Which place is cheaper, Dayton 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 Dayton?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Dayton? 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 Dayton?
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.
Dayton
Located in southwest Ohio, Dayton is known as the "Gem City." It's the original home of Orville and Wilbur Wright, the brothers who designed the first airplane. You'll also find the Dayton Aviation Heritage Park here, which is one of the only multi-site National Parks in the United States. The cities climate has four different seasons, winter, spring, summer and fall. The winter months are quite cold and you can expect a decent amount of snow in the area. Spring remains cool and there are infrequent showers. This is also the peak time for tornadoes in the area. Summer is hot and humid and can be unpleasant at times, but fall is crisp and refreshing with occasional storms and infrequent tornadoes.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPlaya del Carmen $81Dayton $323
The average daily cost (per person) in Playa del Carmen is $81, while the average daily cost in Dayton is $323. 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 Dayton in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPlaya del Carmen $40Dayton $250
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPlaya del Carmen $80Dayton $500
Compare Hotels in Playa del Carmen and Dayton
Looking for a hotel in Playa del Carmen or Dayton? 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 Dayton Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Playa del Carmen $24Dayton $25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Playa del Carmen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Playa del Carmen:
- Chetumal Airport (CTM) to Chetumal - Arrival Private Transfer: $24
- Punta Sam / Isla Blanca to Cancún Airport (CUN)- Departure Private Transfer: $27
- Shared Transfer Cancun Airport - Playa del Carmen: $31
- Playa del Carmen to Cancún Airport (CUN) - Private Departure Transfer: $32
- Maroma Beach: Entry Ticket to Maroma Beach Club & Transfer: $47
- Chetumal Airport (CTM) to Chetumal - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $48
- Private Transfer to Xel-Há Park from Playa del Carmen: $53
- Private Transfer Airport-Costa Mujeres/Playa Mujeres 1-8 pax: $59
- Private Transfer to Xavage / Xoximilco: $59
- Parasailing in Playa del Carmen with transfer: $59
- Private Transfer to Xcaret Park from Playa del Carmen: $60
- Shared roundtrip transfer from Cancun airport to Playa del Carmen: $71
Is it cheaper to fly into Playa del Carmen or Dayton?
Prices for flights to both Dayton 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 $24Dayton $61
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 Food Tour: $71
- Playa Del Carmen Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $75
- Playa del Carmen Walking Food Tour: $78
- Playa del Camen Vegan Mexican Food Tour: $84
- Mexican Cooking Class: $100
- PDC Traditional Mexican Cooking Experience: $104
- Authentic Mexican Cooking Class in Playa del Carmen: $120
- Isa’s Authentic Mexican Cooking Class: $120
- Riviera Maya: Sunset Cruise with Beach Dinner and Open Bar: $157
- Playa del Carmen Mexican Gourmet Food Tour: $211
Typical Food Prices in Dayton
Some typical examples of dining costs in Dayton are as follows:
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Noodle Company Lunch (for 2)$17
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Indian Food Dinner (for 2)$34
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Playa del Carmen $17Dayton -
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
- Ek Balam: Self-Guided Tour with Audio Narration & Map: $15
- Tulum Ruins: Self-Guided Tour with Audio Narration & Map: $15
- Entrance to the Xcajum Ecotourism Park: $20
- Riviera Maya: Frida Kahlo Museum Guided Tour 2024: $20
- YAL-KÚ Park in Riviera Maya Admission Ticket: $23
- Ultramar Ferry, Regular round ticket, Playa del Carmen-Cozumel: $33
- Cultural Tour in Tulum Ruins & Cenote Swimming Transport Included: $33
- Round-Trip Ferry Ticket to/from Cozumel: $35
- Mayan tour 4x1: Tulum, Cobá, Cenote & Playa del carmen: $35
- Refreshing Experience in 3 Cenotes, from Riviera Maya: $39
Tours and Activities in Dayton
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dayton are as follows:
- Daytona Beach: Guided Kayaking or Standup Paddling Tour: $65
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPlaya del Carmen $21Dayton -
Sample the Local Flavors in Playa del Carmen
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Playa del Carmen:
- Tour to the Brewery with Tasting and Fifth Avenue: $109
Sample the Local Flavors in Dayton
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dayton:
- Dive Bar Bus Crawl: $38
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Playa del Carmen and Dayton, we can see that Dayton is more expensive. And not only is Playa del Carmen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Playa del Carmen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Playa del Carmen 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 Dayton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dayton than you might in Playa del Carmen.
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 Dayton Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Dayton?
Dayton has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Dayton, 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 Dayton?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Dayton in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Dayton. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Dayton in the summer. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Dayton fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dayton this time of the year. In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives less sunshine than Dayton during summer. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Dayton receives 298 hours of full sun in the summer.
Playa del Carmen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Dayton. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Dayton receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPlaya del Carmen 28°C (82°F)Dayton 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Dayton in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Dayton. 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 the autumn, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Dayton. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Playa del Carmen in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Dayton averages at about 57°F (14°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In the autumn, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Dayton. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dayton receives 188 hours of full sun.
Playa del Carmen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in October than Dayton. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Dayton receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) 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 OctoberPlaya del Carmen 26°C (79°F)Dayton 57°F (14°C)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Dayton in the Winter?
Both Dayton and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Dayton can be very cold. In January, Playa del Carmen is generally much warmer than Dayton. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 23°C (73°F), and Dayton fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Dayton during winter. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Dayton receives 129 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Dayton. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Dayton receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPlaya del Carmen 23°C (73°F)Dayton 30°F (-1°C)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Dayton in the Spring?
Both Dayton and Playa del Carmen during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the beaches and the natural beauty.
Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Dayton in the spring. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Dayton fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).
In Dayton, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the spring, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Dayton. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dayton receives 215 hours of full sun.
Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in April than Dayton. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Dayton receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) 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 AprilPlaya del Carmen 27°C (81°F)Dayton 55°F (13°C)
Typical Weather for Dayton and Playa del Carmen
| Playa del Carmen | Dayton | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 33°F (1°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 44°F (7°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 65°F (18°C) | 4 inches (102 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 69°F (21°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 47°F (8°C) | 3.1 inches (80 mm) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 35°F (2°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) |
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.