Which place is cheaper, La Paz or Punta Arenas?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Punta Arenas or La Paz?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Punta Arenas or La Paz? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Punta Arenas or La Paz?
Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas is in the far south of Chile and has a long history of maritime commerce, oil extraction, and sheep farming. It's the most populated city on the Strait of Magellan and has all the facilities you might need as a traveler, including banks, markets, drugstores and equipment shops. With a population of about 130,000, the city is a comfortable place to spend time. It serves as a base for Antarctic expeditions, although many expeditions also start in Ushuaia, Argentina, and Christchurch New Zealand.
La Paz
La Paz is the capital of Baja California Sur, Mexico. It has a population of about 215,000 people and is a significant commercial center for the region. The city has a good economy and a high standard of living when compared to much of Mexico. Much of the economy is focused on eco-tourism and there are many protected marine environments in the area.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Santiago, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Chile, The Best Budget Tours to Mexico, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Mexico.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPunta Arenas $63La Paz $118
The average daily cost (per person) in Punta Arenas is $63, while the average daily cost in La Paz is $118. 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 Punta Arenas and La Paz in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPunta Arenas $32La Paz $52
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPunta Arenas $64La Paz $104
Compare Hotels in Punta Arenas and La Paz
Looking for a hotel in Punta Arenas 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.
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: Punta Arenas Hotel Prices and La Paz Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Punta Arenas $1.80La Paz $22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta Arenas
Also for Punta Arenas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Punta Arenas Airport to/from Punta Arenas: $33
- Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) to Punta Arenas - Arrival Transfer: $49
- Private Transfer from Punta Arenas Port to Punta Arenas hotels: $64
- Transfer from Punta Arenas (city or airport) to Puerto Natales: $267
Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Paz
Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Paz:
- La Paz Airport: Private Roundtrip Transfer to La Ventan: $259
- Private Transfer from La Paz to Cabo San Lucas: $240
- La Paz Int. Airport (LAP): Private Transfer to La Paz hotels: $174
- La Paz Airport to Costa Baja Private Roundtrip Transfer: $89
- Roundtrip Transfer to La Paz International Airport: $73
Is it cheaper to fly into Punta Arenas or La Paz?
Prices for flights to both La Paz and Punta Arenas 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
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Food Meals for one dayPunta Arenas $21La Paz $38
Typical Food Prices in Punta Arenas
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Punta Arenas:
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Donut$1.05
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Dinner$25
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Paz
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in La Paz.
- 4 Hours of Guided La Paz Street Food Tour: $81
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Punta Arenas $6.44La Paz $13
Tours and Activities in Punta Arenas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta Arenas.
- City Sightseeing and Monuments Guided Tour: $52
- Regular city cruise tour: $65
- Fort Bulnes cruises: $70
- Bike Tour in Punta Arenas, 100% local tour.: $70
- Punta Arenas Sightseeing Tour: $72
- King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $145
- King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $145
- Magdalena Island Penguin Tour by Boat from Punta Arenas: $153
- Punta Arenas Private City Tour Shore Excursion: $155
- Magallanes Reserva and City Tour. Private Shore Excursion.: $158
- Full day Torres del Paine from Punta Arenas ,Regular tours: $180
- Mountain Bike Adventure in Punta Arenas: $192
Tours and Activities in La Paz
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for La Paz are as follows:
- 1 Day Espiritu Santo Island Wonders, Sea Lions and Paddleboard Adventure : $249
- 3 Hour La Paz Whale Shark Snorkeling Experience: $244
- Adventure to Espiritu Santo Island: Snorkel with Sea Lions and Beach: $131
- Balandra & San Rafaelito: Sightseeing & Snorkelling: $135
- Balandra Beach and City Tour: $128
- Balandra Snorkel & Sea Lion Adventure: $135
- Can-Am X3 Turbo Adventure: Cabo Desert Trails & Beach Ride: $291
- City Tour & Beaches from La Paz: $91
- Cruise Date Delight! Swim with Sea Lions! Apr-02: $186
- Espíritu Santo Island snorkel and sightseeing tour on Small Group: $167
- Espiritu Santo Island Day Tour: $170
- Espiritu Santo Island Snorkel & Sea Lion Adventure: $145
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPunta Arenas $4.86La Paz $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Punta Arenas
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Punta Arenas:
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Alcohol$7.34
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Punta Arenas and La Paz, we can see that La Paz is more expensive. And not only is Punta Arenas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Punta Arenas is in South America and La Paz is in North America, 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 Punta Arenas would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Punta Arenas 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 Paz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in La Paz than you might in Punta Arenas.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Punta Arenas Expensive? and Is La Paz Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Punta Arenas or La Paz?
La Paz has a larger population, and is about 46% larger than the population of Punta Arenas. When comparing the sizes of Punta Arenas 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.
When is the best time to visit Punta Arenas or La Paz?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Punta Arenas is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but La Paz has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Punta Arenas or La Paz in the Summer?
Both La Paz and Punta Arenas during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to La Paz for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In January, Punta Arenas is generally much colder than La Pazin July. Daily temperatures in Punta Arenas average around 11°C (52°F), and La Paz fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).
In La Paz, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Punta Arenas. In the summer, Punta Arenas often gets less sunshine than La Pazin July. Punta Arenas gets 208 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Paz receives 287 hours of full sun.
Punta Arenas usually gets more rain in January than La Pazin July. Punta Arenas gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyPunta Arenas 11°C (52°F)La Paz 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Punta Arenas or La Paz in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Punta Arenas and La Paz. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to La Paz because of the shopping scene.
Punta Arenas is much colder than La Paz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Punta Arenas averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and La Paz fluctuates around 27°C (80°F)in October.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Paz this time of the year. Punta Arenas usually receives less sunshine than La Paz during autumn. Punta Arenas gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while La Paz receives 272 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In April, Punta Arenas usually receives more rain than La Pazin October. Punta Arenas gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberPunta Arenas 7°C (44°F)La Paz 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Punta Arenas or La Paz in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Punta Arenas as well as La Paz. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to La Paz this time of year.
The weather in Punta Arenas can be very cold. In the winter, Punta Arenas is much colder than La Paz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Punta Arenas in July average around 1°C (35°F), and La Paz averages at about 18°C (65°F)in January.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Paz. In the winter, Punta Arenas often gets less sunshine than La Pazin January. Punta Arenas gets 70 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Paz receives 200 hours of full sun.
Punta Arenas usually gets more rain in July than La Pazin January. Punta Arenas gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryPunta Arenas 1°C (35°F)La Paz 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Punta Arenas or La Paz in the Spring?
Both La Paz and Punta Arenas are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to La Paz for the beaches.
In October, Punta Arenas is generally much colder than La Pazin April. Daily temperatures in Punta Arenas average around 7°C (44°F), and La Paz fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
It's quite sunny in La Paz. Punta Arenas usually receives less sunshine than La Paz during spring. Punta Arenas gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while La Paz receives 292 hours of full sun in the spring.
In October, Punta Arenas usually receives more rain than La Pazin April. Punta Arenas gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilPunta Arenas 7°C (44°F)La Paz 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for La Paz and Punta Arenas
| Punta Arenas | La Paz | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 11°C (52°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (52°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| May | 4°C (39°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Jun | 2°C (35°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Jul | 1°C (35°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Aug | 3°C (37°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 30°C (87°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Sep | 5°C (40°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Oct | 7°C (44°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Nov | 9°C (48°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (51°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.