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

Should you visit Montevideo or La Serena?

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 Serena 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 Serena?

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 Serena

La Serena is a charming town in Northern Chile. It is Chile's second-oldest city and the thriving capital of Region IV. With its beautiful architecture, its long golden shoreline, dignified stone churches, tree-shaded avenues and pretty plazas, La Serena has everything you could ask for!

Chileans on holidays flood in the city in January and February, though it is fairly peaceful outside the summer rush. Some of the city's architecture is from the colonial era, but most is actually neocolonial thanks to president Gabriel Gonzalez Videla, born in La Serena, and her 'Plan Serena' of the late 1940s.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Chile, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Chile.


Which place is cheaper, La Serena or Montevideo?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Montevideo is $65, while the average daily cost in La Serena is $85. 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 Serena in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Montevideo $41
    La Serena $41
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Montevideo $82
    La Serena $82
Compare Hotels in Montevideo and La Serena

Looking for a hotel in Montevideo or La Serena? 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 Serena


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 Serena Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Montevideo $7.52
    La Serena $20

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 Carrasco Airport to Punta del Este: $192
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Montevideo Airport (MVD) -Montevideo City: $21
  • Transfer from Montevideo to Carrasco Airport: $20
  • Transfer from Montevideo to Carrasco Airport: $45
  • Transfer from Carrasco International Aiport to Montevideo: $45
  • Private Transfer from or to Carrasco Airport in Montevideo: $120
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $30
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo Cruise Port to Montevideo city: $30
  • Private Transfer from Carrasco Airport MVD to Punta Del Este Port: $73
  • Private Transfer from Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo Port: $26
  • Shared 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Montevideo or La Serena?

Prices for flights to both La Serena 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 $14
    La Serena $26

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
  • Montevideo private city tour with dinner included and tango show: $200

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Montevideo $21
    La Serena $23

Tours and Activities in Montevideo

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

  • Colonia del Sacramento - Regular Tour: $65
  • 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 : $100
  • Castillo Viejo Winery Tour "Sommelier's Selection" Tasting: $50
  • City Tour de Montevideo con ingreso al Palacio Legislativo: $65
  • City Tour de Montevideo para cruceristas: $60
  • City Tour por Montevideo: $40
  • Culinary Experience Making Alfajores in Montevideo: $70
  • Discover Mix of Sightseeing & City Attractions!: $140

Tours and Activities in La Serena

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

  • Tour to the internationally renowned Pangue Observatory: $139
  • Daily tour to go Whale Watching all inclusive: $130
  • Elqui Valley Full Day Tour: magical towns, pisco and mountains: $89
  • Elqui Valley Grand-Tour: $189
  • Elqui Valley Tour from La Serena: $120
  • Elqui Valley and Vicuña Private Tour Including Lunch: $183
  • Elqui Valley: Pisco Tour, Wine, Beer: $174
  • Full Day History and Flavors Tour in the Elqui Valley: $50
  • La Serena & Coquimbo City Tour - Short excursion for cruise ships: $128
  • La Serena and Coquimbo City Tour (SIB): $66
  • La Serena and Coquimbo Guided City Tour: $76
  • La Serena and Coquimbo Private City Tour Including Lunch, Shore Excursion: $194

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Montevideo -
    La Serena $22

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
  • The best wine tour: $140
  • Wine tour - Lunch & Tasting with Wine Explorers: $198
  • Wine Tasting & Countryside Lunch Experience: $210


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

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 Serena Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Montevideo or La Serena?

Montevideo has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of La Serena. When comparing the sizes of Montevideo and La Serena, 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 La Serena?

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 Montevideo or La Serena in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Montevideo and La Serena.

In the summer, Montevideo is a little warmer than La Serena. Typically, the summer temperatures in Montevideo in January average around 24°C (75°F), and La Serena averages at about 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Serena this time of the year. In Montevideo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montevideo usually receives more sunshine than La Serena during summer. Montevideo gets 296 hours of sunny skies, while La Serena receives 247 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Montevideo usually receives more rain than La Serena. Montevideo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while La Serena receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Montevideo 24°C (75°F) 
    La Serena 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Montevideo or La Serena in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Montevideo as well as La Serena.

In April, Montevideo is generally a little warmer than La Serena. Daily temperatures in Montevideo average around 17°C (63°F), and La Serena fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In the autumn, Montevideo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as La Serena. Montevideo gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Serena receives 159 hours of full sun.

Montevideo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Montevideo usually gets more rain in April than La Serena. Montevideo gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while La Serena receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Montevideo 17°C (63°F) 
    La Serena 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Montevideo or La Serena in the Winter?

Both La Serena and Montevideo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

Montevideo is around the same temperature as La Serena in the winter. The daily temperature in Montevideo averages around 11°C (52°F) in July, and La Serena fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Montevideo usually receives less sunshine than La Serena during winter. Montevideo gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while La Serena receives 160 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Montevideo usually receives more rain than La Serena. Montevideo gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while La Serena receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Montevideo 11°C (52°F) 
    La Serena 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Montevideo or La Serena in the Spring?

Both La Serena and Montevideo during the spring are popular places to visit.

In the spring, Montevideo is a little warmer than La Serena. Typically, the spring temperatures in Montevideo in October average around 17°C (63°F), and La Serena averages at about 14°C (57°F).

It's quite sunny in Montevideo. In the spring, Montevideo often gets more sunshine than La Serena. Montevideo gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Serena receives 190 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Montevideo. Montevideo usually gets more rain in October than La Serena. Montevideo gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while La Serena receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Montevideo 17°C (63°F) 
    La Serena 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for La Serena and Montevideo

Montevideo La Serena
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 23°C (73°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Jun 11°C (52°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Dec 22°C (72°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)