Which place is cheaper, Playa del Carmen or Piriapolis?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Piriapolis or Playa del Carmen?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Piriapolis or Playa del Carmen, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Piriapolis or Playa del Carmen?
Piriapolis
Piriapolis is a small beach town between Montevideo and Punta del Este in Uruguay. It is a more laid back version of Punta del Este with fewer fancy restaurants and clubs but it has perhaps more charm, with its grand old hotel and beachfront promenade backed by small mountains. The rather old-school coastal resort is vaguely reminiscent of a Mediterranean beach town.
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 Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best Cultural Tours in 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 dayPiriapolis $67Playa del Carmen $81
The average daily cost (per person) in Piriapolis is $67, 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 Piriapolis and Playa del Carmen in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPiriapolis $27Playa del Carmen $40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPiriapolis $54Playa del Carmen $80
Compare Hotels in Piriapolis and Playa del Carmen
Looking for a hotel in Piriapolis 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: Piriapolis Hotel Prices and Playa del Carmen Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Piriapolis $31Playa del Carmen $24
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 Piriapolis or Playa del Carmen?
Prices for flights to both Playa del Carmen and Piriapolis 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 dayPiriapolis $23Playa 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.Piriapolis $5.89Playa 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:
- 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 dayPiriapolis $8.11Playa del Carmen $21
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Piriapolis and Playa del Carmen, we can see that Playa del Carmen is more expensive. And not only is Piriapolis much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Piriapolis 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 Piriapolis would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Piriapolis 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 Piriapolis.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Piriapolis Expensive? and Is Playa del Carmen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Piriapolis or Playa del Carmen?
Playa del Carmen has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Piriapolis. When comparing the sizes of Piriapolis 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 Piriapolis 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. Piriapolis 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 Piriapolis or Playa del Carmen in the Summer?
Both Playa del Carmen and Piriapolis are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Piriapolis is cooler than Playa del Carmen in the summer. The daily temperature in Piriapolis averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in July.
It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Piriapolis. Piriapolis usually receives more sunshine than Playa del Carmen during summer. Piriapolis gets 296 hours of sunny skies, while Playa del Carmen receives 223 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. In January, Piriapolis usually receives less rain than Playa del Carmenin July. Piriapolis gets 75 mm (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 JulyPiriapolis 23°C (73°F)Playa del Carmen 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Piriapolis or Playa del Carmen in the Autumn?
Both Playa del Carmen and Piriapolis during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Piriapolis is much colder than Playa del Carmen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Piriapolis in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Playa del Carmen averages at about 26°C (79°F)in October.
In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Piriapolis often gets less sunshine than Playa del Carmenin October. Piriapolis gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa del Carmen receives 233 hours of full sun.
Playa del Carmen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Piriapolis usually gets less rain in April than Playa del Carmenin October. Piriapolis gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberPiriapolis 17°C (63°F)Playa del Carmen 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Piriapolis or Playa del Carmen in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Piriapolis and Playa del Carmen. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year.
In July, Piriapolis is generally much colder than Playa del Carmenin January. Daily temperatures in Piriapolis average around 10°C (50°F), and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. Piriapolis usually receives less sunshine than Playa del Carmen during winter. Piriapolis gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Playa del Carmen receives 224 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Piriapolis usually receives more rain than Playa del Carmenin January. Piriapolis gets 90 mm (3.5 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 JanuaryPiriapolis 10°C (50°F)Playa del Carmen 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Piriapolis or Playa del Carmen in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Piriapolis as well as Playa del Carmen. Additionally, many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches and the natural beauty.
Piriapolis is much colder than Playa del Carmen in the spring. The daily temperature in Piriapolis averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in April.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Piriapolis this time of the year. In the spring, Piriapolis often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Playa del Carmenin April. Piriapolis gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa del Carmen receives 259 hours of full sun.
Piriapolis usually gets more rain in October than Playa del Carmenin April. Piriapolis gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to October is the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilPiriapolis 16°C (61°F)Playa del Carmen 27°C (81°F)
Typical Weather for Playa del Carmen and Piriapolis
| Piriapolis | Playa del Carmen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 11°C (52°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Jul | 10°C (50°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (52°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Sep | 13°C (55°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 67 mm (2.6 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.