Which place is cheaper, Cuenca 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 Cuenca?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Cuenca? 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 Cuenca?
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.
Cuenca
Cuenca is a vibrant colonial city in southern Ecuador, the third largest in the country, and the capital of Azuay Province. Cuenca is considered as Ecuador's most important and beautiful colonial city after Quito. Dating from the 16th century, Cuenca's historic center, a Unesco World Heritage Site with its trademark skyline of massive rotundas and soaring steeples, is a magical sight in which you will feel like you are moving back in time. Cuenca is the center of many craft traditions, including ceramics, metalwork and the internationally famous panama hat. The nearby villages also offer many other handicrafts. Tourists enjoy wandering the ancient streets discovering picturesque alleys and hidden corners, where nuns march along cobblestone streets and kids in Catholic-school uniforms skip past historic churches. Fascinating historic monuments and fabulous views are found at every turn. Cuenca also has outstanding art museums and festivals. For a rewarding cultural experience, visit during Easter to attend the Festival of Religious Music.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPlaya del Carmen $81Cuenca $42
The average daily cost (per person) in Playa del Carmen is $81, while the average daily cost in Cuenca is $42. 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 Cuenca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPlaya del Carmen $40Cuenca $13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPlaya del Carmen $80Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Playa del Carmen and Cuenca
Looking for a hotel in Playa del Carmen or Cuenca? 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 Cuenca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Playa del Carmen $24Cuenca $11
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cuenca
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cuenca:
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Taxi Ride$2.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cuenca
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cuenca:
- Private Transfer from Cuenca to Guayaquil.: $104
- Shared transfer from Hotel to Airport in Cuenca: $47
Is it cheaper to fly into Playa del Carmen or Cuenca?
Prices for flights to both Cuenca 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 $24Cuenca $15
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 Cuenca
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cuenca:
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Lunch$10
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Snacks$5.00
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Empanada$1.50
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Hot Dog$1.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cuenca
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cuenca.
- Street food Tour in Cuenca,Ecuador: $33
- Cooking Class & Market Tour in Cuenca: $55
- Cuenca City Tour & Cooking Class (PRIVATE Tour from Cuenca): $112
- Private Cooking Class: $125
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Playa del Carmen $17Cuenca $16
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
Tours and Activities in Cuenca
Here are a few actual costs in Cuenca for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cuenca, Ecuador Half-Day City Shared Tour: $25
- Cuenca-Ec- City Tour with Panama Hat factory Half Day: $30
- Cuenca Half-Day City Tour Including Panama Hat Factory: $30
- Private Cuenca City Tour including Turi Viewpoint: $40
- Cajas National Park Half Day Tour from Cuenca: $40
- El Chorro waterfalls and Busa lake tour from Cuenca: $44
- Experience Historical City Tour: $44
- City Sightseeing Tour: $45
- Cuenca, Ecuador Half-Day City Tour: $46
- Amazing Cajas National Park Tour from Cuenca: $48
- Cuenca City Tour: $48
- Cajas National Park Small-Group tour from Cuenca: $49
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPlaya del Carmen $21Cuenca $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Playa del Carmen and Cuenca, we can see that Playa del Carmen is more expensive. And not only is Cuenca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Playa del Carmen is in North America and Cuenca 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 Cuenca would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cuenca 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 Cuenca.
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 Cuenca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Cuenca?
Cuenca has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Cuenca, 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 Cuenca?
Playa del Carmen has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Cuenca experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Cuenca in the Summer?
Both Cuenca and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Playa del Carmen is generally a little warmer than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 28°C (82°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. In July, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPlaya del Carmen 28°C (82°F)Cuenca 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Cuenca in the Autumn?
Both Cuenca and Playa del Carmen during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.
Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Cuenca in the autumn. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Cuenca fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in October than Cuenca. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 42 mm (1.7 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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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPlaya del Carmen 26°C (79°F)Cuenca 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Cuenca in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Cuenca. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Cuenca. In the winter, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Cuenca. Typically, the winter temperatures in Playa del Carmen in January average around 23°C (73°F), and Cuenca averages at about 4°C (39°F).
In January, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPlaya del Carmen 23°C (73°F)Cuenca 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Cuenca in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Cuenca. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
In April, Playa del Carmen is generally much warmer than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 27°C (81°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in April than Cuenca. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPlaya del Carmen 27°C (81°F)Cuenca 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cuenca and Playa del Carmen
| Playa del Carmen | Cuenca | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 15 mm (0.6 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.