Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: San Jose

Accommodation

$8-25 per night

Dorm beds in hostels, basic guesthouses, budget hotels with shared facilities

Food & Dining

$5-15 per day

Street food stalls, local markets, small family-run eateries, self-prepared meals

Transportation

$2-8 per day

Public buses, shared auto-rickshaws, walking, occasional train travel

Activities

$3-12 per day

Free attractions, temple visits, hiking trails, occasional museum entry

Eat at local markets and street stalls instead of tourist restaurants (typically 60-80% cheaper)

Use public buses and shared transport instead of private taxis (saves 70-85% on transportation costs)

Book accommodation directly with properties rather than through international booking sites (often 15-25% cheaper)

Visit free temples and natural attractions instead of paid tourist sites (can save $10-30 per day)

Shop at local markets for snacks and water instead of hotel shops (typically 50-70% less expensive)

Travel during monsoon season when many properties offer discounts of 30-50%

Stay in neighborhoods where locals live rather than main tourist areas (generally 40-60% cheaper for food and accommodation)

Taking private taxis everywhere instead of learning the public transport system (typically costs 4-6x more)

Eating only in tourist-oriented restaurants instead of exploring local dining options (usually 100-200% markup)

Booking accommodation in prime tourist zones without comparing nearby local areas (often 50-80% more expensive for similar quality)

Not bargaining at markets and with auto-rickshaw drivers (can overpay by 30-100% in tourist areas)