impressive Arenal Volcano.

San Jose is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in San Jose or La Fortuna?

San Jose is notable for its shopping opportunities. However, La Fortuna is a mediocre town for its shopping areas.

San Jose is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are a number of unique things you can buy in the city including jewelry, handbags, and wood workings. Make sure you check out the Central Market.

La Fortuna has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find a couple of good souvenir shops around town where you can pick up some locally made items.

Is San Jose or La Fortuna More Beautiful?

La Fortuna is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, San Jose is not a destination known for its beauty.

La Fortuna is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The town is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, lush rainforests, and dramatic views of the volcano. There are countless hikes and a plenty of opportunities to soak up the natural setting.

San Jose is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is San Jose or La Fortuna Better for Families?

La Fortuna is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, San Jose is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

La Fortuna is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will love exploring the outdoors and seeing some of Costa Rica's best environments. There are plenty of hiking trails, but if you're looking for short and simple, head to Ecocentro Danaus, which has a half mile flat walking loop and a butterfly garden. Another good option is Bogarin Trail, where you might see a sloth. And of course you have to check out Arenal Volcano National Park.

San Jose doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Most people pass through the city quickly, but if you have a day or two to explore, you can visit the Children's Museum (Museo de los Niños), Spirogyra Butterfly Gardens, or explore the Central Market.

Is San Jose or La Fortuna Better for Couples?

La Fortuna is very popular for romance. However, San Jose is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

La Fortuna has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. There are amazing resorts and spas in the area that make for a truly luxurious and romantic holiday. Many couples visit for their honeymoon, and whether you enjoy exploring nature or pampering yourself in a five star setting, there really is something for everyone.

Most people don't think of San Jose as a couple's destination. While Costa Rica is a popular honeymoon destination, the capital city is often overlooked for the beaches and rainforests around the country.

Is San Jose or La Fortuna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Jose and La Fortuna are both great destinations for backpackers.

San Jose is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Backpackers appreciate the affordability of the city and the wide range of hostels that you can choose from. The city also offers an authentic glimpse of life in Costa Rica.

La Fortuna is a great city to visit for backpackers. As one of the top places to visit in Costa Rica, this town has a number of hostels that cater to the backpacker crowds.

Is San Jose or La Fortuna Better for Students?

San Jose is a good destination for students. However, La Fortuna is not popular with students.

San Jose is a good city to visit for students. Many students come to Costa Rica to study the country's amazing environment and unique ecological systems. San Jose makes a good base as its easy to travel to other parts of this small country.

La Fortuna is not popular with students.

Is San Jose or La Fortuna Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find nice public transit in both San Jose and La Fortuna.

San Jose has some public transit options. There are local buses that travel through the city during the daytime hours.

You'll find some public transit in La Fortuna, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses throughout the area as well as private transportation services, taxis, and car sharing.

Is San Jose or La Fortuna a more walkable city?

San Jose and La Fortuna are nice when it comes to walkability.

San Jose is somewhat walkable. It can feel a bit chaotic, but it's relatively easy to get around on foot.

La Fortuna is a somewhat walkable place. While the town itself is very walkable, many of the area's attractions can only be reached by car.

For even more information, also check out Is San Jose Worth Visiting? and Is La Fortuna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in La Fortuna or San Jose?

How long in San Jose or La Fortuna?

It's fun to spend time in either San Jose or La Fortuna. Generally, people tend to spend more time in La Fortuna due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for San Jose, and 2-4 days is enough time in La Fortuna.

Families should spend more time in La Fortuna than San Jose. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in La Fortuna, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in La Fortuna than San Jose. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in La Fortuna that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Jose than La Fortuna if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in San Jose.

One day in San Jose or La Fortuna?

With museums and nightlife around the authentic city of San Jose, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in San Jose, one day is sufficent for most.

The beautiful town of La Fortuna offers food and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in San Jose or La Fortuna?

With nightlife and food around the destination of San Jose, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

La Fortuna is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in La Fortuna, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in San Jose or La Fortuna?

San Jose, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

La Fortuna is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in San Jose or La Fortuna?

San Jose is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

La Fortuna is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica, The Best G Adventures Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Costa Rica.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Jose and La Fortuna, we can see that La Fortuna is more expensive. And not only is San Jose much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to San Jose would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Jose 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 La Fortuna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in La Fortuna than you might in San Jose.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is San Jose Expensive? and Is La Fortuna Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, San Jose or La Fortuna?

San Jose has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of La Fortuna. When comparing the sizes of San Jose and La Fortuna, 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 San Jose or La Fortuna?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit San Jose or La Fortuna in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to San Jose as well as La Fortuna. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to La Fortuna throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in La Fortuna. San Jose receives a lot of rain in the summer. San Jose usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as La Fortuna. San Jose gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the summer, San Jose often gets around the same amount of sunshine as La Fortuna. San Jose gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Fortuna receives 164 hours of full sun.

In the summer, San Jose is around the same temperature as La Fortuna. Typically, the summer temperatures in San Jose in July average around 28°C (82°F), and La Fortuna averages at about 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit San Jose or La Fortuna in the Autumn?

Both La Fortuna and San Jose are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Jose throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to La Fortuna because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in San Jose is December to April. May to November is the hurricane season in San Jose. The dry season in La Fortuna is December to April. May to November is the hurricane season in La Fortuna. It rains a lot this time of the year in La Fortuna. It's quite rainy in San Jose. In October, San Jose usually receives around the same amount of rain as La Fortuna. San Jose gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

San Jose usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as La Fortuna during autumn. San Jose gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while La Fortuna receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, San Jose is generally around the same temperature as La Fortuna. Daily temperatures in San Jose average around 27°C (81°F), and La Fortuna fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit San Jose or La Fortuna in the Winter?

Both La Fortuna and San Jose during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to San Jose because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to La Fortuna year-round.

San Jose usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as La Fortuna. San Jose gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

In La Fortuna, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in San Jose. In the winter, San Jose often gets around the same amount of sunshine as La Fortuna. San Jose gets 264 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Fortuna receives 264 hours of full sun.

San Jose is around the same temperature as La Fortuna in the winter. The daily temperature in San Jose averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and La Fortuna fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit San Jose or La Fortuna in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both San Jose and La Fortuna. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round. La Fortuna attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

December to April in San Jose is the dry season. May to November in San Jose is the hurricane season. December to April in La Fortuna is the dry season. May to November in La Fortuna is the hurricane season. In April, San Jose usually receives around the same amount of rain as La Fortuna. San Jose gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Fortuna this time of the year. In San Jose, it's very sunny this time of the year. San Jose usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as La Fortuna during spring. San Jose gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while La Fortuna receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.

In the spring, San Jose is around the same temperature as La Fortuna. Typically, the spring temperatures in San Jose in April average around 29°C (85°F), and La Fortuna averages at about 29°C (85°F).

Typical Weather for La Fortuna and San Jose