Which place is cheaper, Shenandoah National Park 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 Shenandoah National Park?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit San Juan or Shenandoah National Park? 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 Shenandoah National Park?
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.
Shenandoah National Park
One of the most visited destinations in the eastern part of the United States, Shenandoah National Park attracts over a million people each year for its beautiful mountain scenery, abundant wildlife, and vibrant colors in the autumn months. Established in 1935, it is the largest fully protected area in the mid-Appalachian region.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.
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San Juan Prices
Puerto Rico PricesShenandoah National Park Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySan Juan $218Shenandoah National Park $145
The average daily cost (per person) in San Juan is $218, while the average daily cost in Shenandoah National Park is $145. 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 Shenandoah National Park in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Juan $124Shenandoah National Park $53
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Juan $248Shenandoah National Park $106
Compare Hotels in San Juan and Shenandoah National Park
Looking for a hotel in San Juan or Shenandoah National Park? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Juan $14Shenandoah National Park $70
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 Shenandoah National Park?
Prices for flights to both Shenandoah National Park 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 $62Shenandoah National Park $49
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.San Juan $49Shenandoah National Park $34
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySan Juan $12Shenandoah National Park $7.14
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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Juan and Shenandoah National Park, we can see that San Juan is more expensive. And not only is Shenandoah National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since San Juan is in Caribbean Islands and Shenandoah National Park 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 Shenandoah National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Shenandoah National Park 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 Shenandoah National Park.
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 Shenandoah National Park Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit San Juan or Shenandoah National Park?
Shenandoah National Park 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 Shenandoah National Park in the Summer?
Both Shenandoah National Park 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, most visitors come to Shenandoah National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, San Juan is generally a little warmer than Shenandoah National Park. Daily temperatures in San Juan average around 28°C (83°F), and Shenandoah National Park fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).
In July, San Juan usually receives more rain than Shenandoah National Park. San Juan gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySan Juan 28°C (83°F)Shenandoah National Park 77°F (25°C)
Should I visit San Juan or Shenandoah National Park in the Autumn?
Both Shenandoah National Park 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, the autumn months attract visitors to Shenandoah National Park because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
San Juan is much warmer than Shenandoah National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in San Juan averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Shenandoah National Park fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in San Juan. San Juan usually gets more rain in October than Shenandoah National Park. San Juan gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSan Juan 28°C (82°F)Shenandoah National Park 56°F (13°C)
Should I visit San Juan or Shenandoah National Park in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both San Juan and Shenandoah National Park. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round. Furthermore, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Shenandoah National Park this time of year.
It's quite cold in Shenandoah National Park in the winter. In the winter, San Juan is much warmer than Shenandoah National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in San Juan in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Shenandoah National Park averages at about 32°F (-0°C).
In January, San Juan usually receives less rain than Shenandoah National Park. San Juan gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySan Juan 25°C (77°F)Shenandoah National Park 32°F (-0°C)
Should I visit San Juan or Shenandoah National Park in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to San Juan as well as Shenandoah National Park. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Shenandoah National Park for the natural beauty.
In April, San Juan is generally much warmer than Shenandoah National Park. Daily temperatures in San Juan average around 26°C (79°F), and Shenandoah National Park fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).
San Juan usually gets less rain in April than Shenandoah National Park. San Juan gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSan Juan 26°C (79°F)Shenandoah National Park 54°F (12°C)
Typical Weather for Shenandoah National Park and San Juan
| San Juan | Shenandoah National Park | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 32°F (-0°C) | 2.8 inches (70 mm) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 35°F (1°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 44°F (7°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 4 inches (102 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 47°F (8°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 36°F (2°C) | 3.2 inches (82 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.