Which place is cheaper, La Fortuna or Florianopolis?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Florianopolis or La Fortuna?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Florianopolis or La Fortuna? 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 La Fortuna?
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.
La Fortuna
La Fortuna is in San Carlos, in the province of Alajuela. It is the closest town to Arenal Volcano, and the area is often simply refered to as Arenal. The volcano itself is active and has been constantly erupting since 1968. It erupts on average 41 times a day. This area of northern Costa Rica is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the country.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro, The Best Adventure Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Eco Tours in Costa Rica.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFlorianopolis $62La Fortuna $104
The average daily cost (per person) in Florianopolis is $62, while the average daily cost in La Fortuna is $104. 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 La Fortuna in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFlorianopolis $26La Fortuna $51
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFlorianopolis $52La Fortuna $102
Compare Hotels in Florianopolis and La Fortuna
Looking for a hotel in Florianopolis or La Fortuna? 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.
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 La Fortuna Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Florianopolis $13La Fortuna $21
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Fortuna
Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Fortuna:
- VIP Private Transfer from La Fortuna (Arenal Volcano) to Tamarindo Beach: $299
- Transfer from Arenal or La Fortuna to Monteverde up to 5 passengers. (One Way): $295
- Transfer TO or FROM San Jose city to Arenal - Fortuna Area. Private: $210
- Transfer International ATO to Fortuna or return one way: $250
- San Jose Airport: Private transfer from/to La Fortuna: $226
- Puerto Viejo de Limon: Transfer to La Fortuna de Arenal: $400
- Private transfer from SJO Airport to La Fortuna / Van A/C & WiF: $199
- Private Transfer to/from Liberia Airport to La Fortuna Area (Arenal Volcano): $213
- Private Transfer from la Fortuna to Puerto Viejo & Cahuita Limon: $299
- Private Transfer from San Jose Airport to La Fortuna: $225
- Private Transfer from La Fortuna to Nosara: $278
- Private Transfer from La Fortuna to Liberia Intl Airport LIR area: $215
Is it cheaper to fly into Florianopolis or La Fortuna?
Prices for flights to both La Fortuna 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
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Food Meals for one dayFlorianopolis $22La Fortuna $27
Typical Food Prices in Florianopolis
For Florianopolis, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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A Quick Snack$0.44
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Fortuna
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in La Fortuna.
- 2 Hours Private Cooking Class in La Fortuna: $38
- Organic Farm Visit & Farm-to-Table Cooking Class: $45
- Cooking Class and Sugar Cane Experience: $45
- Typical Costa Rican Cooking Classes in La Fortuna: $48
- Costa Rica Cooking, El Fogon de Chela: $50
- Costa Rican cuisine Cooking Class at Rancho Don Lelo: $60
- Cooking Class "Cook Like a Local" La Fortuna: $63
- Rainforest Night Walk and Authentic Costa Rican Dinner from La Fortuna: $65
- 3-Hour Costa Rican Cooking Class with Dinner: $68
- Private typical cooking class with a Costa Rican family: $70
- Private cooking class in organic farm at La Fortuna: $75
- Ceviche & Empanadas Cooking Class: $77
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Florianopolis $26La Fortuna $44
Typical Entertainment Prices in Florianopolis
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Florianopolis's activities, tours, and tickets:
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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 La Fortuna
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for La Fortuna are as follows:
- Arenal Volcano Hike Experience (not guide included): $23
- La Fortuna's 3 Essentials Private Tour: $280
- Rio Celeste Tubing Experience: $54
- Sky Adventures Arenal : Zipline - Sky Tram & Sky Walk (guided): $260
- 1-Hour Private Sloth Tour in the Rainforest from Costa Rica: $30
- 12 cable Zipline Canopy Tour Over Waterfalls!: $101
- 2-Hour Chachagua Rainforest - Birdwatching Tour: $60
- 2-in-1 Arenal Combo Tour: River Safari Float and La Fortuna Waterfall: $170
- 2-in-1 Arenal Volcano Combo Tour: La Fortuna Waterfall and Volcano Hike: $170
- 6 Course Tropical Rainforest Foodie Adventure: $199
- 7 Nights Costa Rica Fully Guided Adventure: $2,000
- 7 cable Zipline Canopy Tour Over La Fortuna Waterfall!: $80
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFlorianopolis $8.68La Fortuna $11
Typical Alcohol Prices in Florianopolis
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Florianopolis from other travelers:
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Beer$0.59
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Florianopolis and La Fortuna, we can see that La Fortuna 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 La Fortuna 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 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 La Fortuna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in La Fortuna 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 La Fortuna Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Florianopolis or La Fortuna?
Florianopolis has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of La Fortuna. When comparing the sizes of Florianopolis and La Fortuna, 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 La Fortuna?
Florianopolis has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but La Fortuna experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Florianopolis or La Fortuna in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Florianopolis as well as La Fortuna. The warm climate attracts visitors to La Fortuna throughout the year.
Florianopolis is cooler than La Fortuna in the summer. The daily temperature in Florianopolis averages around 25°C (76°F) in January, and La Fortuna fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in July.
In the summer, Florianopolis often gets more sunshine than La Fortunain July. Florianopolis gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Fortuna receives 164 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in La Fortuna. Florianopolis receives a lot of rain in the summer. Florianopolis usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as La Fortunain July. Florianopolis gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyFlorianopolis 25°C (76°F)La Fortuna 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Florianopolis or La Fortuna in the Autumn?
Both La Fortuna and Florianopolis are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to La Fortuna because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the autumn, Florianopolis is cooler than La Fortuna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Florianopolis in April average around 22°C (71°F), and La Fortuna averages at about 27°C (81°F)in October.
Florianopolis usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as La Fortuna during autumn. Florianopolis gets 179 hours of sunny skies, while La Fortuna receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in La Fortuna. In April, Florianopolis usually receives less rain than La Fortunain October. Florianopolis gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberFlorianopolis 22°C (71°F)La Fortuna 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Florianopolis or La Fortuna in the Winter?
Both La Fortuna and Florianopolis during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to La Fortuna year-round.
In July, Florianopolis is generally much colder than La Fortunain January. Daily temperatures in Florianopolis average around 17°C (62°F), and La Fortuna fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
In La Fortuna, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Florianopolis often gets less sunshine than La Fortunain January. Florianopolis gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Fortuna receives 264 hours of full sun.
Florianopolis usually gets more rain in July than La Fortunain January. Florianopolis gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryFlorianopolis 17°C (62°F)La Fortuna 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Florianopolis or La Fortuna in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Florianopolis and La Fortuna. La Fortuna attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Florianopolis is cooler than La Fortuna in the spring. The daily temperature in Florianopolis averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and La Fortuna fluctuates around 29°C (85°F)in April.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Fortuna this time of the year. Florianopolis usually receives less sunshine than La Fortuna during spring. Florianopolis gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while La Fortuna receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.
Florianopolis gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Florianopolis usually receives more rain than La Fortunain April. Florianopolis gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilFlorianopolis 20°C (68°F)La Fortuna 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for La Fortuna and Florianopolis
| Florianopolis | La Fortuna | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (76°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (71°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (63°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 17°C (63°F) | 95 mm (3.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (65°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (68°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 22°C (71°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.