A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Barcelona vs. Havana for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Barcelona or Havana?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Barcelona and Havana can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Barcelona or Havana?

Barcelona

Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain with a population of over 1.5 million people. It's also the capital of Catalonia and is located on the northeastern part of the Mediterranean coast. Barcelona is one of the country's most popular travel destinations because of its rich history, interesting architecture, and vibrant culture. Barcelona hosted the 1992 Summer Olympic games and that had a strong influence over tourism in the area. Many different neighborhoods were renovated and rebuilt. Modern design became the norm in many parts of the city, although there is still an old city feel and many efforts at preservation.

Havana

The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).

This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Havana or Barcelona?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Barcelona Prices
    Spain Prices
    Havana Prices
    Cuba Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Barcelona 185
    Havana 63

The average daily cost (per person) in Barcelona is €185, while the average daily cost in Havana is €63. 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 Barcelona and Havana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Barcelona 98
    Havana 36
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Barcelona 196
    Havana 72
Compare Hotels in Barcelona and Havana

Looking for a hotel in Barcelona or Havana? 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 Barcelona


Hotels in Havana


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: Barcelona Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Barcelona 19
    Havana 16
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Barcelona

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Barcelona are as follows:


  • 10 Trip Metro Ticket
    7.80
  • Airport Bus
    5.00
  • Metro
    2.10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Barcelona

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Barcelona:

  • Barcelona City to Cruise Port Private Transfer: $35
  • Barcelona city, Hotel to Airport, cruise Port private Transfer: $44
  • Barcelona private van transfer cruise port to airport Barcelona : $143
  • Private Transfer From Hotel to Barcelona Airport Departure: $27
  • Airport Transfer: $179
  • Arrival Private Transfer by Sedan from BCN airport to Barcelona: $86
  • Arrival Transfer El Prat Airport BCN to Barcelona by Luxury Van: $100
  • Arrival Transfer by Luxury Van from Barcelona Port to Barcelona: $93
  • Arrival Transfer from Barcelona Airport BCN to Barcelona in Private Car/Van: $88
  • Barcelona Airport (BCN) to Barcelona - Arrival Private Transfer: $33
  • Barcelona Airport (BNC) to Port Aventura/Salou Arrival Transfer: $211
  • Barcelona Airport (BNC) to Sitges - Arrival Private Transfer: $118

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    0.58

Is it cheaper to fly into Barcelona or Havana?

Prices for flights to both Havana and Barcelona 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
    Barcelona 58
    Havana 15
Typical Food Prices in Barcelona

Some typical examples of dining costs in Barcelona are as follows:


  • Hot Cocoa & Churro
    4.15
  • Sandwich
    1.70
  • Baguette & Horchata
    3.80
  • Tapas on the beach
    8.28
  • Gelatto
    2.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Barcelona

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Barcelona.

  • Hard Rock Cafe Barcelona with Set Lunch or Dinner: $34
  • Barcelona Guided Street Food Tour and Gothic Quarter Visit: $42
  • Flamenco Casa Sors & Guitar Museum with Optional Drink or Dinner: $44
  • Tasty Barcelona Street Food Tour With Local Market Visit : $54
  • Barcelona Food Tour: Market & Gothic Quarter with Expert Guide: $54
  • Barcelona Street Food Tour with Local Market & City Center Visit: $54
  • Tablao Flamenco Cordobes on Rambla Barcelona with Dinner Option: $57
  • Barcelona Morning Tapas Crawl by Food Tour: $71
  • Wine Tasting and 5 Course Tapas Pairing Dinner: $71
  • Barcelona Interactive Spanish Cooking Experience: $78
  • Seafood Paella and Mediterranean Tapas Cooking Class: $81
  • A vegan/vegetarian food tour in Barcelona: $90

Typical Food Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:


  • Pizza
    0.03

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Barcelona 33
    Havana 9.53
Typical Entertainment Prices in Barcelona

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Barcelona are as follows:


  • Picasso Walking Tour and Museum Pass
    42
  • Souvenir Gaudi Book
    8.55
  • Admission to Museo Picasso
    6.00

