A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Amman vs. Tulum for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Amman or Tulum?

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 Amman and Tulum. 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: Amman or Tulum?

Amman

Amman is the largest city in of the Hashemite Kingdom of the country of Jordan. It is also the capital city of Jordan and has a population of over four million people. Many people use Amman as a base for venturing out into the rest of Jordan and other surrounding countries. There are many things to see and do in Amman.

Tulum

When you think of ancient ruins you probably picture dusty archaeological digs surrounded by sand and professors in khaki shorts. What if I told you there is a way to see ancient ruins and visit a tropical beach? That's exactly what you find in Tulum, Mexico.

Built near the end of Mayan era, the ruins of Tulum served as a port before the arrival of the Spanish. It may have been called Zama, meaning City of Dawn, given that these ruins face the sunrise. Because of Tulum's access to both land and sea routes, this spot was an important hub for the trade industry. It may have had another claim to fame, too. According to some murals and other works around the site, it seems this spot was an important site for the worship of the Diving or Descending God. Today, the area is the third most visited archaeological site in all of Mexico with daily tour buses dropping off visitors.

This area is usually packed with people looking to get a glimpse of the seaside ruins. To avoid crowds and capture the best view of the day, try to arrive as early as possible.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, and The Best Historical Tours in Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, Tulum or Amman?

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 Amman is $135, while the average daily cost in Tulum is $135. 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 Amman and Tulum in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Amman $49
    Tulum $55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Amman $98
    Tulum $110
Compare Hotels in Amman and Tulum

Looking for a hotel in Amman or Tulum? 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 Amman


Hotels in Tulum


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: Amman Hotel Prices and Tulum Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Amman $24
    Tulum $26
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amman

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amman:


  • Bus Ride (for Two)
    $0.71
  • RIde to Airport
    $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amman

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

  • Private Transfer from Amman Airport to Amman Hotel: $20
  • Amman Airport Transfer Pickup Or Drop-Off: $22
  • Amman Airport private Transfers From/To multi destinations: $24
  • Amman Airport Luxury Private Transfer to Amman: $25
  • Amman hotels to Amman Queen Alia Airport (AMM) - Departure Private Transfer: $25
  • Amman hotels to Amman Airport (AMM) - Departure Private Transfer: $26
  • Elite Transfers : Queen Alia Airport to Any Destination in Jordan: $27
  • Amman Private Transfer to King Hussein Border: $30
  • Amman Airport Private Transfer To Amman: $30
  • Amman or Amman Airport Private Transfer to Dead Sea: $30
  • Private Round-Trip Transfer – Amman Airport to City in Style: $35
  • Comfortable & Reliable Amman Airport Round-Trip Private Transfer: $35

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Tulum

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Tulum are as follows:


  • Scooter Rental
    $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tulum

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tulum:

  • Xcaret to Tulum - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $80
  • Tulum to Xcaret - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $110
  • Tulum to Playa del Carmen - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $115
  • Tulum to Chetumal - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $240
  • Tulum to Cancun Airport Private Departure Transfer with Beer: $275
  • Tulum Hotels to Merida Rejon Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $207
  • Tulum Archaeological Zone: Cenote, Lunch & Transfer: $203
  • Tulum Archaeological Zone and El Jaguar Park, with Transfer and Lunch: $163
  • Tulum Airport: One-Way or Roundtrip Private Transfer: $302
  • Tulum Airport to Riviera Maya Private Transfer: $120
  • Transfer from Hotel and Airbnb to Tulum Airport: $67
  • Round-trip Private Transfer Cancun Airport to TULUM Downtown: $275

Is it cheaper to fly into Amman or Tulum?

Prices for flights to both Tulum and Amman 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
    Amman $58
    Tulum $54
Typical Food Prices in Amman

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


  • Pastries
    $4.23
  • Tea
    $5.64

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amman

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

  • private cooking with local chef: $40
  • Private Lunch or Dinner at a Local Traditional Restaurant in Amman: $80
  • Amman Food Tours: 3-Hours Guided Walking Food Tour in Amman: $119
  • Private Jordan Heritage Restaurant Lunch or Dinner with Arak Experience: $140
  • Private Jordan Heritage Restaurant Lunch or Dinner with Wine Experience: $147
  • Private Food Tour in Amman by Day (inc Citadel & Roman Theatre): $199

Typical Food Prices in Tulum

Some typical examples of dining costs in Tulum are as follows:


  • Lunch
    $2.75

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tulum

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Tulum.

