Which place is cheaper, Mazatlan or Florianopolis?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Florianopolis or Mazatlan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Florianopolis or Mazatlan? 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 Mazatlan?
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.
Mazatlan
Mazatlan is located on the Pacific coast in the Mexican state of Sinaloa. The city has a population of almost 500,000, making it the second largest city in the state. It is a popular tourist destination because of its beautiful beaches and resort hotels. Most people head to Mazatlan specifically for its beaches, but the city itself is somewhat large and diverse with many different cultures and ethnicities represented. Many foreigners come here not only to vacation, but also to retire. You'll meet people from all over Europe, as well as Canada and the United States.
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 Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFlorianopolis $62Mazatlan $79
The average daily cost (per person) in Florianopolis is $62, while the average daily cost in Mazatlan is $79. 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 Mazatlan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFlorianopolis $26Mazatlan $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFlorianopolis $52Mazatlan $66
Compare Hotels in Florianopolis and Mazatlan
Looking for a hotel in Florianopolis or Mazatlan? 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 Mazatlan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Florianopolis $13Mazatlan $21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florianopolis
Also for Florianopolis, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Florianópolis Airport Transfer anywhere on the island by Floripa Nativa: $40
- Hercilio Luz Airport - North Island Transfer: $14
- One Way Transfer : Florianopolis Airport to or from Florianopolis: $64
- Private Transfer Florianópolis Airport to City Center: $32
- Private Transfer Florianopolis Airport to Bal. Camboriu: $96
- Private Transfer from FLN Airport to the City Balneario Camboriú : $84
- Private Transfer from Florianópolis Airport to Bombinhas: $97
- Roundtrip transfer from Florianópolis Airport to Bombinhas: $168
- Shared transfer from Florianópolis airport to Balneário Camboriú: $35
- Transfer Florianópolis Airport / Costão do Santinho: $78
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mazatlan
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mazatlan:
- Round transfer airport to hotel in Mazatlán: $50
- Private roundtrip airport to hotel transfer in Mazatlan: $262
- Private Airport-Hotel Transfer: $119
- Mazatlan Intl Airport (MZT): Private Transfer to Mazatlan: $296
- Mazatlan Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Mazatlan hotels: $236
Is it cheaper to fly into Florianopolis or Mazatlan?
Prices for flights to both Mazatlan 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 $22Mazatlan $34
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 Mazatlan
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Mazatlan.
- Mercado walking food tour: $78
- Mazatlan routes of taste food tour: $84
- Authentic Mexican Cooking Class in Mazatlan: $84
- Tacos, Beer and Mezcal Food Tour in Mazatlan: $96
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Florianopolis $26Mazatlan $9.59
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 Mazatlan
Here are a few actual costs in Mazatlan for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Barrio Bites tour: $78
- Beach Activities and All Inclusive Tour: $58
- BeachBlast ATV's & City Tour: $99
- Bird Watching Mazatlán - Birding Tour: $115
- City Tour with Tequila Tasting & Beach Hotel Day Pass Included : $49
- From Zipline & ATV Adventure with Tequila Tasting: $210
- Half-Day Tour to Tequila Factory and Villages from Mazatlan: $75
- Half-Day Ziplining Experience from Mazatlán: $110
- Jungle and beach ATV tour + lunch + tequila tasting: $120
- Mazatlán: Beach & Jungle ATV Tour w/ Lunch & Tequila Tasting: $126
- Mazatlán: Tequila Factory & Country Sightseeing: $103
- Mazatlán: Zipline Adventure, Sightseeing & Mezcal Tasting: $128
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFlorianopolis $8.68Mazatlan $18
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 Mazatlan, we can see that Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Florianopolis or Mazatlan?
Florianopolis has a larger population, and is about 16% larger than the population of Mazatlan. When comparing the sizes of Florianopolis and Mazatlan, 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 Mazatlan?
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 Mazatlan has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Florianopolis or Mazatlan in the Summer?
Both Mazatlan and Florianopolis during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year.
Florianopolis is cooler than Mazatlan in the summer. The daily temperature in Florianopolis averages around 25°C (76°F) in January, and Mazatlan fluctuates around 29°C (83°F)in July.
In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Florianopolis often gets less sunshine than Mazatlanin July. Florianopolis gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mazatlan receives 216 hours of full sun.
Mazatlan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Florianopolis. Florianopolis usually gets less rain in January than Mazatlanin July. Florianopolis gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyFlorianopolis 25°C (76°F)Mazatlan 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Florianopolis or Mazatlan in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Florianopolis and Mazatlan. Furthermore, many travelers come to Mazatlan for the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Florianopolis is cooler than Mazatlan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Florianopolis in April average around 22°C (71°F), and Mazatlan averages at about 27°C (81°F)in October.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mazatlan this time of the year. Florianopolis usually receives less sunshine than Mazatlan during autumn. Florianopolis gets 179 hours of sunny skies, while Mazatlan receives 233 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In April, Florianopolis usually receives more rain than Mazatlanin October. Florianopolis gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberFlorianopolis 22°C (71°F)Mazatlan 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Florianopolis or Mazatlan in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Florianopolis as well as Mazatlan. Additionally, many visitors come to Mazatlan in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In July, Florianopolis is generally cooler than Mazatlanin January. Daily temperatures in Florianopolis average around 17°C (62°F), and Mazatlan fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. In the winter, Florianopolis often gets less sunshine than Mazatlanin January. Florianopolis gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mazatlan receives 203 hours of full sun.
Florianopolis usually gets more rain in July than Mazatlanin January. Florianopolis gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryFlorianopolis 17°C (62°F)Mazatlan 20°C (67°F)
Should I visit Florianopolis or Mazatlan in the Spring?
Both Mazatlan and Florianopolis are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Mazatlan for the beaches during these months.
Florianopolis is cooler than Mazatlan in the spring. The daily temperature in Florianopolis averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Mazatlan fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in April.
It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. Florianopolis usually receives less sunshine than Mazatlan during spring. Florianopolis gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Mazatlan receives 250 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Florianopolis. In October, Florianopolis usually receives more rain than Mazatlanin April. Florianopolis gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilFlorianopolis 20°C (68°F)Mazatlan 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Mazatlan and Florianopolis
| Florianopolis | Mazatlan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (76°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (71°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (63°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 199 mm (7.8 in) |
| Aug | 17°C (63°F) | 95 mm (3.8 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 219 mm (8.6 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (65°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 227 mm (8.9 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (68°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Nov | 22°C (71°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 18 mm (0.7 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.