Which place is cheaper, Florianopolis or Punta del Este?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Punta del Este or Florianopolis?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Punta del Este or Florianopolis, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Punta del Este or Florianopolis?
Punta del Este
Punta del Este with its many beaches, elegant seaside homes, yacht harbor, high-rise apartment buildings, pricey hotels, ardent night scene and glitzy restaurants is a chic beach resort town in Uruguay. Many tourists come from Brazil and Argentina, on the other side of the Rio de la Plata, to get some nice sun and lay on the beach for a weekend getaway. Punta del Este is more expensive than other areas in Uruguay and has been called the Monaco of South America. Tourist season varies wildly from totally deserted in the winter to very crowded in the summer.
Florianopolis
With a population of almost 500,000, Florianopolis is the capital city of the state of Santa Catarina in southern Brazil. The city is split between mainland Brazil and Santa Catarina Island.
Florianopolis has grown in popularity with tourists recently because of its wonderful scenery, beautiful beaches, and fascinating culture. Many Brazilians have also moved here, leaving behind the big cities of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
Florianopolis has a warm humid subtropical climate. There are summer, winter, spring and fall seasons. Frosts are rare but do occur occasionally. Highs during the warmest months are usually in the high 70s Fahrenheit. Rain is evenly distributed throughout the year and there is no distinct dry season.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best Wildlife Tours to Brazil, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Brazil.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPunta del Este $98Florianopolis $62
The average daily cost (per person) in Punta del Este is $98, while the average daily cost in Florianopolis is $62. 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 del Este and Florianopolis in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPunta del Este $55Florianopolis $26
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPunta del Este $110Florianopolis $52
Compare Hotels in Punta del Este and Florianopolis
Looking for a hotel in Punta del Este or Florianopolis? 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 del Este Hotel Prices and Florianopolis Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Punta del Este $22Florianopolis $13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta del Este
Also for Punta del Este, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Punta del Este Airport Private Transfer: $60
- Private Transfer to Punta del Este Airport: $60
- Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Port to Montevideo hotels: $72
- Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Cruise Port to Montevideo: $85
- Private Transfer from Montevideo to Punta Del Este Cruise Port: $85
- Private Transfer from Montevideo hotels to Punta Del Este Port: $72
- Private Transfer from Montevideo city to Montevideo Cruise Port: $29
- Private Transfer from Montevideo City to Montevideo Cruise Port: $54
- Private Transfer - Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $85
- Montevideo hotels to Carrasco International Airport (MVD) - Departure Transfer: $49
- Montevideo Hotels to Carrasco Airport MVD Departure Transfer: $49
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florianopolis
Also for Florianopolis, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Roundtrip transfer from Florianópolis Airport to Bombinhas: $168
- Private Transfer from Florianópolis Airport to Bombinhas: $97
- Private Transfer Florianopolis Airport to Bal. Camboriu: $96
- Private Transfer from FLN Airport to the City Balneario Camboriú : $84
- Transfer Florianópolis Airport / Costão do Santinho: $78
- One Way Transfer : Florianopolis Airport to or from Florianopolis: $64
- Florianópolis Airport Transfer anywhere on the island by Floripa Nativa: $40
- Shared transfer from Florianópolis airport to Balneário Camboriú: $35
- Private Transfer Florianópolis Airport to City Center: $32
- Hercilio Luz Airport - North Island Transfer: $14
Is it cheaper to fly into Punta del Este or Florianopolis?
Prices for flights to both Florianopolis and Punta del Este 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 del Este $31Florianopolis $22
Typical Food Prices in Florianopolis
For Florianopolis, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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A Quick Snack$0.44
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Punta del Este $11Florianopolis $26
Tours and Activities in Punta del Este
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta del Este.
