Which place is cheaper, Leon or Havana?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Havana or Leon?
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 Leon can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Havana or Leon?
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.
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.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHavana $65Leon $59
The average daily cost (per person) in Havana is $65, 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 Havana and Leon in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHavana $40Leon $16
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHavana $80Leon $32
Compare Hotels in Havana and Leon
Looking for a hotel in Havana 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.
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.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Havana $19Leon $1.51
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 Havana or Leon?
Prices for flights to both Leon 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 dayHavana $10Leon $12
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 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.Havana $11Leon $5.81
Tours and Activities in Leon
Here are a few actual costs in Leon for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Half Day Private Tour of Cerro Negro's Volcano Boarding: $35
- Leon City Walking Private Tour : $48
- Rum Tour & Chorotega Museum Experience: $62
- Hike El Hoyo Volcano "Private Tour" : $67
- Old Leon and Asososca Lagoon Private Tour: $82
- Volcano Boarding Private Tour : $84
- Kayak Private tour at Juan Venado Island: $92
- Telica Sunset Tour : $93
- Horseback Riding Private Tour : $103
- Half-Day Leon City Tour: $135
- Somoto Canyon "Private Tour from Leon" : $154
- 6 Hours Sunset Private Guided Tour of Telica Volcano in León: $163
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayHavana $5.76Leon $3.53
Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:
-
Mojito$0.15
When comparing the travel costs between Havana and Leon, we can see that Havana is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Havana is in Caribbean Islands and Leon is in Central America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Havana Expensive? and Is Leon Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Havana or Leon?
Havana has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Leon. When comparing the sizes of Havana 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.
When is the best time to visit Havana or Leon?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Havana or Leon in the Summer?
Both Leon and Havana are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Leon because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Leon. In July, Havana usually receives less rain than Leon. Havana gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Leon receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In the summer, Havana is around the same temperature as Leon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Havana in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Leon averages at about 27°C (81°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyHavana 27°C (81°F)Leon 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Havana or Leon in the Autumn?
Both Leon and Havana during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Leon year-round.
Leon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Havana usually gets less rain in October than Leon. Havana gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Leon receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
In October, Havana is generally around the same temperature as Leon. Daily temperatures in Havana average around 25°C (77°F), and Leon fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHavana 25°C (77°F)Leon 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Havana or Leon in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Havana and Leon. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round. Leon attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Havana usually receives more rain than Leon. Havana gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Leon receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Havana is cooler than Leon in the winter. The daily temperature in Havana averages around 21°C (70°F) in January, and Leon fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHavana 21°C (70°F)Leon 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Havana or Leon in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Havana as well as Leon. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Leon throughout the year.
Havana usually gets more rain in April than Leon. Havana gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Leon receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the spring, Havana is cooler than Leon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Havana in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Leon averages at about 29°C (84°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilHavana 24°C (75°F)Leon 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Leon and Havana
| Havana | Leon | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 26°C (79°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 22°C (72°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.