Which place is cheaper, Palm Springs or Havana?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Havana or Palm Springs?
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 Palm Springs can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Havana or Palm Springs?
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.
Palm Springs
Palm Springs is a desert resort town located about two hours east of Los Angeles, most famously known as Hollywood's playground, where stars and starlets could escape for rest and relaxation but still be close enough to return for impromptu work.
It's no wonder that Palm Springs is increasingly popular as a weekend getaway for special occasions, and even for bachelor and bachelorette parties. Closer than the typical Las Vegas weekend for Southern California residents, Palm Springs provides a desert getaway with endless possibilities of activities, whether visitors want to gamble, shop, hike, or wander through an art gallery.
Climate in the high-desert is generally warm with highs in the 100s during the hot and dry summers, and lows in the mid 40s in the winter months, with sparse rainfall. However, if you're visiting during winter, be sure to pack versatile attire and layers as the days may be warm, but the nights in the low desert can get chilly enough to convince you to change into long pants.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHavana $65Palm Springs $206
The average daily cost (per person) in Havana is $65, while the average daily cost in Palm Springs is $206. 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 Palm Springs in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHavana $40Palm Springs $120
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHavana $80Palm Springs $240
Compare Hotels in Havana and Palm Springs
Looking for a hotel in Havana or Palm Springs? 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.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Palm Springs Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Havana $19Palm Springs $52
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:
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Short Taxi Ride$0.68
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Palm Springs
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Palm Springs:
- Desert Hot Springs to Palm Springs Airport Departure Transfer: $87
- Palm Springs Airport (PSP) to Desert Hot Springs Private Transfer: $87
- Palm Springs Airport (PSP) to INDIAN WELLS - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $162
- Palm Springs Airport (PSP) to LA QUINTA/INDIO - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $129
- Palm Springs Airport (PSP) to LOS ANGELES - Arrival Private Transfer: $171
- Palm Springs Airport PSP to Snow Summit-Arrival Private Transfer: $131
- Palm Springs Airport to Desert Hot Springs Round-Trip Transfer: $175
- Palm Springs Airport to Snow Summit - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $262
- Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) to ONTARIO - Arrival Private Transfer: $105
- Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) to SANTA ANA - Arrival Private Transfer: $128
- Private Airport Transfer in Palm Springs: $195
- Private Transfer from PSP to Palm Desert / Indian Wells: $135
Is it cheaper to fly into Havana or Palm Springs?
Prices for flights to both Palm Springs 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
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Food Meals for one dayHavana $10Palm Springs $53
Typical Food Prices in Havana
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:
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Pizza$0.03
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Havana $11Palm Springs $29
Tours and Activities in Palm Springs
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Palm Springs are as follows:
- Joshua Tree National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour: $12
- Journey into Joshua Tree: Audio Tour + Free Locals Guide!: $12
- Self-Guided Audio Tour Joshua Tree: $13
- Joshua Tree National Park Self-Driving Audio Tour: $17
- Palm Springs Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
- City and Desert App-Guided Driving Tour: $17
- Death Valley National Park Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $17
- Palm Springs and Joshua Tree Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle: $25
- Private 1-Hour Archery Experience around Joshua Tree National Park.: $28
- Self-Driving Windmill Tour: $30
- Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Admission Ticket: $30
- Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour: $49
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHavana $5.76Palm Springs $13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:
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Mojito$0.15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Havana and Palm Springs, we can see that Palm Springs is more expensive. And not only is Havana much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Havana is in Caribbean Islands and Palm Springs 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 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 Palm Springs would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Palm Springs 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 Havana Expensive? and Is Palm Springs Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Havana or Palm Springs?
Havana has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Palm Springs. When comparing the sizes of Havana and Palm Springs, 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 Palm Springs?
Palm Springs 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 Havana or Palm Springs in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Havana and Palm Springs. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Palm Springs this time of year.
In the summer, Havana is a little warmer than Palm Springs. Typically, the summer temperatures in Havana in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Palm Springs averages at about 73°F (23°C).
In July, Havana usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Havana gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHavana 27°C (81°F)Palm Springs 73°F (23°C)
Should I visit Havana or Palm Springs in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Havana as well as Palm Springs. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Palm Springs for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
In October, Havana is generally a little warmer than Palm Springs. Daily temperatures in Havana average around 25°C (77°F), and Palm Springs fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).
Havana usually gets more rain in October than Palm Springs. Havana gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHavana 25°C (77°F)Palm Springs 69°F (20°C)
Should I visit Havana or Palm Springs in the Winter?
Both Palm Springs and Havana are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Palm Springs in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Havana is a little warmer than Palm Springs in the winter. The daily temperature in Havana averages around 21°C (70°F) in January, and Palm Springs fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).
In January, Havana usually receives less rain than Palm Springs. Havana gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 2 inches (52 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHavana 21°C (70°F)Palm Springs 57°F (14°C)
Should I visit Havana or Palm Springs in the Spring?
Both Palm Springs and Havana during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the spring, Havana is a little warmer than Palm Springs. Typically, the spring temperatures in Havana in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Palm Springs averages at about 62°F (17°C).
Havana usually gets more rain in April than Palm Springs. Havana gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.9 inches (24 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHavana 24°C (75°F)Palm Springs 62°F (17°C)
Typical Weather for Palm Springs and Havana
| Havana | Palm Springs | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 2 inches (52 mm) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 58°F (15°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 2.2 inches (57 mm) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.9 inches (24 mm) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 65°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 69°F (20°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 0.2 inches (4 mm) |
| Sep | 26°C (79°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 0.4 inches (9 mm) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 69°F (20°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.5 inches (39 mm) |
| Dec | 22°C (72°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) |
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.