Which place is cheaper, Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit San Juan or Myrtle Beach? 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 Myrtle Beach?
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.
Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is one of the most popular and touristy beach destinations on the South Atlantic coast. It's a popular spring break destination for college kids and there is no shortage of hotels and entertainment options along the beach front. It's also well known as a golfing destination, and it has some wonderful seafood restaurants and shopping areas. If you're looking for a natural, relaxed beach destination, Myrtle Beach is not your best option, but if you're looking for the thrills of club hopping, wonderful food options, and souvenir shopping opportunities, then Myrtle Beach is where it's at.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.
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San Juan Prices
Puerto Rico PricesMyrtle Beach Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySan Juan $218Myrtle Beach $214
The average daily cost (per person) in San Juan is $218, while the average daily cost in Myrtle Beach is $214. 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 Myrtle Beach in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Juan $124Myrtle Beach $88
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Juan $248Myrtle Beach $176
Compare Hotels in San Juan and Myrtle Beach
Looking for a hotel in San Juan or Myrtle Beach? 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 Myrtle Beach Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Juan $14Myrtle Beach $24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan
Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer to Cruise Ships, Hotels, Airbnb in San Juan: $76
- Arrival Private Transfer SJU Airport to Old San Juan by Sedan: $120
- Carabali Rain Forest Round Trip Private Taxi Transfer: $200
- Departure Transfer from Old San Juan to to SJU Airport by Car: $86
- Double ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $289
- Premium Transfer in Airport, Hotel, Airbnb, Cruise: $25
- Private Airport Transfers to Ceiba Ferry Terminal and Airport: $155
- Private Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to San Juan Airport: $22
- Private Transfer Puerto Rico:To or From Airports, Hotels &Cruises: $33
- Private Transfer from SJU Airport to Cruise Port Roundtrip Servic: $109
- Private Transfer from SJU Airport to San Juan / Rio Grande: $115
- Private Transfer from or to San Juan and Ceiba Ferry: $93
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Myrtle Beach
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Myrtle Beach:
- One Way To/From Airport Transfer: $50
- Private Departure Transfer to Myrtle Beach Airport (MYR): $36
- Private Arrival Transfer from Myrtle Beach Airport MYR: $36
Is it cheaper to fly into San Juan or Myrtle Beach?
Prices for flights to both Myrtle Beach 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 $62Myrtle Beach $97
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 Myrtle Beach
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Myrtle Beach:
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Dinner for Two$49
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Diner Breakfast for Two$21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Myrtle Beach
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Myrtle Beach.
- Riga Tony's Murder Mystery Dinner Show : $60
- Polynesian Fire Luau and Dinner Show Ticket in Myrtle Beach: $67
- Adventure Luau - Polynesian Dinner Show: $69
- North Dinner Cruise on a Paddle Wheel Boat: $69
- Luau with Polynesian Dinner and Live Show: $71
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.San Juan $49Myrtle Beach $46
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.
- 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 Myrtle Beach
Here are a few typical costs in Myrtle Beach for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Mini Golf for Two$18
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Beach Chairs$15
Tours and Activities in Myrtle Beach
Here are a few actual costs in Myrtle Beach for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2 HR Dolphin Tour in North Myrtle Beach: $37
- 2-Hour Guided Segway Tour of Huntington Beach State Park in Myrtle Beach: $69
- Catamaran Dolphin Cruise in Myrtle Beach with Barrier Island Stop: $40
- Custom Candle Making Experience: $60
- Day Trip to Charleston#5: City Tour, Boone Hall, City Market : $115
- Day Trips to Charleston#7 See Ft Sumter,CarriageTour,Lunch & more: $215
- Early Myrtle Beach History and The WWII Years Trolley Tour: $45
- From Charleston Day Trip, Boone Hall & Cruise: $210
- Kayak River Tour to a Private Island: $62
- Mayhem, Mystique & Murder in Myrtle Beach Ghost Tour: $32
- Mayhem, Mystique, & Murder in Myrtle Beach Ghost Tour : $32
- Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Myrtle Beach SC: $15
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySan Juan $12Myrtle Beach $16
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 Myrtle Beach, we can see that San Juan 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 Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, San Juan or Myrtle Beach?
San Juan has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Myrtle Beach. When comparing the sizes of San Juan and Myrtle Beach, 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 Myrtle Beach?
Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to San Juan as well as Myrtle Beach. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Myrtle Beach for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, San Juan is generally around the same temperature as Myrtle Beach. Daily temperatures in San Juan average around 28°C (83°F), and Myrtle Beach fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Myrtle Beach. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan this time of the year. In the summer, San Juan often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Myrtle Beach. San Juan gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Myrtle Beach receives 283 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Myrtle Beach. San Juan usually gets less rain in July than Myrtle Beach. San Juan gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Myrtle Beach receives 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySan Juan 28°C (83°F)Myrtle Beach 81°F (27°C)
Should I visit San Juan or Myrtle Beach in the Autumn?
Both Myrtle Beach and San Juan are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Myrtle Beach in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
San Juan is much warmer than Myrtle Beach in the autumn. The daily temperature in San Juan averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Myrtle Beach fluctuates around 65°F (18°C).
It's quite sunny in Myrtle Beach. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. San Juan usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Myrtle Beach during autumn. San Juan gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Myrtle Beach receives 227 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in San Juan. In October, San Juan usually receives more rain than Myrtle Beach. San Juan gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Myrtle Beach receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSan Juan 28°C (82°F)Myrtle Beach 65°F (18°C)
Should I visit San Juan or Myrtle Beach in the Winter?
Both Myrtle Beach and San Juan during the winter 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, most visitors come to Myrtle Beach for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, San Juan is much warmer than Myrtle Beach. Typically, the winter temperatures in San Juan in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Myrtle Beach averages at about 45°F (7°C).
It's quite sunny in San Juan. In the winter, San Juan often gets more sunshine than Myrtle Beach. San Juan gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Myrtle Beach receives 180 hours of full sun.
San Juan usually gets less rain in January than Myrtle Beach. San Juan gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Myrtle Beach receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySan Juan 25°C (77°F)Myrtle Beach 45°F (7°C)
Should I visit San Juan or Myrtle Beach in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both San Juan and Myrtle Beach. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Myrtle Beach because of the beaches and the activities around the city.
In April, San Juan is generally much warmer than Myrtle Beach. Daily temperatures in San Juan average around 26°C (79°F), and Myrtle Beach fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach during spring. San Juan gets 272 hours of sunny skies, while Myrtle Beach receives 278 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, San Juan usually receives around the same amount of rain as Myrtle Beach. San Juan gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Myrtle Beach receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSan Juan 26°C (79°F)Myrtle Beach 62°F (17°C)
Typical Weather for Myrtle Beach and San Juan
| San Juan | Myrtle Beach | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 45°F (7°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 48°F (9°C) | 3.7 inches (94 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 70°F (21°C) | 4.4 inches (113 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 6 inches (152 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 8.1 inches (207 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 80°F (26°C) | 6.9 inches (176 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 5 inches (128 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 65°F (18°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 49°F (9°C) | 3.6 inches (92 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.