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

Should you visit La Plata or Florianopolis?

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 Plata and Florianopolis can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: La Plata or Florianopolis?

La Plata

Just over an hour from Buenos Aires, the bustling university city of La Plata is notable for being South America's first planned city. Indeed, also known as the City of Diagonal, La Plata's intricate grid system includes diagonal streets that run through it, contributing to easy navigation but confusing intersections.La Plata is the Capital of the Province of Buenos Aires, the main Argentine state, so you will find lots of elaborate government buildings alongside leafy green plazas in this laid back as well as active city. La Plata is a happening university town with a population of over 700,000. You can walk the width of it in under an hour, stopping at trendy craft beer bars, local music joints, and great restaurants along the way. Also, football is a religion in Argentina and if you're looking for some local atmosphere, La Plata is the place to go! Two of Argentina's biggest football teams, Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata and Estudiantes de La Plata challenge each other each year. If you are around during that special day for the city, you will witness thousands of fans wearing the relevant colours heading off to watch the match and parade by calle 7.

Florianopolis

With a population of almost 500,000, Florianopolis is the capital city of the state of Santa Catarina in southern Brazil. The city is split between mainland Brazil and Santa Catarina Island.

Florianopolis has grown in popularity with tourists recently because of its wonderful scenery, beautiful beaches, and fascinating culture. Many Brazilians have also moved here, leaving behind the big cities of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

Florianopolis has a warm humid subtropical climate. There are summer, winter, spring and fall seasons. Frosts are rare but do occur occasionally. Highs during the warmest months are usually in the high 70s Fahrenheit. Rain is evenly distributed throughout the year and there is no distinct dry season.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Buenos Aires, The Best 2-Week Tours from Buenos Aires, The Best Wildlife Tours to Brazil, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, Florianopolis or La Plata?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in La Plata is $8.62, while the average daily cost in Florianopolis is $62. 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 Plata and Florianopolis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    La Plata $3.47
    Florianopolis $26
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    La Plata $6.94
    Florianopolis $52
Compare Hotels in La Plata and Florianopolis

Looking for a hotel in La Plata or Florianopolis? 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.

Hotels in La Plata


Hotels in Florianopolis


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 Plata Hotel Prices and Florianopolis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    La Plata $2.47
    Florianopolis $13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florianopolis

Also for Florianopolis, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Roundtrip transfer from Florianópolis Airport to Bombinhas: $168
  • Private Transfer from Florianópolis Airport to Bombinhas: $97
  • Private Transfer Florianopolis Airport to Bal. Camboriu: $96
  • Private Transfer from FLN Airport to the City Balneario Camboriú : $84
  • Transfer Florianópolis Airport / Costão do Santinho: $78
  • One Way Transfer : Florianopolis Airport to or from Florianopolis: $64
  • Florianópolis Airport Transfer anywhere on the island by Floripa Nativa: $40
  • Shared transfer from Florianópolis airport to Balneário Camboriú: $35
  • Private Transfer Florianópolis Airport to City Center: $32
  • Hercilio Luz Airport - North Island Transfer: $14

Is it cheaper to fly into La Plata or Florianopolis?

Prices for flights to both Florianopolis and La Plata 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 Plata $3.37
    Florianopolis $22
Typical Food Prices in La Plata

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to La Plata:


  • Ice Cream
    $0.01

Typical Food Prices in Florianopolis

For Florianopolis, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • A Quick Snack
    $0.44

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    La Plata $2.16
    Florianopolis $26
Typical Entertainment Prices in La Plata

For La Plata, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Sciencias Naturales Museum Entrance Fee
    $0.01

Typical Entertainment Prices in Florianopolis

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Florianopolis's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Internet
    $0.59

