A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mar del Plata vs. Florianopolis for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Mar del Plata or Florianopolis?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Mar del Plata and Florianopolis can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Mar del Plata or Florianopolis?

Mar del Plata

Mar del Plata is found only 404 km southeast of the city of Buenos Aires, on the Atlantic coast. Today Mar Del Plata is Argentina‘s most well known beach resort. It has successfully married the two worlds of beach and city into a fun, cosmopolitan urban center with the presence of highly developed tourist infrastructure. Founded in 1874, Mar del Plata was at first mainly an industrial and commercial center before becoming a vacation destination for Argentinians. For a peaceful trip and intimate oceanfront promenades, avoid visiting Mar del Plata during summer time, as the gorgeous arced coastline will be crawling with visitors. But the city is more than just beaches. It also offers some culture, lively nightlife, and great food.

Florianopolis

With a population of almost 500,000, Florianopolis is the capital city of the state of Santa Catarina in southern Brazil. The city is split between mainland Brazil and Santa Catarina Island.

Florianopolis has grown in popularity with tourists recently because of its wonderful scenery, beautiful beaches, and fascinating culture. Many Brazilians have also moved here, leaving behind the big cities of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

Florianopolis has a warm humid subtropical climate. There are summer, winter, spring and fall seasons. Frosts are rare but do occur occasionally. Highs during the warmest months are usually in the high 70s Fahrenheit. Rain is evenly distributed throughout the year and there is no distinct dry season.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Argentina, The Best Budget Tours to Argentina, The Best Budget Tours to Brazil, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, Florianopolis or Mar del Plata?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Mar del Plata is $9.01, while the average daily cost in Florianopolis is $64. 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 Mar del Plata and Florianopolis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mar del Plata $3.23
    Florianopolis $27
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mar del Plata $6.46
    Florianopolis $54
Compare Hotels in Mar del Plata and Florianopolis

Looking for a hotel in Mar del Plata or Florianopolis? 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 Mar del Plata


Hotels in Florianopolis


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: Mar del Plata Hotel Prices and Florianopolis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mar del Plata $2.56
    Florianopolis $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florianopolis

Also for Florianopolis, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Roundtrip transfer from Florianópolis Airport to Bombinhas: $168
  • Transfer Florianópolis Airport from Balneário Camboriú and region by Centrotur: $113
  • Private Transfer from Florianópolis Airport to Bombinhas: $97
  • Private Transfer Florianopolis Airport to Bal. Camboriu: $96
  • Private Transfer from FLN Airport to the City Balneario Camboriú : $86
  • Transfer Florianópolis Airport / Costão do Santinho: $80
  • Roundtrip Private Transfer Hercilio Luz Airport to Gravatal: $78
  • One Way Transfer : Florianopolis Airport to or from Florianopolis: $64
  • Transfer Florianópolis Airport - Florianópolis Center: $62
  • Florianópolis Airport Transfer anywhere on the island by Floripa Nativa: $41
  • Hercilio Luz Int'l Airport to Gravatal - Arrival Private Transfer: $39
  • Shared transfer from Florianópolis airport to Balneário Camboriú: $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Mar del Plata or Florianopolis?

Prices for flights to both Florianopolis and Mar del Plata 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
    Mar del Plata $3.91
    Florianopolis $22

Typical Food Prices in Florianopolis

For Florianopolis, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • A Quick Snack
    $0.45

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mar del Plata $2.33
    Florianopolis $27

Typical Entertainment Prices in Florianopolis

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


  • Internet
    $0.61

Tours and Activities in Florianopolis

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

  • BEACH TOUR GAROPABA – ESSENTIAL – Discover the most beautiful beaches in Garopaba: $41
  • BEACH TOUR PRAIA DO ROSA, IMBITUBA AND GAROPABA - 10 Beaches: $57
  • Balneário Camboriú City Tour from Florianópolis: $35
  • Bar tour in Floripa: $12
  • Bike Tour in Florianopolis - Sunset, Photography and History: $72
  • Blumenau City Tour - departing from Florianópolis: $37
  • Blumenau City Tour from Florianópolis: $38
  • Bombinhas Beach and 4 Islands Tour: $23
  • City Tour Floripa North of the Island. Fortaleza, beaches and Sto Antônio: $51
  • Florianópolis Full Day City Tour: $25
  • Floripa City Tour by Bus - Whole Island - The Most Complete City Tour: $33
  • Full Day Tour of the Center, South, East and North of Floripa: $18

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mar del Plata $1.82
    Florianopolis $8.96

Typical Alcohol Prices in Florianopolis

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Florianopolis from other travelers:


  • Beer
    $0.61


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mar del Plata Expensive? and Is Florianopolis Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Mar del Plata or Florianopolis?

Mar del Plata has a larger population, and is about 34% larger than the population of Florianopolis. When comparing the sizes of Mar del Plata and Florianopolis, 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 Mar del Plata or Florianopolis?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Mar del Plata or Florianopolis in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Mar del Plata and Florianopolis.

In the summer, Mar del Plata is cooler than Florianopolis. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mar del Plata in January average around 20°C (69°F), and Florianopolis averages at about 25°C (76°F).

In Mar del Plata, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mar del Plata usually receives more sunshine than Florianopolis during summer. Mar del Plata gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Florianopolis receives 198 hours of full sun in the summer.

Florianopolis receives a lot of rain in the summer. In January, Mar del Plata usually receives less rain than Florianopolis. Mar del Plata gets 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Florianopolis receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Mar del Plata 20°C (69°F) 
    Florianopolis 25°C (76°F)

Should I visit Mar del Plata or Florianopolis in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Mar del Plata as well as Florianopolis.

In April, Mar del Plata is generally cooler than Florianopolis. Daily temperatures in Mar del Plata average around 15°C (59°F), and Florianopolis fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

Mar del Plata usually gets less rain in April than Florianopolis. Mar del Plata gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Florianopolis receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Mar del Plata 15°C (59°F) 
    Florianopolis 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Mar del Plata or Florianopolis in the Winter?

Both Florianopolis and Mar del Plata are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

Mar del Plata is much colder than Florianopolis in the winter. The daily temperature in Mar del Plata averages around 9°C (47°F) in July, and Florianopolis fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In July, Mar del Plata usually receives less rain than Florianopolis. Mar del Plata gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Florianopolis receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Mar del Plata 9°C (47°F) 
    Florianopolis 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Mar del Plata or Florianopolis in the Spring?

Both Florianopolis and Mar del Plata during the spring are popular places to visit.

In the spring, Mar del Plata is much colder than Florianopolis. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mar del Plata in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Florianopolis averages at about 20°C (68°F).

In the spring, Mar del Plata often gets more sunshine than Florianopolis. Mar del Plata gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florianopolis receives 159 hours of full sun.

Florianopolis gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Mar del Plata usually gets less rain in October than Florianopolis. Mar del Plata gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Florianopolis receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Mar del Plata 13°C (56°F) 
    Florianopolis 20°C (68°F)

Typical Weather for Florianopolis and Mar del Plata

Mar del Plata Florianopolis
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 20°C (69°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 25°C (76°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 197 mm (7.8 in)
Mar 18°C (65°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 173 mm (6.8 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 22°C (71°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 19°C (67°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Jun 9°C (48°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Jul 9°C (47°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Aug 9°C (49°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 95 mm (3.8 in)
Sep 11°C (51°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 16°C (61°F) 75 mm (3 in) 22°C (71°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Dec 19°C (66°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 24°C (74°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)