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

Should you visit Montevideo or La Paz?

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 La Paz 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 La Paz?

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.

La Paz

La Paz, the administrative capital of Bolivia, has a breathtaking setting. The city is the highest national capital in the world, with an altitude ranging from about 4,058 m (13,313 ft) above sea level in El Alto, where the airport is located, to 3,100 m (10,170 ft) in the lower residential area. The dynamic and chaotic city was built in a canyon created by the Choqueyapu River. La Paz is now a fusion of architectural styles, cultures and beliefs, welcoming everyday new boutique hotels, modern shops, delicious restaurants and reinventing standing establishments. However, generally speaking, Bolivia remains more a backpacker hit than a mainstream tourist destination.

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


Which place is cheaper, La Paz 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 La Paz is $44. 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 La Paz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Montevideo $39
    La Paz $16
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Montevideo $78
    La Paz $32
Compare Hotels in Montevideo and La Paz

Looking for a hotel in Montevideo or La Paz? 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 La Paz


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 and La Paz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Montevideo $7.32
    La Paz $9.45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montevideo

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

  • Transfer in private vehicle from Montevideo City - Montevideo Airport (MVD): $21
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Montevideo Airport (MVD) -Montevideo City: $21
  • Transfer from Montevideo to Carrasco Airport: $45
  • Transfer from Montevideo to Carrasco Airport: $20
  • Transfer from Carrasco International Aiport to Montevideo: $45
  • TRANSFER FROM OR TO THE AIRPORT (4 to 12 paxs): $80
  • Private Transfer from or to Carrasco Airport in Montevideo: $120
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo Cruise Port to Montevideo city: $29
  • Private Transfer from Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo Port: $29
  • Shared 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $35
  • Private 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $45
  • Carrasco International Airport (MVD) to Montevideo hotels - Round-Trip Transfer: $98

Typical Local Transportation Prices in La Paz

Some typical examples of transportation costs in La Paz are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $0.58

Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Paz

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

  • Private Transfer from La Paz to Uyuni.: $295
  • Private Transfer from Airport to your Hotel in La Paz City : $77
  • Private Transfer From Hotel to Airport in La Paz City : $68
  • Private Transfer From Bus Station to Hotel in La Paz City : $68
  • Private Transfer From your Hotel to Bus Station in La Paz City : $68
  • Private Transfer From Airport to Hotel in La Paz City: $60
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan La Paz Airport (LPB) - La Paz City: $55
  • Private Transfer from your Hotel to Airport in La Paz City : $54
  • Private Transfer from Airport to your Hotel in La Paz City : $54
  • Private Transfer From Bus Station to your Hotel in La Paz City : $54
  • Private Transfer From Hotel to Bus Station in La Paz City : $52
  • Airport Transfer In_night: $47

Is it cheaper to fly into Montevideo or La Paz?

Prices for flights to both La Paz 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
    La Paz $17

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 La Paz

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


  • Fruit
    $0.72

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Paz

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

  • La Paz Food Tour + Cable Car Cultural City tour: $45

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Montevideo $21
    La Paz $16

Tours and Activities in Montevideo

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

  • Colonia del Sacramento - Regular Tour: $65
  • Audio Guided Tour in Montevideo City for Cruisers: $26
  • Best Private & Personalized Tour of Montevideo: $200
  • Best Private Montevideo Shore Excursion: City Tour. Optional WineTasting Tour.: $165
  • Best Private Tour of Montevideo for Cruise Passengers: $250
  • Best Shared Tour of Montevideo for Cruise Passengers: $110
  • Best Shared Tour of Montevideo for Cruise Passengers : $110
  • Best custom Montevideo Private Tour in Electric SUV! (BMW Option): $120
  • City Tour de Montevideo con ingreso al Palacio Legislativo: $65
  • City Tour of Montevideo: $40
  • City Tour, the best option for small groups: $160
  • Discover Mix of Sightseeing & City Attractions!: $140

Tours and Activities in La Paz

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

  • From Private Tour to Tiwanaku Ruins and Puma Punku.: $173
  • La Paz, City Tour and Valley of the Moon - Half day: $268
  • 2-Day Private Lake Titicaca and Sun Island Tour from La Paz: $520
  • 2-day Private Guided Tour in Uyuni and La Paz: $240
  • 3 Day Death Road + Uyuni Salt Flats Tour From La Paz City: $280
  • Be a Local - La Paz Walking Tour: $8.00
  • Bicycle Tour on Death Road: $77
  • Bike Tour to the Death Road: $85
  • Cable Car, Cementery, Shaman and El Alto Adventure in La Paz: $20
  • Chacaltaya 5,435m & Valle De Luna. 2 For 1 Special Tour.: $30
  • City Tour plus Cable Car La Paz: $10
  • City Tour with Drone!: $204

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Montevideo -
    La Paz $11

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
  • Wine tour - Lunch & Tasting with Wine Explorers: $198
  • Wine Tasting & Countryside Lunch Experience: $210

Sample the Local Flavors in La Paz

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in La Paz:

  • Cultural Pub Crawl La Paz Nightlife Tour : $50


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

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


Which is Bigger, Montevideo or La Paz?

Montevideo has a larger population, and is about 56% larger than the population of La Paz. When comparing the sizes of Montevideo and La Paz, 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.