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

Should you visit Montevideo or San Fernando?

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 San Fernando 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 San Fernando?

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.

San Fernando

As the industrial capital of Trinidad & Tobago, San Fernando is an oil city which attracts more business visitors than tourists. While it is primarily focused on industry, the city has a certain charm with its old buildings and sloping streets that frame pretty views of the sea. It is the big city of Trinidad's southern half with plenty to offer in nightlife, especially during Carnival.

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


Which place is cheaper, San Fernando 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 San Fernando is $153. 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 San Fernando in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Montevideo $39
    San Fernando $74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Montevideo $78
    San Fernando $148
Compare Hotels in Montevideo and San Fernando

Looking for a hotel in Montevideo or San Fernando? 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 San Fernando


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
    San Fernando $50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montevideo

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

  • Private Transfer from or to Carrasco Airport in Montevideo: $120
  • Carrasco Airport MVD to Montevideo Hotels Round Trip Transfer: $98
  • Carrasco International Airport (MVD) to Montevideo hotels - Round-Trip Transfer: $98
  • Private Transfer - Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Punta Del Este Port: $85
  • TRANSFER FROM OR TO THE AIRPORT (4 to 12 paxs): $80
  • Private Transfer from Carrasco Airport MVD to Punta Del Este Port: $72
  • Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport MVD: $72
  • 1 - way - Transfer from Carrasco Interational Airport to Montevideo: $51
  • Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo - Arrival Private Transfer: $49
  • Transfer from Montevideo to Carrasco Airport: $45
  • Private 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $45
  • Airport-Hotel or Hotel-Airport Transfers: $36

Is it cheaper to fly into Montevideo or San Fernando?

Prices for flights to both San Fernando 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
    San Fernando $48

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Montevideo $21
    San Fernando $28

Tours and Activities in Montevideo

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

  • Colonia del Sacramento - Regular Tour: $65
  • Private Tour to Tourist Places in Montevideo: $260
  • 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 of Montevideo: $40
  • City Tour, the best option for small groups: $160
  • Discover Mix of Sightseeing & City Attractions!: $140
  • From Cabo Polonio - Full Day Private Tour: $950

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Montevideo -
    San Fernando $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
  • 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 San Fernando, we can see that San Fernando is more expensive. And not only is Montevideo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Montevideo is in South America and San Fernando is in Caribbean Islands, 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 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 San Fernando would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Fernando 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 San Fernando Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Montevideo or San Fernando?

Montevideo has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of San Fernando. When comparing the sizes of Montevideo and San Fernando, 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 San Fernando?

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

Should I visit Montevideo or San Fernando in the Summer?

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

In January, Montevideo is generally cooler than San Fernandoin July. Daily temperatures in Montevideo average around 24°C (75°F), and San Fernando fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

It's quite sunny in San Fernando. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montevideo. Montevideo usually receives more sunshine than San Fernando during summer. Montevideo gets 296 hours of sunny skies, while San Fernando receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Fernando. In January, Montevideo usually receives less rain than San Fernandoin July. Montevideo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while San Fernando receives 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Montevideo or San Fernando in the Autumn?

Both San Fernando and Montevideo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Fernando year-round.

Montevideo is much colder than San Fernando in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montevideo averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and San Fernando fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in October.

In San Fernando, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Montevideo often gets less sunshine than San Fernandoin October. Montevideo gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Fernando receives 207 hours of full sun.

San Fernando gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Montevideo. Montevideo usually gets less rain in April than San Fernandoin October. Montevideo gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while San Fernando receives 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Montevideo 17°C (63°F) 
    San Fernando 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Montevideo or San Fernando in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Montevideo is much colder than San Fernando. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montevideo in July average around 11°C (52°F), and San Fernando averages at about 26°C (78°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Fernando this time of the year. Montevideo usually receives less sunshine than San Fernando during winter. Montevideo gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while San Fernando receives 241 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Montevideo usually receives around the same amount of rain as San Fernandoin January. Montevideo gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while San Fernando receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Montevideo 11°C (52°F) 
    San Fernando 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Montevideo or San Fernando in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Montevideo as well as San Fernando. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Fernando throughout the year.

In October, Montevideo is generally much colder than San Fernandoin April. Daily temperatures in Montevideo average around 17°C (63°F), and San Fernando fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Fernando. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montevideo this time of the year. In the spring, Montevideo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Fernandoin April. Montevideo gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Fernando receives 238 hours of full sun.

Montevideo receives a lot of rain in the spring. Montevideo usually gets more rain in October than San Fernandoin April. Montevideo gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while San Fernando receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Montevideo 17°C (63°F) 
    San Fernando 27°C (81°F)

Typical Weather for San Fernando and Montevideo

Montevideo San Fernando
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 26°C (78°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 23°C (73°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 26°C (80°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Jun 11°C (52°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 252 mm (9.9 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 266 mm (10.5 in)
Aug 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 225 mm (8.9 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 203 mm (8 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 199 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 27°C (80°F) 228 mm (9 in)
Dec 22°C (72°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)