A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Florence vs. Arequipa for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Florence or Arequipa?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Florence or Arequipa, 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: Florence or Arequipa?

Florence

Florence is the capital of Tuscany and one of the most well known cities in Italy for its art and cultural scenes. The city is rooted in history and you can see this in the architecture, statues, gardens, and art that are everywhere around town. This city truly is a living museum. You should allow yourself at least a couple of days to explore Florence and if you can afford more, it is well worth the time. In particular, if art history is your passion then you will need a week or more to satisfy your interest as the museums and architecturally impressive buildings throughout the city are endless.

Arequipa

Sitting in the middle of the Misti, Chachani and PichuPichu volcanoes of Peru is the enchanting city of Arequipa. With 468 years of history, the city is full of Spanish colonial architecture. Known to locals as the "white city," the city center, Plaza de Armas, is quite the sight with buildings of sillar white stone made from the rocks of the surrounding volcanoes.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Peru, and The Best Cultural Tours in Peru.


Which place is cheaper, Arequipa or Florence?

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

  • Florence Prices
    Italy Prices
    Arequipa Prices
    Peru Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Florence 180
    Arequipa 54

The average daily cost (per person) in Florence is €180, while the average daily cost in Arequipa is €54. 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 Florence and Arequipa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Florence 87
    Arequipa 22
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Florence 174
    Arequipa 44
Compare Hotels in Florence and Arequipa

Looking for a hotel in Florence or Arequipa? 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 Florence


Hotels in Arequipa


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: Florence Hotel Prices and Arequipa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Florence 22
    Arequipa 5.69
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Florence

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Florence:


  • Taxi Ride Within City
    8.00
  • Taxi from Airport
    25
  • In City Parking (Full Day)
    30
  • Bus Pass (Full Day)
    5.00
  • Bus From Airport
    5.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florence

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

  • 3 Cellars in Chianti with Visits, Wine Tastings, Lunch&Transfer: $206
  • Airport Transfer: Airport FLR to Florence by Business Car: $181
  • Airport Transfer: Florence to Airport FLR by Business Car: $181
  • Airport Transfer: Florence to Airport FLR by Luxury Van: $207
  • Arrival Transfer: Airport FLR to Florence by Business Car: $181
  • Bologna Airport Private Transfer from your Hotel in Florence: $236
  • Departure Transfer: Florence to Airport FLR by Business Car: $181
  • Direct transfer from Florence to Livorno with private driver: $212
  • Florence Airport (FLR) to Chianciano - Arrival Private Transfer: $281
  • Florence Airport (FLR) to Montecatini Terme - Arrival Transfer: $161
  • Florence Airport (FLR) to Siena or Sovicille - Arrival Private Transfer: $185
  • Florence Airport Private Departure Transfer: $63

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Arequipa

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


  • Taxi Ride
    1.28
  • Bus Ride
    0.41
  • Taxi Ride
    0.90

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Arequipa

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Arequipa:

  • Private Transfer between Arequipa and Puno: $300
  • 2-Day Colca Canyon Tour with optional transfer to Puno: $135
  • 2 Days Colca Canyon Tour with Transfer to Puno: $115
  • Colca Canyon + Transfer To Puno: $103
  • Colca Canyon 2 days from Arequipa with final transfer to Puno: $85
  • Colca Canyon full day tour with transfer to Puno: $80
  • Koh Lanta any hotel to Krabi airport Private transfer: $79
  • Colca Canyon Day Trip with Transfer to Puno: $65
  • Arequipa Bus Station Departure Transfer: $37
  • Transfer Between Arequipa's Airport and Hotels: $35
  • Arequipa Airport Departure Transfer: $22
  • Private Transfer from Alfredo Rodríguez Ballón Airport to Hotel: $20

Is it cheaper to fly into Florence or Arequipa?

Prices for flights to both Arequipa and Florence 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
    Florence 62
    Arequipa 22
Typical Food Prices in Florence

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Florence:


  • Panini Sandwich
    6.50
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    17

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Florence

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

  • Florence Pasta Cooking Class Tagliatelle Ravioli and Tortelloni: $22
  • Pasta Cooking Class with Unlimited Wine: $28
  • Pasta Cooking Class with Unlimited Wine in Florence: $29
  • Florence Old City Street Food Tour and Guided Sightseeing: $34
  • Hard Rock Cafe Florence with Set Lunch or Dinner: $35
  • Florence Pasta & Tiramisu Cooking Class with Unlimited Wine: $35
  • Food Tour of Traditional Eateries and Wine Pairings: $35
  • Street Food Tour and Sightseeing with Local Expert Guide in 2.5 hours: $45
  • Fresh Pasta & Tiramisu Cooking Class +Lots of Good Wine: $46
  • Pasta Cooking Class with Tiramisu & Gift Apron: $48
  • Bites of Florence Street Food Tour and Guided Sightseeing: $49
  • Florence's Food Tour with Authentic Local Tastigs and Sightseeing: $49

