Which place is cheaper, Leon or Acapulco de Juarez?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Acapulco de Juarez or Leon?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Leon? 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: Acapulco de Juarez or Leon?
Acapulco de Juarez
Located on the southwestern Pacific Coast of Mexico is the beautiful beach city of Acapulco de Juarez. Acapulco is one of the original travel and resort destinations in Mexico, and it's still considered a popular spring break destination for Americans. Known as simply "Acapulco" to many travelers, this region is a popular spot for cruise lines to stop and timeshares to grow. Thanks to those cruise lines and timeshares, tourist activities like water parks and jet skis have experienced considerable growth.
Leon
Leon is one of the oldest city's in Nicaragua and you can see hints of its colonial past in the architecture around town. Tourism is not a major part of the economy in Leon, but the city is gaining popularity with budget travelers and backpackers and more recently tour groups are including Leon in their itinerary.
With a population of just over 200,000, Leon is the second largest city in Nicaragua, after Managua. During the university season the population grows dramatically as there is a heavy presence of students in Leon. It is a popular university town, and this young population gives the city plenty of energy and entertainment.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, and The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAcapulco de Juarez $81Leon $59
The average daily cost (per person) in Acapulco de Juarez is $81, while the average daily cost in Leon is $59. 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 Acapulco de Juarez and Leon in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAcapulco de Juarez $39Leon $16
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAcapulco de Juarez $78Leon $32
Compare Hotels in Acapulco de Juarez and Leon
Looking for a hotel in Acapulco de Juarez or Leon? 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: Acapulco de Juarez Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Acapulco de Juarez $16Leon $1.51
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Acapulco de Juarez
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Acapulco de Juarez:
- Private - One Way or Round Trip Airport Transfer: $66
- Private Best Round Trip Airport - Hotel - Airport Transfer : $70
- Acapulco Airport Transfer: $10
- Acapulco hotels to Acapulco Airport (ACA) – Departure Private Transfer : $20
- Airport Transfer in Suburban: $65
- Private Airport Transfer &on 2nd Day 4Hr TourAll AttractionsCombo: $90
- Roundtrip Transfer Private Vehicle Acapulco Airport (ACA) - Bahia de Acapulco: $49
- Shared transfer from Acapulco Airport (ACA) - Acapulco: $6.00
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Acapulco Airport (ACA) -Bahía de Acapulco: $24
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Bahía de Acapulco - Acapulco Airport (ACA): $24
- Transfer in private minivan from Bahía de Acapulco -Acapulco Airport (ACA): $32
Is it cheaper to fly into Acapulco de Juarez or Leon?
Prices for flights to both Leon and Acapulco de Juarez 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 dayAcapulco de Juarez $29Leon $12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Acapulco de Juarez
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Acapulco de Juarez.
- High Divers DeLuxe Three Course Dinner +Three Drinks plus SUNSET: $49
- Cliff Divers Exhibition 2 Drinks + Tacos al Pastor Dinner & Beer: $55
- Cliff Diver De Luxe 3 Course Dinner at "La Quebrada" in Acapulco: $56
- Cliff Divers Show With Dinner At Acapulco: $72
- Wrestling-Lucha Libre Experience Tacos Beer Dinner Only SUNDAY: $84
- Off the Beaten Path Mexican Cooking Class Lagoon Boatride &Lunch: $89
- Hands ON - Mex Cooking Class Experience - City Market & Lunch : $90
- Hands On Mexican Cooking Class with Food Tasting & Market Visit: $100
- Mexican Fiesta Show & Dinner: $115
- Bella Vista PRIVATE Al Fresco 3 Course Dinner Cliff Diver3Drinks: $191
- Super DeLuxe Bella Vista Dinner &1 Drink +2 Drinks at CliffDivers: $193
- Divers Show and Luxury Dinner in Acapulco: $199
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Leon
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Leon.
