Which place is cheaper, Playa del Carmen or Asuncion?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Asuncion or Playa del Carmen?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Asuncion or Playa del Carmen, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Asuncion or Playa del Carmen?
Asuncion
Asuncion is a vastly underrated city. It is the capital but also the administrative economic and cultural center of Paraguay. It is located in the south central part of the country, near the border with Argentina and it is one of the oldest cities in South America, with people living here since almost 500 years. The city has a beautiful and simple center, with a few unique colonial and beaux arts buildings, international cuisine, shady plazas and friendly people. Its handful of historic buildings around the Plaza de los Heroes, Plaza Uruguaya and Manzana de la Ribera, two or three small museums, old bars and cafes, but also smart suburbs, ritzy shopping malls and fashionable nightclubs will keep you entertained for a day or two. It is a very charming city for travellers and apart from the sights, the city boasts a good tourist infrastructure with hotels and restaurants.
Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is in Quintana Roo on the Yucatan Peninsula. It's a popular resort town and is about seventy kilometers south of Cancun. It has a European atmosphere with many small hotels and a nice relaxed feel. It was originally a small fishing town but tourism began with the introduction of a passenger ferry to Cozumel. The area developed rapidly and there are many luxury hotels, condos, and resorts. There are also American chains and a variety of shopping opportunities nearby.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAsuncion $68Playa del Carmen $81
The average daily cost (per person) in Asuncion is $68, while the average daily cost in Playa del Carmen is $81. 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 Asuncion and Playa del Carmen in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAsuncion $22Playa del Carmen $40
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAsuncion $44Playa del Carmen $80
Compare Hotels in Asuncion and Playa del Carmen
Looking for a hotel in Asuncion or Playa del Carmen? 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: Asuncion Hotel Prices and Playa del Carmen Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Asuncion $8.82Playa del Carmen $24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Asuncion
Also for Asuncion, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- RoundTrip Private Transfer Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $52
- RoundTrip Transfer in Private Minivan Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $59
- Transfer in Private Car from Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $21
- Transfer in private car from Asuncion City - Asuncion Airport (ASU): $20
- Transfer in private minivan Asuncion City - Silvio Pettirosi Airport (ASU): $29
- Transfer in private minivan from Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Playa del Carmen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Playa del Carmen:
- Wedding Transfers Services in Round Trip Playa del Carmen: $180
- Transfers in Lincoln StretchLimo from Puerto Aventuras-Cun Airport.: $194
- Transfer in Private vehicle from Akumal City - Cancun Airport (CUN) : $74
- Tour Bacalar Ponton with Transfer from Cancun & Playa del Carmen : $147
- Shared transfer from Playa del Carmen tu Cancun airport: $25
- Shared roundtrip transfer from Cancun airport to Playa del Carmen: $71
- Shared Transfer Cancun Airport - Puerto Aventuras: $48
- Shared Transfer Cancun Airport - Playa del Carmen: $31
- Roundtrip Private Transfer Playa del Carmen from CUN: $173
- Private Transfer: Akumal to Cancun Airport CUN in SUV: $109
- Private Transfer to Xplor / Xenses / Xplor Fire from Playa del Carmen: $25
- Private Transfer to Xel-Há Park from Playa del Carmen: $53
Is it cheaper to fly into Asuncion or Playa del Carmen?
Prices for flights to both Playa del Carmen and Asuncion 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 dayAsuncion $17Playa del Carmen $24
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Playa del Carmen
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Playa del Carmen.
