Which place is cheaper, Leon or Foz do Iguacu?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Foz do Iguacu or Leon?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Foz do Iguacu and Leon can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Foz do Iguacu or Leon?
Foz do Iguacu
Foz do Iguacu is a larger city in Brazil that is most famous for the Iguacu Falls. The city serves as an entry point for Paraguay and Argentina as well. The obvious reason to visit the city is to see the beautiful falls, and together with Ciudad del Este, Paraguay and Puerto Iguazu, Argentina, it makes up one of the largest tourism sights in South America.
Leon
Leon is one of the oldest city's in Nicaragua and you can see hints of its colonial past in the architecture around town. Tourism is not a major part of the economy in Leon, but the city is gaining popularity with budget travelers and backpackers and more recently tour groups are including Leon in their itinerary.
With a population of just over 200,000, Leon is the second largest city in Nicaragua, after Managua. During the university season the population grows dramatically as there is a heavy presence of students in Leon. It is a popular university town, and this young population gives the city plenty of energy and entertainment.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Brazil, The Best Budget Tours to Brazil, The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, and The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua.
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Foz do Iguacu Prices
Brazil PricesLeon Prices
Nicaragua Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFoz do Iguacu $79Leon $68
The average daily cost (per person) in Foz do Iguacu is $79, while the average daily cost in Leon is $68. 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 Foz do Iguacu and Leon in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFoz do Iguacu $28Leon $16
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFoz do Iguacu $56Leon $32
Compare Hotels in Foz do Iguacu and Leon
Looking for a hotel in Foz do Iguacu or Leon? 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: Foz do Iguacu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Foz do Iguacu $13Leon $1.50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Foz do Iguacu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Foz do Iguacu:
- Foz do Iguaçu Airport Shared Transfer: $10
- Foz do Iguaçu Round-Trip Airport Transfer: $39
- Private E Bike Tour Iguaçu Waterfalls + Transfers + Tickets: $120
- Private Transfer from IGU to Any Point within Foz Do Iguaçu City: $80
- Private Transfer to Foz do Iguaçu from the Airport: $154
- Private airport transfers - Brazil - Argentina - Paraguay : $42
- Shared Roundtrip Transfers with Brazilian and Argentinian sides: $127
- Transfer IN IGU & Iguassu Falls Brazilian side & Macuco Boat Safari: $220
- Transfer In - Airport Hotel: $8.00
- Transfer Paraguay - Shopping : $29
- Transfer from Foz de Iguazu Airport to Hotels on the Argentine side: $70
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leon
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Leon:
- From Granada: One way shared transfer to San Jorge: $39
- From San Jorge: One way shared transfer to Leon: $57
- One way shared transfer to San Juan del Sur: $57
- San Juan del Sur: One way shared transfer to Leon: $57
Is it cheaper to fly into Foz do Iguacu or Leon?
Prices for flights to both Leon and Foz do Iguacu 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 dayFoz do Iguacu $37Leon $21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Foz do Iguacu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Foz do Iguacu.
- Shared Group: Rafain Dinner and Latin American Show with Transfer: $99
- Rafain dinner Samba Show: $105
- Rafain Dinner Show : $106
- Experience Guamini Mision Dinner and Tango Show Selva Iriapu Hotels Exclusive: $110
- Dinner Show at Rafain in Foz do Iguaçu: $114
- Dinner Show Rafain Steakhouse Belmond Hotel Cataratas : $135
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Leon
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Leon.
