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

Should you visit Florianopolis or Ushuaia?

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

Should I visit Florianopolis or Ushuaia? 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 Ushuaia?

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.

Ushuaia

Ushuaia is a city on the Tierra del Fuego island of Argentina on the Beagle Strait. The city is considered to be one of the southernmost cities in the world and is often used as a base for cruises to Antarctica. Ushuaia's close proximity to Antarctica and their amazing hiking trails have made it a popular tourist destination over the past few decades.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Brazil, The Best Tours for Seniors to Brazil, The Best Wildlife Tours to Argentina, and The Best Eco Tours in Argentina.


Which place is cheaper, Ushuaia or Florianopolis?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Florianopolis is $63, while the average daily cost in Ushuaia is $12. 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 Ushuaia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Florianopolis $26
    Ushuaia $5.73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Florianopolis $52
    Ushuaia $11
Compare Hotels in Florianopolis and Ushuaia

Looking for a hotel in Florianopolis or Ushuaia? 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 Ushuaia


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 Ushuaia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Florianopolis $14
    Ushuaia -

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
  • Transfer Florianópolis Airport from Balneário Camboriú and region by Centrotur: $113
  • 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 : $86
  • Transfer Florianópolis Airport / Costão do Santinho: $80
  • One Way Transfer : Florianopolis Airport to or from Florianopolis: $64
  • Florianópolis Airport Transfer anywhere on the island by Floripa Nativa: $41
  • Shared transfer from Florianópolis airport to Balneário Camboriú: $35
  • Private Transfer Florianópolis Airport to City Center: $33
  • Hercilio Luz Airport - North Island Transfer: $14

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ushuaia

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


  • Taxi Ride
    $0.04

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ushuaia

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

  • Shared One-way Airport Transfer: $10
  • Escondido and Fagnano Lakes with transfer: $84
  • Ushuaia city to Ushuaia Airport(USH) - Departure Private Transfer: $23
  • Ushuaia Airport(USH) to Ushuaia city - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $46
  • Ushuaia Airport Departure Transfer: $10
  • Transfer from/to the airport: $89
  • Transfer from the hotel to the airport in shared service: $19
  • Transfer from the airport to the hotel in shared service: $19
  • Transfer Ushuaia Airport - Hotel in Ushuaia - Ushuaia Airport : $35
  • Transfer Cerro Castor (Round Trip): $32
  • Shared Transfer Airport-Hotel-Airport (Ushuaia): $37
  • Private Transfer from Ushuaia Port to Ushuaia Airport (USH): $25

Is it cheaper to fly into Florianopolis or Ushuaia?

Prices for flights to both Ushuaia 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
    Ushuaia $2.22
Typical Food Prices in Florianopolis

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


  • A Quick Snack
    $0.45

Typical Food Prices in Ushuaia

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ushuaia:


  • Lunch for Two
    $0.06

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ushuaia

For Ushuaia, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Ushuaia at night: A Snow and Fire dinner, sledding and adventure: $270

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Florianopolis $26
    Ushuaia $13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Florianopolis

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Florianopolis's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Internet
    $0.60

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: $72
  • Blumenau City Tour from Florianópolis: $38
  • Bombinhas Beach and 4 Islands Tour: $23
  • Florianópolis Full Day City Tour: $25
  • Floripa City Tour by Bus - Whole Island - The Most Complete City Tour: $33
  • Historic Center Walking Tour in Florianopolis with Local Bar Hop: $14
  • Lagoinha do Leste Hiking and Photography Adventure : $27
  • Mountain biking experiences in Florianópolis: $60
  • Private Day Tour: Florianópolis Island with Professional Pictures: $154
  • Private South Island Beaches and Lagoons Tour: $45
  • Private Tour: North Island Beaches by Floripa Nativa Turismo: $46

Tours and Activities in Ushuaia

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ushuaia.

