Which place is cheaper, Leon or Antigua Guatemala?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Antigua Guatemala or Leon?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Antigua Guatemala or Leon, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Antigua Guatemala or Leon?
Antigua Guatemala
Before a disastrous earthquake in 1773, Antigua was the colonial capital of Guatemala. For 200 years it had reigned as so and today shows remnants of its glorious past with Spanish colonial buildings and other architectural landmarks still standing. Due to this large amount of preserved architecture, Antigua was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is now the most touristed city of Guatemala.
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 Adventure Tours to Guatemala, The Best Eco Tours in Guatemala, The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, and The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua.
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Antigua Guatemala Prices
Guatemala PricesLeon Prices
Nicaragua Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAntigua Guatemala $73Leon $68
The average daily cost (per person) in Antigua Guatemala is $73, while the average daily cost in Leon is $68. 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 Antigua Guatemala and Leon in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAntigua Guatemala $22Leon $16
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAntigua Guatemala $44Leon $32
Compare Hotels in Antigua Guatemala and Leon
Looking for a hotel in Antigua Guatemala 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: Antigua Guatemala Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Antigua Guatemala $12Leon $1.51
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Antigua Guatemala
Also for Antigua Guatemala, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- One way private transfer to Panajachel: $189
- One way shared transfer to Flores, Peten: $79
- One-Way Shared Van Transfer to Panajachel: $25
- Antigua: One way private transfer to Guatemala City: $64
- Antigua: One way shared transfer to Semuc Champey, Lanquin: $49
- Antigua: Private Transfer to Guatemala City Airport: $25
- From Antigua Guatemala One way shared transfer to El Paredon: $34
- From Antigua: Transfer to Guatemala City: $85
- From Panajachel: One Way Shared Transfers to Antigua: $25
- Guatemala City Airport: Private Transfer to Antigua: $25
- Panajachel: One way shared transfer to Antigua: $25
- Private Ground Transfer From Antigua To Guatemala City Airport: $25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leon
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Leon:
- From San Jorge: One way shared transfer to Leon: $57
- San Juan del Sur: One way shared transfer to Leon: $57
- One way shared transfer to San Juan del Sur: $57
- From Granada: One way shared transfer to San Jorge: $39
Is it cheaper to fly into Antigua Guatemala or Leon?
Prices for flights to both Leon and Antigua Guatemala 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 dayAntigua Guatemala $25Leon $21
Typical Food Prices in Antigua Guatemala
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Antigua Guatemala:
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Lunch$3.22
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Lunch$7.73
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Antigua Guatemala
For Antigua Guatemala, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Antigua: Authentic Guatemalan Cooking Experience with Locals: $55
- Antigua Street Food Tour : $65
- Make your own Mayan Pepian - Cooking class: $69
- Antigua: Cooking Class with Local Family: $74
- Local Street Food Tour of Antigua: $75
- Private Cooking Class of Typical Guatemalan Dishes: $75
- Street Food Tour Around Antigua: $80
- Market and Mayan Cooking Class: $80
- Antigua: Private Evening Street Food Tour with Dinner: $84
- Guatemalan Cooking Class & Market Tour: $85
- Authentic Guatemalan Cooking Class in Antigua: $90
- Market food tour and tortilla workshop: $90
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Leon
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Leon.
- Cooking Workshop in Nicaragua: $24
- Tlakualli Food Tour: $25
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Antigua Guatemala $15Leon $5.83
Tours and Activities in Antigua Guatemala
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Antigua Guatemala.
- Guided Walking Tour in Antigua Guatemala: $22
- From Antigua: Pacaya Volcano Tour in English/Spanish: $22
- Antigua Walking Tour: $23
- City Highlights Guided Walking Tour: $25
- Antigua walking tour: Highlights, history, cultural.: $25
- Walking Tour of the Wonders of La Antigua Guatemala: $25
- Antigua Walking Tour: $25
- Cultural and fun tour in Antigua Guatemala: $25
- Guided Walking Tour Legends of Antigua Guatemala: $25
- La Antigua Horror Stories Night Walking Tour: $25
- Chocolate workshop; gastronomic experience of cocoa.: $28
- Pacaya Hike from Antigua an Adventure with Roasted Marshmallows: $29
Tours and Activities in Leon
Here are a few actual costs in Leon for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 6 Hours Sunset Private Guided Tour of Telica Volcano in León: $435
- 6 Hours Sunset Private Guided Tour of Telica Volcano in León: $221
- A Stroll Through León’s Enchanting Streets: Romantic Walking Tour: $240
- Half Day Private Tour of Cerro Negro's Volcano Boarding: $49
- Half-Day Leon City Tour: $135
- Hike El Hoyo Volcano "Private Tour" : $67
- Horseback Riding Private Tour : $120
- Kayak Private tour at Juan Venado Island: $92
- Leon City Walking Private Tour : $48
- Leon Colonial City Tour: $39
- Leon Nicaragua City Tour: $122
- Leon city: Walking tour by our landmarks.: $10
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAntigua Guatemala $11Leon $3.54
Sample the Local Flavors in Antigua Guatemala
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Antigua Guatemala:
- Antigua Bar Crawl: $26
When comparing the travel costs between Antigua Guatemala and Leon, we can see that Antigua Guatemala is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Central America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Antigua Guatemala Expensive? and Is Leon Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Antigua Guatemala or Leon?
Leon has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Antigua Guatemala. When comparing the sizes of Antigua Guatemala 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.
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.