Which place is cheaper, Quepos or Florianopolis?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Florianopolis or Quepos?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Florianopolis or Quepos? 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 Quepos?
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.
Quepos
Quepos is both a district and the capital of Aguirre canton in the Puntareanas Province of Costa Rica. The town is quite small, and the district has a population of about 22,000 people. Quepos is a popular tourist destination in Costa Rica due to its close proximity to Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific Coast. The town's economy is centered around tourism and there is no shortage of bars and restaurants in the area. The town also has a lively nightlife for such a small community.
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 Wildlife Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Costa Rica.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFlorianopolis $62Quepos $117
The average daily cost (per person) in Florianopolis is $62, while the average daily cost in Quepos is $117. 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 Quepos in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFlorianopolis $26Quepos $77
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFlorianopolis $52Quepos $154
Compare Hotels in Florianopolis and Quepos
Looking for a hotel in Florianopolis or Quepos? 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 Quepos Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Florianopolis $13Quepos $9.56
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florianopolis
Also for Florianopolis, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer Florianópolis Airport / Costão do Santinho: $78
- 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 : $84
- Private Transfer Florianopolis Airport to Bal. Camboriu: $96
- Private Transfer Florianópolis Airport to City Center: $32
- 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: $40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Quepos
Also for Quepos, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Manuel Antonio to SJO Airport and surroundings : $209
- Shuttle Transfer from Manuel Antonio to San Jose: $60
- Private transfer from SJ Airport to Manuel Antonio and vice versa: $230
- Private Transfer from Quepos Cruise Port to San Jose City Hotels: $91
- Private Transfer from Manuel Antonio to Nauyaca Waterfalls (Round Trip): $199
- Private Transfer From San Jose Airport To Manuel Antonio Beach: $125
- Private Transfer - San Jose Airport & Manuel Antonio/Quepos : $300
- One-Way Private Transfer from Uvita to Quepos - Manuel Antonio: $140
- One-Way Private Transfer from Quepos - Manuel Antonio to Monteverde: $276
- Manuel Antonio & Quepos one way transfer to SJO hotels - Airport up to 5 people.: $274
Is it cheaper to fly into Florianopolis or Quepos?
Prices for flights to both Quepos 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 $22Quepos $30
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
Typical Food Prices in Quepos
For Quepos, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch$15
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Seafood Dinner (for 1)$20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Quepos
For Quepos, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Night Jungle Tour with Dinner (Rainmaker Park): $59
- 3 Hour Cooking Class and Medical Plants Garden: $77
- Cooking Class & Medicinal Plants Garden Manuel Antonio: $77
- Night Mangrove Safari Boat Tour with Dinner | Manuel Antonio: $79
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Florianopolis $26Quepos $17
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:
- Balneário Camboriú City Tour from Florianópolis: $35
- Bike Tour in Florianopolis - Sunset, Photography and History: $70
- 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: $32
- Historic Center Walking Tour in Florianopolis with Local Bar Hop: $14
- Lagoinha do Leste Hiking and Photography Adventure : $42
- Mountain biking experiences in Florianópolis: $58
- Private Day Tour: Florianópolis Island with Professional Pictures: $154
- Private South Island Beaches and Lagoons Tour: $44
Tours and Activities in Quepos
For Quepos, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 10 in 1 Tour! Zip Lines, Rappels, Tarzan Swing, Waterfalls & More: $130
- 2-Hour Boat Tour in Quepos: $55
- ATV Tour Half Day Trip From Manuel Antonio: $90
- All Inclusive Catamaran Eco Adventure from Manuel Antonio: $83
- All-Inclusive Catamaran Eco Adventure with Lunch: $93
- All-Inclusive Full-Day Nauyaca Waterfall and Beach Town Tour: $142
- Beach Day Experience in Manuel Antonio: $20
- Birding at El Rey. (Marshes,rice fields,canals) Private Birding Tour : $120
- Birdwatching Tour: $130
- Catamaran Adventure From Manuel Antonio: $116
- Chocolate Tour Manuel Antonio: $60
- Chocolate and Coffee Tour Manuel Antonio: $62
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFlorianopolis $8.68Quepos $15
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 Quepos, we can see that Quepos 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 Quepos 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 Quepos would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Quepos 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 Quepos Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Florianopolis or Quepos?
Florianopolis has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Quepos. When comparing the sizes of Florianopolis and Quepos, 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 Quepos?
Florianopolis has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Quepos experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Florianopolis or Quepos in the Summer?
Both Quepos and Florianopolis are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Quepos because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the summer, Florianopolis is cooler than Quepos. Typically, the summer temperatures in Florianopolis in January average around 25°C (76°F), and Quepos averages at about 28°C (82°F)in July.
Florianopolis usually receives more sunshine than Quepos during summer. Florianopolis gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Quepos receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Quepos. It's quite rainy in Florianopolis. In January, Florianopolis usually receives around the same amount of rain as Queposin July. Florianopolis gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyFlorianopolis 25°C (76°F)Quepos 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Florianopolis or Quepos in the Autumn?
Both Quepos and Florianopolis during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Quepos year-round.
In April, Florianopolis is generally cooler than Queposin October. Daily temperatures in Florianopolis average around 22°C (71°F), and Quepos fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
In the autumn, Florianopolis often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Queposin October. Florianopolis gets 179 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Quepos receives 169 hours of full sun.
Quepos gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Florianopolis usually gets less rain in April than Queposin October. Florianopolis gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberFlorianopolis 22°C (71°F)Quepos 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Florianopolis or Quepos in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Florianopolis and Quepos. Quepos attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Florianopolis is much colder than Quepos in the winter. The daily temperature in Florianopolis averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Quepos fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in January.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Quepos this time of the year. Florianopolis usually receives less sunshine than Quepos during winter. Florianopolis gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Quepos receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Florianopolis usually receives more rain than Queposin January. Florianopolis gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryFlorianopolis 17°C (62°F)Quepos 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Florianopolis or Quepos in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Florianopolis as well as Quepos. The warm climate attracts visitors to Quepos throughout the year.
In the spring, Florianopolis is cooler than Quepos. Typically, the spring temperatures in Florianopolis in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Quepos averages at about 29°C (85°F)in April.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Quepos. In the spring, Florianopolis often gets less sunshine than Queposin April. Florianopolis gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Quepos receives 255 hours of full sun.
Florianopolis receives a lot of rain in the spring. Florianopolis usually gets more rain in October than Queposin April. Florianopolis gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilFlorianopolis 20°C (68°F)Quepos 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Quepos and Florianopolis
| Florianopolis | Quepos | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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) |
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.