A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Antigua Guatemala vs. Leon for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Guatemala City, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Guatemala, The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, and The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua.


Which place is cheaper, Leon or Antigua Guatemala?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Antigua Guatemala is $63, 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 Antigua Guatemala and Leon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Antigua Guatemala $22
    Leon $16
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Antigua Guatemala $44
    Leon $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.

Hotels in Antigua Guatemala


Hotels in Leon


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Antigua Guatemala $12
    Leon $1.51

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Antigua Guatemala

Also for Antigua Guatemala, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Ground Transfer From Antigua To Guatemala City Airport: $23
  • Private Transfer from Antigua Guatemala to Puerto Quetzal Port: $28
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Antigua Hotels to Guatemala City Airport: $56
  • Transfer Ciudad Guatemala a la Aurora a la Antigua Guatemala: $130
  • Transfer from Antigua Guatemala to La Aurora Airport: $30
  • Transfer from Antigua to the Airport: $80
  • Transfer from La Antigua Guatemala to Monterrico (One Way): $260

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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Antigua Guatemala $14
    Leon $12
Typical Food Prices in Antigua Guatemala

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Antigua Guatemala:


  • Lunch
    $3.22
  • 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: Cooking Class with Local Family: $74
  • Street Food Tour Around Antigua: $75
  • Market food tour and tortilla workshop: $79
  • Market and Mayan Cooking Class: $80
  • Guatemalan Cooking Class & Market Tour: $85
  • Foodie & street food tour: $85
  • Authentic Guatemalan Cooking Class in Antigua: $90
  • Private Cooking Class of Typical Guatemalan Dishes: $95
  • Guatemalan Cooking Class and Market Tour: $98
  • From Guatemala City: Guatemala Cooking Class Tour: $110
  • The Best Food Tour in Antigua: $116
  • Pacaya Volcano Luxury Sunset Horseback Riding Tour/ Dinner Cooked by-Lava Chef: $295

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Antigua Guatemala $15
    Leon $5.83

Tours and Activities in Antigua Guatemala

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Antigua Guatemala.

  • Half-Day Walking Tour: $20
  • Historical and Cultural Walking Tour of Antigua Guatemala : $20
  • City Highlights Guided Walking Tour: $20
  • Walking Tour of the Wonders of La Antigua Guatemala: $20
  • Express tour in Antigua: $20
  • Guided Walking Tour Legends of Antigua Guatemala: $20
  • Guided Walking Tour in Antigua Guatemala: $20
  • La Antigua Horror Stories Night Walking Tour: $20
  • Antigua Walking Tour: $23
  • Antigua Guatemala Walking Group Tour: $30
  • Coffee and Gastronomic Bike Tour in Antigua: $34
  • Antigua Cultural Walking Tour : $35

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: $165
  • A Stroll Through León’s Enchanting Streets: Romantic Walking Tour: $228
  • Cerro Negro Volcano Boarding & Boat Tour: $120
  • Half-Day Leon City Tour: $135
  • Hike El Hoyo Volcano "Private Tour" : $67
  • Horseback Riding Private Tour : $87
  • Kayak Private tour at Juan Venado Island: $92
  • Leon City Walking Private Tour : $41
  • Old Leon and Asososca Lagoon Private Tour: $82
  • Rum Tour & Chorotega Museum Experience: $62
  • Somoto Canyon "Private Tour from Leon" : $154
  • Telica Sunset Tour : $77

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Antigua Guatemala $11
    Leon $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:

  • Macadamia Chocolate and Wine Tour on ATV or UTV: $85


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.