Which place is cheaper, Guayaquil or Leon?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Leon or Guayaquil?
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 Guayaquil 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 Guayaquil?
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.
Guayaquil
Guayaquil is Ecuador's largest city and seaport. From a tourist perspective, the city acts primarily as a transportation gateway to the country and the Galapagos Islands. While the city can be skipped altogether, should you have a free day to spend here, there are a few noteworthy things to do, as well as some terrific dining and nightlife options. Guayaquil’s main tourist attraction is Las Penas, a hill with old, colorfully painted buildings at the north end of the Malecon, where you can walk the 400 steps to the lighthouse at the top for good views of the city. The neighborhood is filled with cafes, bars, restaurants, and art galleries and is relatively safe. Other important sights include the Malecon 2000, a massive urban development project that has brought new life to the riverside in the city center and the Parque Seminario, filled with fountains, trees and iguanas, located at 10 de Agosto Ave and Chile Ave.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, The Best G Adventures Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ecuador.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLeon $59Guayaquil $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Leon is $59, while the average daily cost in Guayaquil is $95. 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 Guayaquil in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLeon $16Guayaquil $32
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLeon $32Guayaquil $64
Compare Hotels in Leon and Guayaquil
Looking for a hotel in Leon or Guayaquil? 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: Guayaquil Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Leon $1.51Guayaquil $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guayaquil
Also for Guayaquil, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Guayaquil Airport (GYE) to Guayaquil hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $52
- Guayaquil Airport (GYE): Transfer to Guayaquil hotels: $129
- Guayaquil Airport GYE to Guayaquil city -Arrival Private Transfer: $30
- Guayaquil Airport Private Transfer Service: $80
- Guayaquil Airport(GYE) to Guayaquil - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $59
- Guayaquil PRIVATE Arrival Transfer from the Airport to Hotels: $18
- Guayaquil PRIVATE Arrival Transfer from the Airport to Hotels: $17
- Guayaquil PRIVATE Departure Transfer from Hotels to the Airport.: $17
- Private Airport Transfer from Guayaquil Airport to Hotel: $20
- Private Transfer In From Guayaquil Airport to Hotel: $25
- Private Transfer Out From Hotel to Guayaquil Airport: $25
- Private Transfer from Guayaquil Airport(GYE) to Manta Cruise Port: $89
Is it cheaper to fly into Leon or Guayaquil?
Prices for flights to both Guayaquil 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 dayLeon $12Guayaquil $29
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 Guayaquil
For Guayaquil, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Half Day Guayaquil Culinary Adventure, Cacao Cooking Class: $185
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Leon $5.81Guayaquil $21
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
Tours and Activities in Guayaquil
For Guayaquil, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Private Guayaquil City Tour: $18
- 1-hour Pacari Wine and Chocolate Tasting Experience: $20
- Shared Walking Tour in Guayaquil City: $35
- City Tour Guayaquil: $40
- Guayaquil City Tour: $40
- Self-guided walking tour of Guayaquil's landmarks.: $45
- Private Experience of Flavors and Wine Pairing in Guayaquil: $52
- From Montañita: Paragliding Experience: $55
- City Tour with Hotel Pickup and Drop-off: $63
- Guayaquil to Cuenca one-way tour with Cajas Park and a Cacao Farm visit: $74
- City Tour around Guayaquil: $75
- Private Guayaquil City Tour and Parque Historico: $80
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayLeon $3.53Guayaquil $17
Sample the Local Flavors in Guayaquil
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Guayaquil:
- Wine Tasting Experience with Tasting Menu: $55
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Leon and Guayaquil, we can see that Guayaquil 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 Guayaquil 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 Guayaquil would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Guayaquil 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 Guayaquil Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Leon or Guayaquil?
Guayaquil has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Leon. When comparing the sizes of Leon and Guayaquil, 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 Guayaquil?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Leon or Guayaquil in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Leon as well as Guayaquil. Leon attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Guayaquil throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Guayaquil. Leon receives a lot of rain in the summer. Leon usually gets more rain in July than Guayaquil. Leon gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In July, Leon is generally a little warmer than Guayaquil. Daily temperatures in Leon average around 27°C (81°F), and Guayaquil fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyLeon 27°C (81°F)Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Leon or Guayaquil in the Autumn?
Both Guayaquil and Leon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Leon throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Guayaquil because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Leon. In October, Leon usually receives more rain than Guayaquil. Leon gets 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Leon is a little warmer than Guayaquil in the autumn. The daily temperature in Leon averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLeon 27°C (81°F)Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Leon or Guayaquil in the Winter?
Both Guayaquil 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Guayaquil year-round.
Guayaquil gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Leon usually gets less rain in January than Guayaquil. Leon gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the winter, Leon is around the same temperature as Guayaquil. Typically, the winter temperatures in Leon in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Guayaquil averages at about 28°C (82°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLeon 26°C (79°F)Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Leon or Guayaquil in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Leon and Guayaquil. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Leon year-round. Guayaquil attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Guayaquil receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Leon usually receives less rain than Guayaquil. Leon gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In April, Leon is generally around the same temperature as Guayaquil. Daily temperatures in Leon average around 29°C (84°F), and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilLeon 29°C (84°F)Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Guayaquil and Leon
| Leon | Guayaquil | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
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.