A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Florianopolis vs. Mendoza for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Florianopolis or Mendoza?

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

Should I visit Florianopolis or Mendoza? 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: Florianopolis or Mendoza?

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.

Mendoza

Mendoza is a city in western Argentina and more precisely in the desertic Cuyo region. Mendoza is the center of the Argentinian wine industry and is famed around the world for its vineyards and wine production. Spread across the valley of the Rio Mendoza and in the foothills of the Andean mountain range, Mendoza is also near the Aconcagua, the highest mountain outside of the Himalayas. The bustling and scenic city of wide, leafy avenues, atmospheric plazas and cosmopolitan cafes spoils visitors with unique natural attractions and historical landmarks. If you can, visit Mendoza during the harvest festival at the end of February. There are many events and festivals in Mendoza and they are usually free. Each has a different theme, and they usually have a stage with singing and dancing and booths that sell food around a plaza. Seventy percent of Argentina's wines are produced here, and Mendoza is especially known for its world-famous malbecs.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Brazil, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Brazil, The Best 2-Week Tours from Buenos Aires, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Argentina.


Which place is cheaper, Mendoza or Florianopolis?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Florianopolis is $74, while the average daily cost in Mendoza is $56. 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 Florianopolis and Mendoza in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Florianopolis $25
    Mendoza $43
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Florianopolis $50
    Mendoza $86
Compare Hotels in Florianopolis and Mendoza

Looking for a hotel in Florianopolis or Mendoza? 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 Florianopolis


Hotels in Mendoza


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: Florianopolis Hotel Prices and Mendoza Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Florianopolis $13
    Mendoza $4.18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florianopolis

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

  • Transfer Hotels in Florianópolis/Airport - private: $67
  • Shared transfer from Florianópolis airport to Balneário Camboriú: $56
  • Shared Transfer: $13
  • Roundtrip transfer from Florianópolis Airport to Bombinhas: $228
  • Private Transfer from Florianópolis Airport to Bombinhas: $115
  • Private Transfer from FLN Airport to the City Balneario Camboriú : $81
  • Private Transfer Florianópolis Airport to City Center: $31
  • Hercilio Luz Airport - North Island Transfer: $13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mendoza

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

  • Winery Trapiche + Laur + Lunch in Tempus Alba. Private transfer: $230
  • Winery Salentein + Gourmet Lunch in Ruda.Transfer included: $260
  • Visita Bodega Huarpe + Almuerzo Bodega Lagarde. Transfer privado: $220
  • Visit to Winery and Argentine Asado in Terrace. Transfer included: $170
  • Visit to 2 Wineries and Lunch Top. Private transfer.: $190
  • Transfer Bodegas Lujan de Cuyo and Maipu: $130
  • Tasting in Enemy; Lunch at Tempus Alba + Private Transfer: $245
  • Tasting The Enemy + Lunch Santa Julia. Private transfer: $260
  • Shared Transfer Mendoza Bus Station / Downtown Hotel: $23
  • Private Transfer to Bodegas de Luján de Cuyo and Maipú Full Day: $200
  • Private Transfer in Mendoza: $25
  • Private Transfer from Mendoza Airport (MDZ): $17

Is it cheaper to fly into Florianopolis or Mendoza?

Prices for flights to both Mendoza and Florianopolis 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
    Florianopolis $36
    Mendoza $5.85
Typical Food Prices in Florianopolis

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


  • A Quick Snack
    $0.42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mendoza

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

  • Argentine BBQ on Terrace with Views. Dinner, Sunset.: $80
  • Mendoza Cooking Experience with Unlimited Wine & Cocktails: $95
  • Argentine Hands-On Cooking & Wine Experience in Mendoza: $95
  • Bar Safari 4 Best Mendoza’s Bars in 1 Night with Full Dinner: $167
  • Bar Safari: 4 Best Mendoza’s Bars in 1 night. + Full Dinner: $180
  • Horseback Riding at Sunset and Dinner in Mendoza: $185
  • Tango Show with Dinner at Hualta Winery Hotel: $190
  • Full-Day Small-Group Mendoza Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $199
  • City Tour with Dinner at a Local Restaurant: $200
  • Winery Los Toneles + Dinner in Saffron Restó. Private transportation: $250

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Florianopolis $25
    Mendoza $23
Typical Entertainment Prices in Florianopolis

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Florianopolis's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Internet
    $0.56

Tours and Activities in Florianopolis

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

  • Balneário Camboriú tour and cable car ride from Florianópolis: $39
  • Blumenau City Tour - departing from Florianópolis: $40
  • Blumenau City Tour from Florianópolis: $40
  • Bombinhas Beach and 4 Islands Tour: $21
  • Cinematic Kayak Tour: The Best of Florianópolis: $59
  • Discover Florianópolis: Full Day City Tour and Local Highlights: $27
  • Florianópolis city tour (full day): $21
  • Florianopolis Bike Tour: Photography, History & Street Food: $86
  • Florianopolis Walking Tour - History, Art and Gastronomy: $17
  • Floripa City Tour by Bus - Whole Island - The Most Complete City Tour: $35
  • Floripa by Night: The Local Party Tour: $299
  • Lagoinha do Leste Hiking and Photography Adventure : $58

Tours and Activities in Mendoza

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

  • Zipline Adventure: Exploring Potrerillos Valley: $102
  • 2 Winery Tour in Valle de Uco with Lunch Included: $185
  • Aconcagua Classic Tour 1 Day - Shared : $114
  • Aconcagua Private Full Day Experience : $179
  • Adventure & Flavor: Breakfast, Rafting & Asado in Mendoza: $220
  • Adventure Day in Potrerillos, Rafting, Canopy or Trekking: $188
  • Adventure Park - Unforgettable Challenge!: $39
  • Adventure and Trekking Day in Vallecitos Cordon del Plata: $150
  • Andes Day Hiking Tour Experience : $190
  • Andes High Mountain Tour in Mendoza: $129
  • Andes High Mountain full day Tour: $84
  • Andes Hiking Experience Full Day: $195

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Florianopolis $8.34
    Mendoza $5.94
Typical Alcohol Prices in Florianopolis

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Florianopolis from other travelers:


  • Beer
    $0.56

Sample the Local Flavors in Mendoza

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Mendoza:

  • Classic Wine Tasting: $44
  • Premium Wine Tasting: $66
  • Half-Day Wine Tour with Tastings: $80
  • Make an Argentine Asado BBQ w/ Local Host & Wine Tasting: $89
  • El Enemigo and Casa Vigil Wine Tour: $93
  • In Mendoza Wine Tours, Empanadas, and Olive Oil: $99
  • Mendoza Private Wine Tour Paired Lunch and Olive Oil Tasting: $115
  • Classic Wine Tour on a Budget. Lunch. Private Driver: $120
  • Wine Tour with Lunch and Transport in Mendoza: $130
  • Full Day Wine Tour with 3 Course Lunch: $164
  • Wine tasting region Uco Valley in Mendoza: $180
  • Bike Tour at Zuccardi: Olive Oil, Wine Tasting & Lunch: $182


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Florianopolis and Mendoza, we can see that Florianopolis is more expensive. And not only is Mendoza much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mendoza would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mendoza 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 Florianopolis would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Florianopolis than you might in Mendoza.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Florianopolis Expensive? and Is Mendoza Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Florianopolis or Mendoza?

Mendoza has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Florianopolis. When comparing the sizes of Florianopolis and Mendoza, 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.