San Jose is a colorful city known for its colorful markets and vibrant nightlife, as well as its easy access to the rest of the country. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to San Jose?
You should plan to spend around $102 (₡52,183) per day on your vacation in San Jose. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $31 (₡15,650) on meals
- $19 (₡9,882) on local transportation
- $97 (₡49,424) on hotels
A one week trip to San Jose for two people costs, on average, $1,430 (₡730,562). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$715
₡365,281
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,430
₡730,562
-
One Month
Per person
$3,065
₡1,565,490
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,430
₡730,562
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$2,861
₡1,461,124
-
One Month
For a couple
$6,130
₡3,130,980
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to San Jose cost?
A one week trip to San Jose usually costs around $715 (₡365,281) for one person and $1,430 (₡730,562) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to San Jose on average costs around $1,430 (₡730,562) for one person and $2,861 (₡1,461,124) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in San Jose will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to San Jose on average costs around $3,065 (₡1,565,490) for one person and $6,130 (₡3,130,980) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is San Jose expensive to visit?
San Jose is a smaller destination that charms visitors with a variety of travel styles, expenditure habits, and budgetary considerations. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
San Jose can be very expensive if you want it to be, but there are ways to cut down on your costs, like eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $42 (₡21,703) per day, mid-range travelers spend $101 (₡52,183) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $260 (₡133,432) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to San Jose.
Within Central America, San Jose is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Bocas del Toro or Panama City.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is San Jose Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to San Jose?
The average San Jose trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these San Jose travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to San Jose cost?
San Jose on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$19
(₡9,466)
|
$48
(₡24,712)
|
$131
(₡66,824)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$7
(₡3,574)
|
$19
(₡9,882)
|
$58
(₡29,804)
|
|
Food 2
|
$12
(₡6,258)
|
$31
(₡15,650)
|
$75
(₡38,483)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$8
(₡4,164)
|
$21
(₡10,587)
|
$53
(₡27,043)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$3-10
(₡1,737-5,211)
|
$8-25
(₡4,187-12,560)
|
$18-55
(₡9,381-28,142)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations for your budget when visiting San Jose is important. While it's tempting to aim for a shoestring budget, most travelers don't find that style of travel to be enjoyable. Think about your priorities and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer staying in budget accommodations or enjoying more luxurious options? Do you like to explore attractions and dine out at local restaurants? These choices will influence your travel costs and itinerary.
Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?
You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $42 per day that younger budget travelers manage.
Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.
San Jose has plenty of hostels available, like Stray Cat Hostel, Selina San Jose, and Gaudy's Hostel. Here, you can enjoy low-cost dorm lodging and a vibrant social environment, though amenities might be minimal.
Is Your Travel Style Average?
If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, dine at well-known restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Those traveling to San Jose often aim to see the major attractions, museums, and noteworthy landmarks. Remember, most activities come with a cost. Therefore, it's reasonable to anticipate that your daily budget will be around $101 per person, per day.
San Jose offers a fantastic variety of hotels and vacation rentals. When traveling with others, you can share your hotel with a partner, friend, or your children, which can help save money. Families should focus on hotels and restaurants that cater to kids. Casa 69 is an excellent choice, while Isla Verde Hotel is also a great option. To find more accommodations that are family and couple-friendly, check our hotel guide for San Jose.
Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?
If you envision a trip that covers everything with high-end amenities and top-tier service, be ready for a daily expense near $260. Enjoying nicer hotels, dining at acclaimed restaurants, participating in extravagant activities, and using taxis or private drivers to navigate the city will require a premium budget. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Private Transfer Juan Santamaria Airport To La Fortuna From 1 to 6 passengers - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in San Jose
Hotel prices in San Jose can really fluctuate, especially between budget and luxury options. Expect higher costs during peak winter season, when rates climb from an off-season average of $57 up to around $106. From $23 for budget options to $205 for luxury hotels, there's something for everyone. Hostels, particularly dorms, are typically cheaper. Book early or travel in the low season for better prices.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in San Jose for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $97 (₡49,424). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $48 (₡24,712) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in San Jose? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in San Jose include:
- Gran Hotel Costa Rica Curio Collection By Hilton starting at $132
- Grano de Oro Hotel starting at $167
- Hotel Presidente San Jose City Center starting at $111
- Crowne Plaza Corobici starting at $111
- Parque del Lago Boutique Hotel starting at $75
The effecient public transportation in San Jose allows for cheaper accommodations outside the city, but commuting might take a bite out of your travel budget and time.
