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

Should you visit Leon or Easter Island?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Leon and Easter Island can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Leon or Easter Island?

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.

Easter Island

Although Easter Island is considered a territory of Chile, it is actually located far out in the Pacific, almost halfway to Tahiti. Easter Island is well known, despite being one of the most isolated islands on Earth, because of the mysterious giant stone busts which date back centuries. There are 887 monumental statues, called moai, that were built by the Rapa Nui people. There remains much mystery around the historic Polynesian culture which created the stones, as well as the specific meaning for them.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Chile, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Easter Island or Leon?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Leon is $59, while the average daily cost in Easter Island is $80. 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 Leon and Easter Island in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Leon $16
    Easter Island $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Leon $32
    Easter Island $88
Compare Hotels in Leon and Easter Island

Looking for a hotel in Leon or Easter Island? 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 Leon


Hotels in Easter Island


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Leon $1.51
    Easter Island $2.59

Is it cheaper to fly into Leon or Easter Island?

Prices for flights to both Easter Island and Leon 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
    Leon $12
    Easter Island $25

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Easter Island

For Easter Island, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Dinner, Show and Traditional Curanto Te Ra'ai Cultural Experience: $120
  • Rapa Nui Dinner Show on Easter Island: $153

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Leon $5.81
    Easter Island $40

Tours and Activities in Leon

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

  • 6 Hours Sunset Private Guided Tour of Telica Volcano in León: $163
  • A Stroll Through León’s Enchanting Streets: Romantic Walking Tour: $226
  • Half Day Private Tour of Cerro Negro's Volcano Boarding: $35
  • Half-Day Leon City Tour: $135
  • Hike El Hoyo Volcano "Private Tour" : $67
  • Horseback Riding Private Tour : $103
  • Kayak Private tour at Juan Venado Island: $92
  • Leon City Walking Private Tour : $48
  • Old Leon and Asososca Lagoon Private Tour: $82
  • Rum Tour & Chorotega Museum Experience: $62
  • Somoto Canyon "Private Tour from Leon" : $154
  • Telica Sunset Tour : $93

Typical Entertainment Prices in Easter Island

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


  • Bike Rental
    $8.38

Tours and Activities in Easter Island

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

  • Full Day Tour in Rapa Nui: $70
  • Full Day Hotu Matua Tour from Vaihu to Anakena: $70
  • Orongo, Ahu Vinapu and Rano Kau Half Day Tour: $91
  • Easter Island Moai Archaeology Tour: Ahu Akivi, Ahu Tahai and Puna Pauâ Quarry.: $91
  • Full Day Tour in Rapa Nui National Park, Easter Island: $97
  • Private Sunrise Tour at 15 Moai Tongariki Park: $120
  • Full day tour - DREAM: $120
  • The Rapa Nui Stargazing Experience : $125
  • Private Tour: Tongariki Sunrise Experience: $125
  • Tour to the Motus: Boat trip and snorkeling in Rapa Nui: $149
  • Rapa Nui: Private Tour "The Legend of the BirdMan": $150
  • Private Tour: The Underground World of Rapa Nui Caves: $150

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Leon $3.53
    Easter Island $5.34


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

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


Which is Bigger, Leon or Easter Island?

Leon has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Easter Island. When comparing the sizes of Leon and Easter Island, 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 Leon or Easter Island?

Easter Island has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Leon experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Leon or Easter Island in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Leon as well as Easter Island. Leon attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Leon is a little warmer than Easter Island in the summer. The daily temperature in Leon averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Easter Island fluctuates around 24°C (74°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Easter Island. In the summer, Leon often gets less sunshine than Easter Islandin January. Leon gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Easter Island receives 272 hours of full sun.

Leon receives a lot of rain in the summer. Leon usually gets more rain in July than Easter Islandin January. Leon gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Easter Island receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Leon 27°C (81°F) 
    Easter Island 24°C (74°F)

Should I visit Leon or Easter Island in the Autumn?

Both Easter Island and Leon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Leon throughout the year.

In the autumn, Leon is a little warmer than Easter Island. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Leon in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Easter Island averages at about 22°C (72°F)in April.

Leon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Easter Island during autumn. Leon gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Easter Island receives 185 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Easter Island. It's quite rainy in Leon. In October, Leon usually receives more rain than Easter Islandin April. Leon gets 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Easter Island receives 121 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Leon 27°C (81°F) 
    Easter Island 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Leon or Easter Island in the Winter?

Both Easter Island and Leon during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Leon because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In January, Leon is generally a little warmer than Easter Islandin July. Daily temperatures in Leon average around 26°C (79°F), and Easter Island fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

It's quite sunny in Leon. In the winter, Leon often gets more sunshine than Easter Islandin July. Leon gets 244 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Easter Island receives 148 hours of full sun.

Easter Island gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Leon usually gets less rain in January than Easter Islandin July. Leon gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Easter Island receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Leon 26°C (79°F) 
    Easter Island 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Leon or Easter Island in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Leon and Easter Island. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Leon year-round.

Leon is a little warmer than Easter Island in the spring. The daily temperature in Leon averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Easter Island fluctuates around 20°C (67°F)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Easter Island this time of the year. In Leon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Leon usually receives more sunshine than Easter Island during spring. Leon gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Easter Island receives 224 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Leon usually receives less rain than Easter Islandin October. Leon gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Easter Island receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Leon 29°C (84°F) 
    Easter Island 20°C (67°F)

Typical Weather for Easter Island and Leon

Leon Easter Island
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (74°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Feb 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
May 29°C (84°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 20°C (69°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 19°C (67°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 144 mm (5.7 in) 18°C (65°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 19°C (65°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.8 in) 20°C (67°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Nov 31°C (88°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 21°C (69°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)