A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers San Juan vs. Boston for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit San Juan or Boston?

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

Should I visit San Juan or Boston? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: San Juan or Boston?

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.

Boston

Boston is one of the oldest and most historic cities in New England. It is also the capital of the state of Massachusetts and the largest city in the region. The city proper covers 48 square miles and has a population of more than 600,000. The Greater Boston area has 4.5 million people and is the tenth largest metropolitan area in the country.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Boston or San Juan?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in San Juan is $218, while the average daily cost in Boston is $291. 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 San Juan and Boston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    San Juan $124
    Boston $166
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    San Juan $248
    Boston $332
Compare Hotels in San Juan and Boston

Looking for a hotel in San Juan or Boston? 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.

Hotels in San Juan


Hotels in Boston


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: San Juan Hotel Prices and Boston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    San Juan $14
    Boston $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan

Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to San Juan Airport: $22
  • Premium Transfer in Airport, Hotel, Airbnb, Cruise: $25
  • San Juan Airport (SJU) to San Juan - Arrival Private Transfer: $28
  • San Juan hotels to San Juan PR Cruise Port - Departure Transfer: $30
  • San Juan One-way Transfer - Cruise, SJU, Hotels, Airbnb: $30
  • Private Transfer Puerto Rico:To or From Airports, Hotels &Cruises: $33
  • Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, Tesla 3 Luxury Sedan.: $56
  • San Juan Port to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $60
  • San juan Puerto Rico PrivateTransfers Airport,Hotels,Cruise Ports: $66
  • Roundtrip-Transfer from: SJU Airport,Cruises and Hotels in Puerto Rico LuxurySUV: $70
  • Roundtrip-Transfer in Puerto Rico: From Airports, Hotels, Cruises: $71
  • Airport Transfer to Cruise Ships, Hotels, Airbnb in San Juan: $76

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Boston

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Boston are as follows:


  • Taxi
    $35
  • Subway Daily Pass
    $9.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Boston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Boston:

  • Round trip Airport Transfer: Boston Logan to Downton Boston : $300
  • Private Transfer from Boston Airport to Providence RI: $294
  • Flynn Cruise port Boston to Boston hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $245
  • Private Luxury Airport Transfer from Boston Logan (BOS): $200
  • Private arrival OR departure transfer in Boston (hotel OR airport pick-up): $196
  • Private Transfer from Boston Logan Airport (BOS) to Newport Port: $192
  • Private Transfer from Newport Port to Boston Logan Airport (BOS) : $192
  • Private Transfer from Boston City Hotels to Newport Cruise Port: $192
  • Private Transfer from Newport Cruise Port to Boston city hotels: $192
  • Private Transfer in Boston (BOS) Airport/Home/Hotel/Work : $190
  • Boston Logan Airport (BOS) to Flynn Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $190
  • Boston Airport (BOS): Transfer to Flynn Cruise Port Boston: $184

Is it cheaper to fly into San Juan or Boston?

Prices for flights to both Boston and San Juan 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    San Juan $62
    Boston $86

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Boston

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Boston.

  • Self Guided "The North End Pizza, Cannoli and Picnic" Solo Walking Tour : $5.50
  • Morning Walks with Salem Food Tours: $34
  • Boston Freedom Trail History and Food Tour: $39
  • Freedom Trail History and Food Tour: $39
  • Pizza Beer and Paul Revere Tour: $65
  • Boston Pizza Lovers Food & History Walking Food Tour: $69
  • North End Pizza Walking Tour with 3 Slices & Cannoli: $69
  • 2-Hour Pasta Making Cooking Class With Local Chef in Boston: $75
  • North End Food Experience with Pizza, Meats & Cheese: $75
  • Pizza, Beer, and Paul Revere Tour: $75
  • City Cruises Harbor Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise: $89
  • Boston’s Politically Incorrect North End Food tour: $98

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    San Juan $49
    Boston $33
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Juan

For San Juan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Horseback Riding Tour
    $40
  • Full Day Snorkeling Trip
    $100
  • 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.

