Which place is cheaper, Cordoba or Playa del Carmen?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Cordoba?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Cordoba? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Playa del Carmen or Cordoba?
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.
Cordoba
Cordoba is the capital of the Cordoba province and the second largest city in all of Argentina. The city is in a beautiful setting surrounded by valleys and hills. Within the city you will find many colonial buildings and beautiful architecture. Cordoba also has many universities and scientific institutes, giving it the nickname "La Docta." Because of the large number of students, Cordoba's population is young and active, which keeps the atmosphere light and fun.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Adventure Tours to Argentina, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Argentina.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPlaya del Carmen $81Cordoba $8.40
The average daily cost (per person) in Playa del Carmen is $81, while the average daily cost in Cordoba is $8.40. 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 Playa del Carmen and Cordoba in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPlaya del Carmen $40Cordoba $3.05
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPlaya del Carmen $80Cordoba $6.10
Compare Hotels in Playa del Carmen and Cordoba
Looking for a hotel in Playa del Carmen or Cordoba? 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: Playa del Carmen Hotel Prices and Cordoba Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Playa del Carmen $24Cordoba $2.08
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cordoba
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cordoba are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$0.01
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cordoba
Also for Cordoba, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer in private minivan from Cordoba to Ingeniero Ambrosio Taravella Airport: $61
Is it cheaper to fly into Playa del Carmen or Cordoba?
Prices for flights to both Cordoba and Playa del Carmen 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 dayPlaya del Carmen $24Cordoba $3.83
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
Typical Food Prices in Cordoba
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Cordoba:
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Empanadas$0.01
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Sandwich$0.00
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Ice Cream$0.00
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Playa del Carmen $17Cordoba $1.88
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
Tours and Activities in Cordoba
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cordoba.
- Traditional Córdoba CityTour x 2 Pax: $45
- Alta Gracia: Unveiling Cordoba's Cultural Heritage Tour: $48
- Exploring Villa Carlos Paz: Guided Sightseeing Tour: $50
- Cordoba City Tour: $50
- Private Cordoba City Tour: $53
- Córdoba: Villa Carlos Paz Tour: $59
- Cordoba City Tour with Optional Jesuitic Square: $60
- Córdoba CityTour FULLDAY x 2 pax: $60
- Caroya WineTour x 2 Pax: $60
- La Cumbrecita and Villa General Belgrano Full Day Tour: $73
- Full Day Tour to Punilla Valley from Cordoba: $75
- Full Day Jesuit Legacy Tour from Cordoba: $80
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPlaya del Carmen $21Cordoba $1.48
Sample the Local Flavors in Cordoba
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cordoba:
- Full-Day Private Colonia Caroya Wine Tour from Córdoba: $120
- Wine Tour Privado - Colonia Caroya: $130
- Wine Tour Privado - Calamuchita: $150
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Playa del Carmen and Cordoba, we can see that Playa del Carmen is more expensive. And not only is Cordoba much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Playa del Carmen is in North America and Cordoba is in South 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 Cordoba would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cordoba 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 Cordoba.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Playa del Carmen Expensive? and Is Cordoba Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Cordoba?
Cordoba has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Cordoba, 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 Playa del Carmen or Cordoba?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Cordoba 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 Playa del Carmen or Cordoba in the Summer?
Both Cordoba and Playa del Carmen during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Cordoba. Typically, the summer temperatures in Playa del Carmen in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Cordoba averages at about 10°C (50°F)in January.
In Cordoba, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the summer, Playa del Carmen often gets less sunshine than Cordobain January. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cordoba receives 277 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in July than Cordobain January. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryPlaya del Carmen 28°C (82°F)Cordoba 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Cordoba in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Cordoba. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Playa del Carmen is generally much warmer than Cordobain April. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 26°C (79°F), and Cordoba fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Cordoba during autumn. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Cordoba receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Playa del Carmen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Cordobain April. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn. June to October is the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilPlaya del Carmen 26°C (79°F)Cordoba 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Cordoba in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Cordoba. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Playa del Carmen is cooler than Cordoba in the winter. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Cordoba fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in July.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In the winter, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Cordobain July. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cordoba receives 189 hours of full sun.
Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in January than Cordobain July. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyPlaya del Carmen 23°C (73°F)Cordoba 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Cordoba in the Spring?
Both Cordoba and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the beaches and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Cordoba. Typically, the spring temperatures in Playa del Carmen in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Cordoba averages at about 19°C (66°F)in October.
It's quite sunny in Cordoba. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cordoba during spring. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Cordoba receives 243 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Cordobain October. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring. June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberPlaya del Carmen 27°C (81°F)Cordoba 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Cordoba and Playa del Carmen
| Playa del Carmen | Cordoba | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 70 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.