- Cenotes by Bike and Mayan Cooking Class Half-Day Guided Tour: $60
- Walking Food Tour: $65
- Playa Del Carmen Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $75
- Playa del Carmen Walking Food Tour: $77
- Mexican Cooking Class: $100
- Seafood Tour in Playa del Carmen: $101
- PDC Traditional Mexican Cooking Experience: $104
- Authentic Mexican Cooking Class in Playa del Carmen: $120
- Isa’s Authentic Mexican Cooking Class: $120
- Cultural Coba Sunset Adventure with Dinner and show from Cancun: $130
- Sunset Adventure in Coba and Dinner with Show from Riviera Maya: $155
- Riviera Maya: Sunset Cruise with Beach Dinner and Open Bar: $157
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Asuncion $16Playa del Carmen $17
Tours and Activities in Asuncion
For Asuncion, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide in Asuncion: $34
- Walking Tour with a Local in Asuncion "The Mother of Cities": $35
- Asunción Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $35
- Asuncion Birding Tour: $70
- Crystal Fall - day tour in a reduced group: $85
- Golden Triangle Tour: $110
- Birding and Nature Chaco Tour: $140
- Paraguay River Nature and Wildlife Boat Tour from Asunción: $160
- Half-Day Yparacai Lake Tour from Asuncion with Pick Up: $185
- Full day Paraguay River Nature and Wildlife Boat Tour: $207
- Day tour “Circuito San Bernardino”: $214
- Day tour “Circuito Sapucai”: $221
Tours and Activities in Playa del Carmen
Here are a few actual costs in Playa del Carmen for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Romantic tour in Akumal: $115
- Tulum Ruins, Turtle Sightseeing & Underground Cenote from Tulum: $140
- VIP Cenote Scuba Tour, Certified Divers Only: $230
- 3 in 1 Private Tour Tulum Cenote and Snorkeling in the reef: $210
- 3D Museum of Wonders Admission Ticket: $42
- 5X1: Tulum and Coba Ruins, Cenote & Mayan Village Full Day Tour : $114
- ATV Adventure with Ziplines Cenote from Playa del Carmen: $75
- ATV Extreme and Snorkel Adventure from the Riviera Maya: $139
- ATV Ride and Secret Caves Tour from Playa del Carmen: $80
- ATV Shared & Ziplines Adventure in Tulum Jungle from Riviera Maya: $133
- ATV Shared, Cavern & Ziplines -Jungle Adventure from Riviera Maya: $158
- ATV Xtreme & Snorkel Experience: $138
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayAsuncion $10Playa del Carmen $21
Typical Alcohol Prices in Asuncion
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Asuncion are as follows:
-
Beer$1.22
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Asuncion and Playa del Carmen, we can see that Playa del Carmen is more expensive. And not only is Asuncion much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Asuncion is in South America and Playa del Carmen is in North 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 Asuncion would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Asuncion 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 Playa del Carmen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Playa del Carmen than you might in Asuncion.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Asuncion Expensive? and Is Playa del Carmen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Asuncion or Playa del Carmen?
Asuncion has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Asuncion and Playa del Carmen, 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 Asuncion or Playa del Carmen?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Asuncion is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Playa del Carmen has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Asuncion or Playa del Carmen in the Summer?
Both Playa del Carmen and Asuncion during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In January, Asuncion is generally around the same temperature as Playa del Carmenin July. Daily temperatures in Asuncion average around 29°C (84°F), and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Asuncion. In the summer, Asuncion often gets more sunshine than Playa del Carmenin July. Asuncion gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa del Carmen receives 223 hours of full sun.
Playa del Carmen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Asuncion. Asuncion usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Playa del Carmenin July. Asuncion gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyAsuncion 29°C (84°F)Playa del Carmen 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Asuncion or Playa del Carmen in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Asuncion and Playa del Carmen. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Asuncion is around the same temperature as Playa del Carmen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Asuncion averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in October.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. Asuncion usually receives less sunshine than Playa del Carmen during autumn. Asuncion gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Playa del Carmen receives 233 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Playa del Carmen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Asuncion gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Asuncion usually receives more rain than Playa del Carmenin October. Asuncion gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberAsuncion 24°C (75°F)Playa del Carmen 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Asuncion or Playa del Carmen in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Asuncion as well as Playa del Carmen. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year.
In the winter, Asuncion is cooler than Playa del Carmen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Asuncion in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Playa del Carmen averages at about 23°C (73°F)in January.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. In the winter, Asuncion often gets less sunshine than Playa del Carmenin January. Asuncion gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa del Carmen receives 224 hours of full sun.
Asuncion usually gets more rain in July than Playa del Carmenin January. Asuncion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryAsuncion 19°C (66°F)Playa del Carmen 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Asuncion or Playa del Carmen in the Spring?
Both Playa del Carmen and Asuncion are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In October, Asuncion is generally around the same temperature as Playa del Carmenin April. Daily temperatures in Asuncion average around 25°C (77°F), and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Asuncion. Asuncion usually receives less sunshine than Playa del Carmen during spring. Asuncion gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Playa del Carmen receives 259 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Asuncion. In October, Asuncion usually receives more rain than Playa del Carmenin April. Asuncion gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the spring. June to October is the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen.
-
Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilAsuncion 25°C (77°F)Playa del Carmen 27°C (81°F)
Typical Weather for Playa del Carmen and Asuncion
| Asuncion | Playa del Carmen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 29°C (84°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (70°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 21 mm (0.8 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.