Which place is cheaper, Santa Cruz de la Sierra or Asuncion?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Asuncion or Santa Cruz de la Sierra?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Asuncion or Santa Cruz de la Sierra, 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 Santa Cruz de la Sierra?
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.
Santa Cruz de la Sierra
Santa Cruz de la Sierra, or simply Santa Cruz, is a larger city in the middle of Bolivia. It is also one of the most wealthy cities in the country. The city is also one of the fastest growing in the world. It is famous for its nightlife and it makes an excellent base for exploring many of the tourist attractions in the nearby areas.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in Bolivia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Bolivia.
-
Asuncion Prices
Paraguay PricesSanta Cruz de la Sierra Prices
Bolivia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAsuncion $76Santa Cruz de la Sierra $68
The average daily cost (per person) in Asuncion is $76, while the average daily cost in Santa Cruz de la Sierra 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 Asuncion and Santa Cruz de la Sierra in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAsuncion $21Santa Cruz de la Sierra $23
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAsuncion $42Santa Cruz de la Sierra $46
Compare Hotels in Asuncion and Santa Cruz de la Sierra
Looking for a hotel in Asuncion or Santa Cruz de la Sierra? 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: Asuncion Hotel Prices and Santa Cruz de la Sierra Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Asuncion $8.30Santa Cruz de la Sierra $9.94
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: $37
- RoundTrip Transfer in Private Minivan Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $60
- Transfer in Private Car from Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $19
- Transfer in private car from Asuncion City - Asuncion Airport (ASU): $19
- Transfer in private minivan Asuncion City - Silvio Pettirosi Airport (ASU): $26
- Transfer in private minivan from Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $26
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Santa Cruz de la Sierra
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Santa Cruz de la Sierra:
-
Taxi Ride$4.35
-
Mini Bus$0.58
Is it cheaper to fly into Asuncion or Santa Cruz de la Sierra?
Prices for flights to both Santa Cruz de la Sierra 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 dayAsuncion $28Santa Cruz de la Sierra $34
Typical Food Prices in Santa Cruz de la Sierra
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Santa Cruz de la Sierra:
-
Snacks$3.19
-
Chips$0.29
-
Banana$0.14
-
Cookies$1.30
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Asuncion $15Santa Cruz de la Sierra $19
Tours and Activities in Asuncion
For Asuncion, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Asuncion Highlights Walking Tour with a Guide: $27
- Asuncion : Custom Walking Tour with A Guide (Private Tour): $33
- 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: $110
- Cultural City 3 Hour Tour in Asuncion by Bus: $115
- Birding and Nature Chaco Tour: $140
- Paraguay River Nature and Wildlife Boat Tour from Asunción: $160
- Day tour “Circuito San Bernardino”: $214
- Day tour “Circuito Sapucai”: $221
- Full day Paraguay River Nature and Wildlife Boat Tour: $230
Tours and Activities in Santa Cruz de la Sierra
Here are a few actual costs in Santa Cruz de la Sierra for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Day Tour Jardin de las Delicias: $140
- Lomas de Arena Sandboarding Tour: $49
- Walking tour - A journey through the History of Santa Cruz: $11
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayAsuncion $9.74Santa Cruz de la Sierra $14
Typical Alcohol Prices in Asuncion
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Asuncion are as follows:
-
Beer$1.15
Typical Alcohol Prices in Santa Cruz de la Sierra
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Santa Cruz de la Sierra from other travelers:
-
Beer$1.59
Sample the Local Flavors in Santa Cruz de la Sierra
Also in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Bolivia: Bolivian Wine Tasting with Charcuterie Board: $33
When comparing the travel costs between Asuncion and Santa Cruz de la Sierra, 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. Since both cities are in South 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 Asuncion Expensive? and Is Santa Cruz de la Sierra Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Asuncion or Santa Cruz de la Sierra?
Asuncion has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Santa Cruz de la Sierra. When comparing the sizes of Asuncion and Santa Cruz de la Sierra, 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.