- Tlakualli Food Tour: $19
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Acapulco de Juarez $18Leon $5.81
Tours and Activities in Acapulco de Juarez
Here are a few actual costs in Acapulco de Juarez for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Kayaks Tour to El Morro Islet: $25
- Sunset Adventures: $30
- Acapulco City Tour : $35
- Small-Group or Private All Inclusive 4 Hours City Tour & Divers: $36
- 4hr City Tour For Cruises or Hotels Diver Peace Chapel & Mural: $40
- 4Hrs City Tour Exclusively for Hotels, Divers, Chapel & Mural.: $44
- Combo 6 Hr Tour All City Highlights Divers Baby Turtle Release: $46
- 4-6Hrs Acapulco City Tour With a Fun Guide. Diver Show, Mex Lunch: $47
- 6Hr Cruisers or Hotels High Diver Peace Chapel BabyTurtleRelease: $50
- Acapulco Malibu, Avenida Kids Tour : $50
- 6Hr Cruise or Hotels City Tour, Divers, Baby Turtles Peace Chapel: $51
- 6Hr City Tour Cruise or Hotel Turtle Nesting High Diver & Market: $51
Tours and Activities in Leon
Here are a few actual costs in Leon for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Half Day Private Tour of Cerro Negro's Volcano Boarding: $35
- Leon City Walking Private Tour : $48
- Rum Tour & Chorotega Museum Experience: $62
- Hike El Hoyo Volcano "Private Tour" : $67
- Old Leon and Asososca Lagoon Private Tour: $82
- Volcano Boarding Private Tour : $84
- Kayak Private tour at Juan Venado Island: $92
- Telica Sunset Tour : $93
- Horseback Riding Private Tour : $103
- Half-Day Leon City Tour: $135
- Somoto Canyon "Private Tour from Leon" : $154
- 6 Hours Sunset Private Guided Tour of Telica Volcano in León: $163
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAcapulco de Juarez $11Leon $3.53
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Acapulco de Juarez and Leon, we can see that Acapulco de Juarez is more expensive. And not only is Leon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Acapulco de Juarez is in North America and Leon is in Central 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 Leon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Leon 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 Acapulco de Juarez would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Acapulco de Juarez than you might in Leon.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Acapulco de Juarez Expensive? and Is Leon Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Acapulco de Juarez or Leon?
Acapulco de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Leon. When comparing the sizes of Acapulco de Juarez and Leon, 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 Acapulco de Juarez or Leon?
Acapulco de Juarez has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Leon experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Leon in the Summer?
Both Leon and Acapulco de Juarez are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Leon because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the summer, Acapulco de Juarez is around the same temperature as Leon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Leon averages at about 27°C (81°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Acapulco de Juarez. Acapulco de Juarez usually receives more sunshine than Leon during summer. Acapulco de Juarez gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Leon receives 175 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Leon. It's quite rainy in Acapulco de Juarez. In July, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives more rain than Leon. Acapulco de Juarez gets 209 mm (8.2 in) of rain, while Leon receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAcapulco de Juarez 29°C (83°F)Leon 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Leon in the Autumn?
Both Leon and Acapulco de Juarez during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez for the shopping scene during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Leon year-round.
In October, Acapulco de Juarez is generally around the same temperature as Leon. Daily temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez average around 28°C (83°F), and Leon fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It's quite sunny in Acapulco de Juarez. In the autumn, Acapulco de Juarez often gets more sunshine than Leon. Acapulco de Juarez gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leon receives 195 hours of full sun.
Leon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Acapulco de Juarez. Acapulco de Juarez usually gets less rain in October than Leon. Acapulco de Juarez gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Leon receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAcapulco de Juarez 28°C (83°F)Leon 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Leon in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Acapulco de Juarez and Leon. The winter months attract visitors to Acapulco de Juarez because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Leon attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Acapulco de Juarez is around the same temperature as Leon in the winter. The daily temperature in Acapulco de Juarez averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Leon fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Leon this time of the year. In Acapulco de Juarez, it's very sunny this time of the year. Acapulco de Juarez usually receives more sunshine than Leon during winter. Acapulco de Juarez gets 272 hours of sunny skies, while Leon receives 244 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives more rain than Leon. Acapulco de Juarez gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Leon receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAcapulco de Juarez 26°C (79°F)Leon 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Leon in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Acapulco de Juarez as well as Leon. The beaches are the main draw to Acapulco de Juarez this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Leon throughout the year.
In the spring, Acapulco de Juarez is around the same temperature as Leon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Leon averages at about 29°C (84°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Leon. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Acapulco de Juarez this time of the year. In the spring, Acapulco de Juarez often gets more sunshine than Leon. Acapulco de Juarez gets 274 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leon receives 242 hours of full sun.
Acapulco de Juarez usually gets less rain in April than Leon. Acapulco de Juarez gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Leon receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAcapulco de Juarez 27°C (81°F)Leon 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Leon and Acapulco de Juarez
| Acapulco de Juarez | Leon | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (83°F) | 271 mm (10.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 209 mm (8.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 312 mm (12.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 341 mm (13.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
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.