Typical Food Prices in Arequipa

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


  • Coke
    0.38
  • Lunch
    2.69
  • Ice Cream
    1.03
  • Fruit
    0.77
  • Ice Cream
    0.90

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Arequipa

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

  • Peruvian Cooking Experience in Arequipa: $35
  • Cooking Class at La Plantation: $36
  • Almuerzo Arequipa Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $47
  • Arequipa Nights Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $47
  • Peruvian Cooking Class in arequipa: $50
  • Peruvian Cooking Class: $63
  • Arequipa Food Tour: Ancestral Cuisine & City Tour: $79
  • Arequipa : Food Tour and History (3 Restaurants and Market): $80
  • Arequipa Food Tour Experience: $115
  • Food Tour Gastronomic Guided: $119

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Florence 30
    Arequipa 17
Typical Entertainment Prices in Florence

For Florence, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Admission to Uffizi
    11
  • Phone Booking Fee for Uffizi
    4.00
  • Firenze Card (for Two)
    100
  • Audioguides at Uffizi (for Two)
    20
  • Giotto's Tower Entrance Fee
    6.00
  • Boboli Gardens Entrance Fee
    7.00

Tours and Activities in Florence

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Florence.

  • Florence's Hidden Gems: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $1.75
  • In the footsteps of the Medicis: Florence Renaissance Audio Tour: $3.30
  • Self-Guided Tours In Florence With 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.52
  • Florence at Your Feet : A Tour of Its Historic Jewels: $3.52
  • Private Tour to the Laboratory of Artistic Ceramics in Tuscany: $3.53
  • Florence Outer Ring Self-Guided Walking Tour: $4.66
  • Florence Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $4.66
  • Explore Florence : Digital Audio Guide Tour: $4.70
  • Santa Maria Del Fiore Self Guided Tour with audio guide: $5.88
  • Florence Walking Tour: Self-Guided City Game: $5.98
  • Florence Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
  • Florence Walking Tour 3h10 and 25 audio commentary: $6.94

Typical Entertainment Prices in Arequipa

Here are a few typical costs in Arequipa for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Monastery Entry
    2.57
  • Salsa Class
    2.57
  • Movie Ticket
    2.80
  • Hot Springs
    2.57

Tours and Activities in Arequipa

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

  • 2 Day - Colca Canyon and Condor Tour from Arequipa, Peru - Group Service: $288
  • 2 Day Tour to Colca Canyon: $43
  • 2 Days Climbing Volcano Chachani Tour, Conquer Your First 6,070m: $200
  • 2 Days Colca Living Experience Nature Culture and Tradition: $173
  • 2 days 1 night Colca Canyon tour ending in Puno: $145
  • 2 days and 1 night tour in the Colca Canyon: $205
  • 2-Day Hiking Tour to the Colca Canyon: $120
  • 3 Hour Congata Rover Biking Ride Tour in Arequipa: $45
  • 3-hour guided tour in Arequipa: $65
  • 8-Hours Tour in Arequipa Laguna de Salinas with Pick-up: $30
  • Afternoon : Arequipa Walking tour: $55
  • Afternoon : Arequipa city tour with Santa Catalina Monastery: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Florence 18
    Arequipa 15
Typical Alcohol Prices in Florence

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Florence from other travelers:


  • Glass of Chianti
    4.20
  • Bottle of Wine
    7.50

Sample the Local Flavors in Florence

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

  • Authentic Tuscan Wine Tasting Experience: $18
  • Florence Pub Crawl in the Old Town: $23
  • Classic Wine Tasting by Carus Wines: $24
  • Winery tour and wine tasting of organic Chianti wines and extra virgin oil: $24
  • Wine Tasting Experience near Florence: $29
  • From Florence to Chianti Rufina: Wine Tasting Experience: $34
  • Wine Tasting of Brunello in a Historic Cellar: $34
  • Cellar Wine Tour: $35
  • Classic Wine Tasting in Montalcino: $35
  • Biodynamic Wine Tasting with Producer in Vinci: $40
  • Montefioralle Winery - Tour and Wine Tasting in Chianti: $41
  • Chianti Wine Tour: Tuscan Reds: $42

Typical Alcohol Prices in Arequipa

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


  • Beer
    2.31


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

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


Which is Bigger, Florence or Arequipa?

Arequipa has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Florence. When comparing the sizes of Florence and Arequipa, 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.