Which place is cheaper, Playa del Carmen or Florianopolis?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Florianopolis or Playa del Carmen?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Florianopolis or Playa del Carmen? 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 Playa del Carmen?
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.
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 G Adventures Tours to Brazil, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFlorianopolis $62Playa del Carmen $81
The average daily cost (per person) in Florianopolis is $62, 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 Florianopolis and Playa del Carmen in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFlorianopolis $26Playa del Carmen $40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFlorianopolis $52Playa del Carmen $80
Compare Hotels in Florianopolis and Playa del Carmen
Looking for a hotel in Florianopolis 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: Florianopolis Hotel Prices and Playa del Carmen Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Florianopolis $13Playa del Carmen $24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florianopolis
Also for Florianopolis, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Florianópolis Airport Transfer anywhere on the island by Floripa Nativa: $40
- Hercilio Luz Airport - North Island Transfer: $14
- One Way Transfer : Florianopolis Airport to or from Florianopolis: $64
- Private Transfer Florianópolis Airport to City Center: $32
- Private Transfer Florianopolis Airport to Bal. Camboriu: $96
- Private Transfer from FLN Airport to the City Balneario Camboriú : $84
- Private Transfer from Florianópolis Airport to Bombinhas: $97
- Roundtrip transfer from Florianópolis Airport to Bombinhas: $168
- Shared transfer from Florianópolis airport to Balneário Camboriú: $35
- Transfer Florianópolis Airport / Costão do Santinho: $78
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 Florianopolis or Playa del Carmen?
Prices for flights to both Playa del Carmen 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
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Food Meals for one dayFlorianopolis $22Playa del Carmen $24
Typical Food Prices in Florianopolis
For Florianopolis, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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A Quick Snack$0.44
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Florianopolis $26Playa del Carmen $17
Typical Entertainment Prices in Florianopolis
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Florianopolis's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Internet$0.59
Tours and Activities in Florianopolis
For Florianopolis, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Historic Center Walking Tour in Florianopolis with Local Bar Hop: $14
- Bombinhas Beach and 4 Islands Tour: $22
- Shared Shuttle between Florianópolis Airport and Hotel with optional City Tour: $23
- Florianópolis Full Day City Tour: $25
- Rafting Adventure in Apuama - Rio Cubatão in Greater Florianópolis: $30
- Floripa City Tour by Bus - Whole Island - The Most Complete City Tour: $32
- Balneário Camboriú City Tour from Florianópolis: $35
- Blumenau City Tour - departing from Florianópolis: $37
- Tour Balneario Camboriu and Laranjeiras Beach TELEFERICO INCLUDED: $37
- Blumenau City Tour from Florianópolis: $38
- Private Tour: The 7 Most Preserved Beaches on the South Island by Floripa Nativa: $39
- Lagoinha do Leste Hiking and Photography Adventure : $42
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFlorianopolis $8.68Playa del Carmen $21
Typical Alcohol Prices in Florianopolis
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Florianopolis from other travelers:
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Beer$0.59
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Florianopolis and Playa del Carmen, we can see that Playa del Carmen is more expensive. And not only is Florianopolis much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Florianopolis 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 Florianopolis would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Florianopolis 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 Florianopolis.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Florianopolis Expensive? and Is Playa del Carmen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Florianopolis or Playa del Carmen?
Florianopolis has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Florianopolis 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 Florianopolis 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. Florianopolis 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 Florianopolis or Playa del Carmen in the Summer?
Both Playa del Carmen and Florianopolis during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year.
In the summer, Florianopolis is cooler than Playa del Carmen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Florianopolis in January average around 25°C (76°F), and Playa del Carmen averages at about 28°C (82°F)in July.
In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Florianopolis often gets less sunshine than Playa del Carmenin July. Florianopolis gets 198 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 Florianopolis. Florianopolis usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Playa del Carmenin July. Florianopolis gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyFlorianopolis 25°C (76°F)Playa del Carmen 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Florianopolis or Playa del Carmen in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Florianopolis and Playa del Carmen. Also, many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In April, Florianopolis is generally cooler than Playa del Carmenin October. Daily temperatures in Florianopolis average around 22°C (71°F), and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. Florianopolis usually receives less sunshine than Playa del Carmen during autumn. Florianopolis gets 179 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. In April, Florianopolis usually receives less rain than Playa del Carmenin October. Florianopolis gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn. June to October is the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberFlorianopolis 22°C (71°F)Playa del Carmen 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Florianopolis or Playa del Carmen in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Florianopolis as well as Playa del Carmen. Also, many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Florianopolis is cooler than Playa del Carmen in the winter. The daily temperature in Florianopolis averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in January.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. In the winter, Florianopolis often gets less sunshine than Playa del Carmenin January. Florianopolis gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa del Carmen receives 224 hours of full sun.
Florianopolis usually gets more rain in July than Playa del Carmenin January. Florianopolis gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryFlorianopolis 17°C (62°F)Playa del Carmen 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Florianopolis or Playa del Carmen in the Spring?
Both Playa del Carmen and Florianopolis are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Florianopolis is cooler than Playa del Carmen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Florianopolis in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Playa del Carmen averages at about 27°C (81°F)in April.
It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. Florianopolis usually receives less sunshine than Playa del Carmen during spring. Florianopolis gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Playa del Carmen receives 259 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Florianopolis. In October, Florianopolis usually receives more rain than Playa del Carmenin April. Florianopolis gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the spring. June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilFlorianopolis 20°C (68°F)Playa del Carmen 27°C (81°F)
Typical Weather for Playa del Carmen and Florianopolis
| Florianopolis | Playa del Carmen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (76°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (71°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (63°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Aug | 17°C (63°F) | 95 mm (3.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (65°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (68°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Nov | 22°C (71°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 137 mm (5.4 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.