  • Transportation in San Juan, Isla verde, Condado, Hotels, Cruises & Airbnb's SJU: $14
  • San Juan Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $17
  • Eco Friendly Farming Tour to Explore Dorado's Most Beautiful Farm: $20
  • Discover Superb Self-Guided Audio Tour: $20
  • Group Transportation in airport, cruise ships, hotels, bnb's in San Juan, PR: $23
  • Old San Juan Walking Tour with a Local Certified Guide: $25
  • San Juan Ghost Tour: Shrieks in the Sugarcane: $32
  • Old San Juan Walking Tour: $39
  • Old San Juan City Walking Tour: $39
  • Historic Old San Juan Sunset Walking Tour: $39
  • Top Rated El Yunque Rainforest & Waterslide – VIP SmallGroup Tour: $45
  • Ron del Barrilito Heritage Skip-the-Line Tour: $46

Typical Entertainment Prices in Boston

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Boston are as follows:


  • Two Tickets to Celtics Game
    $101
  • Duck Tour
    $32

Tours and Activities in Boston

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Boston are as follows:

  • Boston Massachusetts Private Photography Tour: $130
  • Freedom Trail Walking Tour: $26
  • Salem Witch Tour: $80
  • "Ghosts of Boston" Walking Ghost Tour: $30
  • "Witch Trials" Walking Tour in Salem: $30
  • 1 Hour Boston Segway Tour: $69
  • 1 If By Land Walking Tours: $45
  • 1 or 2 Day Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour of Boston With *20+ Stops: $48
  • 1692 Salem Day Tour: $35
  • 1692 Salem Night Walking Tour: $35
  • 2 Hour Boston Historical and Heritage Walking Tour: $5.00
  • 2-Day Niagara Falls USA Tour from Boston: $49

For more ideas for your next trip, check out Free Things to Do in Boston, Must-See Monuments and Memorials In Boston, and The Best Things To Do in Boston with Kids.


Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    San Juan $12
    Boston $27

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Boston

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Boston:

  • Boston Bar Crawl Back Bay Beat Bar Craw: $15
  • Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl: $29
  • Boston Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Haunted Pub Crawl of Historic Pubs and Taverns: $35
  • 2 Hour Historic Pub Crawl in Boston: $35
  • Salem Booze and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl by US Ghost Adventures: $36
  • Boston Ghosts Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl : $36
  • History Pub Crawl Tour Along the Freedom Trail: $56
  • Boston Freedom Trail History Pub Crawl Small-Group Tour: $60
  • Freedom Trail History Tour and Brewery Taste: $71
  • Sushi Making Class at a Local Brewery in Boston: $75
  • Sushi Making Class at a Local Distillery in Boston: $75


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


Which is Bigger, San Juan or Boston?

Boston has a larger population, and is about 41% larger than the population of San Juan. When comparing the sizes of San Juan and Boston, 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 Juan or Boston?

Boston 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 San Juan or Boston in the Summer?

Both Boston and San Juan during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Boston because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

San Juan is a little warmer than Boston in the summer. The daily temperature in San Juan averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Boston fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Boston, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in San Juan. In the summer, San Juan often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Boston. San Juan gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 304 hours of full sun.

San Juan usually gets more rain in July than Boston. San Juan gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Boston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    San Juan 28°C (83°F) 
    Boston 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit San Juan or Boston in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both San Juan and Boston. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Boston this time of year.

In the autumn, San Juan is much warmer than Boston. Typically, the autumn temperatures in San Juan in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Boston averages at about 54°F (12°C).

In San Juan, it's very sunny this time of the year. San Juan usually receives more sunshine than Boston during autumn. San Juan gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

San Juan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, San Juan usually receives more rain than Boston. San Juan gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    San Juan 28°C (82°F) 
    Boston 54°F (12°C)

Should I visit San Juan or Boston in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to San Juan as well as Boston. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Boston for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Boston. In January, San Juan is generally much warmer than Boston. Daily temperatures in San Juan average around 25°C (77°F), and Boston fluctuates around 29°F (-2°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan this time of the year. In the winter, San Juan often gets more sunshine than Boston. San Juan gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 153 hours of full sun.

San Juan usually gets less rain in January than Boston. San Juan gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    San Juan 25°C (77°F) 
    Boston 29°F (-2°C)

Should I visit San Juan or Boston in the Spring?

Both Boston and San Juan are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Boston in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

San Juan is much warmer than Boston in the spring. The daily temperature in San Juan averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Boston fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

It's quite sunny in Boston. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. San Juan usually receives more sunshine than Boston during spring. San Juan gets 272 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, San Juan usually receives less rain than Boston. San Juan gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    San Juan 26°C (79°F) 
    Boston 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Boston and San Juan

San Juan Boston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 29°F (-2°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 30°F (-1°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Mar 26°C (78°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 38°F (4°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 48°F (9°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
May 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 58°F (15°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 68°F (20°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 72°F (22°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 64°F (18°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 54°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 45°F (7°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Dec 26°C (78°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 33°F (1°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)