Which place is cheaper, Havana 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 Havana?
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 Havana, 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 Havana?
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.
Havana
The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).
This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, and The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPunta del Este $98Havana $65
The average daily cost (per person) in Punta del Este is $98, while the average daily cost in Havana is $65. 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 Havana in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPunta del Este $55Havana $40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPunta del Este $110Havana $80
Compare Hotels in Punta del Este and Havana
Looking for a hotel in Punta del Este or Havana? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Punta del Este $22Havana $19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta del Este
Also for Punta del Este, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Montevideo Hotels to Carrasco Airport MVD Departure Transfer: $49
- Montevideo hotels to Carrasco International Airport (MVD) - Departure Transfer: $49
- Private Transfer - Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $85
- Private Transfer from Montevideo City to Montevideo Cruise Port: $55
- Private Transfer from Montevideo city to Montevideo Cruise Port: $30
- Private Transfer from Montevideo hotels to Punta Del Este Port: $72
- Private Transfer from Montevideo to Punta Del Este Cruise Port: $85
- Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Cruise Port to Montevideo: $85
- Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Port to Montevideo hotels: $72
- Private Transfer to Punta del Este Airport: $60
- Punta del Este Airport Private Transfer: $60
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:
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Short Taxi Ride$0.68
Is it cheaper to fly into Punta del Este or Havana?
Prices for flights to both Havana 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 $31Havana $10
Typical Food Prices in Havana
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:
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Pizza$0.03
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Punta del Este $11Havana $11
Tours and Activities in Punta del Este
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta del Este.
- La Vista 360 ticket de admisión: $11
- Skip the Line: Casapueblo Museum Admission Ticket in Punta del Este: $15
- Guided Tour of the Winery Viña Edén: $18
- Punta del Este Classic City Tour with Sunset in Casapueblo: $30
- Guided Tour of Vineyards: $33
- Half-Day City Tour: $47
- Discovering Half-Day City Tour: $47
- Punta del Este City Tour for Cruisers: $50
- Punta del Este, City Tour: $50
- Bike Tour Peninsula - Punta del Este: $65
- Private - Punta del Este City Tour for Cruisers: $120
- Punta del Este Shore Excursion: Private Sightseeing Tour of Punta del Este: $127
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPunta del Este $7.70Havana $5.76
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 : $158
Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:
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Mojito$0.15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Punta del Este and Havana, we can see that Punta del Este is more expensive. And not only is Havana much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Punta del Este is in South America and Havana 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 Havana would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Havana 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 Havana.
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 Havana Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Punta del Este or Havana?
Havana has a larger population, and is about 300 times larger than the population of Punta del Este. When comparing the sizes of Punta del Este and Havana, 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 Havana?
Punta del Este has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Havana experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Punta del Este or Havana in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Punta del Este as well as Havana. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year.
Punta del Este is cooler than Havana in the summer. The daily temperature in Punta del Este averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Havana fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in July.
Punta del Este usually gets more rain in January than Havanain July. Punta del Este gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Havana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyPunta del Este 23°C (73°F)Havana 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Havana in the Autumn?
Both Havana and Punta del Este are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the autumn, Punta del Este is cooler than Havana. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Punta del Este in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Havana averages at about 25°C (77°F)in October.
In April, Punta del Este usually receives around the same amount of rain as Havanain October. Punta del Este gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Havana receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberPunta del Este 17°C (63°F)Havana 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Havana in the Winter?
Both Havana and Punta del Este during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round.
In July, Punta del Este is generally much colder than Havanain January. Daily temperatures in Punta del Este average around 10°C (50°F), and Havana fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
Punta del Este usually gets more rain in July than Havanain January. Punta del Este gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Havana receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryPunta del Este 10°C (50°F)Havana 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Havana in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Punta del Este and Havana. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Punta del Este is cooler than Havana in the spring. The daily temperature in Punta del Este averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Havana fluctuates around 24°C (75°F)in April.
In October, Punta del Este usually receives more rain than Havanain April. Punta del Este gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Havana receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilPunta del Este 16°C (61°F)Havana 24°C (75°F)
Typical Weather for Havana and Punta del Este
| Punta del Este | Havana | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 11°C (52°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 10°C (50°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (52°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 13°C (55°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 30 mm (1.2 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.