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

Should you visit Havana or Guatemala City?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Havana and Guatemala City can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Havana or Guatemala City?

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.

Guatemala City

Referred to by the locals as "Guate," Guatemala City is the largest and most modern city in Guatemala, as well as its capital. While the atmosphere of the place is big, dirty, and dangerous with city fumes and skyscrapers, it is the hub of the country. It is the place where travelers first step foot into Guatemala and, though it is a place of modern chaos, it does have some of the best galleries and museums as well as a selection of bars, cafes, and restaurants.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Guatemala, and The Best Adventure Tours to Guatemala.


Which place is cheaper, Guatemala City or Havana?

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

  • Havana Prices
    Cuba Prices
    Guatemala City Prices
    Guatemala Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Havana $74
    Guatemala City $56

The average daily cost (per person) in Havana is $74, while the average daily cost in Guatemala City is $56. 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 Havana and Guatemala City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Havana $42
    Guatemala City $24
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Havana $84
    Guatemala City $48
Compare Hotels in Havana and Guatemala City

Looking for a hotel in Havana or Guatemala City? 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 Havana


Hotels in Guatemala City


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: Guatemala City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Havana $19
    Guatemala City $6.22
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.68

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guatemala City

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guatemala City:

  • Antigua: One way shared transfer to Guatemala City: $24
  • From Guatemala City One way shared transfer to Semuc Champey: $49
  • From One way shared transfer to El Paredon: $59
  • Guatemala Airport Roundtrip Transfer to Antigua Guatemala: $56
  • Guatemala City Airport (GUA) to Quetzaltenango-Arrival Transfer: $163
  • One way Shared Transfer to Antigua: $24
  • One way private transfer to Antigua: $69
  • One way shared transfer to Panajachel: $44
  • La Aurora Airport (GUA): One-Way Private Transfer to Antigua: $25
  • Private Airport Transfer La Aurora airport to Guatemala: $26
  • Private Airport Transfer from Guatemala to La Aurora airport: $26
  • Private Airport Transfer to Antigua Guatemala: $25

Is it cheaper to fly into Havana or Guatemala City?

Prices for flights to both Guatemala City and Havana 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
    Havana $18
    Guatemala City $27
Typical Food Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:


  • Pizza
    $0.03

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guatemala City

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

  • Cooking class/Pepian Workshop: $35
  • MAYAN COOKING Class with Private Chef: $65
  • Antigua: Authentic Guatemalan Cooking Class: $90
  • Small-Group Cooking Class in Antigua from Guatemala City: $120
  • Pacaya Volcano Vistas + Enjoy Pizza Cooked Under Volcanic Heat: $175
  • Antigua Market, Cooking Class and Choco Museum from Guatemala City: $188

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Havana $11
    Guatemala City $1.22

Tours and Activities in Guatemala City

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

  • Half Day Antigua Guatemala Tour: $17
  • Half Day Guatemala City Tour: $27
  • 2-Hour Culture and Historical Tour From Guatemala: $29
  • Guatemala city Walking Tour and public bus: $30
  • Half-Day Guatemala City Explorer Tour: $34
  • Walking Tour of Guatemala City's Historical Center: $35
  • Walking Tour: $35
  • Graffiti Walking Tour in 4 Grados Norte Guatemala City : $35
  • Guatemala city walking tour on afternoon 14.00, 2 persons and up: $39
  • Private Tour in the Historic Center of Guatemala City: $45
  • City walking tour Guatemala City and Relieff Map: $47
  • Mini City Tour Guatemala and Mini Cooper Rental: $52

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Havana $5.76
    Guatemala City $6.90
Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana

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


  • Mojito
    $0.15

Sample the Local Flavors in Guatemala City

Also in Guatemala City, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Guatemala City Legends Tour + Craft Beers at El Cadejo Brewery: $105


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

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


Which is Bigger, Havana or Guatemala City?

Havana has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Guatemala City. When comparing the sizes of Havana and Guatemala City, 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.