Which place is cheaper, Playa del Carmen or Montevideo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Montevideo 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 Montevideo 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: Montevideo or Playa del Carmen?
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.
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 Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, 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 dayMontevideo $63Playa del Carmen $81
The average daily cost (per person) in Montevideo is $63, 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 Montevideo and Playa del Carmen in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontevideo $39Playa del Carmen $40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontevideo $78Playa del Carmen $80
Compare Hotels in Montevideo and Playa del Carmen
Looking for a hotel in Montevideo 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: Montevideo Hotel Prices and Playa del Carmen Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montevideo $7.32Playa del Carmen $24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montevideo
Also for Montevideo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 1 - way - Transfer from Carrasco Interational Airport to Montevideo: $51
- Airport-Hotel or Hotel-Airport Transfers: $36
- Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo - Arrival Private Transfer: $49
- Carrasco Airport MVD to Montevideo Hotels Round Trip Transfer: $98
- Carrasco International Airport (MVD) to Montevideo hotels - Round-Trip Transfer: $98
- Private 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $45
- Shared 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $35
- Private Transfer - Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Punta Del Este Port: $85
- Private Transfer from Carrasco Airport MVD to Punta Del Este Port: $72
- Private Transfer from Montevideo Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $26
- Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport MVD: $72
- Private Transfer from or to Carrasco Airport in Montevideo: $120
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 Montevideo or Playa del Carmen?
Prices for flights to both Playa del Carmen 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 $13Playa del Carmen $24
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montevideo
For Montevideo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- The best Montevideo Dinner Show. Tango and Candombe. El Milongon.: $85
- El Milongon Dinner & Show: Candombe, Tango & Folklore in Montevideo: $98
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.Montevideo $21Playa del Carmen $17
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: $5.20
- Museo Andes 1972 / Crash Memorial Admission Ticket: $8.00
- Palacio Salvo Official Ticket with Guided Tour: $13
- Half-day Regular City Tour at Montevideo : $25
- Montevideo City Tour for Cruisers - AudioGuided: $26
- Half-Day Sightseeing Tour: $28
- Shared Montevideo Tour for Cruisers: $30
- Old City Walking Tour with Private Photographer: $30
- Walking Tour with Photographer and Audioguide: $31
- City Sightseeing Tour: $32
- Montevideo City Tour for Cruisers: $35
- The Best Montevideo City Tour: $36
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 dayMontevideo -Playa del Carmen $21
Sample the Local Flavors in Montevideo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Montevideo:
- Half Day Tour at Pizzorno Winery with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $120
- Juanico Wine Tour Lunch: $132
- Wine tour - Lunch & Tasting with Wine Explorers: $198
- Wine Tasting & Countryside Lunch Experience: $210
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montevideo and Playa del Carmen, we can see that Playa del Carmen 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 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 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 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 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 Playa del Carmen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montevideo or Playa del Carmen?
Montevideo has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Montevideo 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 Montevideo 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. Montevideo 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 Montevideo or Playa del Carmen in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Montevideo 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.
Montevideo is cooler than Playa del Carmen in the summer. The daily temperature in Montevideo averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 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 Montevideo this time of the year. In the summer, Montevideo often gets more sunshine than Playa del Carmenin July. Montevideo gets 296 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. Montevideo usually gets less rain in January than Playa del Carmenin July. Montevideo gets 90 mm (3.5 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 JulyMontevideo 24°C (75°F)Playa del Carmen 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Montevideo or Playa del Carmen in the Autumn?
Both Playa del Carmen and Montevideo 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 the autumn, Montevideo is much colder than Playa del Carmen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Montevideo in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Playa del Carmen averages at about 26°C (79°F)in October.
It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. Montevideo usually receives less sunshine than Playa del Carmen during autumn. Montevideo gets 171 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 Montevideo. In April, Montevideo usually receives less rain than Playa del Carmenin October. Montevideo gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn. June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberMontevideo 17°C (63°F)Playa del Carmen 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Montevideo or Playa del Carmen in the Winter?
Both Playa del Carmen and Montevideo 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.
In July, Montevideo is generally much colder than Playa del Carmenin January. Daily temperatures in Montevideo average around 11°C (52°F), and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Montevideo often gets less sunshine than Playa del Carmenin January. Montevideo gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa del Carmen receives 224 hours of full sun.
Montevideo usually gets more rain in July than Playa del Carmenin January. Montevideo gets 70 mm (2.8 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 JanuaryMontevideo 11°C (52°F)Playa del Carmen 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Montevideo or Playa del Carmen in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Montevideo and Playa del Carmen. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year.
Montevideo is much colder than Playa del Carmen in the spring. The daily temperature in Montevideo averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in April.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In Montevideo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montevideo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Playa del Carmen during spring. Montevideo gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Playa del Carmen receives 259 hours of full sun in the spring.
Montevideo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Montevideo usually receives more rain than Playa del Carmenin April. Montevideo gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilMontevideo 17°C (63°F)Playa del Carmen 27°C (81°F)
Typical Weather for Playa del Carmen and Montevideo
| Montevideo | Playa del Carmen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 11°C (52°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Aug | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (57°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (63°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Dec | 22°C (72°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.