Which place is cheaper, Tulum or Montevideo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Montevideo or Tulum?
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 Tulum 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 Tulum?
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.
Tulum
When you think of ancient ruins you probably picture dusty archaeological digs surrounded by sand and professors in khaki shorts. What if I told you there is a way to see ancient ruins and visit a tropical beach? That's exactly what you find in Tulum, Mexico.
Built near the end of Mayan era, the ruins of Tulum served as a port before the arrival of the Spanish. It may have been called Zama, meaning City of Dawn, given that these ruins face the sunrise. Because of Tulum's access to both land and sea routes, this spot was an important hub for the trade industry. It may have had another claim to fame, too. According to some murals and other works around the site, it seems this spot was an important site for the worship of the Diving or Descending God. Today, the area is the third most visited archaeological site in all of Mexico with daily tour buses dropping off visitors.
This area is usually packed with people looking to get a glimpse of the seaside ruins. To avoid crowds and capture the best view of the day, try to arrive as early as possible.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, and The Best Historical Tours in Mexico.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontevideo $63Tulum $117
The average daily cost (per person) in Montevideo is $63, while the average daily cost in Tulum is $117. 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 Tulum in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontevideo $39Tulum $60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontevideo $78Tulum $120
Compare Hotels in Montevideo and Tulum
Looking for a hotel in Montevideo or Tulum? 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 Tulum Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montevideo $7.32Tulum $28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montevideo
Also for Montevideo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Montevideo to Carrasco Airport: $12
- Transfer in private vehicle from Montevideo Airport (MVD) -Montevideo City: $21
- Private Transfer from Montevideo Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $26
- Shared 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $35
- Airport-Hotel or Hotel-Airport Transfers: $36
- Transfer from Montevideo to Carrasco Airport: $45
- Private 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $45
- Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo - Arrival Private Transfer: $49
- 1 - way - Transfer from Carrasco Interational Airport to Montevideo: $51
- Private Transfer from Carrasco Airport MVD to Punta Del Este Port: $72
- Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport MVD: $72
- TRANSFER FROM OR TO THE AIRPORT (4 to 12 paxs): $80
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Tulum
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Tulum are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tulum
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tulum:
- Round-trip Private Transfer Cancun Airport to TULUM - up to 9 pax: $299
- Roundtrip Transfer from Cancun Airport to Tulum: $269
- Roundtrip Private Transfer from Cancun Airport to Tulum: $254
- Transfer from Tulum airport to Bacalar: $233
- Private Luxury Transfer Tulum to Cancun Airport: $220
- Private Transfer Tulum-Bacalar with optional 2h in Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve: $210
- Private Transfer From Cancun Airport - Tulum: $208
- Cancun Airport Departure transfer from Akumal, Tulum: $191
- Tulum to Chetumal - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $182
- Private Transfer Tulum Zone - Cancun International Airport: $160
- One Way Private Tulum Transfers to or from Cancun Airport: $160
- Tulum to Mahahual - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $160
Is it cheaper to fly into Montevideo or Tulum?
Prices for flights to both Tulum 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 $13Tulum $34
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
Typical Food Prices in Tulum
Some typical examples of dining costs in Tulum are as follows:
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Lunch$3.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tulum
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Tulum.
- Tulum Local Walking Food Tour: $86
- Vegan Walking Food Tour with Tasting: $87
- Mexican Cooking from Scratch and Mezcal Tasting in a Local Home in Tulum: $87
- Mayan Night Guided Tour, Cenote Swim and Mayan Dinner: $209
- Private transfer for 5 hours (go dinner,cenotes, shopping and more) : $299
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montevideo $21Tulum $32
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 Tulum
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tulum are as follows:
- Private Tour - The best Cenotes in Yucatan - Suytun & Oxman: $195
- Romantic tour in Tulum: $169
- 4-Hour Cenotes Tour with Hotel Pickup in Riviera Maya: $109
- 5 Hours Mayan Snorkeling Experience in Tulum: $90
- 5x1 Deluxe Tour Tulum, Coba, Cenote Transportation from Tulum: $88
- 5x1: Tulum, Coba, Cenote and Mayan Village Full Day Tour: $99
- ATV Cenote and Zipline Adventure from Tulum: $119
- ATV Extreme Adventure Single with Ziplines and Cenote Swim: $137
- ATV Jungle Adventure with Ziplines, Cenote & Tulum Pickup: $75
- ATV Tour with Ziplines and Cenote Swim Experience in Quintana Roo: $59
- Adventure Tulum: $105
- Adventure in the Mayan Jungle with ATV and Zip Line in Tulum: $90
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontevideo -Tulum -
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Tulum
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Tulum:
- 30 Minutes Brewery Tour in Tulum: $39
- Wine Tasting at Pan y Vino Tulum: $58
- Beer Tasting and Brewery Tour: $69
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montevideo and Tulum, we can see that Tulum 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 Tulum 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 Tulum would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tulum 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 Tulum Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montevideo or Tulum?
Montevideo has a larger population, and is about 150 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Montevideo and Tulum, 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 Tulum?
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 Tulum has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Montevideo or Tulum in the Summer?
Both Tulum and Montevideo during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tulum this time of year.
In the summer, Montevideo is cooler than Tulum. Typically, the summer temperatures in Montevideo in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Tulum averages at about 28°C (83°F)in July.
In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Montevideo. In the summer, Montevideo often gets more sunshine than Tulumin July. Montevideo gets 296 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tulum receives 232 hours of full sun.
Tulum gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Montevideo usually gets less rain in January than Tulumin July. Montevideo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyMontevideo 24°C (75°F)Tulum 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Montevideo or Tulum in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Montevideo and Tulum. Also, many travelers come to Tulum for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In April, Montevideo is generally much colder than Tulumin October. Daily temperatures in Montevideo average around 17°C (63°F), and Tulum fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. Montevideo usually receives less sunshine than Tulum during autumn. Montevideo gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Tulum receives 216 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Tulum receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Montevideo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Montevideo usually receives less rain than Tulumin October. Montevideo gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn. November to April in Tulum is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. June to October is the hurricane season in Tulum.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberMontevideo 17°C (63°F)Tulum 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Montevideo or Tulum in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Montevideo as well as Tulum. Also, many visitors come to Tulum in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Montevideo is much colder than Tulum in the winter. The daily temperature in Montevideo averages around 11°C (52°F) in July, and Tulum fluctuates around 23°C (74°F)in January.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. In the winter, Montevideo often gets less sunshine than Tulumin January. Montevideo gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tulum receives 213 hours of full sun.
Montevideo usually gets more rain in July than Tulumin January. Montevideo gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryMontevideo 11°C (52°F)Tulum 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Montevideo or Tulum in the Spring?
Both Tulum and Montevideo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Tulum for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Montevideo is much colder than Tulum. Typically, the spring temperatures in Montevideo in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Tulum averages at about 27°C (81°F)in April.
It's quite sunny in Tulum. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montevideo. Montevideo usually receives less sunshine than Tulum during spring. Montevideo gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Tulum receives 273 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Montevideo. In October, Montevideo usually receives more rain than Tulumin April. Montevideo gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Tulum is November to April. The rainy season in Tulum is June to October. June to October in Tulum is the hurricane season.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilMontevideo 17°C (63°F)Tulum 27°C (81°F)
Typical Weather for Tulum and Montevideo
| Montevideo | Tulum | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Jun | 11°C (52°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 192 mm (7.6 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Aug | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (57°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (63°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Dec | 22°C (72°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 72 mm (2.8 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.