A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Montevideo vs. Havana for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Montevideo or Havana?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Montevideo and Havana 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: Montevideo or Havana?

Montevideo

As the morning sun tinges the calm waters of the Rio de la Plata with a golden hue, the Rambla and its city awakens to life with new adventures for those near and far. From tanning on the luxurious beaches to peering into Uruguayan history at local museums, one can be far from bored while staying in Montevideo. Combining the quaintness of the countryside with the excitement of urban life, this city holds a unique trait that cannot easily be replicated.

Havana

The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).

This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, and The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay.


Which place is cheaper, Havana or Montevideo?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Montevideo is $63, while the average daily cost in Havana is $65. 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 Montevideo and Havana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Montevideo $39
    Havana $40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Montevideo $78
    Havana $80
Compare Hotels in Montevideo and Havana

Looking for a hotel in Montevideo or Havana? 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 Montevideo


Hotels in Havana


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: Montevideo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Montevideo $7.32
    Havana $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montevideo

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

  • 1 - way - Transfer from Carrasco Interational Airport to Montevideo: $51
  • Airport-Hotel or Hotel-Airport Transfers: $36
  • Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo - Arrival Private Transfer: $49
  • Carrasco Airport MVD to Montevideo Hotels Round Trip Transfer: $98
  • Carrasco International Airport (MVD) to Montevideo hotels - Round-Trip Transfer: $98
  • Private 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $45
  • Shared 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $35
  • Private Transfer - Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Punta Del Este Port: $85
  • Private Transfer from Carrasco Airport MVD to Punta Del Este Port: $72
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $26
  • Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport MVD: $72
  • Private Transfer from or to Carrasco Airport in Montevideo: $120

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.68

Is it cheaper to fly into Montevideo or Havana?

Prices for flights to both Havana and Montevideo 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
    Montevideo $13
    Havana $10

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montevideo

For Montevideo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • The best Montevideo Dinner Show. Tango and Candombe. El Milongon.: $85
  • El Milongon Dinner & Show: Candombe, Tango & Folklore in Montevideo: $98

Typical Food Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:


  • Pizza
    $0.03

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Montevideo $21
    Havana $11

Tours and Activities in Montevideo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Montevideo.

  • Montevideo's Culture and History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • Museo Andes 1972 / Crash Memorial Admission Ticket: $8.00
  • Palacio Salvo Official Ticket with Guided Tour: $13
  • Half-day Regular City Tour at Montevideo : $25
  • Montevideo City Tour for Cruisers - AudioGuided: $26
  • Half-Day Sightseeing Tour: $28
  • Shared Montevideo Tour for Cruisers: $30
  • Old City Walking Tour with Private Photographer: $30
  • Walking Tour with Photographer and Audioguide: $31
  • City Sightseeing Tour: $32
  • Montevideo City Tour for Cruisers: $35
  • The Best Montevideo City Tour: $36

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Montevideo -
    Havana $5.76

Sample the Local Flavors in Montevideo

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Montevideo:

  • Half Day Tour at Pizzorno Winery with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $120
  • Juanico Wine Tour Lunch: $132
  • Wine tour - Lunch & Tasting with Wine Explorers: $198
  • Wine Tasting & Countryside Lunch Experience: $210

Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:


  • Mojito
    $0.15


When comparing the travel costs between Montevideo and Havana, we can see that Havana is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Montevideo is in South America and Havana is in Caribbean Islands, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, Montevideo or Havana?

Havana has a larger population, and is about 70% larger than the population of Montevideo. When comparing the sizes of Montevideo and Havana, 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 Montevideo or Havana?

Montevideo has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Havana experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Montevideo or Havana in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Montevideo as well as Havana. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year.

Montevideo is cooler than Havana in the summer. The daily temperature in Montevideo averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Havana fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in July.

Montevideo usually gets more rain in January than Havanain July. Montevideo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Havana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Montevideo 24°C (75°F) 
    Havana 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Montevideo or Havana in the Autumn?

Both Havana and Montevideo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the autumn, Montevideo is cooler than Havana. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Montevideo in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Havana averages at about 25°C (77°F)in October.

It's quite rainy in Montevideo. In April, Montevideo usually receives more rain than Havanain October. Montevideo gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Havana receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Montevideo 17°C (63°F) 
    Havana 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Montevideo or Havana in the Winter?

Both Havana and Montevideo during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round.

In July, Montevideo is generally much colder than Havanain January. Daily temperatures in Montevideo average around 11°C (52°F), and Havana fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

Montevideo usually gets more rain in July than Havanain January. Montevideo gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Havana receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Montevideo 11°C (52°F) 
    Havana 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Montevideo or Havana in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Montevideo and Havana. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Montevideo is cooler than Havana in the spring. The daily temperature in Montevideo averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Havana fluctuates around 24°C (75°F)in April.

Montevideo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Montevideo usually receives more rain than Havanain April. Montevideo gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Havana receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Montevideo 17°C (63°F) 
    Havana 24°C (75°F)

Typical Weather for Havana and Montevideo

Montevideo Havana
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Feb 23°C (73°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 11°C (52°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Dec 22°C (72°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)