  • Salsa Class,Mezcalita Workshop & Mexican Dinner: $86
  • Tortilla & Taco Cooking Class – Mexican Cuisine from scratch: $91
  • Mexican Cooking Class with Tacos, Ceviche and Margaritas in Tulum: $95
  • Mexican Cooking class experience in Tulum: $132
  • Temazcal Mayan Ritual, Cenote, Yucatecan Dinner from Tulum: $149
  • Private transfer for 5 hours (go dinner,cenotes, shopping and more): $299

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Amman $32
    Tulum $29

Tours and Activities in Amman

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

  • Full Day Amman Private City Tour: $9.99
  • Amman Private Guided City Tour: $20
  • Amman Private City Tour with Local Lunch: $20
  • Amman Private City Tour: $20
  • Amman Private City Tour with Local Mansaf Lunch: $20
  • Amman and Seven Sleepers Cave Private Tour: $25
  • Tree of Al Buqayawiyya and Seven Sleepers Cave Private Tour: $25
  • Amman and Ma'in Hot Springs Private Tour: $30
  • Amman Madaba Mount Nebo and Baptism Private Guided Tour: $30
  • Madaba Mount Nebo and Baptism Private Guided Tour: $30
  • Amman and Ajloun Private Tour: $30
  • Amman and Baptism Private Guided Tour: $30

Tours and Activities in Tulum

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tulum are as follows:

  • 3 Cenotes & Hidden Lagoon Swim Tour with Lunch from Tulum: $139
  • 5 Cenotes Half Day Experience Riviera Maya Cliff Jumping: $40
  • 5x1 Deluxe Tour Tulum, Coba, Cenote Transportation from Tulum: $114
  • ATV Cenote and Zipline Adventure from Tulum: $129
  • ATV Extreme Adventure Single with Ziplines and Cenote Swim: $156
  • ATV Extreme Adventure Single with Ziplines and Cenote Swim: $151
  • ATV cenote tour Tulum – Mayan Jungle ATV & Cavern Experience: $58
  • Adrenaline ATV Cenote and Zip Lines Experience at Tulum: $25
  • Adrenaline Tulum Atv tour with ziplines and Cenote adventure: $39
  • Adventure at Chichen Itza! Cenote and Valladolid from Tulum City: $98
  • Adventure in the Mayan Jungle with ATV and Zip Line in Tulum: $42
  • Akumal Bay: Swim with Sea Turtles and Cenote Private Tour: $180

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Amman $14
    Tulum $23


When comparing the travel costs between Amman and Tulum, we can see that Amman is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Amman is in Middle East and Tulum is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, Amman or Tulum?

Amman has a larger population, and is about 150 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Amman and Tulum, 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 Amman or Tulum?

Tulum has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Amman experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Amman or Tulum in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Amman as well as Tulum. Amman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Tulum because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Amman is generally cooler than Tulum. Daily temperatures in Amman average around 25°C (77°F), and Tulum fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Amman this time of the year. In the summer, Amman often gets more sunshine than Tulum. Amman gets 364 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tulum receives 232 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Tulum. Amman usually gets less rain in July than Tulum. Amman gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Amman 25°C (77°F) 
    Tulum 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Amman or Tulum in the Autumn?

Both Tulum and Amman are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Amman throughout the year. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Tulum this time of year.

Amman is cooler than Tulum in the autumn. The daily temperature in Amman averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Tulum fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

It's quite sunny in Tulum. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Amman. Amman usually receives more sunshine than Tulum during autumn. Amman gets 274 hours of sunny skies, while Tulum receives 216 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tulum. In October, Amman usually receives less rain than Tulum. Amman gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Tulum is November to April. The rainy season in Tulum is June to October. The hurricane season in Tulum is June to October.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Amman 20°C (68°F) 
    Tulum 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Amman or Tulum in the Winter?

Both Tulum and Amman during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Amman because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Tulum for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Amman is much colder than Tulum. Typically, the winter temperatures in Amman in January average around 8°C (46°F), and Tulum averages at about 23°C (74°F).

In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Amman often gets less sunshine than Tulum. Amman gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tulum receives 213 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Amman. Amman usually gets more rain in January than Tulum. Amman gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Amman 8°C (46°F) 
    Tulum 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Amman or Tulum in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Amman and Tulum. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Amman year-round. Also, many visitors come to Tulum in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Amman is generally much colder than Tulum. Daily temperatures in Amman average around 16°C (61°F), and Tulum fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In Amman, it's very sunny this time of the year. Amman usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Tulum during spring. Amman gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Tulum receives 273 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Amman usually receives less rain than Tulum. Amman gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring. November to April in Tulum is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. June to October is the hurricane season in Tulum.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Amman 16°C (61°F) 
    Tulum 27°C (81°F)

Typical Weather for Tulum and Amman

Amman Tulum
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (46°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 23°C (74°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 9°C (48°F) 98 mm (3.9 in) 24°C (75°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 25°C (78°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 28°C (83°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 29°C (83°F) 192 mm (7.6 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 228 mm (9 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 26 mm (1 in) 27°C (81°F) 173 mm (6.8 in)
Nov 14°C (57°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 24°C (74°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)