- Tlakualli Food Tour: $25
- Cooking Workshop in Nicaragua: $25
- Nicaraguan Food Cooking Workshop & Market Tour: $40
- Cooking Class Private Tour: $55
- Nicaraguan Cooking Class with a Local Family at Leon City: $60
- Leon City: Cooking Class: $60
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Foz do Iguacu $23Leon $5.80
Tours and Activities in Foz do Iguacu
Here are a few actual costs in Foz do Iguacu for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Humming Bird Garden Experience in Iguazu: $6.00
- Shopping tour at Duty Free Shop Argentina: $18
- Visit to Itaipu: Panoramic Tour: $20
- Iguassu Falls Shopping Tour: $27
- Three Borders Landmark - Rountrip Transportation + Ticket : $32
- Guided tour of the Iguacu Falls on the Argentine side: $32
- Itaipu Hydroelectric Dam - Tickets Included: $33
- Visit to Itaipu: Entrance Ticket for Panoramic View and shuttle: $33
- Tour to Iguazu Falls Brazil with visit at the Bird Park: $36
- Tour to Iguassu Falls Argentinean Side: $38
- Sightseeing Bus Tour of Foz do Iguaçu: $38
- City Tour Foz do Iguaçu - With Ticket: $38
Tours and Activities in Leon
Here are a few actual costs in Leon for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Leon city: Walking tour by our landmarks.: $15
- Leon Colonial City Tour: $39
- Colonial City Tour: $39
- Leon City Walking Private Tour : $48
- Half Day Tour of Cerro Negro's Volcano Boarding: $49
- Volcano Board Adventure on Cerro Negro: $65
- Hike El Hoyo Volcano "Private Tour" : $67
- La Camellada Tour, Hiking and Swimming: $70
- Volcano Boarding Private Tour : $84
- Volcano Sandboarding Private Experience in Leon: $89
- Momotombo Volcano Tour with Local Guide: $90
- Kayak Private tour at Juan Venado Island: $92
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFoz do Iguacu $11Leon $3.52
Typical Alcohol Prices in Foz do Iguacu
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Foz do Iguacu from other travelers:
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Beer$0.84
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Foz do Iguacu and Leon, we can see that Foz do Iguacu is more expensive. And not only is Leon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Foz do Iguacu is in South America and Leon is in Central 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 Leon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Leon 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 Foz do Iguacu would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Foz do Iguacu than you might in Leon.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Foz do Iguacu Expensive? and Is Leon Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Foz do Iguacu or Leon?
Foz do Iguacu has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Leon. When comparing the sizes of Foz do Iguacu and Leon, 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 Foz do Iguacu or Leon?
Foz do Iguacu has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Leon experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or Leon in the Summer?
Both Leon and Foz do Iguacu are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Foz do Iguacu because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Leon because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Foz do Iguacu is generally around the same temperature as Leonin July. Daily temperatures in Foz do Iguacu average around 27°C (81°F), and Leon fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Leon. It's quite rainy in Foz do Iguacu. In January, Foz do Iguacu usually receives less rain than Leonin July. Foz do Iguacu gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Leon receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyFoz do Iguacu 27°C (81°F)Leon 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or Leon in the Autumn?
Both Leon and Foz do Iguacu during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Foz do Iguacu this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Leon year-round.
Foz do Iguacu is cooler than Leon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Foz do Iguacu averages around 23°C (73°F) in April, and Leon fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in October.
Leon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Foz do Iguacu usually gets less rain in April than Leonin October. Foz do Iguacu gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Leon receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberFoz do Iguacu 23°C (73°F)Leon 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or Leon in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Foz do Iguacu and Leon. Many travelers come to Foz do Iguacu for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Leon attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the winter, Foz do Iguacu is cooler than Leon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Foz do Iguacu in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Leon averages at about 26°C (79°F)in January.
In July, Foz do Iguacu usually receives more rain than Leonin January. Foz do Iguacu gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Leon receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryFoz do Iguacu 18°C (64°F)Leon 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or Leon in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Foz do Iguacu as well as Leon. Many visitors come to Foz do Iguacu in the spring for the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Leon throughout the year.
In October, Foz do Iguacu is generally cooler than Leonin April. Daily temperatures in Foz do Iguacu average around 24°C (75°F), and Leon fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
Foz do Iguacu receives a lot of rain in the spring. Foz do Iguacu usually gets more rain in October than Leonin April. Foz do Iguacu gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Leon receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilFoz do Iguacu 24°C (75°F)Leon 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Leon and Foz do Iguacu
| Foz do Iguacu | Leon | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (64°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) |
| Aug | 20°C (68°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Oct | 24°C (75°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 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.