Which place is cheaper, Playa del Carmen or Foz do Iguacu?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Foz do Iguacu 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 Foz do Iguacu 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: Foz do Iguacu or Playa del Carmen?
Foz do Iguacu
Foz do Iguacu is a larger city in Brazil that is most famous for the Iguacu Falls. The city serves as an entry point for Paraguay and Argentina as well. The obvious reason to visit the city is to see the beautiful falls, and together with Ciudad del Este, Paraguay and Puerto Iguazu, Argentina, it makes up one of the largest tourism sights in South America.
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 Budget Tours to Brazil, The Best Tours for Seniors 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 dayFoz do Iguacu $66Playa del Carmen $81
The average daily cost (per person) in Foz do Iguacu is $66, 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 Foz do Iguacu and Playa del Carmen in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFoz do Iguacu $29Playa del Carmen $40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFoz do Iguacu $58Playa del Carmen $80
Compare Hotels in Foz do Iguacu and Playa del Carmen
Looking for a hotel in Foz do Iguacu 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: Foz do Iguacu Hotel Prices and Playa del Carmen Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Foz do Iguacu $13Playa del Carmen $24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Foz do Iguacu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Foz do Iguacu:
- Foz do Iguaçu Airport Private Transfer : $20
- IGU Airport Transfers: $17
- Private E Bike Tour Iguaçu Waterfalls + Transfers + Tickets: $131
- Private transfer from Foz do Iguaçu airport and bus station: $22
- Roundtrip Airport Transfer in Foz do Iguaçu: $49
- Shared Roundtrip Transfers with Brazilian and Argentinian sides: $120
- Transfer Cataratas Argentina: $19
- Transfer IN IGU & Iguassu Falls Brazilian side & Macuco Boat Safari: $220
- Transfer from Foz de Iguazu Airport to Hotels on the Argentine side: $42
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Playa del Carmen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Playa del Carmen:
- Cancun International Airport From/to Akumal - Private Transfer: $130
- Transfer in Private vehicle from Xcaret - Cancun Airport (CUN): $88
- 2x1 Tour: Isla Contoy, Isla Mujeres, Open Bar, Lunch and Transfers: $190
- Access to Xel-Há Park with Transfer: $145
- Airport Transfers to Playa del Carmen - Private van (ROUND TRIP) FLAT RATE: $227
- Akumal to Cancún Airport (CUN) - Departure Private Transfer: $40
- Akumal to Cancun - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $77
- Amazing ATV (single) Cenote and Ziplines with Transfer from Playa del Carmen: $80
- CUN Airport One-Way/Round-Trip Transfers to Playa del Carmen: $115
- Cancún Airport Transfer to Playa del Carmen One Way: $118
- Cancun Airport Private Transfer One Way: To or From Akumal area Up to 03 Pass.: $105
- Cancun Airport Round Trip transfer to Puerto Aventuras: $190
Is it cheaper to fly into Foz do Iguacu or Playa del Carmen?
Prices for flights to both Playa del Carmen and Foz do Iguacu 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 dayFoz do Iguacu $22Playa del Carmen $24
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Foz do Iguacu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Foz do Iguacu.
