Which place is cheaper, Isla Mujeres or Montevideo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Montevideo or Isla Mujeres?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Montevideo and Isla Mujeres 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: Montevideo or Isla Mujeres?
Montevideo
As the morning sun tinges the calm waters of the Rio de la Plata with a golden hue, the Rambla and its city awakens to life with new adventures for those near and far. From tanning on the luxurious beaches to peering into Uruguayan history at local museums, one can be far from bored while staying in Montevideo. Combining the quaintness of the countryside with the excitement of urban life, this city holds a unique trait that cannot easily be replicated.
Isla Mujeres
About eight miles from the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Isla Mujeres is an island in the Mexican Caribbean Sea. The town, of the same name, has a population of about 13,000. Tourism has grown in the area since the 1970s and today it is a significant part of the island's economy. As such, there are plenty of amenities that cater specifically to visitors. The island's proximity to Cuba make it a common transit point for Cubans in route to the United States.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico.
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Montevideo Prices
Uruguay PricesIsla Mujeres Prices
Mexico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontevideo $70Isla Mujeres $174
The average daily cost (per person) in Montevideo is $70, while the average daily cost in Isla Mujeres is $174. 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 Montevideo and Isla Mujeres in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontevideo $38Isla Mujeres $75
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontevideo $76Isla Mujeres $150
Compare Hotels in Montevideo and Isla Mujeres
Looking for a hotel in Montevideo or Isla Mujeres? 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: Montevideo Hotel Prices and Isla Mujeres Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montevideo $7.04Isla Mujeres $34
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montevideo
Also for Montevideo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Montevideo Airport to Hotel O Hotel - Aero: $23
- Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo - Arrival Private Transfer: $37
- Montevideo to Carrasco Airport (MVD) - Departure Private Transfer: $37
- Private Transfer from Carrasco Airport to Montevideo: $40
- Private Transfer from or to Carrasco Airport in Montevideo: $40
- Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo - Arrival Private Transfer: $40
- Airport-Hotel or Hotel-Airport Transfers: $41
- Private Transfer from Montevideo Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $42
- Private Transfer from Montevideo Cruise Port to Montevideo city: $42
- Private Transfer from Montevideo city to Montevideo Cruise Port: $42
- Private 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $45
- Transfer from Carrasco International Aiport to Montevideo: $47
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Isla Mujeres
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Isla Mujeres:
- Catamaran Sailing Adventure Isla Mujeres Unlimited + Transfer From Cancun: $89
- Cancun Hotel Zone Private Transfers: From/to Cancun Airport: $38
Is it cheaper to fly into Montevideo or Isla Mujeres?
Prices for flights to both Isla Mujeres and Montevideo 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 dayMontevideo $22Isla Mujeres $77
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montevideo
For Montevideo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Montevideo Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $65
- Private Uruguayan Cooking Class with Local Chef: $85
- Uruguayan Wine Pairing Dinner at City Winery Uruguay: $90
- Show + Dinner - El Milongon (No Transport): $93
- The best Montevideo Dinner Show. Tango and Candombe. El Milongon.: $98
- Dinner and Tango Show at Primuseum Restaurant: $100
- Dinner and Tango Show at the Historic Bar Fun Fun, Established in 1895: $100
- El Milongon Dinner & Show: Candombe, Tango and Folklore: $107
- Traditional Dinner & Tango Show at Primuseum: $110
- Food Tour with Asado, Chivito, and Mate: $221
- Montevideo private city tour with dinner included and tango show: $250
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montevideo $20Isla Mujeres $20
Tours and Activities in Montevideo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Montevideo.
- Montevideo's Culture and History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.00
- El Juguetero Museum Entry Ticket: $7.00
- Museo Andes 1972 / Crash Memorial Admission Ticket: $8.00
- Guided Tour of the National Hat Factory: $10
- Palacio Salvo Official Ticket with Guided Tour: $13
- Complete Half-Day Tour with Guide and 6 Stops: $20
- Experience the Local Magic at a Bohemian Nightclub with a Live Show: $20
- Tourist Bus Discover Montevideo: $25
- Montevideo Jogging Tour: $25
- Bodegas Carrau Winery Tour with Tastings: $25
- Half-Day City Tour with Live Guide: $25
- Half-day Regular City Tour at Montevideo: $25
Tours and Activities in Isla Mujeres
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Isla Mujeres are as follows:
- 3 Hours VIP Semiprivate Tour Isla Mujeres Full Snorkeling Experience: $88
- Adventure and Snorkel with the Whale Shark From Playa del Carmen: $230
- Catamaron Sunset Tour on Isla Mujeres with Snorkeling: $157
- Chill at -18°C Isla Mujeres Ice Bar (tickets): $25
- Contoy Island Tour from Cancun and Isla Mujeres with Snorkeling: $177
- Contoy Island Tour with Untouched Paradise and Beach Day: $139
- Crystal Boat Tour to Isla Mujeres and Reefs: $41
- Isla Mujeres Snorkeling Adventure at the Underwater Museum: $59
- Isla Mujeres Snorkeling Tour: $89
- Isla Mujeres Snorkeling Tour Adventure: $63
- Excursion Crystal Boat Tour at the Caribbean: $29
- MUSA and the Manchones Reef: 2 Tank Dive Tour: $125
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontevideo -Isla Mujeres $24
Sample the Local Flavors in Montevideo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Montevideo:
- Bodega Pizzorno wine tasting in Montevideo: $45
- Wine tasting of 4 wines from 4 wineries & empanadas in Montevideo: $50
- Pizzorno Winery with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $125
- Wine tour - Lunch & Tasting with Wine Explorers: $198
- Private Wine Tours by Wine Explorers Uruguay: $205
- Wine Tasting & Countryside Lunch Experience: $220
- Wine Tasting Tour for Cruise Passengers: $450
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montevideo and Isla Mujeres, we can see that Isla Mujeres is more expensive. And not only is Montevideo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Montevideo is in South America and Isla Mujeres 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 Montevideo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Montevideo 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 Isla Mujeres would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Isla Mujeres than you might in Montevideo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Montevideo Expensive? and Is Isla Mujeres Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montevideo or Isla Mujeres?
Montevideo has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Isla Mujeres. When comparing the sizes of Montevideo and Isla Mujeres, 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.
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.