Tours and Activities in Barcelona

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Barcelona are as follows:

  • Barcelona Segway Tour: $3.57
  • Barcelona Guided Tour on Segway: $3.57
  • Sagrada Familia Exterior Tour: $3.57
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Barcelona: $3.57
  • Barcelona Electric Scooter Tour: $3.57
  • Costa Brava Luxury Tour Boat and Lunch from Barcelona: $3.58
  • Gaudi & Sagrada Familia Donation-Based Tour in English : $3.58
  • Happiness Walking Tour in Barcelona : $3.58
  • Life of Gaudi and Architectural Walking Tour: $5.97
  • Barcelona Panoramic Escooter or E-Bike Tour : $5.97
  • Walking Tour in Barcelona with Arabic Guide: $5.97
  • Gaudí's Sagrada Familia a Digital Audio Guided Tour in Barcelona: $8.36

Tours and Activities in Havana

Here are a few actual costs in Havana for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Private: City Tour with Lunch, Rum, and Chocolate: $2,000

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Barcelona 17
    Havana 4.90

Sample the Local Flavors in Barcelona

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Barcelona:

  • Barcelona Bar Crawl Old Town Treasure Tramp Adventure: $15
  • Estrella Damm Brewery in El Prat de Llobregat tour with Tasting: $18
  • Barcelona Halloween Bar Crawl: $18
  • Pub Crawl in Barcelona: $18
  • Pub Crawl Barcelona by EVOLVE The BEST night experience: $24
  • Estrella Damm Old Brewery Barcelona Guided Tour with Beer Tasting: $24
  • Nightlife Tour - Barcelona Bar Crawl with Flamingos: $25
  • Original Pub Crawl & Tapas Tour: $30
  • Wine tasting next to the Sagrada Familia: $30
  • Barcelona Markets Tour With Optional Food & Wine Tasting Upgrade: $35
  • Winery tour & wine tasting in Penedès region 40min from Barcelona: $38
  • Wine Tasting Experience in Barcelona: $42

Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:


  • Mojito
    0.13


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Barcelona and Havana, we can see that Barcelona is more expensive. And not only is Havana much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Barcelona is in Europe and Havana is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Havana would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Havana 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 Barcelona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Barcelona than you might in Havana.

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


Which is Bigger, Barcelona or Havana?

Havana has a larger population, and is about 37% larger than the population of Barcelona. When comparing the sizes of Barcelona and Havana, 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 Barcelona or Havana?

Barcelona has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Havana experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Barcelona or Havana in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Barcelona and Havana. Many visitors come to Barcelona in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In July, Barcelona is generally cooler than Havana. Daily temperatures in Barcelona average around 23°C (73°F), and Havana fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In July, Barcelona usually receives less rain than Havana. Barcelona gets 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Havana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Barcelona 23°C (73°F) 
    Havana 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Barcelona or Havana in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Barcelona as well as Havana. Most visitors come to Barcelona for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year.

Barcelona is cooler than Havana in the autumn. The daily temperature in Barcelona averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Havana fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Barcelona usually gets more rain in October than Havana. Barcelona gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Havana receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Barcelona 17°C (63°F) 
    Havana 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Barcelona or Havana in the Winter?

Both Havana and Barcelona are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Barcelona because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the winter, Barcelona is much colder than Havana. Typically, the winter temperatures in Barcelona in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Havana averages at about 21°C (70°F).

In January, Barcelona usually receives more rain than Havana. Barcelona gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Havana receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Barcelona 9°C (48°F) 
    Havana 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Barcelona or Havana in the Spring?

Both Havana and Barcelona during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round.

In April, Barcelona is generally much colder than Havana. Daily temperatures in Barcelona average around 13°C (55°F), and Havana fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

Barcelona usually gets more rain in April than Havana. Barcelona gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Havana receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Barcelona 13°C (55°F) 
    Havana 24°C (75°F)

Typical Weather for Havana and Barcelona

Barcelona Havana
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 11°C (52°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in) 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 20°C (67°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Dec 10°C (49°F) 50 mm (2 in) 22°C (72°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)