Which place is cheaper, Leon or Fortaleza?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Fortaleza or Leon?
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 Leon 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 Leon?
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.
Leon
Leon is one of the oldest city's in Nicaragua and you can see hints of its colonial past in the architecture around town. Tourism is not a major part of the economy in Leon, but the city is gaining popularity with budget travelers and backpackers and more recently tour groups are including Leon in their itinerary.
With a population of just over 200,000, Leon is the second largest city in Nicaragua, after Managua. During the university season the population grows dramatically as there is a heavy presence of students in Leon. It is a popular university town, and this young population gives the city plenty of energy and entertainment.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil, The Best Eco Tours in Brazil, The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, and The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua.
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Fortaleza Prices
Brazil PricesLeon Prices
Nicaragua Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFortaleza $83Leon $68
The average daily cost (per person) in Fortaleza is $83, while the average daily cost in Leon is $68. 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 Leon in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFortaleza $29Leon $16
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFortaleza $58Leon $32
Compare Hotels in Fortaleza and Leon
Looking for a hotel in Fortaleza or Leon? 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: Fortaleza Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Fortaleza $20Leon $1.50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fortaleza
Also for Fortaleza, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 4x4 Transfer Private Service Fortaleza - Jericoacoara: $268
- Beach Park Transfer from Fortaleza: $19
- Fortaleza Airport (FOR) to Fortaleza - Arrival Private Transfer: $48
- Fortaleza Airport (FOR) to Fortaleza - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
- Fortaleza Airport Private Transfer: $40
- Fortaleza Roundtrip Airport Transfers: $38
- Fortaleza to Fortaleza Airport (FOR) - Departure Private Transfer: $48
- Jericoacoara - Fortaleza x Jericoacoara transfer: $105
- Private Transfer from Carmel Charme Resort to Fortaleza (FOR) Airport: $86
- Private Transfer from Cumbuco to Fortaleza (FOR) Airport: $48
- Private Transfer from Fortaleza (FOR) Airport to Beberibe: $87
- Private Transfer from Fortaleza (FOR) Airport to Canoa Quebrada: $128
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leon
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Leon:
- From San Jorge: One way shared transfer to Leon: $57
- San Juan del Sur: One way shared transfer to Leon: $57
- One way shared transfer to San Juan del Sur: $57
- From Granada: One way shared transfer to San Jorge: $39
Is it cheaper to fly into Fortaleza or Leon?
Prices for flights to both Leon 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
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Food Meals for one dayFortaleza $39Leon $21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Leon
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Leon.
- Tlakualli Food Tour: $25
- Cooking Workshop in Nicaragua: $25
- Nicaraguan Food Cooking Workshop & Market Tour: $40
- Cooking Class Private Tour: $55
- Nicaraguan Cooking Class with a Local Family at Leon City: $60
- Leon City: Cooking Class: $60
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Fortaleza $15Leon $5.80
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: $12
- 3 Beaches in 1 Day Tour Leaving Fortaleza: $12
- Lagoinha Beach Tour: $14
- Águas Belas Tour: $14
- Lagoinha Beach Tour: $16
- Tour 3 beaches in 1 day: $17
- Fortaleza Panoramic City Tour with visit to Cumbuco Beach: $19
- Tour 3 Beaches in 1 day (Morro Branco, Praia das Fontes and Canoa Quebrada): $23
- Canoe Quebrada Full Day Tour - Departure from Fortaleza by Vitorino Turismo: $23
- Jericoacoara Tour in a Full Day - Leaving Fortaleza by Girafatur: $25
- City Tour Fortaleza - Full Day Cumbuco Beach Tour by Nettour: $25
- Historical and Cultural City Tour of Fortaleza: $29
Tours and Activities in Leon
Here are a few actual costs in Leon for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 6 Hours Sunset Private Guided Tour of Telica Volcano in León: $448
- 6 Hours Sunset Private Guided Tour of Telica Volcano in León: $227
- A Stroll Through León’s Enchanting Streets: Romantic Walking Tour: $246
- Half Day Tour of Cerro Negro's Volcano Boarding: $49
- Half-Day Leon City Tour: $135
- Hike El Hoyo Volcano "Private Tour" : $67
- Horseback Riding Private Tour : $120
- Kayak Private tour at Juan Venado Island: $92
- Leon City Walking Private Tour : $48
- Leon Colonial City Tour: $39
- Leon Nicaragua City Tour: $122
- Leon city: Walking tour by our landmarks.: $15
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFortaleza $9.58Leon $3.52
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fortaleza and Leon, we can see that Fortaleza is more expensive. And not only is Leon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Fortaleza is in South America and Leon 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 Leon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Leon 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 Fortaleza would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fortaleza than you might in Leon.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Fortaleza Expensive? and Is Leon Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Fortaleza or Leon?
Fortaleza has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Leon. When comparing the sizes of Fortaleza and Leon, 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 Leon?
Fortaleza has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Leon experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Fortaleza or Leon in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Fortaleza as well as Leon. The summer months attract visitors to Fortaleza because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Leon throughout the year.
In January, Fortaleza is generally around the same temperature as Leonin July. Daily temperatures in Fortaleza average around 28°C (82°F), and Leon fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fortaleza this time of the year. In the summer, Fortaleza often gets more sunshine than Leonin July. Fortaleza gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leon receives 175 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Leon. Fortaleza receives a lot of rain in the summer. Fortaleza usually gets less rain in January than Leonin July. Fortaleza gets 119 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Leon receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, July to January in Fortaleza is the dry season. January to July in Fortaleza is the rainy season.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyFortaleza 28°C (82°F)Leon 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Fortaleza or Leon in the Autumn?
Both Leon and Fortaleza are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Fortaleza this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Leon because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Fortaleza is around the same temperature as Leon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Fortaleza averages around 27°C (80°F) in April, and Leon fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in October.
Fortaleza usually receives less sunshine than Leon during autumn. Fortaleza gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Leon receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Leon. It's quite rainy in Fortaleza. In April, Fortaleza usually receives more rain than Leonin October. Fortaleza gets 356 mm (14 in) of rain, while Leon receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberFortaleza 27°C (80°F)Leon 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Fortaleza or Leon in the Winter?
Both Leon and Fortaleza during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Fortaleza for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Leon year-round.
In the winter, Fortaleza is around the same temperature as Leon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Fortaleza in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Leon averages at about 26°C (79°F)in January.
In Leon, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Fortaleza. In the winter, Fortaleza often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Leonin January. Fortaleza gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leon receives 244 hours of full sun.
Fortaleza usually gets more rain in July than Leonin January. Fortaleza gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Leon receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year. July to January is the dry season in Fortaleza. January to July is the rainy season in Fortaleza.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryFortaleza 26°C (79°F)Leon 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Fortaleza or Leon in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Fortaleza and Leon. Many visitors come to Fortaleza in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Leon attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Fortaleza is generally around the same temperature as Leonin April. Daily temperatures in Fortaleza average around 28°C (82°F), and Leon fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Leon this time of the year. In Fortaleza, it's very sunny this time of the year. Fortaleza usually receives more sunshine than Leon during spring. Fortaleza gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Leon receives 242 hours of full sun in the spring.
In October, Fortaleza usually receives more rain than Leonin April. Fortaleza gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Leon receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilFortaleza 28°C (82°F)Leon 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Leon and Fortaleza
| Fortaleza | Leon | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 119 mm (4.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 205 mm (8.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (80°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 356 mm (14 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 256 mm (10.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (80°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 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.