Should you visit Fortaleza or Montanita?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel cost comparison between Fortaleza and Montanita can help. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
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.
Montanita
Montanita is a small village located on Manglaralto parish along the southern coast of Ecuador. The Pacific Coast of Ecuador is lined with beach towns, either small villages with local fisherman or larger towns more set up for foreign travellers like Montanita. With one of the best beaches in Ecuador, one of the best surf breaks in the region, and a great laid-back atmosphere Montanita is a great little getaway, especially for the hippies of the world. It has also become a popular weekend destination for English teachers and Spanish students coming from Guayaquil and Quito. The beachfront village of Montanita has a laid-back atmosphere and steady stream of cosmopolitan backpackers, with as many South Americans as gringos.
Which city is cheaper, Montanita or Fortaleza?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Fortaleza is $55, while the average daily cost in Montanita is $77. 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 city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Fortaleza and Montanita in more detail.
Accommodation
Travelers usually pay around $48 for a double occupancy room in Fortaleza If you want to be in a premiere location or have high end amenities, you can expect to pay a bit more.
The prices for places to stay in Montanita can vary by date, location, and type. Generally, the average cost for accommodation per person is $33, while a typical double-occupancy hotel room for two people will cost around $66.
Food
The price of a meal in Fortaleza can vary widely. However, the average price for food per day is $19 per person, and a typical meal will cost around $7.60 based on the spending of previous visitors. Less expensive dining options can be found by eating street food or at fast food restaurants.
Montanita food costs typically run travelers around $22 per day. Eating every meal in a nicer restaurant will drive the cost up, and grabbing fast food or casual meals will help you save money.
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Food
Meals for one day
Fortaleza $19
Montanita $22
Local Transportation
Public transportation tends to be much less expensive in Fortaleza than paying for a taxi or private car service, as is expected. Typically, people spend $17 on transportation in Fortaleza on average per day.
Montanita's transportation costs can vary by the type of transport chosen by visitors. Naturally, taxis and private drivers cost much more than public transportation options. On average, visitors spend $31 per person, per day on transportation in Montanita.
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fortaleza
Also for Fortaleza, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
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Private Transfer Fortaleza - Jericoacoara:
$385
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Arrival Private Transfer from Fortaleza Airport FOR to Jericoacoara by Minivan:
$336
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Private One-Way Transfer from Pinto Martins Airport:
$299
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Private One Way Airport Transfer - Canoa Quebrada:
$270
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Arrival Private Transfer from Fortaleza Airport FOR to Jericoacoara by Sedan Car:
$253
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Jericoacoara Private Transfer From Fortaleza:
$240
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Private Transfer from Fortaleza (FOR) Airport to Jericoacoara:
$228
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Private Transfer from Fortaleza (FOR) Airport to Icaraí-Amontada:
$149
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Private Transfer from Fortaleza (FOR) Airport to Canoa Quebrada:
$133
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Private Transfer from Fortaleza (FOR) Airport to Flexeiras:
$124
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Private Transfer from Fortaleza (FOR) Airport to Mundaú:
$124
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Transfer 4 X 4 Fortaleza to Jericoacoara or Jericoacoara to Fortaleza:
$120
Entertainment
Sightseeing expenses in Fortaleza, including the cost of admission tickets for day tours, museums, and attractions, usually cost an average of $12 per day, per person.
Sightseeing, admission tickets, things to do, and other entertainment expenses in Montanita can vary widely by price. On average, visitors spend around $25 per person, per day on entertainment and sightseeing here.
Tours and Activities in Fortaleza
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Fortaleza.
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Beach Park Full-Day Trip Including Brief Tour of Fortaleza:
$35
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Canoa Quebrada Tour from Fortaleza - With Transportation, Guide and Buggy Ride:
$100
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Cumbuco Beach with City Tour from Fortaleza:
$14
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Fortaleza & Cumbuco Beach Full Day Tour:
$21
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Fortaleza City Tour:
$18
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Fortaleza Like a Local: Customized Private Tour:
$31
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1-Day Tour to Morro Branco:
$48
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2-Hour Morning City Tour:
$21
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From Full-Day City and Beach Park Tour:
$35
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Full-Day Guided Tour in Jericoacoara from Fortaleza:
$100
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Tour to Aguas Belas Beach:
$24
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Tour to Canoa Quebrada Beach:
$29
Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages can often be a significant portion of a traveler's budget, and the costs can vary greatly from person to person. In Fortaleza, the average amount that a visitor spends on alcoholic beverages per day is $8.02.
Alcoholic beverages can often be a significant portion of a traveler's budget, and the costs can vary greatly from person to person. In Montanita, the average amount that a visitor spends on alcoholic beverages per day is $6.29.
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fortaleza and Montanita, we can see that Montanita is more expensive. And not only is Fortaleza much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Fortaleza would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Fortaleza 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 Montanita would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Montanita than you might in Fortaleza.
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