  • 2-day tour: Tierra del Fuego National Park + Fagnano and Escondido Lakes: $115
  • 2-day tour:Tierra del Fuego NP + Beagle Channel Navigation + Fagnano & Escondido: $190
  • 3-Hour Navigation Tour in the Beagle Channel with Isla de Lobos: $145
  • 3-Hour Tour Sailing through the Beagle Channel: $105
  • 4-Hour National Park - USHUAIA (Shared tour): $75
  • 4WD Off-Road Lakes Tierra del Fuego Adventure From Ushuaia: $174
  • 5-Hour Nat Park + City tour - USHUAIA (Private Tour): $195
  • 5.5-Hour National park w/ hiking Shore excursion - USHUAIA (Private Tour): $280
  • 5hrs of Trekking Experience in Martial Glacier: $95
  • 7-Hour Lakes Escondido & Fagnano - USHUAIA (Shared tour): $105
  • Adventure 360º in Quads with Lunch: $165
  • An Hour Tour in the City of Ushuaia: $32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Florianopolis $8.88
    Ushuaia -
Typical Alcohol Prices in Florianopolis

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Florianopolis from other travelers:


  • Beer
    $0.60

Typical Alcohol Prices in Ushuaia

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Ushuaia are as follows:


  • Wine
    $0.05
  • Beer
    $0.01


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Florianopolis and Ushuaia, we can see that Florianopolis is more expensive. And not only is Ushuaia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ushuaia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ushuaia 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 Florianopolis would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Florianopolis than you might in Ushuaia.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Florianopolis Expensive? and Is Ushuaia Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Florianopolis or Ushuaia?

Florianopolis has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Ushuaia. When comparing the sizes of Florianopolis and Ushuaia, 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 Ushuaia?

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 Ushuaia in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Florianopolis and Ushuaia.

In January, Florianopolis is generally much warmer than Ushuaia. Daily temperatures in Florianopolis average around 25°C (76°F), and Ushuaia fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Florianopolis usually receives more sunshine than Ushuaia during summer. Florianopolis gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Ushuaia receives 169 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 Ushuaia. Florianopolis gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Ushuaia receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Florianopolis 25°C (76°F) 
    Ushuaia 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Florianopolis or Ushuaia in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Florianopolis as well as Ushuaia.

Florianopolis is much warmer than Ushuaia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Florianopolis averages around 22°C (71°F) in April, and Ushuaia fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In the autumn, Florianopolis often gets more sunshine than Ushuaia. Florianopolis gets 179 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ushuaia receives 74 hours of full sun.

Florianopolis usually gets more rain in April than Ushuaia. Florianopolis gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Ushuaia receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Florianopolis 22°C (71°F) 
    Ushuaia 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Florianopolis or Ushuaia in the Winter?

Both Ushuaia and Florianopolis are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

Ushuaia can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Florianopolis is much warmer than Ushuaia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Florianopolis in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Ushuaia averages at about 2°C (36°F).

Florianopolis usually receives more sunshine than Ushuaia during winter. Florianopolis gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Ushuaia receives 61 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Florianopolis usually receives more rain than Ushuaia. Florianopolis gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Ushuaia receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Florianopolis 17°C (62°F) 
    Ushuaia 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Florianopolis or Ushuaia in the Spring?

Both Ushuaia and Florianopolis during the spring are popular places to visit.

In October, Florianopolis is generally much warmer than Ushuaia. Daily temperatures in Florianopolis average around 20°C (68°F), and Ushuaia fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In the spring, Florianopolis often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ushuaia. Florianopolis gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ushuaia receives 156 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Florianopolis. Florianopolis usually gets more rain in October than Ushuaia. Florianopolis gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Ushuaia receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Florianopolis 20°C (68°F) 
    Ushuaia 6°C (43°F)

Typical Weather for Ushuaia and Florianopolis

Florianopolis Ushuaia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (76°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 197 mm (7.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Mar 24°C (75°F) 173 mm (6.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 22°C (71°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 6°C (43°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 3°C (37°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 1°C (34°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 2°C (36°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 95 mm (3.8 in) 2°C (36°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 4°C (39°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 6°C (43°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Nov 22°C (71°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Dec 24°C (74°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)