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

Should you visit Geneva or Havana?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Geneva and Havana. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Geneva or Havana?

Geneva

Geneva is the second largest city in Switzerland and was previously the home for the United Nations Headquarters. The UN is now housed in New York City, but there is still a very strong presence in Geneva. Geneva is not known to be as energetic as some other European cities, but if you search it out, then you're sure to find some interesting places and lively nightlife. It's a very international city, in part because of the heavy UN presence, giving it an interesting feel. It is a French speaking city, and advertisements, signs, and television are all done in French.

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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, and The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland.


Which place is cheaper, Havana or Geneva?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Geneva is $288, while the average daily cost in Havana is $74. 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 Geneva and Havana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Geneva $168
    Havana $42
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Geneva $336
    Havana $84
Compare Hotels in Geneva and Havana

Looking for a hotel in Geneva 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 Geneva


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: Geneva Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Geneva $11
    Havana $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Geneva

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Geneva:

  • Airport Transfer: Geneva Airport GVA to Geneva by Business Car: $83
  • Airport Transfer: Geneva Airport GVA to Geneva by Luxury Van: $112
  • Airport Transfer: Geneva to Geneva Airport GVA by Business Car: $99
  • Airport Transfer: Geneva to Geneva Airport GVA by Luxury Van: $112
  • Arrival Transfer from Geneva Airport GVA to Geneva by Sedan: $90
  • Arrival Transfer: Geneva Airport GVA to Geneva by Business Car: $99
  • Arrival Transfer: Geneva Airport GVA to Geneva by Luxury Van: $112
  • Chamonix: Private Transfer from Geneva with Wi-Fi and Water: $293
  • Departure Transfer from Geneva to Geneva Airport GVA by MiniVan: $116
  • Departure Transfer: Geneva to Geneva Airport GVA by Business Car: $99
  • Departure Transfer: Geneva to Geneva Airport GVA by Luxury Van: $112
  • From One-Way Transfer from Geneva Airport to Morzine: $23

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 Geneva or Havana?

Prices for flights to both Havana and Geneva 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
    Geneva $105
    Havana $18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Geneva

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Geneva.

  • City Tour and Fondue Cooking Class, Swiss Folklore: $223
  • Taste Geneva – A Full Food Tour of Swiss Flavors by Do Eat Better: $225
  • Geneva City Tour with Cooking Class: $228

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.
    Geneva $35
    Havana $11

Tours and Activities in Geneva

Here are a few actual costs in Geneva for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Highlights of Dark History Quest Experience: $5.94
  • Geneva Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $8.32
  • From Brunswick Monument to the Botanical Garden: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Geneva Self Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
  • Geneva (International District) City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.04
  • Geneva Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone: $9.51
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Geneva’s Old Town: $12
  • The Many Faces of Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $13
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour to the Many Faces of Geneva: $13
  • Unusual Audio Tour of Geneva: $21
  • 50-Minute Lake Geneva Cruise: $24
  • Audioguided sightseeing cruise of Geneva: $24

Tours and Activities in Havana

Here are a few actual costs in Havana for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Private: City Tour with Lunch, Rum, and Chocolate: $2,000

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Geneva $26
    Havana $5.76

Sample the Local Flavors in Geneva

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Geneva:

  • Geneva Countryside Wine tasting, Aperitif, Castle By E-bike: $175
  • Swiss Vineyard Wine Tasting Tour in Vaud: $262
  • Lavaux, Chexbres, and Valais Wine Tasting Tour: $450
  • Vineyard Tour & Wine Tasting by TukTuk: $541

Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana

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


  • Mojito
    $0.15


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Geneva and Havana, we can see that Geneva is more expensive. And not only is Havana much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Geneva is in Europe and Havana is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Havana would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Havana 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 Geneva would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Geneva than you might in Havana.

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


Which is Bigger, Geneva or Havana?

Havana has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Geneva. When comparing the sizes of Geneva 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 Geneva or Havana?

Geneva 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 Geneva or Havana in the Summer?

Both Havana and Geneva are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Geneva for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In July, Geneva is generally cooler than Havana. Daily temperatures in Geneva average around 22°C (71°F), and Havana fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In July, Geneva usually receives more rain than Havana. Geneva gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Havana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Geneva 22°C (71°F) 
    Havana 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Geneva or Havana in the Autumn?

Both Havana and Geneva during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Geneva in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round.

Geneva is much colder than Havana in the autumn. The daily temperature in Geneva averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, and Havana fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Geneva usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Havana. Geneva gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Havana receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Geneva 14°C (56°F) 
    Havana 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Geneva or Havana in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Geneva and Havana. Most visitors come to Geneva for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Geneva can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Geneva is much colder than Havana. Typically, the winter temperatures in Geneva in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Havana averages at about 21°C (70°F).

In January, Geneva usually receives more rain than Havana. Geneva gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Havana receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Geneva 4°C (39°F) 
    Havana 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Geneva or Havana in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Geneva as well as Havana. The spring months attract visitors to Geneva because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year.

In April, Geneva is generally much colder than Havana. Daily temperatures in Geneva average around 11°C (53°F), and Havana fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

Geneva usually gets more rain in April than Havana. Geneva gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Havana receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Geneva 11°C (53°F) 
    Havana 24°C (75°F)

Typical Weather for Havana and Geneva

Geneva Havana
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 55 mm (2.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 11°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
May 15°C (60°F) 85 mm (3.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in) 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 21°C (70°F) 75 mm (3 in) 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 14°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Dec 4°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 22°C (72°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)