San Juan del Suris 44% cheaper — BDI "Fair" (46/10) vs La Fortuna "Fair" (42/10). Dorms avg $19/night vs $14/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇨🇷 La Fortuna
🇳🇮 San Juan del Sur
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★
16 hostels, avg 8.8 rating
★★★★★
16 hostels, avg 8.2 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $65/night
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $46/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★
Coffee $4.55, dorms avg $21
★★★★★
Coffee $2.30, dorms avg $14
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★
Beer $2.74, 16 hostels
★★★★★
Beer $1.36, 16 hostels
First-time Europer
★★★★★
20 attractions
★★★★★
5 attractions
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇨🇷 La Fortuna | 🇳🇮 San Juan del Sur | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
brokepackr Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $33 | $19 cheaper | $14/day |
backpackr Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $55 | $36 cheaper | $19/day |
flashpackr Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $93 | $64 cheaper | $30/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇨🇷 La Fortuna | 🇳🇮 San Juan del Sur |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $10.20 | $4.96 51% less |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $25.80 | $17.35 33% less |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $2.74 | $1.36 50% less |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $4.55 | $2.30 49% less |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $1 | $0.14 86% less |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇨🇷▼
La Fortuna
Costa Rica
42
BDI: Fair
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $19/night). Strong hostel scene (16 hostels). Plenty to see (20 attractions).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelFortuna Pink Hostel (9.8)
Annual dorm avg$19/night
Total hostels16
🇳🇮▼
San Juan del Sur
Nicaragua
46
BDI: Fair
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $14/night). Strong hostel scene (16 hostels).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelHush Maderas (9.5)
Annual dorm avg$14/night
Total hostels16
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇨🇷 La Fortuna
🇳🇮 San Juan del Sur
🇪🇺 EU / EEA
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇺🇸 US
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇬🇧 UK
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇦🇺 Australia
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇨🇦 Canada
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
Flights
Getting There
City to City
Getting Between La Fortuna & San Juan del Sur
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇨🇷 La Fortuna
29°C
High
/
22°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 64mm/month
Best months: Feb, Mar, Apr
🇳🇮 San Juan del Sur
33°C
High
/
26°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 19mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Dec
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇨🇷 La Fortuna
1. Areal 1968 Volcano trails and MTB paths
2. Arenal Ecologic Park
3. Arenal Natura Ecological Park
4. Bogarin Trail
5. Don Olivo Chocolate Tour
🇳🇮 San Juan del Sur
1. Christ of the Mercy
2. Fortaleza el Vigia.
3. Parque Central
4. better view of the beach
5. view of the beach
Common Questions
FAQ
Is La Fortuna or San Juan del Sur cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in La Fortuna vs San Juan del Sur?+
Do I need a visa for La Fortuna or San Juan del Sur?+
When is the best time to visit La Fortuna or San Juan del Sur?+
What's the cheapest month to visit La Fortuna and San Juan del Sur?+
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