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

Should you visit Florianopolis or Montanita?

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

Should I visit Florianopolis or Montanita? 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 Montanita?

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.

Montanita

Montanita is a small village located on Manglaralto parish along the southern coast of Ecuador. The Pacific Coast of Ecuador is lined with beach towns, either small villages with local fisherman or larger towns more set up for foreign travellers like Montanita. With one of the best beaches in Ecuador, one of the best surf breaks in the region, and a great laid-back atmosphere Montanita is a great little getaway, especially for the hippies of the world. It has also become a popular weekend destination for English teachers and Spanish students coming from Guayaquil and Quito. The beachfront village of Montanita has a laid-back atmosphere and steady stream of cosmopolitan backpackers, with as many South Americans as gringos.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Brazil, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Brazil, The Best G Adventures Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ecuador.


Which place is cheaper, Montanita 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 Montanita is $96. 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 Montanita in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Florianopolis $26
    Montanita $41
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Florianopolis $52
    Montanita $82
Compare Hotels in Florianopolis and Montanita

Looking for a hotel in Florianopolis or Montanita? 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 Montanita


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Florianopolis $13
    Montanita $39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florianopolis

Also for Florianopolis, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Roundtrip transfer from Florianópolis Airport to Bombinhas: $168
  • Private Transfer from Florianópolis Airport to Bombinhas: $97
  • Private Transfer Florianopolis Airport to Bal. Camboriu: $96
  • Private Transfer from FLN Airport to the City Balneario Camboriú : $83
  • Transfer Florianópolis Airport / Costão do Santinho: $76
  • One Way Transfer : Florianopolis Airport to or from Florianopolis: $64
  • Florianópolis Airport Transfer anywhere on the island by Floripa Nativa: $39
  • Shared transfer from Florianópolis airport to Balneário Camboriú: $35
  • Private Transfer Florianópolis Airport to City Center: $31
  • Hercilio Luz Airport - North Island Transfer: $14

Is it cheaper to fly into Florianopolis or Montanita?

Prices for flights to both Montanita 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
    Montanita $28
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 $26
    Montanita $31
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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Florianopolis $8.68
    Montanita $7.86
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 Montanita, we can see that Montanita 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 Montanita would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Montanita 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 Montanita Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Florianopolis or Montanita?

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

Should I visit Florianopolis or Montanita in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Florianopolis is around the same temperature as Montanita. Typically, the summer temperatures in Florianopolis in January average around 25°C (76°F), and Montanita averages at about 25°C (78°F)in July.

Florianopolis usually receives more sunshine than Montanita during summer. Florianopolis gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Montanita receives 107 hours of full sun in the summer.

Florianopolis gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Florianopolis usually receives more rain than Montanitain July. Florianopolis gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Montanita receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Florianopolis 25°C (76°F) 
    Montanita 25°C (78°F)

Should I visit Florianopolis or Montanita in the Autumn?

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

In April, Florianopolis is generally cooler than Montanitain October. Daily temperatures in Florianopolis average around 22°C (71°F), and Montanita fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

In the autumn, Florianopolis often gets more sunshine than Montanitain October. Florianopolis gets 179 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montanita receives 117 hours of full sun.

Florianopolis usually gets more rain in April than Montanitain October. Florianopolis gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Montanita receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Florianopolis 22°C (71°F) 
    Montanita 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Florianopolis or Montanita in the Winter?

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

Florianopolis is much colder than Montanita in the winter. The daily temperature in Florianopolis averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Montanita fluctuates around 27°C (80°F)in January.

Florianopolis usually receives more sunshine than Montanita during winter. Florianopolis gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Montanita receives 88 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Florianopolis usually receives more rain than Montanitain January. Florianopolis gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Montanita receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Florianopolis 17°C (62°F) 
    Montanita 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Florianopolis or Montanita in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Florianopolis is cooler than Montanita. Typically, the spring temperatures in Florianopolis in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Montanita averages at about 27°C (81°F)in April.

In the spring, Florianopolis often gets more sunshine than Montanitain April. Florianopolis gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montanita receives 133 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Florianopolis. Florianopolis usually gets more rain in October than Montanitain April. Florianopolis gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Montanita receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Florianopolis 20°C (68°F) 
    Montanita 27°C (81°F)

Typical Weather for Montanita and Florianopolis

Florianopolis Montanita
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (76°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 27°C (80°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 197 mm (7.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 24°C (75°F) 173 mm (6.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Apr 22°C (71°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 27°C (80°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 26°C (79°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 25°C (78°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 95 mm (3.8 in) 25°C (78°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 26°C (78°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Nov 22°C (71°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Dec 24°C (74°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 27°C (80°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)