Travel Budget for Fortaleza Visit Fortaleza on a Budget or Travel in Style

Fortaleza, Estado do Ceara, Brazil
South America / Brazil /
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Fortaleza is a vibrant city known for its beaches, nightlife, and local culture. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. Whether you're enjoying the nightlife or relaxing on the beaches, we'll help you plan the ideal trip to Fortaleza that stays within your budget.

How much does it cost to travel to Fortaleza?

You should plan to spend around $77 (R$442) per day on your vacation in Fortaleza. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $37 (R$210) on meals
  • $19 (R$107) on local transportation
  • $54 (R$307) on hotels

A one week trip to Fortaleza for two people costs, on average, $1,078 (R$6,188). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $77
    R$442
  • One Week Per person
    $539
    R$3,094
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $1,078
    R$6,188
  • One Month Per person
    $2,311
    R$13,260
  • One Week For a couple
    $1,078
    R$6,188
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $2,157
    R$12,376
  • One Month For a couple
    $4,622
    R$26,520
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Fortaleza cost?

A one week trip to Fortaleza usually costs around $539 (R$3,094) for one person and $1,078 (R$6,188) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Fortaleza on average costs around $1,078 (R$6,188) for one person and $2,157 (R$12,376) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Fortaleza will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Fortaleza on average costs around $2,311 (R$13,260) for one person and $4,622 (R$26,520) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Fortaleza expensive to visit?

Fortaleza is a smaller city that attracts a broad range of travelers, encompassing various travel styles, spending practices, and budget options. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.

Although Fortaleza can be quite pricey if you let it be, you can cut costs by eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.

On average, budget travelers spend $33 (R$188) per day, mid-range travelers spend $78 (R$442) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $160 (R$914) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Fortaleza.

Within South America, Fortaleza is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Piriapolis or Paracas.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Fortaleza Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Fortaleza?

The average Fortaleza trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Fortaleza travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Fortaleza cost?

Fortaleza on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy 		$11
(R$65) 		$27
(R$154) 		$55
(R$318)
Local Transportation 1 $8
(R$46) 		$19
(R$107) 		$39
(R$225)
Food 2 $16
(R$90) 		$37
(R$210) 		$74
(R$423)
Entertainment 1 $5
(R$31) 		$13
(R$77) 		$34
(R$196)
Alcohol 2 $2-5
(R$10-31) 		$4-13
(R$26-77) 		$11-33
(R$63-189)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

It's important to set realistic expectations for your travel budget in Fortaleza. While many think they can cut costs for many things, the reality is that most people won't enjoy such a low-budget experience. Consider your preferences and travel style. Do you like resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or hostels? Are activities and dining out a big part of your travel plans? Your answers will shape your budget and itinerary.

Fortaleza on a Shoestring Budget?

While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $33 per day that backpackers often spend.

Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.

Fortunately, there are plenty of hostels available in Fortaleza, such as Refúgio Hostel Fortaleza and Sonho de Iracema Hostel Boutique. In these hostels, you can discover cheap dorm accommodations and a great social atmosphere, though amenities may be few.

Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?

Couples and families enjoying a vacation will probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular dining spots, and explore the key museums and attractions that have entry fees. Exploring the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks is a must for most visitors to Fortaleza. Keep in mind that most activities cost money. Thus, it's reasonable to expect your daily budget to be around $78 per person, per day.

There are plenty of hotels and vacation rentals available in Fortaleza. If you're traveling with companions, sharing a hotel with a partner, friend, or kids can help lower costs. Families should seek out hotels and dining options that are suitable for children. Hotel Sonata de Iracema is a wonderful family-friendly hotel, and Hotel Luzeiros Fortaleza is another excellent choice. For more family and couple-oriented hotels, visit our hotel cost guide for Fortaleza here.

Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?

