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

Should you visit Granada or La Paz?

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 La Paz. 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 La Paz?

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.

La Paz

La Paz is the capital of Baja California Sur, Mexico. It has a population of about 215,000 people and is a significant commercial center for the region. The city has a good economy and a high standard of living when compared to much of Mexico. Much of the economy is focused on eco-tourism and there are many protected marine environments in the area.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, The Best Budget Tours to Mexico, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, La Paz 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 La Paz is $118. 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 La Paz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Granada $17
    La Paz $52
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Granada $34
    La Paz $104
Compare Hotels in Granada and La Paz

Looking for a hotel in Granada or La Paz? 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 La Paz


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 La Paz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Granada $8.57
    La Paz $22

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Paz

Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Paz:

  • Roundtrip Transfer to La Paz International Airport: $73
  • La Paz Airport to Costa Baja Private Roundtrip Transfer: $89
  • La Paz Int. Airport (LAP): Private Transfer to La Paz hotels: $174
  • Private Transfer from La Paz to Cabo San Lucas: $240
  • La Paz Airport: Private Roundtrip Transfer to La Ventan: $259

Is it cheaper to fly into Granada or La Paz?

Prices for flights to both La Paz 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
    La Paz $38
Typical Food Prices in Granada

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


  • Pizza
    $2.29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Paz

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

  • 4 Hours of Guided La Paz Street Food Tour: $81

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Granada $10
    La Paz $13
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:

  • Granada Kayak Tour: $30
  • Colonial Granada Horse Carriage & Walking Tour: $35
  • Paddle Boarding and Meditation Wellness Experience in Las Isletas: $39
  • Las Isletas: Kayak Tour: $39
  • Granada City Tour: $40
  • Granada's City Tour: $40
  • Las Isletas: Boat Tour: $45
  • Masaya Night Tour Minimum 2 People from Granada: $45
  • Las Isletas 2-Hour Kayak Adventure in Granada with Pickup: $48
  • City Walking Tour and Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride: $50
  • Full-Day Tour: Masaya Volcano, Art Market and White Villages: $60
  • Experience Granadas Best Sights Carriage ride + Local Guide: $65

Tours and Activities in La Paz

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

  • Transparent Boat Tour with Mushroom Rock: $64
  • Pearls of Pearl Farm Experience: $64
  • Half Day Sandboarding and Paddleboarding Experience in La Paz: $81
  • Unique Mexican Spirits Tasting & Pairing Experience: $85
  • Sunset Sandboarding at La Paz Dunes Tour: $89
  • City Tour & Beaches from La Paz: $91
  • Supercombo 2-Day City Tour: $105
  • Half Day Private Tour of the Beaches of La Paz: $113
  • From Los Cabos: City Tour La Paz, Balandra and Todos Santos: $115
  • holy spirit island tour: $116
  • Los Cabos Tour from La Paz: $119
  • Snorkel Tour with Whale Shark in La Paz: $119

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Granada $7.50
    La Paz $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Granada

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


  • Tequila
    $1.36


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

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


Which is Bigger, Granada or La Paz?

La Paz has a larger population, and is about 92% larger than the population of Granada. When comparing the sizes of Granada and La Paz, 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 La Paz?

La Paz 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 La Paz in the Summer?

Both La Paz and Granada are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Granada throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to La Paz because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Granada is generally cooler than La Paz. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 27°C (81°F), and La Paz fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).

It's quite sunny in La Paz. Granada usually receives less sunshine than La Paz during summer. Granada gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while La Paz receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Granada. In July, Granada usually receives more rain than La Paz. Granada gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Granada 27°C (81°F) 
    La Paz 30°C (86°F)

Should I visit Granada or La Paz in the Autumn?

Both La Paz and Granada during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Granada because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the shopping scene are the main draw to La Paz this time of year.

Granada is around the same temperature as La Paz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Granada averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and La Paz fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

In La Paz, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Granada often gets less sunshine than La Paz. Granada gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Paz receives 272 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Granada. Granada usually gets more rain in October than La Paz. Granada gets 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Granada 27°C (81°F) 
    La Paz 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Granada or La Paz in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Granada and La Paz. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Granada year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to La Paz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Granada is a little warmer than La Paz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Granada in January average around 26°C (79°F), and La Paz averages at about 18°C (65°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Paz this time of the year. In Granada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Granada usually receives more sunshine than La Paz during winter. Granada gets 244 hours of sunny skies, while La Paz receives 200 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Granada usually receives less rain than La Paz. Granada gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Granada 26°C (79°F) 
    La Paz 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Granada or La Paz in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Granada as well as La Paz. Granada attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to La Paz in the spring for the beaches.

In April, Granada is generally a little warmer than La Paz. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 29°C (84°F), and La Paz fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Paz. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Granada this time of the year. In the spring, Granada often gets less sunshine than La Paz. Granada gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Paz receives 292 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets more rain in April than La Paz. Granada gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Granada 29°C (84°F) 
    La Paz 23°C (73°F)

Typical Weather for La Paz and Granada

Granada La Paz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 18°C (65°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 20°C (69°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in)
May 29°C (84°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 144 mm (5.7 in) 30°C (86°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 30°C (87°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in) 30°C (85°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.8 in) 27°C (80°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Nov 31°C (88°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (67°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)