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

Should you visit San Juan or Dallas?

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

Should I visit San Juan or Dallas? 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 Dallas?

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.

Dallas

Located in the north central part of the state, Dallas is a prominent city in Texas and is one of the most populated metropolitan areas in the United States of America. The business reputation of Dallas rose from its historical status as the center for cotton and oil industries. It was also positioned among numerous railroads.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.


Which place is cheaper, Dallas 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 Dallas is $166. 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 Dallas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    San Juan $124
    Dallas $84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    San Juan $248
    Dallas $168
Compare Hotels in San Juan and Dallas

Looking for a hotel in San Juan or Dallas? 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 Dallas


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 Dallas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    San Juan $14
    Dallas $28

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dallas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dallas:

  • Dallas Airport (DAL) to Dallas - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $180
  • Plano/Allen to Dallas Airport (DFW) - Departure Private Transfer: $160
  • Private Transfer from Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Luxury SUV: $138
  • Departure Private Transfer: Dallas to Dallas Airport DFW in Luxury SUV: $138
  • Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW) to Dallas - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $134
  • Private Transfer from Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Business Car: $119
  • Private Transfer from Dallas to Dallas Airport DFW in Business Car: $119
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Business Car: $119
  • One Way DFW Airport to Hotel Private Transfer: $110
  • Private Transfer Fort Worth Airport DFW to Downtown Fort Worth by Luxury Vehicle: $109
  • Private Transfer Fort Worth Airport DFW to Downtown Dallas by Luxury Vehicle: $92
  • Dallas to Dallas Airport (DAL) - Departure Private Transfer: $90

Is it cheaper to fly into San Juan or Dallas?

Prices for flights to both Dallas 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
    Dallas $61

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

Typical Food Prices in Dallas

Some typical examples of dining costs in Dallas are as follows:


  • Cowboys Stadium Tour (for 2)
    $55
  • Whataburger Lunch (family of 4)
    $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dallas

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

  • Downtown Dallas Walking Food Tour History and Cocktail Package : $25
  • Discover Downtown Dallas Food Tour with Food Tours of America: $95
  • Dallas Food Tour: 5 Epic Tastings in Deep Ellum: $99
  • Uptown Eats! Trolley Tour with Food Tours of America: $99
  • Downtown Dallas Holiday Lights Food Tour: $100
  • Dallas Secret Food Tour: $104
  • 5-course Walking Food Tour in Dallas : Cocktail package available: $109

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    San Juan $49
    Dallas $13
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

Tours and Activities in Dallas

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

  • 2 Hour Dallas Night Sightseeing E-Scooter Tour: $60
  • Fort Worth Historical Tour from Dallas: $86
  • 1-Hour JFK Assassination Walking Tour: $28
  • 1-Hour JFK Assassination Walking Tour : $28
  • 3-Hour Ropes Course & Zip Line Adventure : $56
  • 3hr Dallas Cowboys Stadium Small Group Tour with Transportation: $108
  • Dallas : Private Custom Walking Tour With A Guide (Private Tour): $132
  • Dallas Cowboys Football Game Ticket at AT&T Stadium: $96
  • Dallas Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $118
  • Dallas Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Dallas and Fort Worth City Sightseeing Tour Small-Group: $135
  • Dallas and JFK Cruizer Tour : $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    San Juan $12
    Dallas $12

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 Dallas

Also in Dallas, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Dallas Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • 1-Hour Distillery Tour & Tasting in Dallas: $40
  • Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum and Downtown Dallas: $55
  • DIY Candle Making Class at a Local Brewery in Dallas: $55
  • Dallas Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum: $55


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

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 Dallas Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, San Juan or Dallas?

Dallas has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of San Juan. When comparing the sizes of San Juan and Dallas, 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 Dallas?

Dallas 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 Dallas in the Summer?

Both Dallas 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. Also, many travelers come to Dallas for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, San Juan is around the same temperature as Dallas. Typically, the summer temperatures in San Juan in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Dallas averages at about 88°F (31°C).

In Dallas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in San Juan. In the summer, San Juan often gets less sunshine than Dallas. San Juan gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dallas receives 337 hours of full sun.

San Juan usually gets more rain in July than Dallas. San Juan gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Dallas receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    San Juan 28°C (83°F) 
    Dallas 88°F (31°C)

Should I visit San Juan or Dallas in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both San Juan and Dallas. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round. Also, many visitors come to Dallas in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, San Juan is generally a little warmer than Dallas. Daily temperatures in San Juan average around 28°C (82°F), and Dallas fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dallas this time of the year. In San Juan, it's very sunny this time of the year. San Juan usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dallas during autumn. San Juan gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Dallas receives 222 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 Dallas. San Juan gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    San Juan 28°C (82°F) 
    Dallas 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit San Juan or Dallas in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to San Juan as well as Dallas. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Dallas for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

San Juan is much warmer than Dallas in the winter. The daily temperature in San Juan averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Dallas fluctuates around 46°F (8°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 Dallas. San Juan gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dallas receives 183 hours of full sun.

San Juan usually gets more rain in January than Dallas. San Juan gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Dallas receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    San Juan 25°C (77°F) 
    Dallas 46°F (8°C)

Should I visit San Juan or Dallas in the Spring?

Both Dallas 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, the spring months attract visitors to Dallas because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, San Juan is a little warmer than Dallas. Typically, the spring temperatures in San Juan in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Dallas averages at about 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Dallas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. San Juan usually receives more sunshine than Dallas during spring. San Juan gets 272 hours of sunny skies, while Dallas receives 251 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, San Juan usually receives less rain than Dallas. San Juan gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    San Juan 26°C (79°F) 
    Dallas 68°F (20°C)

Typical Weather for Dallas and San Juan

San Juan Dallas
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 46°F (8°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 51°F (10°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm)
Mar 26°C (78°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 60°F (15°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 68°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
May 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 76°F (24°C) 5 inches (128 mm)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 83°F (29°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 88°F (31°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 87°F (31°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 80°F (27°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 69°F (21°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 59°F (15°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Dec 26°C (78°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 50°F (10°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)