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

Should you visit Florianopolis or Liberia?

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

Should I visit Florianopolis or Liberia? 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 Liberia?

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.

Liberia

Liberia is a town in northwestern Costa Rica. It is the capital of the Guanacaste province, which is about 140 miles away from Costa Rica's capital, San Jose. The town has a population of about 56,000 and is one of the tourism centers of 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.


Which place is cheaper, Liberia 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 Liberia is $112. 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 Liberia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Florianopolis $26
    Liberia $60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Florianopolis $52
    Liberia $120
Compare Hotels in Florianopolis and Liberia

Looking for a hotel in Florianopolis or Liberia? 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 Liberia


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 Liberia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Florianopolis $13
    Liberia $43

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Liberia

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Liberia are as follows:


  • Bike Rental
    $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Liberia

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Liberia:

  • Transfers from Liberia Airport: $60
  • Transfers Tamarindo Diria or Occidental Tamarindo, Round Trip.: $230
  • Transfer from Playa Hermosa to Liberia Airport (LIR): $85
  • Transfer from Liberia Airport (LIR) to Riu Guanacaste Hotel in Guanacaste: $85
  • Transfer from Liberia Airport (LIR) to Planet Hollywood Beach Resort: $91
  • Transfer from Liberia Airport (LIR) to El Mangroove Hotel: $85
  • Transfer from Liberia Airport (LIR) to Dreams Las Mareas Hotel: $149
  • Transfer from El Mangroove Hotel to Liberia Airport (LIR): $94
  • Transfer from Dreams Las Mareas Hotel to Liberia Airport (LIR): $148
  • Transfer Service From Liberia Airport To Dreams Las Mareas, Costa Rica: $240
  • Transfer Riu Palace and Guanacaste Round-Trip: $160
  • Transfer Liberia Airport to Planet Hollywood or Andaz Papagayo, ROUND TRIP.: $176

Is it cheaper to fly into Florianopolis or Liberia?

Prices for flights to both Liberia 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
    Liberia $21
Typical Food Prices in Florianopolis

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


  • A Quick Snack
    $0.44

Typical Food Prices in Liberia

Some typical examples of dining costs in Liberia are as follows:


  • Snacks
    $1.97
  • Lunch at The Shack (for 1)
    $4.95
  • Lunch
    $11
  • Coffee & Tres Leches (for 2)
    $14
  • Ginger Ale
    $1.28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Liberia

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

  • 2-Hour Cooking Class in Nosara : $65
  • Private Local Cooking Class in Nosara: $85
  • Private Sunset Dinner at the Beach with Chef : $190

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Florianopolis $26
    Liberia $25
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 Liberia

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

  • ATV Tour Guanacaste the Beach Excursion & Trail: $110
  • Llanos de Cortez Safari and Waterfall Tour: $190
  • Mega Combo Adventure: $195
  • Nicaragua one day tour from Costa Rica, Discover it: $250
  • (Private) La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike: $41
  • 2 Hour ATV Private Tour in Costa Rica: $81
  • 2 In 1 Jet Sky & Buggy Private Tour: $300
  • 2-Hours UTV Tour: $110
  • 3 Hour ATV Adventure Tour in El Jobo: $130
  • 4 Tours in 1 Action Package - Playa del Coco area: $170
  • 5 in 1 sloth, Rainforest, waterfalls, hanging bridges, volcanic activity tour.: $285
  • 6 Hours Guanacaste Cultural and Local Farm Experience: $77

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Florianopolis $8.68
    Liberia $13
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 Liberia, we can see that Liberia 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 Liberia 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 Liberia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Liberia 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 Liberia Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Florianopolis or Liberia?

Florianopolis has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Liberia. When comparing the sizes of Florianopolis and Liberia, 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 Liberia?

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

Should I visit Florianopolis or Liberia in the Summer?

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

In January, Florianopolis is generally cooler than Liberiain July. Daily temperatures in Florianopolis average around 25°C (76°F), and Liberia fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

In the summer, Florianopolis often gets more sunshine than Liberiain July. Florianopolis gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Liberia receives 164 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Liberia. Florianopolis receives a lot of rain in the summer. Florianopolis usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Liberiain July. Florianopolis gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Liberia receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Florianopolis 25°C (76°F) 
    Liberia 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Florianopolis or Liberia in the Autumn?

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

Florianopolis is cooler than Liberia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Florianopolis averages around 22°C (71°F) in April, and Liberia fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in October.

Florianopolis usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Liberia during autumn. Florianopolis gets 179 hours of sunny skies, while Liberia receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Liberia. In April, Florianopolis usually receives less rain than Liberiain October. Florianopolis gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Liberia receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Liberia is December to April. The rainy season in Liberia is April to December.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Florianopolis 22°C (71°F) 
    Liberia 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Florianopolis or Liberia in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Florianopolis is much colder than Liberia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Florianopolis in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Liberia averages at about 27°C (81°F)in January.

In Liberia, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Florianopolis often gets less sunshine than Liberiain January. Florianopolis gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Liberia receives 264 hours of full sun.

Florianopolis usually gets more rain in July than Liberiain January. Florianopolis gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Liberia receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Florianopolis 17°C (62°F) 
    Liberia 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Florianopolis or Liberia in the Spring?

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

In October, Florianopolis is generally cooler than Liberiain April. Daily temperatures in Florianopolis average around 20°C (68°F), and Liberia fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Liberia this time of the year. Florianopolis usually receives less sunshine than Liberia during spring. Florianopolis gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Liberia 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 Liberiain April. Florianopolis gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Liberia receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring. December to April in Liberia is the dry season. Also, April to December is the rainy season in Liberia.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Florianopolis 20°C (68°F) 
    Liberia 29°C (85°F)

Typical Weather for Liberia and Florianopolis

Florianopolis Liberia
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)