A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Fortaleza vs. Havana for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Fortaleza or Havana?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Fortaleza and Havana can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Fortaleza or Havana?

Fortaleza

A major city on Brazil's northeastern coast and the capital city of Ceara state, Fortaleza is best characterized by its city landscape lined with beaches and palm trees. It also features some great seafood as well as long-standing folk traditions in culture and dance.

Havana

The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).

This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Brazil, and The Best Budget Tours to Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, Havana or Fortaleza?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Fortaleza is $69, while the average daily cost in Havana is $65. 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 Fortaleza and Havana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Fortaleza $30
    Havana $40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Fortaleza $60
    Havana $80
Compare Hotels in Fortaleza and Havana

Looking for a hotel in Fortaleza or Havana? 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 Fortaleza


Hotels in Havana


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: Fortaleza Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Fortaleza $21
    Havana $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fortaleza

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

  • 4x4 Private Transfer Service : $180
  • 4x4 Transfer Private Service Fortaleza - Jericoacoara: $259
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Fortaleza Airport FOR to Fortaleza by Minivan: $117
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Fortaleza Airport FOR to Fortaleza by Sedan Car: $88
  • Beach Park Transfer from Fortaleza: $16
  • Cumbuco Private Transfer From Fortaleza: $58
  • Departure Private Transfer: Fortaleza City to Fortaleza Airport FOR by Minivan: $117
  • Departure Private Transfer: Fortaleza City to Fortaleza Airport FOR by Sedan Car: $88
  • Departure Private Transfer: Jericoacoara to Fortaleza Airport FOR by Sedan Car: $253
  • Fortaleza Airport (FOR) to Fortaleza - Arrival Private Transfer: $16
  • Fortaleza Airport (FOR) to Fortaleza Round-Trip Private Transfer: $33
  • Fortaleza Airport Private Transfer: $40

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.68

Is it cheaper to fly into Fortaleza or Havana?

Prices for flights to both Havana and Fortaleza 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
    Fortaleza $24
    Havana $10

Typical Food Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:


  • Pizza
    $0.03

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Fortaleza $15
    Havana $11

Tours and Activities in Fortaleza

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

  • Full Day Tour to Cumbuco From Fortaleza: $11
  • Cumbuco Beach Tour: $12
  • 3 Beaches in 1 Day Tour Leaving Fortaleza: $13
  • Lagoinha Beach Tour: $14
  • Águas Belas Tour: $15
  • Cumbuco Beach with City Tour from Fortaleza: $16
  • Lagoinha Beach Tour: $17
  • Tour 3 beaches in 1 day: $18
  • One Day Bus Tour of Fortaleza and Cumbuco Beach: $18
  • Canoe Quebrada Full Day Tour - Departure from Fortaleza by Vitorino Turismo: $19
  • Canoa Quebrada Beach Tour with Nettour: $20
  • The colorful sands of Morro Branco beach - Full Day Tour: $22

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Fortaleza $9.97
    Havana $5.76

Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:


  • Mojito
    $0.15


When comparing the travel costs between Fortaleza and Havana, we can see that Fortaleza 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. Even though Fortaleza is in South America and Havana is in Caribbean Islands, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, Fortaleza or Havana?

Fortaleza has a larger population, and is about 11% larger than the population of Havana. When comparing the sizes of Fortaleza and Havana, 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 Fortaleza or Havana?

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

Should I visit Fortaleza or Havana in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Fortaleza as well as Havana. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year.

In the summer, Fortaleza is around the same temperature as Havana. Typically, the summer temperatures in Fortaleza in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Havana averages at about 27°C (81°F)in July.

Fortaleza receives a lot of rain in the summer. Fortaleza usually gets more rain in January than Havanain July. Fortaleza gets 119 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Havana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Fortaleza 28°C (82°F) 
    Havana 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Fortaleza or Havana in the Autumn?

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

In April, Fortaleza is generally around the same temperature as Havanain October. Daily temperatures in Fortaleza average around 27°C (80°F), and Havana fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite rainy in Fortaleza. In April, Fortaleza usually receives more rain than Havanain October. Fortaleza gets 356 mm (14 in) of rain, while Havana receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Fortaleza 27°C (80°F) 
    Havana 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Fortaleza or Havana in the Winter?

Both Havana and Fortaleza during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round.

Fortaleza is a little warmer than Havana in the winter. The daily temperature in Fortaleza averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Havana fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in January.

Fortaleza usually gets more rain in July than Havanain January. Fortaleza gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Havana receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Fortaleza 26°C (79°F) 
    Havana 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Fortaleza or Havana in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Fortaleza and Havana. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the spring, Fortaleza is a little warmer than Havana. Typically, the spring temperatures in Fortaleza in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Havana averages at about 24°C (75°F)in April.

In October, Fortaleza usually receives less rain than Havanain April. Fortaleza gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Havana receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Fortaleza 28°C (82°F) 
    Havana 24°C (75°F)

Typical Weather for Havana and Fortaleza

Fortaleza Havana
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 119 mm (4.7 in) 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 205 mm (8.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 27°C (80°F) 323 mm (12.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 356 mm (14 in) 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
May 27°C (80°F) 256 mm (10.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 26°C (80°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Dec 28°C (82°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)