If you plan to avoid winter and visit during the low or shoulder season, you'll find cheaper accommodation rates and fewer tourists.
Transportation Budget in San Jose
San Jose has a public transit system that connects to several key locations. There are local buses that travel through the city during the daytime hours. Public transport is an affordable and quick choice if it's near where you're going, with taxis and rideshares also available for added convenience.
Some regions of San Jose are walkable, which can enhance your sightseeing experience. It can feel a bit chaotic, but it's relatively easy to get around on foot.
Public Transit: 
(good)
Walkability: (good)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $19 (₡9,882) per person, per day, on local transportation in San Jose. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in San Jose is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$19
₡9,882
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- San Jose Airport to La Fortuna Private VIP Transfer for $179 details
- Private Arrival Transfer: San Jose Airport to Arenal Volcano or La Fortuna town for $199 details
- Transfer from SJO Airport or surrounding to Manuel Antonio for $209 details
How much does it cost to go to San Jose? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in San Jose will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Below, you'll find common transit prices in San Jose, gathered from real traveler experiences. These numbers offer a general sense of transportation expenses. It's important to note that your costs may vary depending on your transportation choice, with taxis and other hired vehicles usually costing significantly more than public transit.
-
Taxi from SJO
₡12,672
-
Local Bus
₡1,380
Food Budget in San Jose
Cuisine in San Jose is good, but it's not well known enough to draw in tourists for the restaurant scene. Still, there are a handful of excellent dining spots in the city to discover. Most people miss out on local cuisine during their time in Costa Rica, but the capital city offers the best opportunities to eat like a local. You can sample favorite local dishes such as chifrijo, gallo pinto, rondón, and casado. You should also wander through the Central Market and dine at one of the many local restaurants.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in San Jose can vary significantly, the average cost of food in San Jose is $31 (₡15,650) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$31
₡15,650
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in San Jose is around $30 (₡15650) per person, with previous travelers spending from $12 to $75. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in San Jose are as follows:
- Breakfast: $3 to $9
- Lunch: $5 to $12
- Dinner: $9 to $21
- Coffee: $2
- Fast Food or Street Food: $5
Like most places in Costa Rica, the most popular food around town is the national dish of gallo pinto. This is a mixture of fried rice and black beans and usually served with tortillas and sour cream. Casados is commonly available for lunch and dinner. This dish includes rice, beans, and meat, and is served with a cabbage and tomato salad, fried plantains, and tortillas.
If you're looking for a great place to grab a cheap and quick bite to eat, head over to Mercado Central. It's an old food market but you'll also find a handful of smaller restaurants. You can also pick up some fresh fish or other meats. There's a wide variety of local specialties including ceviche, corn based dishes, and cinnamon flavored ice cream.
A lot of hotels include breakfast in their price, but some may add it as an extra charge. The price and quality can differ from one hotel to the next. Being aware of this ahead of time can help you figure out if you'll need to shell out more money. The hotel buffet could be delicious, or you might opt for a more affordable treat at a nearby bakery or cafe.
Bring a water bottle instead of buying beverages everywhere. It helps the environment, too.