- Bike Tour Peninsula - Punta del Este: $65
- City Tour Punta del Este: $95
- Colonia Wine Experience for Food & Wine Lovers: $180
- East Coast of Uruguay – Private Multi Day Tour: $2,600
- From Cabo Polonio - Full Day Private Tour: $1,000
- Full Day Private Shore Tour Montevideo from Punta Del Este Port: $290
- Full Experience Tasting Menu Viña Edén: $157
- Gourmet Food & Wine Experience from Punta del Este: $205
- Guided Tour of Vineyards: $33
- Guided Tour of the Winery Viña Edén: $18
- Half Day City Tour in Punta del Este: $47
- Half Day Tour in Piriapolis from Punta del Este: $170
Typical Entertainment Prices in Florianopolis
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Florianopolis's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Internet$0.59
Tours and Activities in Florianopolis
For Florianopolis, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Balneário Camboriú City Tour from Florianópolis: $35
- Bike Tour in Florianopolis - Sunset, Photography and History: $70
- Blumenau City Tour - departing from Florianópolis: $37
- Blumenau City Tour from Florianópolis: $38
- Bombinhas Beach and 4 Islands Tour: $22
- Florianópolis Full Day City Tour: $25
- Floripa City Tour by Bus - Whole Island - The Most Complete City Tour: $32
- Historic Center Walking Tour in Florianopolis with Local Bar Hop: $14
- Lagoinha do Leste Hiking and Photography Adventure : $42
- Mountain biking experiences in Florianópolis: $58
- Private Day Tour: Florianópolis Island with Professional Pictures: $154
- Private South Island Beaches and Lagoons Tour: $44
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPunta del Este $7.70Florianopolis $8.68
Sample the Local Flavors in Punta del Este
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Punta del Este:
- Wine Tasting: $42
- Half Day Private Canelones Wine Tour from Montevideo : $157
Typical Alcohol Prices in Florianopolis
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Florianopolis from other travelers:
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Beer$0.59
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Punta del Este and Florianopolis, we can see that Punta del Este is more expensive. And not only is Florianopolis much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Florianopolis would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Florianopolis 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 Punta del Este would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Punta del Este than you might in Florianopolis.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Punta del Este Expensive? and Is Florianopolis Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Punta del Este or Florianopolis?
Florianopolis has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Punta del Este. When comparing the sizes of Punta del Este and Florianopolis, 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 del Este or Florianopolis?
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 Punta del Este or Florianopolis in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Punta del Este and Florianopolis.
In January, Punta del Este is generally around the same temperature as Florianopolis. Daily temperatures in Punta del Este average around 23°C (73°F), and Florianopolis fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).
In Punta del Este, it's very sunny this time of the year. Punta del Este usually receives more sunshine than Florianopolis during summer. Punta del Este gets 296 hours of sunny skies, while Florianopolis receives 198 hours of full sun in the summer.
Florianopolis receives a lot of rain in the summer. In January, Punta del Este usually receives less rain than Florianopolis. Punta del Este gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Florianopolis receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryPunta del Este 23°C (73°F)Florianopolis 25°C (76°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Florianopolis in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Punta del Este as well as Florianopolis.
Punta del Este is cooler than Florianopolis in the autumn. The daily temperature in Punta del Este averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Florianopolis fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).
In the autumn, Punta del Este often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Florianopolis. Punta del Este gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florianopolis receives 179 hours of full sun.
Punta del Este usually gets less rain in April than Florianopolis. Punta del Este gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Florianopolis receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilPunta del Este 17°C (63°F)Florianopolis 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Florianopolis in the Winter?
Both Florianopolis and Punta del Este are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.
In the winter, Punta del Este is much colder than Florianopolis. Typically, the winter temperatures in Punta del Este in July average around 10°C (50°F), and Florianopolis averages at about 17°C (62°F).
Punta del Este usually receives less sunshine than Florianopolis during winter. Punta del Este gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Florianopolis receives 170 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Punta del Este usually receives less rain than Florianopolis. Punta del Este gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Florianopolis receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulyPunta del Este 10°C (50°F)Florianopolis 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Florianopolis in the Spring?
Both Florianopolis and Punta del Este during the spring are popular places to visit.
In October, Punta del Este is generally cooler than Florianopolis. Daily temperatures in Punta del Este average around 16°C (61°F), and Florianopolis fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
It's quite sunny in Punta del Este. In the spring, Punta del Este often gets more sunshine than Florianopolis. Punta del Este gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florianopolis receives 159 hours of full sun.
Florianopolis gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Punta del Este usually gets less rain in October than Florianopolis. Punta del Este gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Florianopolis receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberPunta del Este 16°C (61°F)Florianopolis 20°C (68°F)
Typical Weather for Florianopolis and Punta del Este
| Punta del Este | Florianopolis | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Jun | 11°C (52°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jul | 10°C (50°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (52°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 95 mm (3.8 in) |
| Sep | 13°C (55°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 137 mm (5.4 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.