Should you visit Havana or San Fernando?
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 San Fernando can help you decide which place is right for you.
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.
Recently, Cuba has become open to travelers from the U.S., but only through specific travel agencies and tour companies. One of the best ways to get here is to take a cruise to Havana. This way you can have a terrific experience on the boat while also enjoying the culture and history of Havana.
And here's everything you need to know if you're traveling to Cuba as an American.
San Fernando
As the industrial capital of Trinidad & Tobago, San Fernando is an oil city which attracts more business visitors than tourists. While it is primarily focused on industry, the city has a certain charm with its old buildings and sloping streets that frame pretty views of the sea. It is the big city of Trinidad's southern half with plenty to offer in nightlife, especially during Carnival.
Which city is cheaper, San Fernando or Havana?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Havana is $53, while the average daily cost in San Fernando is $123. 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 city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Havana and San Fernando in more detail.
Accommodation
Havana's average price for two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $66. A typical place to stay for one person, per day is $33.
The prices for places to stay in San Fernando can vary by date, location, and type. Generally, the average cost for accommodation per person is $59, while a typical double-occupancy hotel room for two people will cost around $118.
Food
The price of a meal in Havana can vary widely. However, the average price for food per day is $8.18 per person, and a typical meal will cost around $3.27 based on the spending of previous visitors. Less expensive dining options can be found by eating street food or at fast food restaurants.
The average traveler spends about $38 per day in San Fernando for food, but obviously this is dependent on the type of restaurant and the amount of food ordered. To save money you can grab a lighter lunch or dinner, or you can try fast food or street food.
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Food
Meals for one day
Havana $8.18
San Fernando $38
Typical Food prices in Havana
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:
Local Transportation
While taxis and private drivers typically cost much more than public transportation, people usually spend around $15 per day to get around in Havana.
Public transportation tends to be much less expensive in San Fernando than paying for a taxi or private car service, as is expected. Typically, people spend $40 on transportation in San Fernando on average per day.
Typical Local Transportation prices in Havana
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Fernando
Also for San Fernando, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
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Arrival Private Transfer San Fernando Airport FDO to Buenos Aires City by Sedan:
$83
Entertainment
Activities, things to do, and other forms of entertainment usually cost around $8.98 per person, per day in Havana. This cost includes the price of admission tickets to attractions and museums as well as daily tours.
Sightseeing expenses in San Fernando, including the cost of admission tickets for day tours, museums, and attractions, usually cost an average of $23 per day, per person.
Tours and Activities in San Fernando
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Fernando.
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Amazing Air Tour Sightseeing Flight through Buenos Aires to Martin Garcia Island:
$298
Alcohol
While the amount that someone spends on alcohol while visiting Havana may vary from person to person, on average a person spends $4.61 per day on alcoholic beverages.
Alcoholic beverages can often be a significant portion of a traveler's budget, and the costs can vary greatly from person to person. In San Fernando, the average amount that a visitor spends on alcoholic beverages per day is $17.
Typical Alcohol prices in Havana
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Havana and San Fernando, we can see that San Fernando is more expensive. And not only is Havana much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 San Fernando would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Fernando than you might in Havana.
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