Tours and Activities in Florianopolis

For Florianopolis, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Balneário Camboriú City Tour from Florianópolis: $35
  • Bike Tour in Florianopolis - Sunset, Photography and History: $70
  • Blumenau City Tour - departing from Florianópolis: $37
  • Blumenau City Tour from Florianópolis: $38
  • Bombinhas Beach and 4 Islands Tour: $22
  • Florianópolis Full Day City Tour: $25
  • Floripa City Tour by Bus - Whole Island - The Most Complete City Tour: $32
  • Historic Center Walking Tour in Florianopolis with Local Bar Hop: $14
  • Lagoinha do Leste Hiking and Photography Adventure : $42
  • Mountain biking experiences in Florianópolis: $58
  • Private Day Tour: Florianópolis Island with Professional Pictures: $154
  • Private South Island Beaches and Lagoons Tour: $44

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    La Plata $1.20
    Florianopolis $8.68

Typical Alcohol Prices in Florianopolis

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Florianopolis from other travelers:


  • Beer
    $0.59


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between La Plata and Florianopolis, we can see that Florianopolis is more expensive. And not only is La Plata much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to La Plata would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in La Plata 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 Florianopolis would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Florianopolis than you might in La Plata.

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


Which is Bigger, La Plata or Florianopolis?

La Plata has a larger population, and is about 68% larger than the population of Florianopolis. When comparing the sizes of La Plata and Florianopolis, 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 La Plata or Florianopolis?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit La Plata or Florianopolis in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both La Plata and Florianopolis.

La Plata is around the same temperature as Florianopolis in the summer. The daily temperature in La Plata averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Florianopolis fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

La Plata usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Florianopolis during summer. La Plata gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Florianopolis receives 198 hours of full sun in the summer.

Florianopolis receives a lot of rain in the summer. In January, La Plata usually receives less rain than Florianopolis. La Plata gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Florianopolis receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    La Plata 25°C (77°F) 
    Florianopolis 25°C (76°F)

Should I visit La Plata or Florianopolis in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to La Plata as well as Florianopolis.

In the autumn, La Plata is cooler than Florianopolis. Typically, the autumn temperatures in La Plata in April average around 18°C (65°F), and Florianopolis averages at about 22°C (71°F).

In the autumn, La Plata often gets less sunshine than Florianopolis. La Plata gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florianopolis receives 179 hours of full sun.

La Plata usually gets less rain in April than Florianopolis. La Plata gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Florianopolis receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    La Plata 18°C (65°F) 
    Florianopolis 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit La Plata or Florianopolis in the Winter?

Both Florianopolis and La Plata are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

In July, La Plata is generally cooler than Florianopolis. Daily temperatures in La Plata average around 12°C (53°F), and Florianopolis fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

La Plata usually receives less sunshine than Florianopolis during winter. La Plata gets 102 hours of sunny skies, while Florianopolis receives 170 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, La Plata usually receives less rain than Florianopolis. La Plata gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Florianopolis receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    La Plata 12°C (53°F) 
    Florianopolis 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit La Plata or Florianopolis in the Spring?

Both Florianopolis and La Plata during the spring are popular places to visit.

La Plata is cooler than Florianopolis in the spring. The daily temperature in La Plata averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Florianopolis fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In the spring, La Plata often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Florianopolis. La Plata gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florianopolis receives 159 hours of full sun.

Florianopolis gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in La Plata. La Plata usually gets less rain in October than Florianopolis. La Plata gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Florianopolis receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    La Plata 18°C (64°F) 
    Florianopolis 20°C (68°F)

Typical Weather for Florianopolis and La Plata

La Plata Florianopolis
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 25°C (76°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 101 mm (4 in) 25°C (77°F) 197 mm (7.8 in)
Mar 22°C (71°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 24°C (75°F) 173 mm (6.8 in)
Apr 18°C (65°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 22°C (71°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 19°C (67°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Jun 12°C (53°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Jul 12°C (53°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 95 mm (3.8 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 21°C (69°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 22°C (71°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Dec 23°C (74°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 24°C (74°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)