A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Freeport vs. Leon for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Freeport 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 Freeport 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: Freeport or Leon?

Freeport

When you picture the Bahamas you likely picture the beaches, resorts and playgrounds of Nassau. Just to the northwest of this tourist paradise is a tropical city founded on industry. Freeport began as mostly swampland and is now the second most populous city in the Bahamas.

This city is less of a tourist attraction - a place where you'll find the true Bahaman culture mixed in with some relaxing spots to help you unwind and get into your island vacation.

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 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, and The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua.


Which place is cheaper, Leon or Freeport?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Freeport is $244, 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 Freeport and Leon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Freeport $141
    Leon $16
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Freeport $282
    Leon $32
Compare Hotels in Freeport and Leon

Looking for a hotel in Freeport 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.

Hotels in Freeport


Hotels in Leon


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: Freeport Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Freeport $59
    Leon $1.51

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Freeport

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

  • Freeport Grand Bahama Airport (FPO): Transfer to Freeport: $259
  • Freeport to Grand Bahama Airport (FPO) Departure Private Transfer: $72
  • Grand Bahama Airport (FPO) to Freeport - Arrival Private Transfer: $72
  • Grand Bahama Airport (FPO) to Old Bahama Bay - Private Transfer: $193
  • Grand Bahama Airport(FPO) to Freeport -RoundTrip Private Transfer: $143
  • Grand Bahama Airport: One-Way Transfer to Freeport Hotels: $139
  • Old Bahama Bay to Grand Bahama Airport (FPO) - Private Transfer: $193
  • Private Round Trip Transfer from Freeport Airport to Hotel: $133
  • Private Transfer from FPO to Freeport hotels or resorts: $167
  • Private Transfer from FPO to Old Bahama Bay resort : $233
  • Private Transfer from Freeport Port to Grand Bahama Airport (FPO): $29
  • Private Transfer from Grand Bahama Airport (FPO) to Freeport Port: $29

Is it cheaper to fly into Freeport or Leon?

Prices for flights to both Leon and Freeport 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
    Freeport $64
    Leon $12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Freeport

For Freeport, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Around Town/Bahamian Cooking Experience: $175

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Freeport $40
    Leon $5.81
Typical Entertainment Prices in Freeport

For Freeport, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • 10 Dive Package
    $300
  • 4 Hr. Kayak Tour
    $70
  • 1/2 Day Snorkel Trip
    $75

Tours and Activities in Freeport

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

  • Tour of Coral Vita and breach brak at Banana bay beach club: $51
  • Mamma Gal Native Experience : $70
  • Freeport Shore Excursion: Garden of the Groves and City Tour: $81
  • Mamma Gal East End Native Experience : $85
  • Rumbo Tour : $90
  • Clear Kayak Tour: $120
  • Bahamas Sea Scooter Snorkeling Adventure: $120
  • Grand Bahama Agricultural Family Farm Tour: $120
  • CocoNutz Cruisers Electric Bicycle Tour: $123
  • East End Private Day Trip Experience Tour : $200
  • Snorkel/Swim with the Turtles Experience: $250
  • 4 Hour Private Sandy Cay Experience with Snorkeling - Adults Only: $275

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: $163
  • A Stroll Through León’s Enchanting Streets: Romantic Walking Tour: $226
  • Half Day Private Tour of Cerro Negro's Volcano Boarding: $35
  • Half-Day Leon City Tour: $135
  • Hike El Hoyo Volcano "Private Tour" : $67
  • Horseback Riding Private Tour : $103
  • Kayak Private tour at Juan Venado Island: $92
  • Leon City Walking Private Tour : $48
  • Old Leon and Asososca Lagoon Private Tour: $82
  • Rum Tour & Chorotega Museum Experience: $62
  • Somoto Canyon "Private Tour from Leon" : $154
  • Telica Sunset Tour : $93

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Freeport $30
    Leon $3.53

Sample the Local Flavors in Freeport

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Freeport:

  • Brewery & Taste with Beach & Shop at Largest Market on Freeport 4-hrs : $75


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Freeport and Leon, we can see that Freeport is more expensive. And not only is Leon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Freeport is in Caribbean Islands 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 Freeport would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Freeport 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 Freeport Expensive? and Is Leon Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Freeport or Leon?

Leon has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Freeport. When comparing the sizes of Freeport 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.