Which place is cheaper, Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit San Juan or Wisconsin Dells? 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 Wisconsin Dells?
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.
Wisconsin Dells
Located in central Wisconsin, Wisconsin Dells offers natural beauty, fun rivers, and some of the area's most famous theme parks. Wisconsin Dells is one of the two towns that make up "The Dells." The other town, Lake Delton, is another popular Midwestern tourist spot.
Wisconsin Dells is about an hour north of Madison and two hours from Milwaukee. It's famous for its striking rock formations and scenic bluffs. The town's name comes from the Dells of the Wisconsin River, which is an impressive gorge that was originally formed by a glacier.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.
-
San Juan Prices
Puerto Rico PricesWisconsin Dells Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySan Juan $218Wisconsin Dells $174
The average daily cost (per person) in San Juan is $218, while the average daily cost in Wisconsin Dells is $174. 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 Wisconsin Dells in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Juan $124Wisconsin Dells $70
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Juan $248Wisconsin Dells $140
Compare Hotels in San Juan and Wisconsin Dells
Looking for a hotel in San Juan or Wisconsin Dells? 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 Wisconsin Dells Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Juan $14Wisconsin Dells $35
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
Is it cheaper to fly into San Juan or Wisconsin Dells?
Prices for flights to both Wisconsin Dells 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 $62Wisconsin Dells $74
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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.San Juan $49Wisconsin Dells $46
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.
- 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
Tours and Activities in Wisconsin Dells
Here are a few actual costs in Wisconsin Dells for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Haunted History Trolley Tour in Wisconsin Dells: $25
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySan Juan $12Wisconsin Dells $9.14
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 Wisconsin Dells, we can see that San Juan is more expensive. And not only is Wisconsin Dells much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since San Juan is in Caribbean Islands and Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells.
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 Wisconsin Dells Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, San Juan or Wisconsin Dells?
San Juan has a larger population, and is about 170 times larger than the population of Wisconsin Dells. When comparing the sizes of San Juan and Wisconsin Dells, 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 Wisconsin Dells?
Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to San Juan as well as Wisconsin Dells. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Wisconsin Dells this time of year.
In the summer, San Juan is a little warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Typically, the summer temperatures in San Juan in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Wisconsin Dells averages at about 74°F (24°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wisconsin Dells. 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 Wisconsin Dells. San Juan gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wisconsin Dells receives 309 hours of full sun.
San Juan usually gets more rain in July than Wisconsin Dells. San Juan gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulySan Juan 28°C (83°F)Wisconsin Dells 74°F (24°C)
Should I visit San Juan or Wisconsin Dells in the Autumn?
Both Wisconsin Dells 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 travelers come to Wisconsin Dells for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
In October, San Juan is generally much warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Daily temperatures in San Juan average around 28°C (82°F), and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. San Juan usually receives more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells during autumn. San Juan gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Wisconsin Dells receives 171 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in San Juan. In October, San Juan usually receives more rain than Wisconsin Dells. San Juan gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSan Juan 28°C (82°F)Wisconsin Dells 52°F (11°C)
Should I visit San Juan or Wisconsin Dells in the Winter?
Both Wisconsin Dells 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, many visitors come to Wisconsin Dells in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Wisconsin Dells can get quite cold in the winter. San Juan is much warmer than Wisconsin Dells in the winter. The daily temperature in San Juan averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 19°F (-7°C).
It's quite sunny in San Juan. In the winter, San Juan often gets more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells. San Juan gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wisconsin Dells receives 141 hours of full sun.
San Juan usually gets more rain in January than Wisconsin Dells. San Juan gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1 inches (25 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySan Juan 25°C (77°F)Wisconsin Dells 19°F (-7°C)
Should I visit San Juan or Wisconsin Dells in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both San Juan and Wisconsin Dells. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.
In the spring, San Juan is much warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Typically, the spring temperatures in San Juan in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Wisconsin Dells averages at about 49°F (10°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wisconsin Dells this time of the year. In San Juan, it's very sunny this time of the year. San Juan usually receives more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells during spring. San Juan gets 272 hours of sunny skies, while Wisconsin Dells receives 208 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, San Juan usually receives around the same amount of rain as Wisconsin Dells. San Juan gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilSan Juan 26°C (79°F)Wisconsin Dells 49°F (10°C)
Typical Weather for Wisconsin Dells and San Juan
| San Juan | Wisconsin Dells | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 19°F (-7°C) | 1 inches (25 mm) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 24°F (-5°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 36°F (2°C) | 2.2 inches (55 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 49°F (10°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 60°F (16°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 70°F (21°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 2.8 inches (70 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 52°F (11°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 39°F (4°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 25°F (-4°C) | 1.6 inches (41 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.