Which place is cheaper, La Paz or Valparaiso?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Valparaiso or La Paz?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Valparaiso and La Paz. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Valparaiso or La Paz?
Valparaiso
Valparaiso, often referred to as Valpo, is an attractive city on the Pacific Coast in Chile. The city has a population of about 300,000 and is only 120 kilometers west of Santiago. The city's main industries aside from tourism include shipping and petroleum refining.
Valparaiso is popular with travelers because of its bohemian culture and brightly colored homes. It also offers some wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean. Although the city is short on specific sights, the atmosphere and beautiful setting make it a wonderful place to visit.
Valparaiso has a mild Mediterranean climate that is comparable to San Francisco or Santa Barbara. The summer is dry but fog is common year around. Rain can be heavy during the winter season and snow falls occasionally in the highest parts of the city. Winds can also be strong during the winter months.
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 in Chile, The Best 2-Week Tours in Chile, The Best Budget Tours to Mexico, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Mexico.
-
Valparaiso Prices
Chile PricesLa Paz Prices
Mexico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayValparaiso $82La Paz $132
The average daily cost (per person) in Valparaiso is $82, while the average daily cost in La Paz is $132. 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 Valparaiso and La Paz in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personValparaiso $36La Paz $47
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomValparaiso $72La Paz $94
Compare Hotels in Valparaiso and La Paz
Looking for a hotel in Valparaiso 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: Valparaiso Hotel Prices and La Paz Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Valparaiso $4.83La Paz $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Valparaiso
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Valparaiso are as follows:
-
Taxi Ride$3.14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valparaiso
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Valparaiso:
- Private Transfer from Viña Del Mar or Valparaiso City Hotel To Santiago City: $89
- Private Transfer from Valparaiso Hotel or port To Santiago Airport or Hotel: $110
- Transfers from Valparaiso or Viña del Mar to Santiago: $120
- Private transfer from Valparaiso or Viña del Mar to San Antonio : $133
- Small group transfer from Valparaiso/S.Antonio+Tour in Santiago: $140
- Valparaiso to Santiago Private Transfer or Santiago to Valparaiso: $142
- Private Transfer Viña del Mar to Santiago Airport: $170
- Private Transfer from Valparaiso Cruise Port to Santiago Hotels: $208
- Private Transfer from Viña del Mar to Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL) Airport: $260
- Private Valparaiso Visit William Cole Winery & Transfer to Hotel: $270
Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Paz
Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Paz:
- La Paz International Airport (LAP) to La Paz hotels -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $159
- La Paz hotels to La Paz International Airport (LAP) - Departure Private Transfer: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Valparaiso or La Paz?
Prices for flights to both La Paz and Valparaiso 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 dayValparaiso $38La Paz $60
Typical Food Prices in Valparaiso
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Valparaiso:
-
Empanada$1.88
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Valparaiso
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Valparaiso.
- Cooking Classes in Viña del Mar Learn to Make Tapas and Desserts: $65
- Learn to Cook Like a Local: Private Cooking Class in a Viña del Mar Home: $102
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Paz
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in La Paz.
- 3 Hours of Guided La Paz Street Food Tour: $77
- 3 hrs SEAFOOD Tour in La Paz: $103
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Valparaiso $18La Paz $11
Typical Entertainment Prices in Valparaiso
Here are a few typical costs in Valparaiso for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Boat Tour$4.19
Tours and Activities in Valparaiso
Here are a few actual costs in Valparaiso for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- The Tour of Valparaiso in French on foot and in a small group: $18
- Shared Tour in Street Art, Funiculars and Port: $30
- Valparaiso Private Walking Tour with a Local: $32
- 2 Hour Walking Tour in Valparaiso: $35
- Valparaiso : Private Custom Tour with A Guide (Private Tour): $36
- Guided Panoramic Tour in Valparaíso: $40
- Famous Viña del Mar! Premium Walking Tour with a Native Guide: $40
- Famous Valparaíso! Premium Walking Tour with a Native Guide: $40
- Walking Tour Valparaiso, History & Art - Private Optional: $42
- Explore Valparaíso and Viña del Mar Tour: $58
- Private Gastronomic Tour Valparaiso: $70
- Valpo in 1 day: Authentic + Famous! Semi-private walking tour & public transport: $80
Tours and Activities in La Paz
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for La Paz are as follows:
- Mural and Sculpture Art Tour at the Peace Center: $40
- Coral Farm Snorkel Tour: $55
- Pearl Farm Experience and shop: $65
- Half Day Sandboarding and Paddleboarding Experience in La Paz: $83
- City Tour & Beaches from La Paz: $95
- RZR Tour of Mogote Dunes and Sandboarding: $103
- Unique Mexican Spirits Tasting & Pairing Experience: $105
- holy spirit island tour: $108
- La Paz Beaches Half Day Tour: $111
- Holy Spirit Island Tour Sea Lions Snorkeling and Beach: $111
- Most Popular Tour in La Paz Isla Espíritu Santo and Sea Lions: $122
- Espiritu Santo Island Tour: $122
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayValparaiso $7.78La Paz $11
Typical Alcohol Prices in Valparaiso
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Valparaiso are as follows:
-
Beer$0.99
Sample the Local Flavors in Valparaiso
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Valparaiso:
- A Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tour Service from Casablanca : $75
- Private Wine Tour in Valparaiso: $250
- Santiago: Valparaíso Walking Tour & Casablanca Wine Tasting: $320
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Valparaiso and La Paz, we can see that La Paz is more expensive. And not only is Valparaiso much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Valparaiso 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 Valparaiso would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Valparaiso 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 Valparaiso.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Valparaiso Expensive? and Is La Paz Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Valparaiso or La Paz?
Valparaiso has a larger population, and is about 65% larger than the population of La Paz. When comparing the sizes of Valparaiso 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.
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.