Which place is cheaper, Tulum or Florianopolis?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Florianopolis or Tulum?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Florianopolis or Tulum? 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 Tulum?
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.
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 Wildlife Tours to Brazil, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Brazil, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, and The Best Historical Tours in Mexico.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFlorianopolis $62Tulum $122
The average daily cost (per person) in Florianopolis is $62, while the average daily cost in Tulum is $122. 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 Tulum in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFlorianopolis $26Tulum $60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFlorianopolis $52Tulum $120
Compare Hotels in Florianopolis and Tulum
Looking for a hotel in Florianopolis 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.
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 Tulum Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Florianopolis $13Tulum $28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florianopolis
Also for Florianopolis, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Hercilio Luz Airport - North Island Transfer: $14
- Private Transfer Florianópolis Airport to City Center: $32
- Shared transfer from Florianópolis airport to Balneário Camboriú: $35
- Florianópolis Airport Transfer anywhere on the island by Floripa Nativa: $40
- One Way Transfer : Florianopolis Airport to or from Florianopolis: $64
- Transfer Florianópolis Airport / Costão do Santinho: $78
- Private Transfer from FLN Airport to the City Balneario Camboriú : $84
- Private Transfer Florianopolis Airport to Bal. Camboriu: $96
- Private Transfer from Florianópolis Airport to Bombinhas: $97
- Roundtrip transfer from Florianópolis Airport to Bombinhas: $168
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Tulum
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Tulum are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tulum
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tulum:
- Xcaret to Tulum - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $76
- Transfer from Tulum airport to Bacalar: $233
- Horseback Riding in the Jungle w/ Transfers and Lunch: $100
- Tulum to Xcaret - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $76
- Tulum to Playa del Carmen - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $82
- Tulum to Mahahual - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $160
- Tulum to Chetumal - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $182
- Tulum to Cancún Airport (CUN) - Private Departure Transfer: $70
- Tulum to Bacalar - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $153
- Roundtrip Transfer from Cancun Airport to Tulum: $269
- Roundtrip Private Transfer from Cancun Airport to Tulum: $254
- Round-trip Private Transfer Cancun Airport to TULUM - up to 9 pax: $299
Is it cheaper to fly into Florianopolis or Tulum?
Prices for flights to both Tulum 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 $22Tulum $34
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
Typical Food Prices in Tulum
Some typical examples of dining costs in Tulum are as follows:
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Lunch$3.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tulum
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Tulum.
- Tulum Local Walking Food Tour: $86
- Vegan Walking Food Tour with Tasting: $87
- Mexican Cooking from Scratch and Mezcal Tasting in a Local Home in Tulum: $87
- Mayan Night Guided Tour, Cenote Swim and Mayan Dinner: $209
- Private transfer for 5 hours (go dinner,cenotes, shopping and more) : $299
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Florianopolis $26Tulum $32
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 Tulum
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tulum are as follows:
- Private Tour - The best Cenotes in Yucatan - Suytun & Oxman: $195
- Romantic tour in Tulum: $169
- 4-Hour Cenotes Tour with Hotel Pickup in Riviera Maya: $109
- 5 Hours Mayan Snorkeling Experience in Tulum: $90
- 5x1 Deluxe Tour Tulum, Coba, Cenote Transportation from Tulum: $88
- 5x1: Tulum, Coba, Cenote and Mayan Village Full Day Tour: $99
- ATV Cenote and Zipline Adventure from Tulum: $119
- ATV Extreme Adventure Single with Ziplines and Cenote Swim: $137
- ATV Jungle Adventure with Ziplines, Cenote & Tulum Pickup: $75
- ATV Tour with Ziplines and Cenote Swim Experience in Quintana Roo: $59
- Adventure Tulum: $105
- Adventure in the Mayan Jungle with ATV and Zip Line in Tulum: $90
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFlorianopolis $8.68Tulum $25
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Tulum
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Tulum:
- 30 Minutes Brewery Tour in Tulum: $39
- Wine Tasting at Pan y Vino Tulum: $58
- Beer Tasting and Brewery Tour: $69
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Florianopolis and Tulum, we can see that Tulum 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 Tulum 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 Tulum would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tulum 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 Tulum Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Florianopolis or Tulum?
Florianopolis has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Florianopolis 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 Florianopolis or Tulum?
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 Tulum has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Florianopolis or Tulum in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Florianopolis as well as Tulum. Also, most visitors come to Tulum for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In January, Florianopolis is generally cooler than Tulumin July. Daily temperatures in Florianopolis average around 25°C (76°F), and Tulum fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. In the summer, Florianopolis often gets less sunshine than Tulumin July. Florianopolis gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tulum receives 232 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Tulum. Florianopolis receives a lot of rain in the summer. Florianopolis usually gets more rain in January than Tulumin July. Florianopolis gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyFlorianopolis 25°C (76°F)Tulum 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Florianopolis or Tulum in the Autumn?
Both Tulum and Florianopolis are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Tulum because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Florianopolis is cooler than Tulum in the autumn. The daily temperature in Florianopolis averages around 22°C (71°F) in April, and Tulum fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in October.
It's quite sunny in Tulum. Florianopolis usually receives less sunshine than Tulum during autumn. Florianopolis gets 179 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 April, Florianopolis usually receives less rain than Tulumin October. Florianopolis gets 93 mm (3.7 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.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberFlorianopolis 22°C (71°F)Tulum 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Florianopolis or Tulum in the Winter?
Both Tulum and Florianopolis during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Tulum this time of year.
In the winter, Florianopolis is cooler than Tulum. Typically, the winter temperatures in Florianopolis in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Tulum averages at about 23°C (74°F)in January.
In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Florianopolis often gets less sunshine than Tulumin January. Florianopolis gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tulum receives 213 hours of full sun.
Florianopolis usually gets more rain in July than Tulumin January. Florianopolis gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryFlorianopolis 17°C (62°F)Tulum 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Florianopolis or Tulum in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Florianopolis and Tulum. Furthermore, many travelers come to Tulum for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In October, Florianopolis is generally cooler than Tulumin April. Daily temperatures in Florianopolis average around 20°C (68°F), and Tulum fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. Florianopolis usually receives less sunshine than Tulum during spring. Florianopolis gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Tulum receives 273 hours of full sun in the spring.
Florianopolis gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Florianopolis usually receives more rain than Tulumin April. Florianopolis gets 110 mm (4.3 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.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilFlorianopolis 20°C (68°F)Tulum 27°C (81°F)
Typical Weather for Tulum and Florianopolis
| Florianopolis | Tulum | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (76°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (71°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (63°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 192 mm (7.6 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Aug | 17°C (63°F) | 95 mm (3.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (65°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (68°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Nov | 22°C (71°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 72 mm (2.8 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.