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

Should you visit Belize City or Leon?

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

Should I visit Belize City or Leon? 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 Leon?

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.

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 G Adventures Tours to Belize, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Belize, The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, and The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua.


Which place is cheaper, Leon 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 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 Belize City and Leon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Belize City $49
    Leon $16
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Belize City $98
    Leon $32
Compare Hotels in Belize City and Leon

Looking for a hotel in Belize City 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 Belize City


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: Belize City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Belize City $5.83
    Leon $1.51

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Belize City

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

  • Belize City to Philip Goldson Airport BZE Departure Transfer: $23
  • Belize City to/from Placencia/Hopkins Shuttle Transfer: $113
  • Belize city water taxi terminal to Airport transfer: $30
  • Belize: Belize City to/from San Ignacio Shuttle Transfer: $68
  • Philip Goldson Airport BZE to Belize City Arrival Transfer: $23
  • Private Airport Transfer Service to San Ignacio: $125
  • Private Transfer from Belize City Port to Belize Airport (BZE): $61
  • Private Transfer from Belize City and Airport to Placencia: $160
  • Transfer Belize city to bacalar: $50
  • We do transfers from airport to any where in Belize.: $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Belize City or Leon?

Prices for flights to both Leon 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
    Leon $12

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

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.
    Belize City $29
    Leon $5.83

Tours and Activities in Belize City

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

  • Historical Tour: $27
  • Belize City Tour: $40
  • Belizean Bits & Bites Food Tastings and City Tour in Belize: $50
  • Hassle free Cave Tubing Adventure from Belize City with Lunch: $55
  • Charlie's Cave Tubing Tour for cruisers (lunch included): $65
  • Second largest Barrier Reef Adventure Snorkeling: $70
  • Guided Cave Kayaking Tour with Pickup: $77
  • Cave Tubing Experience from Belize City: $85
  • Altun Ha Mayan Site tour from Belize City: $85
  • Half-Day Altun Ha Temple & Belize City Tour: $89
  • "Taste Bud EXPLOSION" Food Tasting City Tour : $89
  • Turtle Garden Snorkeling Tour and Island Break : $90

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: $165
  • A Stroll Through León’s Enchanting Streets: Romantic Walking Tour: $228
  • Cerro Negro Volcano Boarding & Boat Tour: $120
  • Half-Day Leon City Tour: $135
  • Hike El Hoyo Volcano "Private Tour" : $67
  • Horseback Riding Private Tour : $87
  • Kayak Private tour at Juan Venado Island: $92
  • Leon City Walking Private Tour : $41
  • Old Leon and Asososca Lagoon Private Tour: $82
  • Rum Tour & Chorotega Museum Experience: $62
  • Somoto Canyon "Private Tour from Leon" : $154
  • Telica Sunset Tour : $77

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Belize City $12
    Leon $3.54

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


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Belize City and Leon, we can see that Belize City is more expensive. And not only is Leon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Leon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Leon 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 Leon.

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 Leon Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Belize City or Leon?

Leon has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Belize City. When comparing the sizes of Belize City 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 Belize City or Leon?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Belize City or Leon in the Summer?

Both Leon and Belize City during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Belize City because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Leon year-round.

Leon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Belize City. Belize City usually gets more rain in July than Leon. Belize City gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while Leon receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Belize City. In the summer, Belize City often gets more sunshine than Leon. Belize City gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leon receives 175 hours of full sun.

In the summer, Belize City is around the same temperature as Leon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Belize City in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Leon averages at about 27°C (81°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Belize City 28°C (82°F) 
    Leon 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Belize City or Leon in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Belize City and Leon. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Belize City year-round. Leon attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Leon receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Belize City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Belize City usually receives more rain than Leon. Belize City gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while Leon receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Belize City usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Leon during autumn. Belize City gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Leon receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Belize City is generally around the same temperature as Leon. Daily temperatures in Belize City average around 26°C (80°F), and Leon fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Belize City 26°C (80°F) 
    Leon 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Belize City or Leon in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Belize City as well as Leon. Belize City attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Leon throughout the year.

Belize City receives a lot of rain in the winter. Belize City usually gets more rain in January than Leon. Belize City gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Leon receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Leon. In the winter, Belize City often gets less sunshine than Leon. Belize City gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leon receives 244 hours of full sun.

Belize City is cooler than Leon in the winter. The daily temperature in Belize City averages around 24°C (74°F) in January, and Leon fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Belize City 24°C (74°F) 
    Leon 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Belize City or Leon in the Spring?

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

In April, Belize City usually receives more rain than Leon. Belize City gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Leon receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

It's quite sunny in Leon. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Belize City. Belize City usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Leon during spring. Belize City gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Leon receives 242 hours of full sun in the spring.

In the spring, Belize City is around the same temperature as Leon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Belize City in April average around 27°C (80°F), and Leon averages at about 29°C (84°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Belize City 27°C (80°F) 
    Leon 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Leon and Belize City

Belize City Leon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (74°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 24°C (76°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 26°C (78°F) 25 mm (1 in) 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 52 mm (2 in) 29°C (84°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 105 mm (4.1 in) 29°C (84°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 243 mm (9.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 144 mm (5.7 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 187 mm (7.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 287 mm (11.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in)
Oct 26°C (80°F) 255 mm (10 in) 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 31°C (88°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 25°C (76°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)