A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Wellington vs. Havana for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Wellington or Havana?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Wellington or Havana? 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: Wellington or Havana?

Wellington

Wellington is the capital and second largest city in New Zealand. It sits on the southwestern edge of the North Island between Cook Strait and the Rimutaka Range. It's a beautiful setting that is encircled by mountains giving it a beautiful backdrop. There are also many cultural sights and attractions around town. Wellington really is the perfect mix of New Zealand's natural beauty and a vibrant urban core. The film industry is also prevelant in the city. The city's production centers have helped create Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit trilogies, Avatar, Tin Tin, and District 9.

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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Havana or Wellington?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Wellington is $104, 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 Wellington and Havana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Wellington $61
    Havana $40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Wellington $122
    Havana $80
Compare Hotels in Wellington and Havana

Looking for a hotel in Wellington 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.

Hotels in Wellington


Hotels in Havana


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: Wellington Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Wellington $12
    Havana $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Wellington

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

  • Arrival Transfer: Wellington Airport to Central Wellington City Centre Hotels: $13
  • Departure Transfer: Wellington Central City Centre Hotels to Wellington Airport: $13
  • Private Airport Transfer: $80
  • Private Transfer from Wellington Cruise Port to Wellington Hotels: $26
  • Private Transfer from Wellington hotels to Wellington Cruise Port: $26
  • Private Transfer with Wellington Dial a Driver: $74
  • Wellington Airport (WLG) to Wellington - Arrival Private Transfer: $28
  • Wellington Airport Transfer to Wellington Hotels and Vice versa: $77
  • Wētā Workshop Experience with Guided Transfers: $62

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.68

Is it cheaper to fly into Wellington or Havana?

Prices for flights to both Havana and Wellington 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
    Wellington $30
    Havana $10
Typical Food Prices in Wellington

For Wellington, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dinner
    $9.02

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Wellington

For Wellington, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Walking Food Tour Of Wellington: $153
  • A Taste Of Wellington Food Tour (half Day): $188

Typical Food Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:


  • Pizza
    $0.03

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Wellington $16
    Havana $11

Tours and Activities in Wellington

For Wellington, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Return Cable Car Ticket: $6.61
  • Museum of NZ Te Papa Tongarewa: Gallipoli Early Entry Ticket: $9.02
  • Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Guided Tour: $12
  • Museum of NZ Te Papa Tongarewa Twilight Express Tour: $12
  • Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa: Mana Māori Tour: $12
  • Museum of New Zealand Te Papa: Small Group Guided Tour: $14
  • Museum of New Zealand Te Papa: Mana Māori Tour: $14
  • Wellington Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Skip the Line: Staglands Wildlife Reserve Entry Ticket: $16
  • Return Ferry Ticket from Queens Wharf, Wellington to Days Bay: $17
  • Private Group Puzzle-Solving Adventure Game: Spaceship: $28
  • Private Group Puzzle-Solving Adventure Game: Temple: $28

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Wellington $12
    Havana $5.76

Sample the Local Flavors in Wellington

Also in Wellington, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wellington Craft Brewery Half Day Tour: $94
  • Wellington Craft Brewery Half-Day Guided Tour with Tastings: $96
  • 5 hour Martinborough shared Chefs Wine Tour with Gourmet lunch: $153
  • Martinborough Full Day Wine Tour: $172
  • Chefs Private Martinborough wine tour with Gourmet Lunch: $361

Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:


  • Mojito
    $0.15


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Wellington and Havana, we can see that Wellington is more expensive. And not only is Havana much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Wellington is in Pacific 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 Wellington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Wellington 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 Wellington Expensive? and Is Havana Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Wellington or Havana?

Havana has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Wellington. When comparing the sizes of Wellington 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 Wellington or Havana?

Wellington 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 Wellington or Havana in the Summer?

Both Havana and Wellington during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Wellington this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round.

In the summer, Wellington is much colder than Havana. Typically, the summer temperatures in Wellington in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Havana averages at about 27°C (81°F)in July.

Wellington usually gets more rain in January than Havanain July. Wellington gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Havana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Wellington 18°C (64°F) 
    Havana 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Wellington or Havana in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Wellington and Havana. Many travelers come to Wellington for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In April, Wellington is generally much colder than Havanain October. Daily temperatures in Wellington average around 15°C (58°F), and Havana fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In April, Wellington usually receives around the same amount of rain as Havanain October. Wellington gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Havana receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Wellington 15°C (58°F) 
    Havana 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Wellington or Havana in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Wellington as well as Havana. Many visitors come to Wellington in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year.

Wellington is much colder than Havana in the winter. The daily temperature in Wellington averages around 10°C (49°F) in July, and Havana fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in January.

Wellington receives a lot of rain in the winter. Wellington usually gets more rain in July than Havanain January. Wellington gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Havana receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Wellington 10°C (49°F) 
    Havana 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Wellington or Havana in the Spring?

Both Havana and Wellington are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Wellington for the beaches during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the spring, Wellington is much colder than Havana. Typically, the spring temperatures in Wellington in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Havana averages at about 24°C (75°F)in April.

In October, Wellington usually receives more rain than Havanain April. Wellington gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Havana receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Wellington 13°C (55°F) 
    Havana 24°C (75°F)

Typical Weather for Havana and Wellington

Wellington Havana
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Feb 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in) 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 10°C (51°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 10°C (49°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 10°C (50°F) 98 mm (3.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Dec 17°C (62°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)