A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Florianopolis vs. Basse-Terre for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Florianopolis or Basse-Terre?

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

Should I visit Florianopolis or Basse-Terre? 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: Florianopolis or Basse-Terre?

Florianopolis

With a population of almost 500,000, Florianopolis is the capital city of the state of Santa Catarina in southern Brazil. The city is split between mainland Brazil and Santa Catarina Island.

Florianopolis has grown in popularity with tourists recently because of its wonderful scenery, beautiful beaches, and fascinating culture. Many Brazilians have also moved here, leaving behind the big cities of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

Florianopolis has a warm humid subtropical climate. There are summer, winter, spring and fall seasons. Frosts are rare but do occur occasionally. Highs during the warmest months are usually in the high 70s Fahrenheit. Rain is evenly distributed throughout the year and there is no distinct dry season.

Basse-Terre

In Guadeloupe there is Basse Terre the city and Basse-Terre the island - the city is the capital of Guadeloupe, and the island is Guadeloupe's western half of the main island. As a whole, the place is very green, featuring lush vegetation and a mountainous landscape with a sulfuric volcano.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro.


Which place is cheaper, Basse-Terre or Florianopolis?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Florianopolis is $62, while the average daily cost in Basse-Terre is $164. 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 Florianopolis and Basse-Terre in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Florianopolis $26
    Basse-Terre $97
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Florianopolis $52
    Basse-Terre $194
Compare Hotels in Florianopolis and Basse-Terre

Looking for a hotel in Florianopolis or Basse-Terre? 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 Florianopolis


Hotels in Basse-Terre


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: Florianopolis Hotel Prices and Basse-Terre Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Florianopolis $13
    Basse-Terre $8.67

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florianopolis

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

  • Hercilio Luz Airport - North Island Transfer: $14
  • Private Transfer Florianópolis Airport to City Center: $32
  • Shared transfer from Florianópolis airport to Balneário Camboriú: $35
  • Florianópolis Airport Transfer anywhere on the island by Floripa Nativa: $40
  • One Way Transfer : Florianopolis Airport to or from Florianopolis: $64
  • Transfer Florianópolis Airport / Costão do Santinho: $78
  • Private Transfer from FLN Airport to the City Balneario Camboriú : $84
  • Private Transfer Florianopolis Airport to Bal. Camboriu: $96
  • Private Transfer from Florianópolis Airport to Bombinhas: $97
  • Roundtrip transfer from Florianópolis Airport to Bombinhas: $168

Is it cheaper to fly into Florianopolis or Basse-Terre?

Prices for flights to both Basse-Terre and Florianopolis 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
    Florianopolis $22
    Basse-Terre $50
Typical Food Prices in Florianopolis

For Florianopolis, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • A Quick Snack
    $0.44

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Florianopolis $26
    Basse-Terre $50
Typical Entertainment Prices in Florianopolis

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


  • Internet
    $0.59

Tours and Activities in Florianopolis

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

  • Historic Center Walking Tour in Florianopolis with Local Bar Hop: $14
  • Bombinhas Beach and 4 Islands Tour: $22
  • Shared Shuttle between Florianópolis Airport and Hotel with optional City Tour: $23
  • Florianópolis Full Day City Tour: $25
  • Rafting Adventure in Apuama - Rio Cubatão in Greater Florianópolis: $30
  • Floripa City Tour by Bus - Whole Island - The Most Complete City Tour: $32
  • Balneário Camboriú City Tour from Florianópolis: $35
  • Blumenau City Tour - departing from Florianópolis: $37
  • Tour Balneario Camboriu and Laranjeiras Beach TELEFERICO INCLUDED: $37
  • Blumenau City Tour from Florianópolis: $38
  • Private Tour: The 7 Most Preserved Beaches on the South Island by Floripa Nativa: $39
  • Lagoinha do Leste Hiking and Photography Adventure : $42

Tours and Activities in Basse-Terre

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Basse-Terre are as follows:

  • Full day tour: the best of the island w/photos drone sunset: $214

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Florianopolis $8.68
    Basse-Terre $14
Typical Alcohol Prices in Florianopolis

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


  • Beer
    $0.59


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

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


Which is Bigger, Florianopolis or Basse-Terre?

Florianopolis has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Basse-Terre. When comparing the sizes of Florianopolis and Basse-Terre, 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 Florianopolis or Basse-Terre?

Florianopolis has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Basse-Terre experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Florianopolis or Basse-Terre in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Florianopolis as well as Basse-Terre. The warm climate attracts visitors to Basse-Terre throughout the year.

In January, Florianopolis is generally cooler than Basse-Terrein July. Daily temperatures in Florianopolis average around 25°C (76°F), and Basse-Terre fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Basse-Terre. In the summer, Florianopolis often gets less sunshine than Basse-Terrein July. Florianopolis gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basse-Terre receives 245 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Basse-Terre. Florianopolis receives a lot of rain in the summer. Florianopolis usually gets more rain in January than Basse-Terrein July. Florianopolis gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Basse-Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Florianopolis 25°C (76°F) 
    Basse-Terre 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Florianopolis or Basse-Terre in the Autumn?

Both Basse-Terre and Florianopolis are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Basse-Terre because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Florianopolis is cooler than Basse-Terre in the autumn. The daily temperature in Florianopolis averages around 22°C (71°F) in April, and Basse-Terre fluctuates around 27°C (80°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in Basse-Terre. Florianopolis usually receives less sunshine than Basse-Terre during autumn. Florianopolis gets 179 hours of sunny skies, while Basse-Terre receives 217 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Basse-Terre. In April, Florianopolis usually receives less rain than Basse-Terrein October. Florianopolis gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Basse-Terre receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Florianopolis 22°C (71°F) 
    Basse-Terre 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Florianopolis or Basse-Terre in the Winter?

Both Basse-Terre and Florianopolis during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Basse-Terre year-round.

In the winter, Florianopolis is cooler than Basse-Terre. Typically, the winter temperatures in Florianopolis in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Basse-Terre averages at about 24°C (76°F)in January.

In Basse-Terre, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Florianopolis often gets less sunshine than Basse-Terrein January. Florianopolis gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basse-Terre receives 236 hours of full sun.

Florianopolis usually gets more rain in July than Basse-Terrein January. Florianopolis gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Basse-Terre receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Florianopolis 17°C (62°F) 
    Basse-Terre 24°C (76°F)

Should I visit Florianopolis or Basse-Terre in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Florianopolis and Basse-Terre. Basse-Terre attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Florianopolis is generally cooler than Basse-Terrein April. Daily temperatures in Florianopolis average around 20°C (68°F), and Basse-Terre fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Basse-Terre this time of the year. Florianopolis usually receives less sunshine than Basse-Terre during spring. Florianopolis gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Basse-Terre receives 240 hours of full sun in the spring.

Basse-Terre receives a lot of rain in the spring. Florianopolis gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Florianopolis usually receives less rain than Basse-Terrein April. Florianopolis gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Basse-Terre receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Florianopolis 20°C (68°F) 
    Basse-Terre 26°C (78°F)

Typical Weather for Basse-Terre and Florianopolis

Florianopolis Basse-Terre
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (76°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 24°C (76°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 197 mm (7.8 in) 24°C (76°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Mar 24°C (75°F) 173 mm (6.8 in) 25°C (76°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Apr 22°C (71°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 26°C (78°F) 123 mm (4.8 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 27°C (80°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 95 mm (3.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 198 mm (7.8 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 236 mm (9.3 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 27°C (80°F) 228 mm (9 in)
Nov 22°C (71°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 220 mm (8.7 in)
Dec 24°C (74°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)