- Official Entrance: Dinner with Latin American Show at Rafain Steakhouse: $52
- Entrance to Rafain with Dinner and Show: $74
- Rafain dinner Samba Show: $94
- Transport to Acaray Casino + dinner (optional): $100
- Dinner Show - Rafain Steakhouse : $100
- Rafain Steakhouse Show - Dinner and Show Included: $103
- Dinner Show at Rafain in Foz do Iguaçu: $107
- Dinner Show Rafain Steakhouse Belmond Hotel Cataratas : $135
- Foz do Iguacu Dancing Musical Show with Dinner and Pickup: $208
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.Foz do Iguacu $24Playa del Carmen $17
Tours and Activities in Foz do Iguacu
Here are a few actual costs in Foz do Iguacu for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Humming Bird Garden Experience in Iguazu: $5.00
- Ciudad del Este Shopping Tour: $14
- Iguazú Casino Tour : $17
- Exclusive Bike Experience at Iguazu Falls: $25
- Bird Park Tour: $25
- Iguassu Falls Shopping Tour: $26
- Iguazu Falls National Park Tour - full day tour Argentinean side: $34
- Foz Do Iguaçu City Tour: $34
- Tour Tour, pick up at Foz do Iguaçu airport (IGU): $40
- Itaipu Dam Half-Day Sightseeing Panoramic Tour from Foz do Iguaçu: $42
- Iguassu Falls Sightseeing Tour from Foz do Iguaçu: $44
- Paraguay Guided Shopping Tour from Foz do Iguacu: $44
Tours and Activities in Playa del Carmen
Here are a few actual costs in Playa del Carmen for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Shopping Tour & Tulum Mayan Ruins: $11
- Cancun Airport: Bus Ticket to/from Playa del Carmen: $14
- Tulum Ruins: Self-Guided Tour with Audio Narration & Map: $15
- Ek Balam: Self-Guided Tour with Audio Narration & Map: $15
- Riviera Maya: Frida Kahlo Museum Guided Tour 2024: $20
- YAL-KÚ Park in Riviera Maya Admission Ticket: $23
- Chichen Itza and Cenote Full Day Tour from Playa del Carmen: $28
- Ultramar Ferry, Regular round ticket, Playa del Carmen-Cozumel: $32
- Tulum and 2 Cenotes Half Day Tour from Riviera: $34
- Round-Trip Ferry Ticket to/from Cozumel: $35
- Mayan tour 4x1: Tulum, Cobá, Cenote & Playa del carmen: $35
- Tulum Ruins and Amusement Park Shared Tour: $37
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFoz do Iguacu $12Playa del Carmen $21
Typical Alcohol Prices in Foz do Iguacu
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Foz do Iguacu from other travelers:
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Beer$0.88
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Foz do Iguacu and Playa del Carmen, we can see that Playa del Carmen is more expensive. And not only is Foz do Iguacu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Foz do Iguacu 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 Foz do Iguacu would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Foz do Iguacu 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 Foz do Iguacu.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Foz do Iguacu Expensive? and Is Playa del Carmen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Foz do Iguacu or Playa del Carmen?
Foz do Iguacu has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Foz do Iguacu 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 Foz do Iguacu 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. Foz do Iguacu 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 Foz do Iguacu or Playa del Carmen in the Summer?
Both Playa del Carmen and Foz do Iguacu are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Foz do Iguacu is around the same temperature as Playa del Carmen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Foz do Iguacu in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Playa del Carmen averages at about 28°C (82°F)in July.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. It's quite rainy in Foz do Iguacu. In January, Foz do Iguacu usually receives less rain than Playa del Carmenin July. Foz do Iguacu gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyFoz do Iguacu 27°C (81°F)Playa del Carmen 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or Playa del Carmen in the Autumn?
Both Playa del Carmen and Foz do Iguacu during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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, Foz do Iguacu is generally cooler than Playa del Carmenin October. Daily temperatures in Foz do Iguacu average around 23°C (73°F), and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
Playa del Carmen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Foz do Iguacu usually gets less rain in April than Playa del Carmenin October. Foz do Iguacu gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberFoz do Iguacu 23°C (73°F)Playa del Carmen 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or Playa del Carmen in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Foz do Iguacu and Playa del Carmen. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Foz do Iguacu is cooler than Playa del Carmen in the winter. The daily temperature in Foz do Iguacu averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in January.
In July, Foz do Iguacu usually receives more rain than Playa del Carmenin January. Foz do Iguacu gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryFoz do Iguacu 18°C (64°F)Playa del Carmen 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or Playa del Carmen in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Foz do Iguacu as well as 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, Foz do Iguacu is cooler than Playa del Carmen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Foz do Iguacu in October average around 24°C (75°F), and Playa del Carmen averages at about 27°C (81°F)in April.
Foz do Iguacu receives a lot of rain in the spring. Foz do Iguacu usually gets more rain in October than Playa del Carmenin April. Foz do Iguacu gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilFoz do Iguacu 24°C (75°F)Playa del Carmen 27°C (81°F)
Typical Weather for Playa del Carmen and Foz do Iguacu
| Foz do Iguacu | Playa del Carmen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (64°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Aug | 20°C (68°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 24°C (75°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 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.