Before embarking on a tour, ensure you know which meals are included. You might have to pay for some food yourself, and that can add to your travel expenses.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in San Jose, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner for $179 details
- Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour visit Markets for $30 details
- San Jose By Night tour Farm to Table Dinner & Cocktail Class for $65 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in San Jose
It's no wonder that so many visitors make their way to San Jose for its nightlife, budget-friendly accommodations, museums and attractions, and food.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in San Jose typically cost an average of $21 (₡10,587) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$21
₡10,587
There are a handful of museums throughout San Jose that are worth visiting if you have the time. These include the National Museum, the Gold Museum, the Jade Museum, the Children's Museum, and the Insect Museum at the Universidad de Costa Rica. Other nearby places to visit include the butterfly farm, the coffee farm, and La Paz Waterfall Gardens.
It is also possible to book a tour within San Jose, or organize a tour throughout all of Costa Rica.
If you have enough time, a great day trip from San Jose is a visit to Poas Volcano. The volcano is stunningly beautiful with an emerald green crater lake. Do make sure the weather is clear on the day you head to the volcano as a cloud cover will completely block your view. It's possible to catch a bus from San Jose to Poas at Parque La Merced. It leaves every day around 8:30 in the morning and it is easy to make a return trip the same day.
Other activities that you can enjoy around town include yoga classes, sporting events, and visits to hotel casinos where you can try your hand at gambling. If you happen to be in town on a Thursday, then head to the Parque Morazon where you can watch dozens of jugglers perform to percussion music. It's a fun local event and you may even be asked to join in.
Shopping:
Be sure to enjoy the shopping here, as it's an experience you won't forget. There are a number of unique things you can buy in the city including jewelry, handbags, and wood workings. Make sure you check out the Central Market.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore San Jose. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- White Water Rafting Canyoning Combo Maquique Adventure for $165 details
- Horseback our Hacienda - 4 hours Coffee Tour for $65 details
- Sarapiquí River Jungle Kayak Tour for $75 details
Nightlife Budget in San Jose
Visitors in San Jose can't get enough of the fun nightlife, spending their evenings at local bars, clubs, and parties. This city has the best nightlife in all of Costa Rica. You'll find a diversity of clubs and bars that are fun to explore. Check out the reggae bars, dance clubs, and sports bars (where you can enjoy a soccer game) while you're in town.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $16 (₡8,374) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in San Jose per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$16
₡8,374
Nightlife is a blast when traveling, but scaling back on drinks can really help stretch your travel budget.
When drinking at night, be mindful of your surroundings, as pickpockets and other crimes can happen. Stay safe by sticking with a group of trusted people.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in San Jose. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Bar Crawl in Downtown San Jose for $37 details
Travel cost data last updated: Feb 5, 2024
Traveling in San Jose
National Theatre of Costa Rica, San Jose
San Jose is the capital city of Costa Rica and is likely to be your first and last stop in a visit to the country. The city is situated in the Central Valley and is surrounded by beautiful mountains and valleys, making for a beautiful flight in. The city has an elevation of 1200 meters and sits on a plateau with a beautiful backdrop of lush green forest. Half of the people in Costa Rica reside in the country's capital city. You are likely to stay only a day or two, but there are a handful of things to do and see including museums and markets. You will also find many embassies, as well as the University of Costa Rica in San Jose.
San Jose is located in the Tropics within a tropical rainforest, but it's higher elevation gives it a mild climate. Technically, the climate is considered tropical wet and dry. The average highs are in the high 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit year around. The lows are typically in the mid 60s Fahrenheit. The rainy season is between May and mid-November, but the weather can be overcast even during the dry season.
Neighborhoods & Around
San Jose is divided into 11 districts. These are Catedral, Carmen, Hatillo, Hospital, Uruca, Mata Redonda, Merced, Pavas, San Francisco de Dos Rios, San Sebastian, and Zapote. These districts can further be divided into specific neighborhoods, or barrios. The downtown area includes the districts of Catedral, Carmen, Hospital, and Merced. The Hospital and Merced districts are where you'll find the main commerical activity of the city. Catedral is named for the Cathedral and the Catholic Archdiocese of San Jose, which is located there.
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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
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.