Which place is cheaper, Washington or Havana?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Havana or Washington?
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 Washington can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Havana or Washington?
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.
Washington
Washington, DC is the capital city of the United States of America. It is also a city rich in history and culture. The city dates back to 1791 when the states of Maryland and Virginia donated the land to create the capital. In 1846, Congress returned the land that was ceded by Virginia and in 1871 it created a single municipal government with the remaining area. Today, Washington, DC has a population of over 600,000 people. The metropolitan area includes suburbs in Maryland and Virginia and has a population of about 5.8 million.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHavana $65Washington $198
The average daily cost (per person) in Havana is $65, while the average daily cost in Washington is $198. 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 Washington in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHavana $40Washington $113
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHavana $80Washington $226
Compare Hotels in Havana and Washington
Looking for a hotel in Havana or Washington? 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: Washington Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Havana $19Washington $47
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Washington
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Washington are as follows:
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Metro Day Pass$9.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Washington
Also for Washington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer DCA to/from Washington DC Downtown Area only: $147
- Arrival Private Transfer: National Airport DCA to Washington in Business Car: $141
- Arrival Private Transfer: National Airport DCA to Washington in Luxury SUV: $170
- Arrival Transfer Dulles Airport IAD to Washington DC by Sedan: $106
- Departure Private Transfer: Washington to Baltimore Airport BWI in Luxury SUV: $188
- Departure Private Transfer: Washington to Dulles Airport IAD in Luxury Car: $211
- Departure Private Transfer: Washington to Dulles Airport IAD in Luxury SUV: $157
- Departure Private Transfer: Washington to Dulles Airport IAD in Luxury Van: $157
- Departure Private Transfer: Washington to National Airport DCA in Business Car: $141
- Departure Private Transfer: Washington to National Airport DCA in Luxury SUV: $170
- Departure Transfer: Washington to Airport BWI by Business Car: $123
- Private Airport Transfer: Washington to Baltimore Airport BWI in Luxury SUV: $188
Is it cheaper to fly into Havana or Washington?
Prices for flights to both Washington 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 $10Washington $38
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
Typical Food Prices in Washington
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Washington:
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Water$2.00
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Snacks on Monuments Tour$6.15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Washington
For Washington, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- DC: Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise on the Spirit: $69
- Washington DC Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $70
- DC: Gourmet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise on the Odyssey: $74
- Acquired Taste Food Tour in Georgetown: $85
- Washington D.C.: Georgetown Guided Secret Food Tour: $97
- Washington, DC: African American History Tour with Dinner: $108
- Washington,DC: Union Market Private Food Tour: $125
- Washington D.C.: Taste of Georgetown Walking Food Tour: $129
- Washington DC: Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $140
- Washington DC Premier Dinner Cruise: $144
- Washington DC: Personalized & Private Food Tour with a Local: $151
- Private Traditional Filipino Cooking Class Near Washington DC : $154
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Havana $11Washington $24
Tours and Activities in Washington
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Washington.
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Washington: $5.45
- The Kennedy Homes of Georgetown: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Washington D.C.’s Tidal Basin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Blossoming Friendship: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Washington D.C.’s Tidal Basin: $5.99
- The Kennedy Homes: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Scandals & Secrets on Embassy Row: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Secrets on Embassy Row: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Washington DC: $5.99
- DC's Presidents, Pubs, and Parties: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Washington, DC: Lincoln Assassination Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Washington DC: National Mall Self Guided App Walking Tour: $6.50
- Lincoln Memorial to the Cap Hill D.C. Smart Phone App/GPS Tour: $6.75
- Washington DC Outdoor Escape Game Tour: FBI vs. Bank Robbers: $7.09
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHavana $5.76Washington $19
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Washington
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Washington:
- Epic Washington DC Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
- Washington DC: Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
- Small-Group History Tour Pub Crawl of Washington, D.C.: $59
- Washington, D.C.: History Tour Pub Crawl: $59
- DC: Guided Craft Brewery Tours with a Snack: $105
- From Washington DC: Seneca Creek Region Wine Tour with Lunch: $175
- Full-Day Private Virginia Wine Tour Experience from Washington : $242
- Private Washington DC Virginia Winery Wine Tasting Tour -Spirited: $255
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Havana and Washington, we can see that Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Washington 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 Washington Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Havana or Washington?
Havana has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Washington. When comparing the sizes of Havana and Washington, 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 Washington?
Washington 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 Washington in the Summer?
Both Washington and Havana during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Washington this time of year.
In the summer, Havana is around the same temperature as Washington. Typically, the summer temperatures in Havana in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Washington averages at about 79°F (26°C).
Havana usually gets less rain in July than Washington. Havana gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Washington receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHavana 27°C (81°F)Washington 79°F (26°C)
Should I visit Havana or Washington in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Havana and Washington. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Washington for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Havana is generally much warmer than Washington. Daily temperatures in Havana average around 25°C (77°F), and Washington fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).
In October, Havana usually receives more rain than Washington. Havana gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHavana 25°C (77°F)Washington 60°F (15°C)
Should I visit Havana or Washington in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Havana as well as Washington. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Washington in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
Washington can get quite cold in the winter. Havana is much warmer than Washington in the winter. The daily temperature in Havana averages around 21°C (70°F) in January, and Washington fluctuates around 35°F (1°C).
Havana usually gets less rain in January than Washington. Havana gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHavana 21°C (70°F)Washington 35°F (1°C)
Should I visit Havana or Washington in the Spring?
Both Washington and Havana are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Washington for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Havana is much warmer than Washington. Typically, the spring temperatures in Havana in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Washington averages at about 56°F (14°C).
In April, Havana usually receives less rain than Washington. Havana gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHavana 24°C (75°F)Washington 56°F (14°C)
Typical Weather for Washington and Havana
| Havana | Washington | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 35°F (1°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 37°F (3°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 47°F (8°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 56°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 79°F (26°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
| Sep | 26°C (79°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 60°F (15°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 50°F (10°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Dec | 22°C (72°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 39°F (4°C) | 3.2 inches (82 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.