Which place is cheaper, La Serena or Florianopolis?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Florianopolis or La Serena?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Florianopolis or La Serena? 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 Serena?
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 Serena
La Serena is a charming town in Northern Chile. It is Chile's second-oldest city and the thriving capital of Region IV. With its beautiful architecture, its long golden shoreline, dignified stone churches, tree-shaded avenues and pretty plazas, La Serena has everything you could ask for!
Chileans on holidays flood in the city in January and February, though it is fairly peaceful outside the summer rush. Some of the city's architecture is from the colonial era, but most is actually neocolonial thanks to president Gabriel Gonzalez Videla, born in La Serena, and her 'Plan Serena' of the late 1940s.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Brazil, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Brazil, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Chile, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Chile.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFlorianopolis $62La Serena $87
The average daily cost (per person) in Florianopolis is $62, while the average daily cost in La Serena is $87. 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 Serena in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFlorianopolis $26La Serena $42
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFlorianopolis $52La Serena $84
Compare Hotels in Florianopolis and La Serena
Looking for a hotel in Florianopolis or La Serena? 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 Serena Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Florianopolis $13La Serena $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florianopolis
Also for Florianopolis, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer Florianópolis Airport / Costão do Santinho: $76
- Shared transfer from Florianópolis airport to Balneário Camboriú: $35
- Roundtrip transfer from Florianópolis Airport to Bombinhas: $168
- Private Transfer from Florianópolis Airport to Bombinhas: $97
- Private Transfer from FLN Airport to the City Balneario Camboriú : $83
- Private Transfer Florianopolis Airport to Bal. Camboriu: $96
- Private Transfer Florianópolis Airport to City Center: $31
- One Way Transfer : Florianopolis Airport to or from Florianopolis: $64
- Hercilio Luz Airport - North Island Transfer: $14
- Florianópolis Airport Transfer anywhere on the island by Floripa Nativa: $39
Is it cheaper to fly into Florianopolis or La Serena?
Prices for flights to both La Serena 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 dayFlorianopolis $22La Serena $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
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Florianopolis $26La Serena $24
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:
- Balneário Camboriú City Tour from Florianópolis: $35
- Bike Tour in Florianopolis - Sunset, Photography and History: $69
- Blumenau City Tour - departing from Florianópolis: $37
- Blumenau City Tour from Florianópolis: $38
- Bombinhas Beach and 4 Islands Tour: $22
- Florianópolis Full Day City Tour: $25
- Floripa City Tour by Bus - Whole Island - The Most Complete City Tour: $31
- Historic Center Walking Tour in Florianopolis with Local Bar Hop: $14
- Lagoinha do Leste Hiking and Photography Adventure : $41
- Mountain biking experiences in Florianópolis: $57
- Private Day Tour: Florianópolis Island with Professional Pictures: $154
- Private South Island Beaches and Lagoons Tour: $43
Tours and Activities in La Serena
For La Serena, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Tour to the internationally renowned Pangue Observatory: $139
- Dama Island or Chañaral Navigation Tour Humboldt Penguin Reserve: $140
- Elqui Valley Full Day Tour: magical towns, pisco and mountains: $85
- Elqui Valley Grand-Tour: $189
- Elqui Valley Tour from La Serena: $120
- Elqui Valley and Vicuña Private Tour Including Lunch: $183
- Elqui Valley: Pisco Tour, Wine, Beer: $174
- Full Day History and Flavors Tour in the Elqui Valley: $50
- La Serena & Coquimbo City Tour - Short excursion for cruise ships: $128
- La Serena and Coquimbo City Tour (SIB): $66
- La Serena and Coquimbo Guided City Tour: $76
- La Serena and Coquimbo Private City Tour Including Lunch, Shore Excursion: $194
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayFlorianopolis $8.68La Serena $22
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 Serena, we can see that La Serena is more expensive. And not only is Florianopolis much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Serena would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in La Serena 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 Serena Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Florianopolis or La Serena?
Florianopolis has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of La Serena. When comparing the sizes of Florianopolis and La Serena, 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 Serena?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.
Should I visit Florianopolis or La Serena in the Summer?
Both La Serena and Florianopolis are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
In January, Florianopolis is generally a little warmer than La Serena. Daily temperatures in Florianopolis average around 25°C (76°F), and La Serena fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
It's quite sunny in La Serena. Florianopolis usually receives less sunshine than La Serena during summer. Florianopolis gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while La Serena receives 247 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Florianopolis. In January, Florianopolis usually receives more rain than La Serena. Florianopolis gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while La Serena receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryFlorianopolis 25°C (76°F)La Serena 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Florianopolis or La Serena in the Autumn?
Both La Serena and Florianopolis during the autumn are popular places to visit.
Florianopolis is a little warmer than La Serena in the autumn. The daily temperature in Florianopolis averages around 22°C (71°F) in April, and La Serena fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
In the autumn, Florianopolis often gets more sunshine than La Serena. Florianopolis gets 179 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Serena receives 159 hours of full sun.
Florianopolis usually gets more rain in April than La Serena. Florianopolis gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while La Serena receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures AprilFlorianopolis 22°C (71°F)La Serena 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Florianopolis or La Serena in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Florianopolis and La Serena.
In the winter, Florianopolis is a little warmer than La Serena. Typically, the winter temperatures in Florianopolis in July average around 17°C (62°F), and La Serena averages at about 12°C (54°F).
Florianopolis usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as La Serena during winter. Florianopolis gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while La Serena receives 160 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Florianopolis usually receives more rain than La Serena. Florianopolis gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while La Serena receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JulyFlorianopolis 17°C (62°F)La Serena 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Florianopolis or La Serena in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Florianopolis as well as La Serena.
In October, Florianopolis is generally a little warmer than La Serena. Daily temperatures in Florianopolis average around 20°C (68°F), and La Serena fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
In the spring, Florianopolis often gets less sunshine than La Serena. Florianopolis gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Serena receives 190 hours of full sun.
Florianopolis receives a lot of rain in the spring. Florianopolis usually gets more rain in October than La Serena. Florianopolis gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while La Serena receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures OctoberFlorianopolis 20°C (68°F)La Serena 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for La Serena and Florianopolis
| Florianopolis | La Serena | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (76°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (71°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (63°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 17°C (63°F) | 95 mm (3.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (65°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (68°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Nov | 22°C (71°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.