Which place is cheaper, Key Largo or Leon?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Leon or Key Largo?
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 Key Largo 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 Key Largo?
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.
Key Largo
As the lustrous emerald waters ebb and flow against your sandy toes, you find yourself cooled by the gentle breeze as you bask under a golden sun. To you, it's paradise. To everyone else, it's Key Largo. Located in the northernmost of the Florida Keys, Key Largo is known as the dive capital of the world due to its well-preserved coral reefs and clear waters. Just an hour-drive from South Florida's major airports, Key Largo boasts in containing a vast biodiversity, such as tropical hardwoods, creeks, two state parks, a national park, and a portion of a national marine sanctuary. Besides its natural beauty, Key Largo is overflowing with top restaurants and chic boutiques. It is no wonder that Key Largo became a hotspot for Hollywood beach scenes, with even a movie holding its namesake! Whether you look to get your fun by land or by water, there is something for everyone at Key Largo!
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City.
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Leon Prices
Nicaragua PricesKey Largo Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLeon $68Key Largo $256
The average daily cost (per person) in Leon is $68, while the average daily cost in Key Largo is $256. 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 Key Largo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLeon $16Key Largo $117
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLeon $32Key Largo $234
Compare Hotels in Leon and Key Largo
Looking for a hotel in Leon or Key Largo? 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: Key Largo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Leon $1.50Key Largo $56
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leon
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Leon:
- 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
- From Granada: One way shared transfer to San Jorge: $39
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Key Largo
Also for Key Largo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Key Largo Private Transfers (up to 14 passengers): $142
Is it cheaper to fly into Leon or Key Largo?
Prices for flights to both Key Largo 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
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Food Meals for one dayLeon $21Key Largo $104
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Leon
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Leon.
- Tlakualli Food Tour: $25
- Cooking Workshop in Nicaragua: $25
- Nicaraguan Food Cooking Workshop & Market Tour: $40
- Cooking Class Private Tour: $55
- Nicaraguan Cooking Class with a Local Family at Leon City: $60
- Leon City: Cooking Class: $60
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Leon $5.80Key Largo $27
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: $448
- 6 Hours Sunset Private Guided Tour of Telica Volcano in León: $227
- A Stroll Through León’s Enchanting Streets: Romantic Walking Tour: $246
- Half Day Tour of Cerro Negro's Volcano Boarding: $49
- Half-Day Leon City Tour: $135
- Hike El Hoyo Volcano "Private Tour" : $67
- Horseback Riding Private Tour : $120
- Kayak Private tour at Juan Venado Island: $92
- Leon City Walking Private Tour : $48
- Leon Colonial City Tour: $39
- Leon Nicaragua City Tour: $122
- Leon city: Walking tour by our landmarks.: $15
Tours and Activities in Key Largo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Key Largo.
- Florida Key West Self-Guided Driving Tour (7 Mile Bridge): $17
- Ultimate Florida Self Guided Driving & Walking Audio Tour Bundle: $40
- Key Largo Coral Reef Glass Bottom Boat Adventure : $45
- Small Group Florida Keys Eco Tour by Boat: $60
- Key Largo Sunset Cruise: $60
- Snorkel Tours to Shallow Coral Reefs at Pennekamp Underwater Park: $64
- Sunset Cruise: $65
- Boat Eco Tour: $65
- Key Largo Day Tour: $65
- Key Largo Bay Sunset Tour: $66
- Mangroves and Manatees - Guided Kayak Eco Tour: $67
- Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Adventure in Key Largo: $68
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLeon $3.52Key Largo $24
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Leon and Key Largo, we can see that Key Largo 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 Key Largo 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 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 Key Largo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Key Largo 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 Key Largo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Leon or Key Largo?
Leon has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Key Largo. When comparing the sizes of Leon and Key Largo, 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 Key Largo?
Key Largo 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 Key Largo in the Summer?
Both Key Largo and Leon during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Leon because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Key Largo this time of year.
In July, Leon is generally around the same temperature as Key Largo. Daily temperatures in Leon average around 27°C (81°F), and Key Largo fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).
In Key Largo, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Leon often gets less sunshine than Key Largo. Leon gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Key Largo receives 316 hours of full sun.
Key Largo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Leon. Leon usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Key Largo. Leon gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Key Largo receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLeon 27°C (81°F)Key Largo 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit Leon or Key Largo in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Leon and Key Largo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Leon year-round.
Leon is around the same temperature as Key Largo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Leon averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Key Largo fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key Largo this time of the year. Leon usually receives less sunshine than Key Largo during autumn. Leon gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Key Largo receives 275 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Key Largo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Leon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Leon usually receives more rain than Key Largo. Leon gets 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Key Largo receives 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLeon 27°C (81°F)Key Largo 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Leon or Key Largo in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Leon as well as Key Largo. Leon attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Key Largo in the winter for the cuisine.
In the winter, Leon is a little warmer than Key Largo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Leon in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Key Largo averages at about 67°F (19°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Leon this time of the year. In the winter, Leon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Key Largo. Leon gets 244 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Key Largo receives 243 hours of full sun.
Leon usually gets less rain in January than Key Largo. Leon gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Key Largo receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLeon 26°C (79°F)Key Largo 67°F (19°C)
Should I visit Leon or Key Largo in the Spring?
Both Key Largo and Leon are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Leon throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Key Largo for the beaches during these months.
In April, Leon is generally a little warmer than Key Largo. Daily temperatures in Leon average around 29°C (84°F), and Key Largo fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).
It's quite sunny in Key Largo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Leon. Leon usually receives less sunshine than Key Largo during spring. Leon gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Key Largo receives 300 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Leon usually receives less rain than Key Largo. Leon gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Key Largo receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLeon 29°C (84°F)Key Largo 74°F (24°C)
Typical Weather for Key Largo and Leon
| Leon | Key Largo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 67°F (19°C) | 2.2 inches (55 mm) |
| Feb | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 6.4 inches (162 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 9.4 inches (238 mm) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 5.9 inches (149 mm) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 83°F (28°C) | 7.5 inches (191 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 7.6 inches (194 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) |
| Nov | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 69°F (21°C) | 1.9 inches (48 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.