Should I Visit La Ceiba or Leon for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit La Ceiba 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 La Ceiba and Leon can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: La Ceiba or Leon?

La Ceiba

La Ceiba is the third largest city in Honduras, situated on the north Caribbean coast. The city has a population of about a quarter million people. Many people who visit this city do so before heading into Pico Bonito National Park. It hasn't had the best infrastructure for tourists in the past but is developing fast. It is about 200 kilometers from San Pedro Sula, another large city in Honduras.

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.

Which place is cheaper, Leon or La Ceiba?

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

La Ceiba Prices
Honduras Prices

Leon Prices
Nicaragua Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

La Ceiba $76

Leon $68

The average daily cost (per person) in La Ceiba is $76, while the average daily cost in Leon is $68. 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 La Ceiba and Leon in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

La Ceiba $23

Leon $16
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

La Ceiba $46

Leon $32

Compare Hotels in La Ceiba and Leon

Looking for a hotel in La Ceiba 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.

Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: La Ceiba Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

La Ceiba $31

Leon $1.50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Ceiba

Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Ceiba:

Ferry Transfer between La Ceiba and Roatán Island: $43
From Copan: One Way Shared Transfer to La Ceiba: $29
From Roatan: One Way Shared transfer to La Ceiba: $49
Private Transfer from Goloson Airport (LCE) to Banana Coast Port: $225
Private Transfer from La Ceiba hotels to Banana Coast Cruise Port: $225

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leon

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Leon:

From Granada: One way shared transfer to San Jorge: $39
From San Jorge: One way shared transfer to Leon: $57
San Juan del Sur: One way shared transfer to Leon: $57
One way shared transfer to San Juan del Sur: $57

Is it cheaper to fly into La Ceiba or Leon?

Prices for flights to both Leon and La Ceiba 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

La Ceiba $30

Leon $21

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.

La Ceiba $21

Leon $5.78

Tours and Activities in La Ceiba

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for La Ceiba are as follows:

ATV Tour in Roatan with Beach Break: $105

Tours and Activities in Leon

Here are a few actual costs in Leon for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

Leon city: Walking tour by our landmarks and fruits samples.: $10
Guided tour of the city of León in Nicaragua in French: $30
Colonial City Tour: $39
Leon City Walking Private Tour : $48
Half Day Private Tour of Cerro Negro's Volcano Boarding: $49
Volcano Board Adventure on Cerro Negro: $65
Hike El Hoyo Volcano "Private Tour" : $67
Rum Tour experience: from cane to glass : $71
Old Leon and Asososca Lagoon Private Tour: $82
Volcano Boarding Private Tour : $84
Unforgettable León: Historical and Cultural Tour: $85
Kayak Private tour at Juan Venado Island: $92

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

La Ceiba $4.98

Leon $3.51

How are these travel costs calculated?

When comparing the travel costs between La Ceiba and Leon, we can see that La Ceiba 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. Since both cities are in Central America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, La Ceiba or Leon?

Leon has a larger population, and is about 11% larger than the population of La Ceiba. When comparing the sizes of La Ceiba 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.

A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers La Ceiba vs. Leon for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit La Ceiba or Leon?

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

Where Should I go: La Ceiba or Leon?

La Ceiba

Leon

Which place is cheaper, Leon or La Ceiba?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in La Ceiba and Leon

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Ceiba

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leon

Is it cheaper to fly into La Ceiba or Leon?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Leon

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in La Ceiba

Tours and Activities in Leon

Alcohol

Which is Bigger, La Ceiba or Leon?

Related Articles for La Ceiba

Related Articles for Leon

A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers La Ceiba vs. Leon for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit La Ceiba or Leon?

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

Where Should I go: La Ceiba or Leon?

La Ceiba

Leon

Which place is cheaper, Leon or La Ceiba?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in La Ceiba and Leon

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Ceiba

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leon

Is it cheaper to fly into La Ceiba or Leon?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Leon

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in La Ceiba

Tours and Activities in Leon

Alcohol

Which is Bigger, La Ceiba or Leon?

Related Articles for La Ceiba

Related Articles for Leon

Subscribe to our Newsletter