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

Should you visit Florianopolis or La Paz?

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

Should I visit Florianopolis or La Paz? 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 Paz?

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 Paz

La Paz is the capital of Baja California Sur, Mexico. It has a population of about 215,000 people and is a significant commercial center for the region. The city has a good economy and a high standard of living when compared to much of Mexico. Much of the economy is focused on eco-tourism and there are many protected marine environments in the area.

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 Budget Tours to Mexico, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, La Paz 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 La Paz is $118. 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 Paz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Florianopolis $26
    La Paz $52
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Florianopolis $52
    La Paz $104
Compare Hotels in Florianopolis and La Paz

Looking for a hotel in Florianopolis or La Paz? 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 La Paz


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 Paz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Florianopolis $13
    La Paz $22

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 Paz

Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Paz:

  • Private Transfer from La Paz to Cabo San Lucas: $240
  • Roundtrip Transfer to La Paz International Airport: $73
  • La Paz Int. Airport (LAP): Private Transfer to La Paz hotels: $174
  • La Paz Airport: Private Roundtrip Transfer to La Ventan: $259
  • La Paz Airport to Costa Baja Private Roundtrip Transfer: $89

Is it cheaper to fly into Florianopolis or La Paz?

Prices for flights to both La Paz 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
    La Paz $38
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 La Paz

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

  • 4 Hours of Guided La Paz Street Food Tour: $81

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Florianopolis $26
    La Paz $13
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 La Paz

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for La Paz are as follows:

  • 1 Day Espiritu Santo Island Wonders, Sea Lions and Paddleboard Adventure : $249
  • 3 Hour La Paz Whale Shark Snorkeling Experience: $244
  • Adventure to Espiritu Santo Island: Snorkel with Sea Lions and Beach: $131
  • Balandra & San Rafaelito: Sightseeing & Snorkelling: $135
  • Balandra Beach and City Tour: $128
  • Balandra Snorkel & Sea Lion Adventure: $135
  • Can-Am X3 Turbo Adventure: Cabo Desert Trails & Beach Ride: $291
  • City Tour & Beaches from La Paz: $91
  • Cruise Date Delight! Swim with Sea Lions! Apr-02: $186
  • Espíritu Santo Island snorkel and sightseeing tour on Small Group: $167
  • Espiritu Santo Island Day Tour: $170
  • Espiritu Santo Island Snorkel & Sea Lion Adventure: $145

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Florianopolis $8.68
    La Paz $12
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 La Paz, we can see that La Paz 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 Paz is in North 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 Paz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in La Paz 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 Paz Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Florianopolis or La Paz?

Florianopolis has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of La Paz. When comparing the sizes of Florianopolis and La Paz, 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 Paz?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Florianopolis is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but La Paz has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Florianopolis or La Paz in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Florianopolis as well as La Paz. Additionally, most visitors come to La Paz for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Florianopolis is cooler than La Paz in the summer. The daily temperature in Florianopolis averages around 25°C (76°F) in January, and La Paz fluctuates around 30°C (86°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Paz. In the summer, Florianopolis often gets less sunshine than La Pazin July. Florianopolis gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Paz receives 287 hours of full sun.

Florianopolis receives a lot of rain in the summer. Florianopolis usually gets more rain in January than La Pazin July. Florianopolis gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Florianopolis 25°C (76°F) 
    La Paz 30°C (86°F)

Should I visit Florianopolis or La Paz in the Autumn?

Both La Paz and Florianopolis are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to La Paz because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Florianopolis is cooler than La Paz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Florianopolis in April average around 22°C (71°F), and La Paz averages at about 27°C (80°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in La Paz. Florianopolis usually receives less sunshine than La Paz during autumn. Florianopolis gets 179 hours of sunny skies, while La Paz receives 272 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In April, Florianopolis usually receives more rain than La Pazin October. Florianopolis gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Florianopolis 22°C (71°F) 
    La Paz 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Florianopolis or La Paz in the Winter?

Both La Paz and Florianopolis during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to La Paz this time of year.

In July, Florianopolis is generally around the same temperature as La Pazin January. Daily temperatures in Florianopolis average around 17°C (62°F), and La Paz fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

In La Paz, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Florianopolis often gets less sunshine than La Pazin January. Florianopolis gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Paz receives 200 hours of full sun.

Florianopolis usually gets more rain in July than La Pazin January. Florianopolis gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Florianopolis 17°C (62°F) 
    La Paz 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Florianopolis or La Paz in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Florianopolis and La Paz. Also, many travelers come to La Paz for the beaches.

Florianopolis is cooler than La Paz in the spring. The daily temperature in Florianopolis averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and La Paz fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in April.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Paz this time of the year. Florianopolis usually receives less sunshine than La Paz during spring. Florianopolis gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while La Paz receives 292 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 Pazin April. Florianopolis gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Florianopolis 20°C (68°F) 
    La Paz 23°C (73°F)

Typical Weather for La Paz and Florianopolis

Florianopolis La Paz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (76°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 197 mm (7.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Mar 24°C (75°F) 173 mm (6.8 in) 20°C (69°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 22°C (71°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 30°C (86°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 95 mm (3.8 in) 30°C (87°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 30°C (85°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 27°C (80°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Nov 22°C (71°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Dec 24°C (74°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 20°C (67°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)