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

Should you visit Basel or Havana?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Basel or Havana, 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: Basel or Havana?

Basel

Basel is often overlooked as a tourist destination in Switzerland, but despite this, it does have a lot to offer visitors as well as a beautiful medieval historic center. Every year it also hosts a Carnival festival that is one of the most popular in Europe, competing with those in Venice and Rio de Janeiro in its popularity. There are also some excellent museums and great examples of regional architecture around town. Basel also serves as an excellent entry point to the Swiss Jura mountains and a jumping off point to visit more popular cities such as Zurich or Lucerne.

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 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland.


Which place is cheaper, Havana or Basel?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Basel is $326, while the average daily cost in Havana is $74. 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 Basel and Havana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Basel $166
    Havana $42
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Basel $332
    Havana $84
Compare Hotels in Basel and Havana

Looking for a hotel in Basel 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 Basel


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: Basel Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Basel $53
    Havana $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Basel

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Basel:

  • Airport Transfer: Basel to EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) by MB Van: $124
  • Arrival Private Transfer: EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) to Basel in Business Car: $119
  • Basel Airport (BSL) to Basel - Arrival Private Transfer: $93
  • Basel Airport (BSL) to Feldberg - Round Trip Private Transfer: $251
  • Basel Airport (BSL) to Feldberg Resort - Arrival Private Transfer: $126
  • Basel Airport Transfer: Basel to EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) in Business Car: $119
  • Basel Airport Transfer: EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) to Basel in Business Car: $119
  • Basel Airport Transfer: EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) to Basel in Luxury Van: $131
  • Basel to Basel Airpor (BSL) - Departure Private Transfer: $93
  • Departure Private Transfer: Basel to EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) in Business Car: $119
  • Departure Private Transfer: Basel to EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) in Luxury Van: $124
  • Freiburg: Bus transfer from/to Basel Euro Airport: $31

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana

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


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.68

Is it cheaper to fly into Basel or Havana?

Prices for flights to both Havana and Basel 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
    Basel $123
    Havana $18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Basel

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

  • Self-Guided Food Tour: $49
  • Traditional Swiss Dinner: Cheese Fondue, Appetizers/Dessert: $163
  • Cooking Class: Homemade Italian Lasagna Experience by Locals: $189
  • Family-Style Italian Pizza Cooking Class & Dining Experience: $189
  • Cheese, Chocolate and Pastry Food Tour: $189

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.
    Basel $43
    Havana $11

Tours and Activities in Basel

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

  • Basel's Portrait: Self-Guided Reading City Tour: $3.14
  • Basel's Portrait: Self-Guided Reading City Tour: $3.20
  • Basel's Portrait: Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $6.29
  • Basel's Portrait Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $6.44
  • Basel Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $8.49
  • Basel (Kleinbasel) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.97
  • Basel Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.97
  • Basel Self-Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
  • Basel Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone: $9.57
  • Swiss Cheese Tasting Experience | Basel: $12
  • The Best of Basel’s Hidden Treasures: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Local Cheese Tasting Tour with a Cheese Sommelier: $13

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
    Basel $38
    Havana $5.76

Sample the Local Flavors in Basel

Also in Basel, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Alsace wine tour & medieval villages small group guided tour: $358

Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana

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


  • Mojito
    $0.15


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Basel and Havana, we can see that Basel is more expensive. And not only is Havana much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Basel 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 Basel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Basel 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 Basel Expensive? and Is Havana Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Basel or Havana?

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

Basel 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 Basel or Havana in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Basel and Havana. Most visitors come to Basel for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the summer, Basel is cooler than Havana. Typically, the summer temperatures in Basel in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Havana averages at about 27°C (81°F).

In July, Basel usually receives more rain than Havana. Basel gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Havana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Basel 21°C (70°F) 
    Havana 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Basel or Havana in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Basel as well as Havana. The autumn months attract visitors to Basel because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year.

In October, Basel is generally much colder than Havana. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 13°C (56°F), and Havana fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Basel usually gets less rain in October than Havana. Basel gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Havana receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Basel 13°C (56°F) 
    Havana 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Basel or Havana in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Basel in the winter. Basel is much colder than Havana in the winter. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Havana fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

In January, Basel usually receives more rain than Havana. Basel gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Havana receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Basel 3°C (37°F) 
    Havana 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Basel or Havana in the Spring?

Both Havana and Basel during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Basel for the natural beauty. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round.

In the spring, Basel is much colder than Havana. Typically, the spring temperatures in Basel in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Havana averages at about 24°C (75°F).

Basel usually gets more rain in April than Havana. Basel gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Havana receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Basel 12°C (53°F) 
    Havana 24°C (75°F)

Typical Weather for Havana and Basel

Basel Havana
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in) 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 22°C (72°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)