A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Granada vs. Cordoba for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Granada or Cordoba?

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 Granada and Cordoba. 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: Granada or Cordoba?

Granada

Granada is Nicaragua's oldest colonial city, and arguably, the most beautiful city in the country. It sits on the northern edge of Lake Nicaragua (Lago Cocibolca) and has many beautifully colored buildings and nice churches. The city's beauty and colonial architecture, along with its relative safety and accessibility, make it one of Nicaragua's top tourist destinations. The city has long been a center for commerce, but today its economy depends heavily on tourism. The city is the sixth largest in Nicaragua and a real estate boom in the early 2000's brought a large number of expats to the town.

Cordoba

Cordoba is the capital of the Cordoba province and the second largest city in all of Argentina. The city is in a beautiful setting surrounded by valleys and hills. Within the city you will find many colonial buildings and beautiful architecture. Cordoba also has many universities and scientific institutes, giving it the nickname "La Docta." Because of the large number of students, Cordoba's population is young and active, which keeps the atmosphere light and fun.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, The Best Adventure Tours to Argentina, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Argentina.


Which place is cheaper, Cordoba or Granada?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Granada is $40, while the average daily cost in Cordoba is $8.40. 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 Granada and Cordoba in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Granada $17
    Cordoba $3.05
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Granada $34
    Cordoba $6.10
Compare Hotels in Granada and Cordoba

Looking for a hotel in Granada or Cordoba? 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 Granada


Hotels in Cordoba


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: Granada Hotel Prices and Cordoba Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Granada $8.57
    Cordoba $2.08

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Granada

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Granada:

  • One-Way Private Transfer From/To Airport or Hotels in Granada: $80

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cordoba

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cordoba are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $0.01

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cordoba

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

  • Transfer in private minivan from Cordoba to Ingeniero Ambrosio Taravella Airport: $61

Is it cheaper to fly into Granada or Cordoba?

Prices for flights to both Cordoba and Granada 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
    Granada $14
    Cordoba $3.83
Typical Food Prices in Granada

Some typical examples of dining costs in Granada are as follows:


  • Pizza
    $2.29

Typical Food Prices in Cordoba

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Cordoba:


  • Empanadas
    $0.01
  • Sandwich
    $0.00
  • Ice Cream
    $0.00

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Granada $10
    Cordoba $1.88
Typical Entertainment Prices in Granada

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Granada are as follows:


  • Lago de Nicaragua Boat Tour
    $8.17

Tours and Activities in Granada

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Granada are as follows:

  • Bird Watching Tour: $90
  • Boat Tour and Granada City Tour: $120
  • Charming Granada Outdoor "Private Tour" : $92
  • Experience Granadas Best Sights Carriage ride + Local Guide: $65
  • Fabulous Night Tour in Masaya Volcano from Granada: $158
  • From Full-Day Tour to 6 Attractions with Lunch incl: $125
  • Full Day Tour Isletas + Pueblos Blancos + Laguna from Granada: $120
  • Full Day Tour in Granada with Volcano Visit: $224
  • Full-Day Tour: Masaya Volcano, Art Market and White Villages: $60
  • Granada City Tour: $40
  • Granada Colonial City Tour and Masaya Volcano: $130
  • Granada Kayak Tour: $30

Tours and Activities in Cordoba

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

  • Traditional Córdoba CityTour x 2 Pax: $45
  • Alta Gracia: Unveiling Cordoba's Cultural Heritage Tour: $48
  • Exploring Villa Carlos Paz: Guided Sightseeing Tour: $50
  • Cordoba City Tour: $50
  • Private Cordoba City Tour: $53
  • Córdoba: Villa Carlos Paz Tour: $59
  • Cordoba City Tour with Optional Jesuitic Square: $60
  • Córdoba CityTour FULLDAY x 2 pax: $60
  • Caroya WineTour x 2 Pax: $60
  • La Cumbrecita and Villa General Belgrano Full Day Tour: $73
  • Full Day Tour to Punilla Valley from Cordoba: $75
  • Full Day Jesuit Legacy Tour from Cordoba: $80

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Granada $7.50
    Cordoba $1.48
Typical Alcohol Prices in Granada

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


  • Tequila
    $1.36

Sample the Local Flavors in Cordoba

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cordoba:

  • Full-Day Private Colonia Caroya Wine Tour from Córdoba: $120
  • Wine Tour Privado - Colonia Caroya: $130
  • Wine Tour Privado - Calamuchita: $150


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

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


Which is Bigger, Granada or Cordoba?

Cordoba has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Granada. When comparing the sizes of Granada and Cordoba, 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 Granada or Cordoba?

Cordoba has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Granada experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Granada or Cordoba in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Granada as well as Cordoba. Granada attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the summer, Granada is much warmer than Cordoba. Typically, the summer temperatures in Granada in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Cordoba averages at about 10°C (50°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cordoba. In the summer, Granada often gets less sunshine than Cordobain January. Granada gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cordoba receives 277 hours of full sun.

Granada receives a lot of rain in the summer. Granada usually gets more rain in July than Cordobain January. Granada gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Granada 27°C (81°F) 
    Cordoba 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Granada or Cordoba in the Autumn?

Both Cordoba and Granada are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Granada throughout the year.

In October, Granada is generally much warmer than Cordobain April. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 27°C (81°F), and Cordoba fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Granada usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cordoba during autumn. Granada gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Cordoba receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Granada. In October, Granada usually receives more rain than Cordobain April. Granada gets 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Granada 27°C (81°F) 
    Cordoba 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Granada or Cordoba in the Winter?

Both Cordoba and Granada during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Granada because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Granada is around the same temperature as Cordoba in the winter. The daily temperature in Granada averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Cordoba fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in July.

It's quite sunny in Granada. In the winter, Granada often gets more sunshine than Cordobain July. Granada gets 244 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cordoba receives 189 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets less rain in January than Cordobain July. Granada gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Granada 26°C (79°F) 
    Cordoba 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Granada or Cordoba in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Granada and Cordoba. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Granada year-round.

In the spring, Granada is much warmer than Cordoba. Typically, the spring temperatures in Granada in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Cordoba averages at about 19°C (66°F)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cordoba this time of the year. In Granada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Granada usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cordoba during spring. Granada gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Cordoba receives 243 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Granada usually receives less rain than Cordobain October. Granada gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Granada 29°C (84°F) 
    Cordoba 19°C (66°F)

Typical Weather for Cordoba and Granada

Granada Cordoba
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 29°C (84°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 24°C (75°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 144 mm (5.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 31°C (88°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)