Which place is cheaper, Leon or Foz do Iguacu?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Foz do Iguacu 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 Foz do Iguacu 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: Foz do Iguacu or Leon?
Foz do Iguacu
Foz do Iguacu is a larger city in Brazil that is most famous for the Iguacu Falls. The city serves as an entry point for Paraguay and Argentina as well. The obvious reason to visit the city is to see the beautiful falls, and together with Ciudad del Este, Paraguay and Puerto Iguazu, Argentina, it makes up one of the largest tourism sights in South America.
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 Budget Tours to Brazil, The Best Tours for Seniors to Brazil, The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, and The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFoz do Iguacu $66Leon $59
The average daily cost (per person) in Foz do Iguacu is $66, while the average daily cost in Leon is $59. 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 Foz do Iguacu and Leon in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFoz do Iguacu $29Leon $16
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFoz do Iguacu $58Leon $32
Compare Hotels in Foz do Iguacu and Leon
Looking for a hotel in Foz do Iguacu 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: Foz do Iguacu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Foz do Iguacu $13Leon $1.51
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Foz do Iguacu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Foz do Iguacu:
- Foz do Iguaçu Airport Private Transfer : $20
- IGU Airport Transfers: $17
- Private E Bike Tour Iguaçu Waterfalls + Transfers + Tickets: $131
- Private transfer from Foz do Iguaçu airport and bus station: $22
- Roundtrip Airport Transfer in Foz do Iguaçu: $49
- Shared Roundtrip Transfers with Brazilian and Argentinian sides: $120
- Transfer Cataratas Argentina: $19
- Transfer IN IGU & Iguassu Falls Brazilian side & Macuco Boat Safari: $220
- Transfer from Foz de Iguazu Airport to Hotels on the Argentine side: $42
Is it cheaper to fly into Foz do Iguacu or Leon?
Prices for flights to both Leon and Foz do Iguacu 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 dayFoz do Iguacu $22Leon $12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Foz do Iguacu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Foz do Iguacu.
- Official Entrance: Dinner with Latin American Show at Rafain Steakhouse: $52
- Entrance to Rafain with Dinner and Show: $74
- Rafain dinner Samba Show: $94
- Transport to Acaray Casino + dinner (optional): $100
- Dinner Show - Rafain Steakhouse : $100
- Rafain Steakhouse Show - Dinner and Show Included: $103
- Dinner Show at Rafain in Foz do Iguaçu: $107
- Dinner Show Rafain Steakhouse Belmond Hotel Cataratas : $135
- Foz do Iguacu Dancing Musical Show with Dinner and Pickup: $208
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Leon
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Leon.
- Tlakualli Food Tour: $19
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Foz do Iguacu $24Leon $5.81
Tours and Activities in Foz do Iguacu
Here are a few actual costs in Foz do Iguacu for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Humming Bird Garden Experience in Iguazu: $5.00
- Ciudad del Este Shopping Tour: $14
- Iguazú Casino Tour : $17
- Exclusive Bike Experience at Iguazu Falls: $25
- Bird Park Tour: $25
- Iguassu Falls Shopping Tour: $26
- Iguazu Falls National Park Tour - full day tour Argentinean side: $34
- Foz Do Iguaçu City Tour: $34
- Tour Tour, pick up at Foz do Iguaçu airport (IGU): $40
- Itaipu Dam Half-Day Sightseeing Panoramic Tour from Foz do Iguaçu: $42
- Iguassu Falls Sightseeing Tour from Foz do Iguaçu: $44
- Paraguay Guided Shopping Tour from Foz do Iguacu: $44
Tours and Activities in Leon
Here are a few actual costs in Leon for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Half Day Private Tour of Cerro Negro's Volcano Boarding: $35
- Leon City Walking Private Tour : $48
- Rum Tour & Chorotega Museum Experience: $62
- Hike El Hoyo Volcano "Private Tour" : $67
- Old Leon and Asososca Lagoon Private Tour: $82
- Volcano Boarding Private Tour : $84
- Kayak Private tour at Juan Venado Island: $92
- Telica Sunset Tour : $93
- Horseback Riding Private Tour : $103
- Half-Day Leon City Tour: $135
- Somoto Canyon "Private Tour from Leon" : $154
- 6 Hours Sunset Private Guided Tour of Telica Volcano in León: $163
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFoz do Iguacu $12Leon $3.53
Typical Alcohol Prices in Foz do Iguacu
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Foz do Iguacu from other travelers:
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Beer$0.88
When comparing the travel costs between Foz do Iguacu and Leon, we can see that Foz do Iguacu 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 Foz do Iguacu is in South America and Leon is in Central America, 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 Foz do Iguacu Expensive? and Is Leon Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Foz do Iguacu or Leon?
Foz do Iguacu has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Leon. When comparing the sizes of Foz do Iguacu 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 Foz do Iguacu or Leon?
Foz do Iguacu 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 Foz do Iguacu or Leon in the Summer?
Both Leon and Foz do Iguacu are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Leon because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Foz do Iguacu is generally around the same temperature as Leonin July. Daily temperatures in Foz do Iguacu average around 27°C (81°F), and Leon fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Leon. It's quite rainy in Foz do Iguacu. In January, Foz do Iguacu usually receives less rain than Leonin July. Foz do Iguacu gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Leon receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyFoz do Iguacu 27°C (81°F)Leon 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or Leon in the Autumn?
Both Leon and Foz do Iguacu during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Leon year-round.
Foz do Iguacu is cooler than Leon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Foz do Iguacu averages around 23°C (73°F) in April, and Leon fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in October.
Leon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Foz do Iguacu usually gets less rain in April than Leonin October. Foz do Iguacu gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Leon receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberFoz do Iguacu 23°C (73°F)Leon 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or Leon in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Foz do Iguacu and Leon. Leon attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the winter, Foz do Iguacu is cooler than Leon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Foz do Iguacu in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Leon averages at about 26°C (79°F)in January.
In July, Foz do Iguacu usually receives more rain than Leonin January. Foz do Iguacu gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Leon receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryFoz do Iguacu 18°C (64°F)Leon 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or Leon in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Foz do Iguacu as well as Leon. The warm climate attracts visitors to Leon throughout the year.
In October, Foz do Iguacu is generally cooler than Leonin April. Daily temperatures in Foz do Iguacu average around 24°C (75°F), and Leon fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
Foz do Iguacu receives a lot of rain in the spring. Foz do Iguacu usually gets more rain in October than Leonin April. Foz do Iguacu gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Leon receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilFoz do Iguacu 24°C (75°F)Leon 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Leon and Foz do Iguacu
| Foz do Iguacu | Leon | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (64°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) |
| Aug | 20°C (68°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Oct | 24°C (75°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 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.