Which place is cheaper, Playa del Carmen or Mar del Plata?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Mar del Plata or Playa del Carmen?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Mar del Plata and Playa del Carmen can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Mar del Plata or Playa del Carmen?
Mar del Plata
Mar del Plata is found only 404 km southeast of the city of Buenos Aires, on the Atlantic coast. Today Mar Del Plata is Argentina‘s most well known beach resort. It has successfully married the two worlds of beach and city into a fun, cosmopolitan urban center with the presence of highly developed tourist infrastructure. Founded in 1874, Mar del Plata was at first mainly an industrial and commercial center before becoming a vacation destination for Argentinians. For a peaceful trip and intimate oceanfront promenades, avoid visiting Mar del Plata during summer time, as the gorgeous arced coastline will be crawling with visitors. But the city is more than just beaches. It also offers some culture, lively nightlife, and great food.
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 Argentina, The Best Budget Tours to Argentina, 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 dayMar del Plata $8.78Playa del Carmen $81
The average daily cost (per person) in Mar del Plata is $8.78, 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 Mar del Plata and Playa del Carmen in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMar del Plata $3.15Playa del Carmen $40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMar del Plata $6.30Playa del Carmen $80
Compare Hotels in Mar del Plata and Playa del Carmen
Looking for a hotel in Mar del Plata 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: Mar del Plata Hotel Prices and Playa del Carmen Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mar del Plata $2.50Playa del Carmen $24
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 Mar del Plata or Playa del Carmen?
Prices for flights to both Playa del Carmen and Mar del Plata 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 dayMar del Plata $3.81Playa 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.Mar del Plata $2.27Playa del Carmen $17
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 dayMar del Plata $1.78Playa del Carmen $21
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mar del Plata and Playa del Carmen, we can see that Playa del Carmen is more expensive. And not only is Mar del Plata much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Mar del Plata 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 Mar del Plata would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mar del Plata 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 Mar del Plata.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mar del Plata Expensive? and Is Playa del Carmen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mar del Plata or Playa del Carmen?
Mar del Plata has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Mar del Plata 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 Mar del Plata 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. Mar del Plata 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 Mar del Plata or Playa del Carmen in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Mar del Plata as well as Playa del Carmen. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In January, Mar del Plata is generally cooler than Playa del Carmenin July. Daily temperatures in Mar del Plata average around 20°C (69°F), and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mar del Plata this time of the year. In the summer, Mar del Plata often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Playa del Carmenin July. Mar del Plata 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. Mar del Plata usually gets less rain in January than Playa del Carmenin July. Mar del Plata gets 96 mm (3.8 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 JulyMar del Plata 20°C (69°F)Playa del Carmen 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Mar del Plata or Playa del Carmen in the Autumn?
Both Playa del Carmen and Mar del Plata are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year.
Mar del Plata is much colder than Playa del Carmen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mar del Plata averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in October.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. In April, Mar del Plata usually receives less rain than Playa del Carmenin October. Mar del Plata gets 67 mm (2.6 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.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberMar del Plata 15°C (59°F)Playa del Carmen 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Mar del Plata or Playa del Carmen in the Winter?
Both Playa del Carmen and Mar del Plata during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Mar del Plata is much colder than Playa del Carmen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mar del Plata in July average around 9°C (47°F), and Playa del Carmen averages at about 23°C (73°F)in January.
Mar del Plata usually gets more rain in July than Playa del Carmenin January. Mar del Plata gets 63 mm (2.5 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 JanuaryMar del Plata 9°C (47°F)Playa del Carmen 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Mar del Plata or Playa del Carmen in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Mar del Plata and Playa del Carmen. Also, many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In October, Mar del Plata is generally much colder than Playa del Carmenin April. Daily temperatures in Mar del Plata average around 13°C (56°F), and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. Mar del Plata usually receives less sunshine than Playa del Carmen during spring. Mar del Plata gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Playa del Carmen receives 259 hours of full sun in the spring.
In October, Mar del Plata usually receives more rain than Playa del Carmenin April. Mar del Plata gets 78 mm (3.1 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.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilMar del Plata 13°C (56°F)Playa del Carmen 27°C (81°F)
Typical Weather for Playa del Carmen and Mar del Plata
| Mar del Plata | Playa del Carmen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 20°C (69°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | 18°C (65°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| May | 12°C (53°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 9°C (48°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Jul | 9°C (47°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Aug | 9°C (49°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Sep | 11°C (51°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (56°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (61°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Dec | 19°C (66°F) | 88 mm (3.5 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.