Which place is cheaper, Hilo 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.
Jump to 
Should you visit San Juan or Hilo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit San Juan or Hilo? 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 Hilo?
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.
Hilo
Hilo is a town on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is also the county seat and largest city in Hawaii County, so many people use it as the starting point to explore the eastern half of the island. The town has a population of just over 40,000 people. It looks out over Hilo Bay and most of the town's development is between Hilo Bay and Waiakea-Uka near the active volcano of Mauna Loa. Hilo is where you will find the University of Hawaii at Hilo, Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii, the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corportation and Hilo International Airport.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.
-
San Juan Prices
Puerto Rico PricesHilo Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySan Juan $218Hilo $222
The average daily cost (per person) in San Juan is $218, while the average daily cost in Hilo is $222. 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 Hilo in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Juan $124Hilo $71
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Juan $248Hilo $142
Compare Hotels in San Juan and Hilo
Looking for a hotel in San Juan or Hilo? 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 Hilo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Juan $14Hilo $25
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hilo
Also for Hilo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Arrival Transfer: Kona International Airport to Big Island Hotels: $204
- Private Departure Transfer: Big Island Hotels to Kona International Airport: $204
- Private Transfer from Kona City Hotels to Hilo Cruise Port : $201
- Private Transfer from Kailua Kona Port to Kailua Kona city hotels: $97
- Private Transfer from Kona Airport (KOA) to Kailua Kona Port: $97
- Private Transfer From Kona International Airport to Hotels in Waikoloa & Waimea : $95
- Private Transfer From Hotels in Waikoloa & Waimea to Kona International Airport: $85
- Private Transfer From Kona International Airport to Hotels in Kailua-Kona: $75
- Private Departure Transfer - to Keahole Kona Airport (KOA) : $72
- Private Arrival Transfer from Keahole Kona Airport KOA: $72
- Private Transfer From Hotels in Kailua-Kona to Kona International Airport: $70
- Waikoloa beach hotels to Kona Intl. Airport (KOA) - Departure Private Transfer: $49
Is it cheaper to fly into San Juan or Hilo?
Prices for flights to both Hilo 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 daySan Juan $62Hilo $121
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 Hilo
For Hilo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hands-On Hawaiian Imu Cooking and Cultural Dining Experience: $150
- Farm to Table Cooking Class at Kulaniapia Falls: $169
- Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay: $189
- Farm-to-Table Chef's Dinner at Kulaniapia Falls: $249
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.San Juan $49Hilo $32
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.
- 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 Hilo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hilo.
- Akaka Falls Tour - Volcanoes National Park and Hilo Discovery: $179
- 2-Hour Hilo Ghost Walks Tour: $59
- 9-Line Waterfall Zipline Experience on the Big Island: $253
- Abalone Farm Tour: $35
- Baumkuchen Farm Tour: $5.00
- Big Island - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Driving Tour: $23
- Big Island ATV Tour at Ohana Ranch: $159
- Big Island Family Off Road Farm Adventure: $129
- Big Island Full Circle with Volcanoes and Akaka Falls Tour: $210
- Big Island Hawaii Self-Guided Driving Tour: $17
- Big Island Hawaii Volcano Day tour from Oahu and Hotel PU: $545
- Big Island Hawaii: Craft Chocolate Tasting and Farm Tour: $131
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySan Juan $12Hilo $10
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
When comparing the travel costs between San Juan and Hilo, we can see that Hilo 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 Hilo 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 Hilo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, San Juan or Hilo?
San Juan has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Hilo. When comparing the sizes of San Juan and Hilo, 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 Hilo?
Hilo 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 Hilo in the Summer?
Both Hilo 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, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.
In July, San Juan is generally a little warmer than Hilo. Daily temperatures in San Juan average around 28°C (83°F), and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. San Juan usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during summer. San Juan gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. In July, San Juan usually receives less rain than Hilo. San Juan gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulySan Juan 28°C (83°F)Hilo 76°F (24°C)
Should I visit San Juan or Hilo in the Autumn?
Both Hilo 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. Also, many travelers come to Hilo for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
San Juan is a little warmer than Hilo in the autumn. The daily temperature in San Juan averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).
It's quite sunny in San Juan. In the autumn, San Juan often gets more sunshine than Hilo. San Juan gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 138 hours of full sun.
Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in San Juan. San Juan usually gets less rain in October than Hilo. San Juan gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSan Juan 28°C (82°F)Hilo 76°F (24°C)
Should I visit San Juan or Hilo in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both San Juan and Hilo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round. Also, many visitors come to Hilo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, San Juan is a little warmer than Hilo. Typically, the winter temperatures in San Juan in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Hilo averages at about 72°F (22°C).
In San Juan, it's very sunny this time of the year. San Juan usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during winter. San Juan gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.
Hilo receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, San Juan usually receives less rain than Hilo. San Juan gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySan Juan 25°C (77°F)Hilo 72°F (22°C)
Should I visit San Juan or Hilo in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to San Juan as well as Hilo. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Hilo for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, San Juan is generally a little warmer than Hilo. Daily temperatures in San Juan average around 26°C (79°F), and Hilo fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan this time of the year. In the spring, San Juan often gets more sunshine than Hilo. San Juan gets 272 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 134 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Hilo. San Juan usually gets less rain in April than Hilo. San Juan gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilSan Juan 26°C (79°F)Hilo 73°F (23°C)
Typical Weather for Hilo and San Juan
| San Juan | Hilo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 8.7 inches (221 mm) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 10.8 inches (274 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 13.6 inches (345 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 15.6 inches (395 mm) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 10.7 inches (272 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 8.5 inches (215 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 9.8 inches (248 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 14.8 inches (375 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 12.6 inches (321 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.