Which place is cheaper, La Fortuna or Leon?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Leon or La Fortuna?
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 La Fortuna 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 La Fortuna?
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.
La Fortuna
La Fortuna is in San Carlos, in the province of Alajuela. It is the closest town to Arenal Volcano, and the area is often simply refered to as Arenal. The volcano itself is active and has been constantly erupting since 1968. It erupts on average 41 times a day. This area of northern Costa Rica is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the country.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, The Best Adventure Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Eco Tours in Costa Rica.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLeon $59La Fortuna $104
The average daily cost (per person) in Leon is $59, while the average daily cost in La Fortuna is $104. 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 La Fortuna in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLeon $16La Fortuna $51
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLeon $32La Fortuna $102
Compare Hotels in Leon and La Fortuna
Looking for a hotel in Leon or La Fortuna? 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 Fortuna Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Leon $1.51La Fortuna $21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Fortuna
Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Fortuna:
- Transfer From Liberia Airport To Arenal La Fortuna San Carlos: $42
- Arenal La Fortuna to Liberia Airport (LIR) - Departure Transfer : $63
- Arenal lake boat transfer from to Monteverde from La Fortuna: $60
- Costa Rica Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) -Arrival Private Transfer: $189
- Direct Transfer From La Fortuna to San Jose, English Speaking Driver: $152
- From La Fortuna/La Palma: Private Transfer to Tamarindo: $280
- From Lake Arenal Kayaking Trip with Transfer: $90
- From San Jose Airport To Arenal - La Fortuna - PRIVATE TRANSFER: $295
- La Fortuna Private Transfer to San Jose Airport : $231
- La Fortuna de Arenal: Transfer to Guapiles: $213
- La Fortuna de Arenal: Transfer to Liberia or LIR Airport: $187
- La Fortuna de Arenal: Transfer to Liberia or LIR Airport: $70
Is it cheaper to fly into Leon or La Fortuna?
Prices for flights to both La Fortuna 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 $12La Fortuna $27
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 La Fortuna
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in La Fortuna.
- Skip the Line: Mineral Hot Springs Full Day Ticket w/ Optional Lunch or Dinner: $42
- Organic Farm Visit & Farm-to-Table Cooking Class: $45
- Farm-To-Table Cooking Class : $45
- Cooking Class and Sugar Cane Experience: $45
- Typical Costa Rican Cooking Classes in La Fortuna: $48
- Costa Rica Cooking, El Fogon de Chela: $50
- Costa Rican cuisine Cooking Class at Rancho Don Lelo: $60
- Cooking Class "Cook Like a Local" La Fortuna: $63
- Rainforest Night Walk and Authentic Costa Rican Dinner from La Fortuna: $65
- 3-Hour Costa Rican Cooking Class with Dinner: $68
- Private typical cooking class with a Costa Rican family: $70
- Cooking and Salsa Dance Lesson Combo : $74
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Leon $5.81La Fortuna $44
Tours and Activities in Leon
Here are a few actual costs in Leon for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Half Day Private Tour of Cerro Negro's Volcano Boarding: $35
- Leon City Walking Private Tour : $48
- Rum Tour & Chorotega Museum Experience: $62
- Hike El Hoyo Volcano "Private Tour" : $67
- Old Leon and Asososca Lagoon Private Tour: $82
- Volcano Boarding Private Tour : $84
- Kayak Private tour at Juan Venado Island: $92
- Telica Sunset Tour : $93
- Horseback Riding Private Tour : $103
- Half-Day Leon City Tour: $135
- Somoto Canyon "Private Tour from Leon" : $154
- 6 Hours Sunset Private Guided Tour of Telica Volcano in León: $163
Tours and Activities in La Fortuna
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for La Fortuna are as follows:
- Skip-the-Line La Fortuna Waterfall Admission Ticket: $20
- Two Destinations Tour - La Fortuna Top Destinations : $20
- Arenal Volcano Hike Experience (not guide included): $23
- Sloth Tour: $30
- Rainforest Chocolate Tour from La Fortuna: $30
- 1-Hour Private Sloth Tour in the Rainforest from Costa Rica: $30
- Don Olivo Chocolate Tour: $30
- Rainforest Chocolate Tour: $30
- arenal fortuna city tour: $30
- Organic chocolate tour : $31
- Místico Arenal Hanging Bridges Admission Ticket: $32
- Ticket to Rio Celeste Waterfall & Tenorio Volcano National Park: $32
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLeon $3.53La Fortuna $11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Leon and La Fortuna, we can see that La Fortuna is more expensive. And not only is Leon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 La Fortuna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in La Fortuna 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 La Fortuna Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Leon or La Fortuna?
Leon has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of La Fortuna. When comparing the sizes of Leon and La Fortuna, 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 La Fortuna?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Leon or La Fortuna in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Leon and La Fortuna. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Leon year-round. La Fortuna attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
La Fortuna receives a lot of rain in the summer. Leon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Leon usually receives less rain than La Fortuna. Leon gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Leon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as La Fortuna during summer. Leon gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while La Fortuna receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.
In the summer, Leon is around the same temperature as La Fortuna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Leon in July average around 27°C (81°F), and La Fortuna averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLeon 27°C (81°F)La Fortuna 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Leon or La Fortuna in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Leon as well as La Fortuna. Leon attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to La Fortuna throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in La Fortuna. Leon receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Leon usually gets less rain in October than La Fortuna. Leon gets 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Leon often gets more sunshine than La Fortuna. Leon gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Fortuna receives 169 hours of full sun.
In October, Leon is generally around the same temperature as La Fortuna. Daily temperatures in Leon average around 27°C (81°F), and La Fortuna fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLeon 27°C (81°F)La Fortuna 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Leon or La Fortuna in the Winter?
Both La Fortuna and Leon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Leon throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to La Fortuna because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Leon usually receives less rain than La Fortuna. Leon gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
It's quite sunny in La Fortuna. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Leon. Leon usually receives less sunshine than La Fortuna during winter. Leon gets 244 hours of sunny skies, while La Fortuna receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.
Leon is around the same temperature as La Fortuna in the winter. The daily temperature in Leon averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and La Fortuna fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLeon 26°C (79°F)La Fortuna 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Leon or La Fortuna in the Spring?
Both La Fortuna and Leon during the spring 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 La Fortuna year-round.
Leon usually gets less rain in April than La Fortuna. Leon gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
In La Fortuna, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Leon. In the spring, Leon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as La Fortuna. Leon gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Fortuna receives 255 hours of full sun.
In the spring, Leon is around the same temperature as La Fortuna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Leon in April average around 29°C (84°F), and La Fortuna averages at about 29°C (85°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLeon 29°C (84°F)La Fortuna 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for La Fortuna and Leon
| Leon | La Fortuna | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 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.