A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers San Jose vs. La Paz for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit San Jose or La Paz?

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 Paz, 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 Paz

La Paz is a cultural, beautiful, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See La Paz travel costs.

San Jose and La Paz: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will generally find more things to do in La Paz than San Jose. While San Jose is larger than La Paz, La Paz has more sights and attractions for tourists. La Paz is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while San Jose attracts visitors for its nightlife and big city activities. La Paz is more touristy than San Jose and is popular for its beautiful beaches, fascinating cultural setting, and authentic local atmosphere. It is also well known for Balandra Beach. 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 Paz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between La Paz 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 Paz?

La Paz is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to La Paz can be an interesting and educational experience. Sights and landmarks around town include La Paz Cathedral, the Museo de Antropología e Historia de Baja California Sur, the the Museo de Arte de Baja California Sur, and Teatro Juarez.

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.

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

La Paz is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in La Paz. As the capital of Baja California Sur, you'll find many local restaurants that serve traditional and authentic Mexican cuisine. The recipes include seafood and local produce. You'll find everything from food stalls to high end restaurants around town.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in 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.

Is San Jose or La Paz Better for Nightlife?

San Jose is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city 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 Paz. There are many bars and restaurants around the Malecón.

Is San Jose or La Paz Better for Resorts?

La Paz is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, San Jose is not a resort destination.

La Paz has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are a number of hotels and resorts around town that make for a nice vacation.

San Jose is not a resort destination.

Is San Jose or La Paz Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

La Paz is a very popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, San Jose is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to La Paz to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. There are organized diving and snorkeling excursions available around town. It's location by the Sea of Cortez makes diving a world class experience.

San Jose is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is San Jose or La Paz Better for Beaches?

La Paz is very popular for its beaches. However, San Jose is not a beach destination.

The beaches in La Paz are among the best in the world. The beaches in the area are the main draw, and you'll find beaches that are family-friendly, romantic, or full of amenities. Some consider the beaches in the area among the best in Mexico.

San Jose is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in San Jose or La Paz?

Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both San Jose and La Paz.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting San Jose. 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 Paz is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Local boutiques, souvenir shops, and art galleries all make for interesting shopping opportunities.

Is San Jose or La Paz Better for Families?

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

La Paz is a very family-friendly destination. Older kids will enjoy swimming with whale sharks, whale watching, and experiencing the region's wildlife. There are also many beaches in the area where kids can play.

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 Paz Better for Couples?

La Paz is a nice place to visit for romance. However, San Jose is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

La Paz is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy walking along the beach promenade known as Malecon. There are also beaches and amazing animal experiences such as whale watching or dolphin viewing.

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 Paz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Jose and La Paz are both high quality 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 Paz is a great city to visit for backpackers. The city offers an authentic experience and hostels that make it a budget-friendly option for backpackers.

Is San Jose or La Paz Better for Students?

San Jose is a city with good options for students. However, La Paz 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 Paz is not popular with students.

Is San Jose or La Paz 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 Paz.

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 Paz, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a cheap local bus system around town.

Is San Jose or La Paz a more walkable city?

La Paz is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

La Paz is very walkable. The city is very walkable.

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

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

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

How long in San Jose or La Paz?

It's fun to spend time in either San Jose or La Paz. Generally, people tend to spend more time in La Paz 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 Paz.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Paz than San Jose 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 La Paz.

One day in San Jose or La Paz?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of San Jose. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

The city of La Paz offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Paz?

San Jose is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

La Paz is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in La Paz, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in San Jose or La Paz?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Jose. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

La Paz is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. 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 Paz?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of San Jose. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

La Paz is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city 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 Budget Tours to Mexico, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Mexico.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Jose and La Paz, we can see that La Paz is more expensive. And not only is San Jose much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since San Jose is in Central America and La Paz is in North 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 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 Paz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in La Paz 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 Paz Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, San Jose or La Paz?

San Jose has a larger population, and is about 95% larger than the population of La Paz. When comparing the sizes of San Jose and La Paz, 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 Paz?

La Paz 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 San Jose or La Paz in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to San Jose as well as La Paz. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to La Paz for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, San Jose is around the same temperature as La Paz. Typically, the summer temperatures in San Jose in July average around 28°C (82°F), and La Paz averages at about 30°C (86°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Paz. In the summer, San Jose often gets less sunshine than La Paz. San Jose gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Paz receives 287 hours of full sun.

San Jose receives a lot of rain in the summer. San Jose usually gets more rain in July than La Paz. San Jose gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both La Paz 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. Also, many visitors come to La Paz in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In October, San Jose is generally around the same temperature as La Paz. Daily temperatures in San Jose average around 27°C (81°F), and La Paz fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in La Paz. San Jose usually receives less sunshine than La Paz during autumn. San Jose gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while La Paz receives 272 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in San Jose. In October, San Jose usually receives more rain than La Paz. San Jose gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in San Jose is December to April. May to November is the hurricane season in San Jose.

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

Both La Paz 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to La Paz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

San Jose is much warmer than La Paz in the winter. The daily temperature in San Jose averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and La Paz fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

In La Paz, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in San Jose. In the winter, San Jose often gets more sunshine than La Paz. San Jose gets 264 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Paz receives 200 hours of full sun.

San Jose usually gets less rain in January than La Paz. San Jose gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both San Jose and La Paz. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to La Paz because of the beaches.

In the spring, San Jose is a little warmer than La Paz. Typically, the spring temperatures in San Jose in April average around 29°C (85°F), and La Paz averages at about 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Paz this time of the year. In San Jose, it's very sunny this time of the year. San Jose usually receives less sunshine than La Paz during spring. San Jose gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while La Paz receives 292 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, San Jose usually receives more rain than La Paz. San Jose gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the spring. December to April in San Jose is the dry season. May to November in San Jose is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for La Paz and San Jose