Which place is cheaper, Valdivia or Florianopolis?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Florianopolis or Valdivia?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Florianopolis or Valdivia? 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 Valdivia?
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.
Valdivia
Valdivia is a vibrant university city situated in southern Chile. It sits at the meeting point of three rivers in the aptly named Region de Los Rios (The Rivers Region) and is approximately 200 kilometers from both Temuco and Puerto Montt. Due to a large student population, Valdivia boasts a youthful and energetic vibe that is visible in its many bars, cafes and restaurants. The city is also known for having one of Chile's best craft beer cultures, which had its early beginnings when German settlers arrived in the 1840s. The rivers, nearby Pacific coastline and wetlands offer plenty for lovers of the outdoors, too.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Brazil, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Brazil, The Best 10-Day Tours in Chile, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFlorianopolis $62Valdivia $69
The average daily cost (per person) in Florianopolis is $62, while the average daily cost in Valdivia is $69. 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 Valdivia in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFlorianopolis $26Valdivia $40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFlorianopolis $52Valdivia $80
Compare Hotels in Florianopolis and Valdivia
Looking for a hotel in Florianopolis or Valdivia? 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 Valdivia Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Florianopolis $13Valdivia $8.08
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valdivia
Also for Valdivia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Valdivia Airport Private Transfer: $52
Is it cheaper to fly into Florianopolis or Valdivia?
Prices for flights to both Valdivia 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 $22Valdivia $21
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Florianopolis $26Valdivia $13
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: $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
Tours and Activities in Valdivia
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Valdivia.
- Sightseeing Tour in Valdivia : $76
- Valdivia SUP Cruises for 6 People with Transportation Included: $35
- Private City Tour: $90
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFlorianopolis $8.68Valdivia $4.79
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 comparing the travel costs between Florianopolis and Valdivia, we can see that Valdivia is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in South America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Florianopolis Expensive? and Is Valdivia Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Florianopolis or Valdivia?
Florianopolis has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Valdivia. When comparing the sizes of Florianopolis and Valdivia, 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 Valdivia?
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 Valdivia in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Florianopolis and Valdivia.
In January, Florianopolis is generally much warmer than Valdivia. Daily temperatures in Florianopolis average around 25°C (76°F), and Valdivia fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valdivia this time of the year. Florianopolis usually receives less sunshine than Valdivia during summer. Florianopolis gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Valdivia receives 296 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 Valdivia. Florianopolis gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryFlorianopolis 25°C (76°F)Valdivia 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Florianopolis or Valdivia in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Florianopolis as well as Valdivia.
Florianopolis is much warmer than Valdivia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Florianopolis averages around 22°C (71°F) in April, and Valdivia fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
In the autumn, Florianopolis often gets more sunshine than Valdivia. Florianopolis gets 179 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valdivia receives 132 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Valdivia. Florianopolis usually gets less rain in April than Valdivia. Florianopolis gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilFlorianopolis 22°C (71°F)Valdivia 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Florianopolis or Valdivia in the Winter?
Both Valdivia and Florianopolis are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.
In the winter, Florianopolis is much warmer than Valdivia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Florianopolis in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Valdivia averages at about 7°C (45°F).
Florianopolis usually receives more sunshine than Valdivia during winter. Florianopolis gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Valdivia receives 66 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Valdivia. In July, Florianopolis usually receives less rain than Valdivia. Florianopolis gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 312 mm (12.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulyFlorianopolis 17°C (62°F)Valdivia 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Florianopolis or Valdivia in the Spring?
Both Valdivia and Florianopolis during the spring are popular places to visit.
In October, Florianopolis is generally much warmer than Valdivia. Daily temperatures in Florianopolis average around 20°C (68°F), and Valdivia fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
In the spring, Florianopolis often gets less sunshine than Valdivia. Florianopolis gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valdivia receives 198 hours of full sun.
Valdivia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Florianopolis. Florianopolis usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Valdivia. Florianopolis gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberFlorianopolis 20°C (68°F)Valdivia 11°C (52°F)
Typical Weather for Valdivia and Florianopolis
| Florianopolis | Valdivia | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (76°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (71°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (63°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 297 mm (11.7 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 312 mm (12.3 in) |
| Aug | 17°C (63°F) | 95 mm (3.8 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 247 mm (9.7 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (65°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (68°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 22°C (71°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 63 mm (2.5 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.