Which place is cheaper, Galveston 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.
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Should you visit San Juan or Galveston?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit San Juan or Galveston? 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 Galveston?
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.
Galveston
Located on Galveston Island off the Texas Gulf Coast, Galveston is a popular destination for Texans and a departure point for cruise ships. It also makes a great beach destination for anyone looking to enjoy a week or weekend.
Galveston is a popular destination during the summer months, but the warm climate makes it comfortable year round. Even during the winter months you can enjoy mild temperatures, although on occasion it can have a cold spell.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.
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San Juan Prices
Puerto Rico PricesGalveston Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySan Juan $218Galveston $221
The average daily cost (per person) in San Juan is $218, while the average daily cost in Galveston is $221. 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 Galveston in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Juan $124Galveston $81
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Juan $248Galveston $162
Compare Hotels in San Juan and Galveston
Looking for a hotel in San Juan or Galveston? 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: San Juan Hotel Prices and Galveston Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Juan $14Galveston $35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan
Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Double ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $289
- Transfer in Puerto Rico with Minivan from Airport: $280
- Transfer SJU Airport to Ponce and Juana Diaz. Hotels and Airbnb Vice Versa 1 Way: $260
- Carabali Rain Forest Round Trip Private Taxi Transfer: $200
- Single ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $195
- Private Airport Transfers to Ceiba Ferry Terminal and Airport: $155
- Transfer SJU Airport to Dorado. Hotels and Airbnb. Vice Versa One Way Trip.: $140
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, 16Pax Mercedes Van, Select Zone: $130
- Transfer from San Juan to Ponce or Ponce to San Juan: $125
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, 14Pax Lux Sprinter Van: $124
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $120
- Arrival Private Transfer SJU Airport to Old San Juan by Sedan: $120
Is it cheaper to fly into San Juan or Galveston?
Prices for flights to both Galveston 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
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Food Meals for one daySan Juan $62Galveston $90
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 Galveston
For Galveston, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Taste of the Strand all-inclusive family friendly food tours: $125
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.San Juan $49Galveston $15
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: $60
- 3 Tours in 1 Day: Old San Juan, Rainforest, Beach with Transport: $75
- 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
Tours and Activities in Galveston
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Galveston.
- Al's Ghost tour : a small group experience : $19
- Authentic Galveston Ghost City Tour: $30
- Baywatch Dolphin Tour : $28
- Beer Tasting Experience with 4 Beer Flight: $10
- Combo: "Dark of the Moon" Ghost Tour + Red Light District Tour: $29
- Demo and Reno Galveston Reconstructed Private Tour: $85
- Galveston Dark of the Moon Tour: $30
- Galveston Gilded Age Architecture Tour: $85
- Galveston Haunted Harbor Tour: 1-Hour Boat Ride at Night : $45
- Galveston Historical Harbor Tours: $35
- Galveston History and Architecture Tour: $40
- Galveston Island E-Bike Adventure Tour: $75
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySan Juan $12Galveston $37
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 Galveston
Also in Galveston, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Galveston Island Brewing Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting : $10
- Haunted Pub Crawl & Scandalous Red Light Tour: $20
- Galveston's Best Pub Crawl: $20
- Haunted Pub Crawl & Scandalous Red Light Tour in Galveston: $29
- Galveston's Best Pub Crawl and Historical Tour near The Strand: $29
- Galveston Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35
- Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35
When comparing the travel costs between San Juan and Galveston, we can see that Galveston 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 San Juan is in Caribbean Islands and Galveston is in North America, 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 San Juan Expensive? and Is Galveston Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, San Juan or Galveston?
San Juan has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Galveston. When comparing the sizes of San Juan and Galveston, 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 Galveston?
Galveston 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 Galveston in the Summer?
Both Galveston and San Juan are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Galveston for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, San Juan is around the same temperature as Galveston. Typically, the summer temperatures in San Juan in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Galveston averages at about 84°F (29°C).
In July, San Juan usually receives more rain than Galveston. San Juan gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Galveston receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySan Juan 28°C (83°F)Galveston 84°F (29°C)
Should I visit San Juan or Galveston in the Autumn?
Both Galveston and San Juan during the autumn 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, many visitors come to Galveston in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.
In October, San Juan is generally a little warmer than Galveston. Daily temperatures in San Juan average around 28°C (82°F), and Galveston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in San Juan. San Juan usually gets more rain in October than Galveston. San Juan gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSan Juan 28°C (82°F)Galveston 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit San Juan or Galveston in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both San Juan and Galveston. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Galveston for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
San Juan is much warmer than Galveston in the winter. The daily temperature in San Juan averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Galveston fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).
In January, San Juan usually receives less rain than Galveston. San Juan gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySan Juan 25°C (77°F)Galveston 52°F (11°C)
Should I visit San Juan or Galveston in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to San Juan as well as Galveston. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Galveston because of the beaches and the small town charm.
In the spring, San Juan is a little warmer than Galveston. Typically, the spring temperatures in San Juan in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Galveston averages at about 70°F (21°C).
San Juan usually gets more rain in April than Galveston. San Juan gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSan Juan 26°C (79°F)Galveston 70°F (21°C)
Typical Weather for Galveston and San Juan
| San Juan | Galveston | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 52°F (11°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 70°F (21°C) | 2.4 inches (60 mm) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 4.3 inches (108 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 84°F (29°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 83°F (29°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 80°F (27°C) | 5.6 inches (141 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 2.3 inches (59 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 3.2 inches (81 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
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.