Which place is cheaper, San Francisco 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 San Francisco?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit San Juan or San Francisco? 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 San Francisco?
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.
San Francisco
San Francisco is a beautiful city that is famous for it's picturesque neighborhoods, liberal character, and stunning location on the bay. Some people describe San Francisco as the United State's most "European City." This title most likely comes from its compact development and its easy walkability. It also has no shortage of parks and public spaces where you can pass some time. The city sits on the end of a peninsula and offers stunning views of the blue bay, rolling green hills, and the striking Golden Gate Bridge.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.
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San Juan Prices
Puerto Rico PricesSan Francisco Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySan Juan $218San Francisco $251
The average daily cost (per person) in San Juan is $218, while the average daily cost in San Francisco is $251. 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 San Francisco in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Juan $124San Francisco $130
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Juan $248San Francisco $260
Compare Hotels in San Juan and San Francisco
Looking for a hotel in San Juan or San Francisco? 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 San Francisco Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Juan $14San Francisco $16
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Francisco
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in San Francisco:
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Taxi to SFO$45
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Golden Gate Bridge Toll$6.00
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Alcatraz Tour$30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Francisco
Also for San Francisco, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Silicon Valley Private Tour with Transfers: $510
- SFO Airport Private Transfer to/from Sacramento: $432
- Napa Valley 1-Way Transfer to/from the San Francisco Airport: $400
- Arrival Private Transfer SFO Airport to San Francisco City by SUV: $270
- Departure Private Transfer San Francisco to SFO Airport in a SUV: $245
- Departure Transfer San Francisco to SFO Airport by Luxury Sedan: $245
- San Francisco to San José Airport (SJC) - Departure Private Transfer: $226
- Private Luxury Transfer Tour : $200
- California: Oakland Airport Transfer from San Francisco: $180
- California: Oakland Airport Transfer to San Francisco: $180
- San Francisco Airport 1-Way Transfer to/from the City: $180
- Private Airport Transfer From San Francisco Union Square To SFO: $180
Is it cheaper to fly into San Juan or San Francisco?
Prices for flights to both San Francisco 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 $62San Francisco $79
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 San Francisco
For San Francisco, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Online Cooking Class Pepper Steak Great for Team Building: $20
- Online Cooking Class Beijing Dumplings by Chef Sunflower Li: $25
- No Diet Club - Best street food tour in San Francisco !: $64
- North Beach and Little Italy Food Tour: $84
- North Beach & Chinatown Authentic Food Tour: $84
- San Francisco North Beach & Chinatown Food Tour with 5 Tastings: $85
- Mission District Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $89
- Mission District Food Tour with Tastings: $92
- San Francisco Food Tour: Ferry Building and Ferry Plaza Farmers Market: $95
- Chinatown Walking Food Tour: $99
- Mission District Walking Food Tour: $99
- Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39 Food Tour: $99
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.San Juan $49San Francisco $31
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 San Francisco
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Francisco.
- Electric Bike Tour De San Francisco: $100
- Explore San Francisco Napa Sacramento Oakland Black Exp Car Tour: $244
- Muir Woods and Sausalito Morning Tour Small-Group Half Day: $84
- North Beach & Little Italy Walking Tour: Food, History & Flavor: $86
- Private Luxury Car Tour in San Francisco Hotel Kabuki: $99
- Small Group | 1 Day Tour Through Monterey From San Francisco: $205
- "Summer of Love" tour in Haight-Ashbury in French: $63
- 2hr. INTERACTIVE Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay: $149
- 2hr. SUNSET Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay: $149
- 2hrs- Beyond the Bridge - Marin Headlands GoCar Tour: $219
- 3HR Golden Gate Bridge and Golden Gate Park GoCar Tour: $229
- 90 Minute Daytime Tour Aboard Wine Therapy: $85
For more ideas for your next trip, check out The Best Museums in San Francisco, The Best Outdoor Activities in San Francisco, and Things to Do In San Francisco on a Rainy Day.
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySan Juan $12San Francisco $22
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 San Francisco
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in San Francisco:
- SF Pub Crawl and Clubbing Experience: $17
- San Francisco Pub Crawl + Clubbing Experience: $27
- Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
- San Francisco Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl : $36
- Walk with Spirits: A Haunted Pub Crawl in San Francisco: $44
- Walk with Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $44
- Local Distillery Cocktail Class: $49
- Local Distillery Cocktail Class: Skyline Views and City History: $69
- Wine Tasting on the Bay: $85
- From Napa & Sonoma Valley Wine Tour with Tastings: $103
- Napa Valley Half-Day Wine Tour with Tastings: $103
- 5 hours private napa wine tour from san francisco up to 7 people: $120
When comparing the travel costs between San Juan and San Francisco, we can see that San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, San Juan or San Francisco?
San Francisco has a larger population, and is about 75% larger than the population of San Juan. When comparing the sizes of San Juan and San Francisco, 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 San Francisco?
San Francisco 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 San Francisco in the Summer?
Both San Francisco 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 visitors come to San Francisco in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, San Juan is generally much warmer than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in San Juan average around 28°C (83°F), and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).
In July, San Juan usually receives more rain than San Francisco. San Juan gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySan Juan 28°C (83°F)San Francisco 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit San Juan or San Francisco in the Autumn?
Both San Francisco 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, most visitors come to San Francisco for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
San Juan is much warmer than San Francisco in the autumn. The daily temperature in San Juan averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in San Juan. San Juan usually gets more rain in October than San Francisco. San Juan gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSan Juan 28°C (82°F)San Francisco 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit San Juan or San Francisco in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both San Juan and San Francisco. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round. Also, the winter months attract visitors to San Francisco because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
In the winter, San Juan is much warmer than San Francisco. Typically, the winter temperatures in San Juan in January average around 25°C (77°F), and San Francisco averages at about 50°F (10°C).
In January, San Juan usually receives less rain than San Francisco. San Juan gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySan Juan 25°C (77°F)San Francisco 50°F (10°C)
Should I visit San Juan or San Francisco in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to San Juan as well as San Francisco. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to San Francisco this time of year.
In April, San Juan is generally much warmer than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in San Juan average around 26°C (79°F), and San Francisco fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).
San Juan usually gets more rain in April than San Francisco. San Juan gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSan Juan 26°C (79°F)San Francisco 58°F (14°C)
Typical Weather for San Francisco and San Juan
| San Juan | San Francisco | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 50°F (10°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 58°F (14°C) | 1.2 inches (31 mm) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 60°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.1 inches (1 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 1.3 inches (33 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.7 inches (68 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.