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

Should you visit Asuncion or Leon?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Asuncion 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: Asuncion or Leon?

Asuncion

Asuncion is a vastly underrated city. It is the capital but also the administrative economic and cultural center of Paraguay. It is located in the south central part of the country, near the border with Argentina and it is one of the oldest cities in South America, with people living here since almost 500 years. The city has a beautiful and simple center, with a few unique colonial and beaux arts buildings, international cuisine, shady plazas and friendly people. Its handful of historic buildings around the Plaza de los Heroes, Plaza Uruguaya and Manzana de la Ribera, two or three small museums, old bars and cafes, but also smart suburbs, ritzy shopping malls and fashionable nightclubs will keep you entertained for a day or two. It is a very charming city for travellers and apart from the sights, the city boasts a good tourist infrastructure with hotels and restaurants.

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 Nicaragua, and The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua.


Which place is cheaper, Leon or Asuncion?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Asuncion is $68, 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 Asuncion and Leon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Asuncion $22
    Leon $16
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Asuncion $44
    Leon $32
Compare Hotels in Asuncion and Leon

Looking for a hotel in Asuncion 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 Asuncion


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: Asuncion Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Asuncion $8.82
    Leon $1.51

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Asuncion

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

  • RoundTrip Private Transfer Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $52
  • RoundTrip Transfer in Private Minivan Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $59
  • Transfer in Private Car from Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $21
  • Transfer in private car from Asuncion City - Asuncion Airport (ASU): $20
  • Transfer in private minivan Asuncion City - Silvio Pettirosi Airport (ASU): $29
  • Transfer in private minivan from Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $29

Is it cheaper to fly into Asuncion or Leon?

Prices for flights to both Leon and Asuncion 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
    Asuncion $17
    Leon $12

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.
    Asuncion $16
    Leon $5.81

Tours and Activities in Asuncion

For Asuncion, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide in Asuncion: $34
  • Walking Tour with a Local in Asuncion "The Mother of Cities": $35
  • Asunción Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $35
  • Asuncion Birding Tour: $70
  • Crystal Fall - day tour in a reduced group: $85
  • Golden Triangle Tour: $110
  • Birding and Nature Chaco Tour: $140
  • Paraguay River Nature and Wildlife Boat Tour from Asunción: $160
  • Half-Day Yparacai Lake Tour from Asuncion with Pick Up: $185
  • Full day Paraguay River Nature and Wildlife Boat Tour: $207
  • Day tour “Circuito San Bernardino”: $214
  • Day tour “Circuito Sapucai”: $221

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: $163
  • A Stroll Through León’s Enchanting Streets: Romantic Walking Tour: $226
  • Half Day Private Tour of Cerro Negro's Volcano Boarding: $35
  • Half-Day Leon City Tour: $135
  • Hike El Hoyo Volcano "Private Tour" : $67
  • Horseback Riding Private Tour : $103
  • Kayak Private tour at Juan Venado Island: $92
  • Leon City Walking Private Tour : $48
  • Old Leon and Asososca Lagoon Private Tour: $82
  • Rum Tour & Chorotega Museum Experience: $62
  • Somoto Canyon "Private Tour from Leon" : $154
  • Telica Sunset Tour : $93

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Asuncion $10
    Leon $3.53
Typical Alcohol Prices in Asuncion

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Asuncion are as follows:


  • Beer
    $1.22


When comparing the travel costs between Asuncion and Leon, we can see that Asuncion 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. Even though Asuncion is in South America and Leon is in Central America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Asuncion Expensive? and Is Leon Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Asuncion or Leon?

Asuncion has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Leon. When comparing the sizes of Asuncion 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 Asuncion or Leon?

Asuncion 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 Asuncion or Leon in the Summer?

Both Leon and Asuncion during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Leon year-round.

Asuncion is around the same temperature as Leon in the summer. The daily temperature in Asuncion averages around 29°C (84°F) in January, and Leon fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in July.

It's quite sunny in Asuncion. In the summer, Asuncion often gets more sunshine than Leonin July. Asuncion gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leon receives 175 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 Asuncion. Asuncion usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Leonin July. Asuncion gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Leon receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Asuncion 29°C (84°F) 
    Leon 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Asuncion or Leon in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Asuncion and Leon. Leon attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the autumn, Asuncion is cooler than Leon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Asuncion in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Leon averages at about 27°C (81°F)in October.

Asuncion usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Leon during autumn. Asuncion gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Leon receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Leon receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Asuncion gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Asuncion usually receives less rain than Leonin October. Asuncion gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Leon receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Asuncion 24°C (75°F) 
    Leon 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Asuncion or Leon in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Asuncion as well as Leon. The warm climate attracts visitors to Leon throughout the year.

In July, Asuncion is generally cooler than Leonin January. Daily temperatures in Asuncion average around 19°C (66°F), and Leon fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Leon. In the winter, Asuncion often gets less sunshine than Leonin January. Asuncion gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leon receives 244 hours of full sun.

Asuncion usually gets more rain in July than Leonin January. Asuncion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Leon receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Asuncion 19°C (66°F) 
    Leon 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Asuncion or Leon in the Spring?

Both Leon and Asuncion are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Leon because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Asuncion is cooler than Leon in the spring. The daily temperature in Asuncion averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Leon fluctuates around 29°C (84°F)in April.

It's quite sunny in Leon. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Asuncion. Asuncion usually receives less sunshine than Leon during spring. Asuncion gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Leon receives 242 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Asuncion. In October, Asuncion usually receives more rain than Leonin April. Asuncion gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Leon receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Asuncion 25°C (77°F) 
    Leon 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Leon and Asuncion

Asuncion Leon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 29°C (84°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 29°C (84°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 29°C (84°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in) 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 144 mm (5.7 in)
Aug 21°C (70°F) 50 mm (2 in) 27°C (81°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in)
Oct 25°C (77°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 31°C (88°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 28°C (82°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)