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

Should you visit Florianopolis or Guatemala City?

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

Should I visit Florianopolis or Guatemala City? 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 Guatemala City?

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.

Guatemala City

Referred to by the locals as "Guate," Guatemala City is the largest and most modern city in Guatemala, as well as its capital. While the atmosphere of the place is big, dirty, and dangerous with city fumes and skyscrapers, it is the hub of the country. It is the place where travelers first step foot into Guatemala and, though it is a place of modern chaos, it does have some of the best galleries and museums as well as a selection of bars, cafes, and restaurants.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Brazil, The Best Tours for Seniors to Brazil, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Guatemala, and The Best Adventure Tours to Guatemala.


Which place is cheaper, Guatemala City or Florianopolis?

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

  • Florianopolis Prices
    Brazil Prices
    Guatemala City Prices
    Guatemala Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Florianopolis $79
    Guatemala City $56

The average daily cost (per person) in Florianopolis is $79, while the average daily cost in Guatemala City is $56. 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 Guatemala City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Florianopolis $26
    Guatemala City $25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Florianopolis $52
    Guatemala City $50
Compare Hotels in Florianopolis and Guatemala City

Looking for a hotel in Florianopolis or Guatemala City? 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 Guatemala City


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 Guatemala City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Florianopolis $14
    Guatemala City $6.28

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: $56
  • Florianópolis Airport Transfer anywhere on the island by Floripa Nativa: $60
  • Private Transfer from FLN Airport to the City Balneario Camboriú: $85
  • Private Transfer from Florianópolis Airport to Bombinhas: $115

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guatemala City

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guatemala City:

  • Transfer from La Aurora airport to Antigua Guatemala.: $80
  • Transfer Private Group Airport to Antigua or Viceversa: $120
  • San Salvadorz: Convenient bus transfer from/to Guatemala: $41
  • Private transfer from La Aurora Airport to Panajachel: $78
  • Private transfer - San Pedro la Laguna to Guatemala City: $200
  • Private Transfers from Guatemala city to Panajachel: $200
  • Private Transfer: Guatemala City ⇄ Antigua – One-Way: $40
  • Private Transfer: Guatemala City Airpot(GUA) to Antigua Guatemala: $29
  • Private Transfer from La Aurora International Airport to Antigua: $32
  • Private Transfer from Guatemala City to Panajachel or Atitlan: $254
  • Private Transfer from Guatemala City to Antigua: $74
  • Private Transfer from Guatemala Airport GUA to Lake Atitlán: $96

Is it cheaper to fly into Florianopolis or Guatemala City?

Prices for flights to both Guatemala City 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 $38
    Guatemala City $27
Typical Food Prices in Florianopolis

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


  • A Quick Snack
    $0.44

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Florianopolis

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

  • 4h Cooking Class in 8 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $85

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guatemala City

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

  • Guatemala: Wine and Pizza Tasting Experience: $35
  • Antigua: Authentic Guatemalan Cooking Class: $80
  • Small-Group Cooking Class in Antigua from Guatemala City: $120
  • Antigua Market, Cooking Class and Choco Museum from Guatemala City: $188
  • Pacaya Volcano Vistas + Enjoy Pizza Surrounded by The Volcano: $195
  • Pacaya Volcano Vistas + Enjoy Pizza with Great Volcano Views: $205
  • Puerto Quetzal: Private Tour Pacaya Volcano 4x4 and Pizza: $550

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Florianopolis $26
    Guatemala City $1.23
Typical Entertainment Prices in Florianopolis

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


  • Internet
    $0.60

Tours and Activities in Florianopolis

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

  • Florianopolis Walking Tour - History, Art and Gastronomy: $18
  • Florianópolis city tour (full day): $22
  • Bombinhas Beach and 4 Islands Tour: $22
  • Discover Florianópolis: Full Day City Tour and Local Highlights: $32
  • Tour Balneario Camboriu and Laranjeiras Beach TELEFERICO INCLUDED: $37
  • Floripa City Tour by Bus - Whole Island - The Most Complete City Tour: $38
  • Panoramic Tour to Campeche Island & Lagoon of Conception: $39
  • Balneário Camboriú tour and cable car ride from Florianópolis: $47
  • Lagoinha do Leste Hiking and Photography Tour in Florianopolis: $70
  • Sandboard Experience by Adrenailha: $70
  • Private Tour: The 7 Most Preserved Beaches on the South Island by Floripa Nativa: $75
  • Florianopolis Bike Tour: Photography, History & Street Food: $91

Tours and Activities in Guatemala City

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

  • 1 Day Lake Atitlan Tour from Guatemala City: $150
  • 2-Day Tour: Antigua Guatemala, Lake Atitlan and Hobbitenango: $299
  • 3-Hour Bike Tour Guatemala City: $60
  • Antigua + Guatemala City Full Day Tour - History Lovers Favorite: $245
  • Antigua City Tour Full Day From Guatemala City: $60
  • Antigua City Tour from Guatemala City: $78
  • Antigua Guatemala Full-Day Shared City Tour: $60
  • Antigua Guatemala Full-Day Tour from Guatemala City: $79
  • Antigua Guatemala NIGHT Photo Tour FROM Guatemala City: $125
  • Chichicastenango Day Tour from Guatemala City: $115
  • City walking tour Guatemala City and Relieff Map: $47
  • Colonial Antigua Guatemala walking tour & Hot Springs from Guatemala City: $99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Florianopolis $8.82
    Guatemala City $6.96
Typical Alcohol Prices in Florianopolis

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


  • Beer
    $0.60


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

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


Which is Bigger, Florianopolis or Guatemala City?

Guatemala City has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Florianopolis. When comparing the sizes of Florianopolis and Guatemala City, 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.