Which place is cheaper, Playa del Carmen or Fortaleza?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Fortaleza or Playa del Carmen?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Fortaleza and Playa del Carmen can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Fortaleza or Playa del Carmen?
Fortaleza
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.
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 Luxury Tours to Brazil, The Best Budget Tours to Brazil, 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 dayFortaleza $69Playa del Carmen $81
The average daily cost (per person) in Fortaleza is $69, 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 Fortaleza and Playa del Carmen in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFortaleza $30Playa del Carmen $40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFortaleza $60Playa del Carmen $80
Compare Hotels in Fortaleza and Playa del Carmen
Looking for a hotel in Fortaleza 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: Fortaleza Hotel Prices and Playa del Carmen Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Fortaleza $21Playa del Carmen $24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fortaleza
Also for Fortaleza, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 4x4 Private Transfer Service : $180
- 4x4 Transfer Private Service Fortaleza - Jericoacoara: $259
- Arrival Private Transfer from Fortaleza Airport FOR to Fortaleza by Minivan: $117
- Arrival Private Transfer from Fortaleza Airport FOR to Fortaleza by Sedan Car: $88
- Beach Park Transfer from Fortaleza: $16
- Cumbuco Private Transfer From Fortaleza: $58
- Departure Private Transfer: Fortaleza City to Fortaleza Airport FOR by Minivan: $117
- Departure Private Transfer: Fortaleza City to Fortaleza Airport FOR by Sedan Car: $88
- Departure Private Transfer: Jericoacoara to Fortaleza Airport FOR by Sedan Car: $253
- Fortaleza Airport (FOR) to Fortaleza - Arrival Private Transfer: $16
- Fortaleza Airport (FOR) to Fortaleza Round-Trip Private Transfer: $33
- Fortaleza Airport Private Transfer: $40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Playa del Carmen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Playa del Carmen:
- One Way Private Transfer from Playa del Carmen to Coba: $276
- Airport Transfers to Playa del Carmen - Private van (ROUND TRIP) FLAT RATE: $227
- Private Transfer to Cenote at Tulum: $213
- Transfers in Lincoln StretchLimo from Puerto Aventuras-Cun Airport.: $194
- Cancun Airport Round Trip transfer to Puerto Aventuras: $190
- 2x1 Tour: Isla Contoy, Isla Mujeres, Open Bar, Lunch and Transfers: $190
- Wedding Transfers Services in Round Trip Playa del Carmen: $180
- Roundtrip Private Transfer Playa del Carmen from CUN: $173
- Private Transfer From Cancún Airport - Puerto Aventuras: $163
- Contoy and Mujeres Islands Tour with Transfer Options: $159
- Tour Bacalar Ponton with Transfer from Cancun & Playa del Carmen : $147
- Access to Xel-Há Park with Transfer: $145
Is it cheaper to fly into Fortaleza or Playa del Carmen?
Prices for flights to both Playa del Carmen and Fortaleza 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 dayFortaleza $24Playa 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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Fortaleza $15Playa del Carmen $17
Tours and Activities in Fortaleza
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Fortaleza.
- Full Day Tour to Cumbuco From Fortaleza: $11
- Cumbuco Beach Tour: $12
- 3 Beaches in 1 Day Tour Leaving Fortaleza: $13
- Lagoinha Beach Tour: $14
- Águas Belas Tour: $15
- Cumbuco Beach with City Tour from Fortaleza: $16
- Lagoinha Beach Tour: $17
- Tour 3 beaches in 1 day: $18
- One Day Bus Tour of Fortaleza and Cumbuco Beach: $18
- Canoe Quebrada Full Day Tour - Departure from Fortaleza by Vitorino Turismo: $19
- Canoa Quebrada Beach Tour with Nettour: $20
- The colorful sands of Morro Branco beach - Full Day Tour: $22
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 dayFortaleza $9.97Playa del Carmen $21
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fortaleza and Playa del Carmen, we can see that Playa del Carmen is more expensive. And not only is Fortaleza much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Fortaleza Expensive? and Is Playa del Carmen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Fortaleza or Playa del Carmen?
Fortaleza has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza 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. Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza or Playa del Carmen in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Fortaleza as well as Playa del Carmen. Additionally, many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Fortaleza is around the same temperature as Playa del Carmen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Fortaleza in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Playa del Carmen averages at about 28°C (82°F)in July.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fortaleza this time of the year. In the summer, Fortaleza often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Playa del Carmenin July. Fortaleza gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa del Carmen receives 223 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. Fortaleza receives a lot of rain in the summer. Fortaleza usually gets less rain in January than Playa del Carmenin July. Fortaleza gets 119 mm (4.7 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 JulyFortaleza 28°C (82°F)Playa del Carmen 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Fortaleza or Playa del Carmen in the Autumn?
Both Playa del Carmen and Fortaleza are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In April, Fortaleza is generally around the same temperature as Playa del Carmenin October. Daily temperatures in Fortaleza average around 27°C (80°F), and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. Fortaleza usually receives less sunshine than Playa del Carmen during autumn. Fortaleza gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Playa del Carmen receives 233 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. It's quite rainy in Fortaleza. In April, Fortaleza usually receives more rain than Playa del Carmenin October. Fortaleza gets 356 mm (14 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 OctoberFortaleza 27°C (80°F)Playa del Carmen 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Fortaleza or Playa del Carmen in the Winter?
Both Playa del Carmen and Fortaleza during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Fortaleza is a little warmer than Playa del Carmen in the winter. The daily temperature in Fortaleza averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in January.
In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Fortaleza. In the winter, Fortaleza often gets more sunshine than Playa del Carmenin January. Fortaleza gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa del Carmen receives 224 hours of full sun.
Fortaleza usually gets more rain in July than Playa del Carmenin January. Fortaleza gets 95 mm (3.7 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 JanuaryFortaleza 26°C (79°F)Playa del Carmen 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Fortaleza or Playa del Carmen in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Fortaleza and Playa del Carmen. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year.
In the spring, Fortaleza is around the same temperature as Playa del Carmen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Fortaleza in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Playa del Carmen averages at about 27°C (81°F)in April.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In Fortaleza, it's very sunny this time of the year. Fortaleza usually receives more sunshine than Playa del Carmen during spring. Fortaleza gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Playa del Carmen receives 259 hours of full sun in the spring.
In October, Fortaleza usually receives around the same amount of rain as Playa del Carmenin April. Fortaleza gets 13 mm (0.5 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 AprilFortaleza 28°C (82°F)Playa del Carmen 27°C (81°F)
Typical Weather for Playa del Carmen and Fortaleza
| Fortaleza | Playa del Carmen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 119 mm (4.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 205 mm (8.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (80°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 356 mm (14 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 256 mm (10.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (80°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 44 mm (1.7 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.