A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Belize City vs. Flores for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Belize City or Flores?

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

Should I visit Belize City or Flores? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Belize City or Flores?

Belize City

Belize City is the largest city in Belize. It was once the capital of the country, but due to massive hurricane damage in 1961, the country decided to relocate it capital. With a population of 57,000 people, Belize City is located right at the mouth of the Haulover Creek.

This gorgeous tropical city experiences a monsoon climate – meaning there are warm and humid conditions throughout the course of the year. There is a wet season from May to January, so plan for a little bit of rain in that time.

Flores

The town of Flores is located in Peten, Guatemala. The main hub is located on an island on Lago Peten Itza, which is connected to the mainland by a causeway. On the other side of the causeway are the towns of Santa Elena and San Benito, however, all three are often referred to as Flores. Most people visit the area for its proximity to the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal, though the town itself is also charming with colonial buildings and historic churches lining the cobbled streets.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Belize, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Belize, The Best 3-Day Tours in Guatemala, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Guatemala.


Which place is cheaper, Flores or Belize City?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Belize City is $88, while the average daily cost in Flores is $33. 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 Belize City and Flores in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Belize City $49
    Flores $8.62
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Belize City $98
    Flores $17
Compare Hotels in Belize City and Flores

Looking for a hotel in Belize City or Flores? 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 Belize City


Hotels in Flores


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: Belize City Hotel Prices and Flores Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Belize City $5.82
    Flores $7.86

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Belize City

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

  • We do transfers from airport to any where in Belize.: $49
  • Transfer Belize city to bacalar: $50
  • Private Transfer from Belize City and Airport to Placencia: $160
  • Private Transfer from Belize City Port to Belize Airport (BZE): $60
  • Philip Goldson Airport BZE to Belize Arrival Private Transfer: $23
  • Belize: Belize City to/from San Ignacio Shuttle Transfer: $68
  • Belize city water taxi terminal to Airport transfer: $30
  • Belize City to/from Placencia/Hopkins Shuttle Transfer: $113
  • Belize City to Philip Goldson Airport BZE Departure Transfer: $23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Flores

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

  • Transfer from Flores Guatemala to Caye Caulker Belize: $43
  • Tikal Transfer and Tour Guide From Flores: $60
  • Round-Trip VIP Exclusive Transfer to Tikal from Flores: $137
  • Private transfer Mundo Maya Airport to Flores Island Hotels: $10
  • Belize, Caye Caulke, San Pedro Van/ Ferry Transfer: $20
  • Bus transfer from Flores, Guatemala to Belize City: $20

Is it cheaper to fly into Belize City or Flores?

Prices for flights to both Flores and Belize City 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
    Belize City $27
    Flores $13

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Belize City

For Belize City, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Altun Ha Mayan Site & Food Tour: $80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Belize City $29
    Flores $20

Tours and Activities in Belize City

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

  • "Taste Bud EXPLOSION" Food Tasting City Tour : $89
  • Cave Tubing and Zipline Adventure from Belize City: $167
  • Actun Tunichil Muknal tour from Belize City: $200
  • Altun Ha Cave Tubing and Zip line Tours from Belize City: $208
  • Altun Ha Mayan Ruins & Zipline Tour from Belize City All Inclusive: $170
  • Altun Ha Mayan Ruins and Belize City tour: $100
  • Altun Ha Mayan Ruins and River Wallace and Manatee Watch Tour: $85
  • Altun Ha Mayan Site tour from Belize City: $85
  • Altun Ha, Monkey Sanctuary and Rum Factory Tour from Belize City: $170
  • Belize City Tour: $40
  • Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Full Day Tour: $190
  • Cave Tubing & Zipline Adventure Tour: $110

Typical Entertainment Prices in Flores

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Flores's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Tikal Entrance (for 2)
    $39
  • Map of Tikal
    $3.22

Tours and Activities in Flores

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

  • Shared Guided Sunset Tour in Yaxhá from Flores: $25
  • 2-Day Tour to Tikal and Yaxhá from Flores Island: $220
  • Admire The Sunrise In Tikal - Private Tour From Flores: $214
  • Awaken to Tikals' Sunrise Exclusive Tour: $199
  • Basic Tour to Tikal Includes Transportation and Guide Service: $25
  • Enjoy The Sunset On Top Of A Mayan Pyramid In Yaxha - Private Tour From Flores: $199
  • 1-Day Tikal Tour Private Service From your Hotel: $185
  • From Flores Guided Tour to Tikal with transportation + lunch: $75
  • From 2-Day Tikal & Yaxhá Tour: $299
  • From Blue Crater private day tour: $160
  • From El Pucte Blue Crater Private Day Tour: $200
  • From Exclusive Tikal Group Tour: $77

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Belize City $12
    Flores $21

Sample the Local Flavors in Belize City

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Belize City:

  • Belize: City Highlights Tour with Rum Distillery Visit: $49

Typical Alcohol Prices in Flores

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


  • Two Margaritas
    $2.57


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

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


Which is Bigger, Belize City or Flores?

Belize City has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Flores. When comparing the sizes of Belize City and Flores, 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.