If you're looking for a luxurious getaway that offers top-notch amenities and exceptional service, you should budget around $160 per day. To enjoy a nicer hotel, dine at renowned restaurants, indulge in extravagant activities, and use taxis or private drivers to explore the city, prepare for a luxury price tag. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as 4x4 Private Transfer Service - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in Fortaleza

Fortaleza offers a broad range of hotel prices, from budget to luxury. Higher-end hotels come with more amenities and higher prices, particularly during peak season. Off-season, you'll find average rates around $42, but during peak fall season, they can average $78. Prices range from $26 to $134, and hostels tend to be much cheaper. Save money by visiting during the low season or by taking advantage of early booking and special promotions.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Fortaleza for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $54 (R$307). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $27 (R$154) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $27
    R$154
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $54
    R$307

Hotels in Fortaleza

Looking for a hotel in Fortaleza? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Fortaleza

The average hotel room price in Fortaleza based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $42 in the low season and $78 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Fortaleza include:

  • Gran Mareiro Hotel starting at $73
  • Hotel Luzeiros Fortaleza starting at $77
  • Blue Tree Towers Fortaleza Beira Mar starting at $74
  • Holiday Inn Fortaleza starting at $76
  • Hotel Beira Mar Fortaleza starting at $75
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Fortaleza

With Fortaleza's good public transit, staying on the outskirts of the city is possible to save money, but the transportation costs and commute time could add up quickly.

Choosing to travel outside of fall and in the low or shoulder season will give you lower hotel prices and less tourist congestion.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Fortaleza

Fortaleza has a decent public transportation system that reaches several top attractions. The Metro system includes a rail and light rail system. For an affordable and quick way to get around, public transit works well, depending on your location. Taxis and rideshares are also an option if needed.

Fortaleza offers a fairly walkable experience in some areas, simplifying your sightseeing adventures. It's a relatively walkable city with some neighborhoods easier to explore on foot than others. It's important to understand the area you're in because safety could be a concern.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (good)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (good)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $19 (R$107) per person, per day, on local transportation in Fortaleza. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Fortaleza is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $19
    R$107

Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:

  • Transfer leaving from the Fortaleza waterfront to Beach Park for $8 details
  • 4x4 Transfer Private Service Fortaleza - Jericoacoara for $248 details
  • Jericoacoara - Fortaleza x Jericoacoara transfer for $97 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Fortaleza
How much does it cost to go to Fortaleza? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Fortaleza
The price of renting a car in Fortaleza will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Fortaleza

In Fortaleza, the food is tasty, but it's usually not the main hightlight for travelers. You'll uncover some hidden treasures around the city. The city has a number of great restaurants that range from Brazilian barbecue restaurants to international cuisine. Many dishes are heavy and use a lot of meat. Local favorites include paçoca and escondidinho de carne seca.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Fortaleza can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Fortaleza is $37 (R$210) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $37
    R$210

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Fortaleza is around $37 (R$210) per person, with previous travelers spending from $16 to $74. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Fortaleza are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $4 to $11
  • Lunch: $6 to $15
  • Dinner: $11 to $26
  • Coffee: $3
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $6

Cuisine of Brazil varies greatly by region, usually a mix of indigenous, European, and African influences. As one of the largest cities in Brazil, Fortaleza has a full range of flavors from traditional dishes to international fare. Fortaleza and the state of Ceará as a whole are renowned for the seafood. As a result, there are plenty of seafood restaurants as well as a fish market where patrons can choose from a wide selection of shrimp, lobster, squid, and much more.

As far as traditional cooking goes, there are few favorites that can be found in Fortaleza. Churrasco, or grilled Brazilian barbeque, is central to Brazilian culture and cuisine and is often accompanied by a condiment called farofa, which consists of toasted manioc flour often enhanced with butter, salt, pepper, and bacon. Pacoca is also a staple in Northeastern Brazil, especially Fortaleza-a dish made of sun-dried beef, red onions, and cassava flour. Other main dishes include escondidinho de carne seca (shredded beef seasoned and topped with mashed cassava, or mandioca, butter, and then cheese) and baiao de dois (a casserole type dish made with beans and rice, green onion, pepper, cheese, meat, and coriander). For dessert, try a unique take on tapioca-prepared as a thin pancake and packed with sweet or savory flavors.

Food & Dining Tips

Lots of hotels throw breakfast into the room rate, but some will charge for it. The quality and price can differ by hotel. Understanding this in advance can help you figure out if you'll need to spend extra money. It may be worth splurging on the hotel buffet, or you could find a less expensive option at a nearby bakery or cafe.

Bring your own water bottle instead of grabbing drinks on the fly. It's better for the environment as well.

Before booking a tour, make a point of knowing which meals are part of the package. You may be responsible for some of your food costs, which can increase your overall budget.

Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Fortaleza. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:

  • Thematic Show with Rotation of Pizzas in Aquiraz for $25 details

Recommended


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Fortaleza

People come to Fortaleza in droves for nightlife, beaches, museums and attractions, and food.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Fortaleza typically cost an average of $13 (R$77) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $13
    R$77

One of the city's top attractions is the Theatro Jose de Alencar, an architectural landmark dating from 1912 that holds traditional dance performances nearly every night. It is located on the south side of the Praca Jose de Alencar-a public square with pleasant greenery and a popular site to catch some of the city's best street performers. Further entertainment can be found at the Dragao do Mar, a culture center that has an art museum, library, and cinema, located in an area of surrounding nightlife. Praca do Ferreira is the main city square, featuring plenty of stores, restaurants, a movie theater, and benches for taking a break to watch the bustle of the city go by.

For an escape from the bustle, visit the Parque Ecologico do Coco-Fortaleza's largest green area. Located near the Iguatemi mall, the park is an area of conservation that protects a number of threatened species of plant and animal life. Visitors also frequent Beach Park, located just outside of the city. It is a major waterpark resort with thrill rides, a stretch of natural beach, hotels, and dining.



Besides exploring the city and enjoying its culture, music, and food, many visitors seek out the urban beaches. The nearest city beaches are Praia de Iracema and Meireles, though the most attractive is Praia do Futuro, about 5 kilometers from Meireles. Surfing competitions are often held here, while kite and wind surfing are also popular. Other activities include golf, schooner cruises, and festivals.

Sightseeing Tips

Beaches:
Numerous beach lovers choose Fortaleza as their destination for unwinding. There are 5 kilometers of sandy beach in town and many visitors enjoy taking long walks. While there are technically four beaches in the area, they all kind of merge together and it can be difficult to tell one from the other. The most popular beach is Meireles, which has a boardwalk and is lined by high rise buildings.

Shopping:
Shopping in this area is a must-do experience. It's a large city with plenty of shopping malls and other local boutiques which are fun to explore.

A nice way to explore destinations in Fortaleza is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Tour to 3 Beaches for One Day in Fortaleza for $31 details
  • Fortaleza Like a Local: Customized Private Tour for $31 details
  • Full Day Tour to Cumbuco From Fortaleza for $10 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Fortaleza

The nightlife in Fortaleza offers a lively atmosphere, making it a favorite for visitors who enjoy local bars, clubs, and parties. Like much of Brazil, the city has a vibrant nightlife scene. There are beachfront bars, live music venues, and many places where you can enjoy a good party. You'll find a high concentration of places around Praia de Iracema and the Casario.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $8.89 (R$51) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Fortaleza per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $8.89
    R$51
Nightlife Tips

Nights out are a travel highlight, but reducing your drink tab is a smart way to stretch your budget further.

When you're out at night and drinking, be aware of what's going on around you. You could become a target for pickpockets or other crimes, so it's safest to stay in groups.



Budgeting and Travel Tips for Fortaleza

  • Prices in the city rise and crowds swell during the peak fall season. For a more budget-friendly and less crowded experience, consider visiting in the shoulder or low seasons.
  • Taking your time to travel can help you save, allowing you to relish the area's beauty while you unwind. Cramming too many activities into your day often leads to higher costs. By slowing down, you can typically enjoy your trip more while spending less.

Budgeting Challenges

  • If your travel group includes young children, consider getting a private vehicle or taxi. It's often easier to skip the public transit hassle, although this option may require a bit more spending.
  • If you were counting on hostels in Fortaleza, you might be out of luck because the city does not have very many. If saving money in a dorm was your plan, instead consider finding a budget hotel or renting an apartment.
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A major city on Brazil's northeastern coast and the capital city of Ceara state, Fortaleza is best characterized by its city landscape lined with beaches and palm trees. It also features some great seafood as well as long-standing folk traditions in culture and dance.



Neighborhoods & Around

The city of Fortaleza stretches about 20 kilometers along the Atlantic coast and up to 10 kilometers inland. The oldest part of town is Centro, a great place to wander and a hub for shopping with many busy streets lined with small stores. The bus station is about 4 kilometers south of Centro, and the airport just 2 kilometers further south. The main areas of interest for visitors are mostly located east of Centro. Praia de Iracema is a well-touristed area best known for its concentrated nightlife, restaurants, and accommodations. Meireles is a middle-class beach suburb with many upscale places to stay, while Varjota just south of Meireles is another middle-class suburb and home to many of Fortaleza's best restaurants. East of Meireles is the port area, Mucuripe. From here, the coast veers southward and leads down to the city's best beach, the 5 kilometer-long Praia do Futuro.

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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.


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.
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