Which place is cheaper, Mazatlan or Leon?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Leon or Mazatlan?
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 Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan?
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.
Mazatlan
Mazatlan is located on the Pacific coast in the Mexican state of Sinaloa. The city has a population of almost 500,000, making it the second largest city in the state. It is a popular tourist destination because of its beautiful beaches and resort hotels. Most people head to Mazatlan specifically for its beaches, but the city itself is somewhat large and diverse with many different cultures and ethnicities represented. Many foreigners come here not only to vacation, but also to retire. You'll meet people from all over Europe, as well as Canada and the United States.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLeon $59Mazatlan $79
The average daily cost (per person) in Leon is $59, while the average daily cost in Mazatlan is $79. 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 Mazatlan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLeon $16Mazatlan $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLeon $32Mazatlan $66
Compare Hotels in Leon and Mazatlan
Looking for a hotel in Leon or Mazatlan? 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: Mazatlan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Leon $1.51Mazatlan $21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mazatlan
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mazatlan:
- Mazatlan Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Mazatlan hotels: $236
- Mazatlan Intl Airport (MZT): Private Transfer to Mazatlan: $296
- Private Airport-Hotel Transfer: $119
- Private roundtrip airport to hotel transfer in Mazatlan: $262
- Round transfer airport to hotel in Mazatlán: $50
Is it cheaper to fly into Leon or Mazatlan?
Prices for flights to both Mazatlan 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 $12Mazatlan $34
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 Mazatlan
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Mazatlan.
- Mercado walking food tour: $78
- Mazatlan routes of taste food tour: $84
- Authentic Mexican Cooking Class in Mazatlan: $84
- Tacos, Beer and Mezcal Food Tour in Mazatlan: $96
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Leon $5.81Mazatlan $9.59
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 Mazatlan
Here are a few actual costs in Mazatlan for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Mazatlan Sightseeing and Golden Zone: $27
- Mazatlan City Sightseeing Tour with Shopping Time and Lunch: $40
- Mazatlan Sightseeing and Shopping Tour: $40
- Mazatlan Smart Bike Tour: $40
- El Faro Lighthouse Tour with Free Digital Photos: $47
- Mazatlan - City Tour: $47
- City Tour with Tequila Tasting & Beach Hotel Day Pass Included : $49
- Grand Aquarium Ticket and City Sightseeing Tour: $57
- Sensation Splash Party All Inclusive Mazatlan Bay Cruise: $57
- Beach Activities and All Inclusive Tour: $58
- Seafront Boardwalk Beer Bike Tour: $58
- Deer Island Eco Tour with Snorkeling and Hiking: $65
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLeon $3.53Mazatlan $18
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Leon and Mazatlan, we can see that Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Leon or Mazatlan?
Mazatlan has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Leon. When comparing the sizes of Leon and Mazatlan, 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 Mazatlan?
Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan in the Summer?
Both Mazatlan and Leon are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Leon throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Mazatlan in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Leon is around the same temperature as Mazatlan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Leon in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Mazatlan averages at about 29°C (83°F).
It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. Leon usually receives less sunshine than Mazatlan during summer. Leon gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Mazatlan receives 216 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. It's quite rainy in Leon. In July, Leon usually receives less rain than Mazatlan. Leon gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLeon 27°C (81°F)Mazatlan 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Leon or Mazatlan in the Autumn?
Both Mazatlan and Leon during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Leon because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Mazatlan for the shopping scene during these months.
In October, Leon is generally around the same temperature as Mazatlan. Daily temperatures in Leon average around 27°C (81°F), and Mazatlan fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Leon often gets less sunshine than Mazatlan. Leon gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mazatlan receives 233 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Leon. Leon usually gets more rain in October than Mazatlan. Leon gets 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLeon 27°C (81°F)Mazatlan 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Leon or Mazatlan in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Leon and Mazatlan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Leon year-round. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Leon is a little warmer than Mazatlan in the winter. The daily temperature in Leon averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Mazatlan fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mazatlan this time of the year. In Leon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Leon usually receives more sunshine than Mazatlan during winter. Leon gets 244 hours of sunny skies, while Mazatlan receives 203 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Leon usually receives less rain than Mazatlan. Leon gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLeon 26°C (79°F)Mazatlan 20°C (67°F)
Should I visit Leon or Mazatlan in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Leon as well as Mazatlan. Leon attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the beaches are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year.
In the spring, Leon is a little warmer than Mazatlan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Leon in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Mazatlan averages at about 22°C (72°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Leon this time of the year. In the spring, Leon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mazatlan. Leon gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mazatlan receives 250 hours of full sun.
Leon usually gets more rain in April than Mazatlan. Leon gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLeon 29°C (84°F)Mazatlan 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Mazatlan and Leon
| Leon | Mazatlan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 199 mm (7.8 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 219 mm (8.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 227 mm (8.9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Nov | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 18 mm (0.7 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.