Which place is cheaper, Easter Island 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 Easter Island?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Easter Island? 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 Easter Island?
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.
Easter Island
Although Easter Island is considered a territory of Chile, it is actually located far out in the Pacific, almost halfway to Tahiti. Easter Island is well known, despite being one of the most isolated islands on Earth, because of the mysterious giant stone busts which date back centuries. There are 887 monumental statues, called moai, that were built by the Rapa Nui people. There remains much mystery around the historic Polynesian culture which created the stones, as well as the specific meaning for them.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Chile, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Chile.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPlaya del Carmen $81Easter Island $80
The average daily cost (per person) in Playa del Carmen is $81, while the average daily cost in Easter Island is $80. 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 Easter Island in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPlaya del Carmen $40Easter Island $44
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPlaya del Carmen $80Easter Island $88
Compare Hotels in Playa del Carmen and Easter Island
Looking for a hotel in Playa del Carmen or Easter Island? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Playa del Carmen $24Easter Island $2.59
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Playa del Carmen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Playa del Carmen:
- Wedding Transfers Services in Round Trip Playa del Carmen: $180
- Transfers in Lincoln StretchLimo from Puerto Aventuras-Cun Airport.: $194
- Transfer in Private vehicle from Akumal City - Cancun Airport (CUN) : $74
- Tour Bacalar Ponton with Transfer from Cancun & Playa del Carmen : $147
- Shared transfer from Playa del Carmen tu Cancun airport: $25
- Shared roundtrip transfer from Cancun airport to Playa del Carmen: $71
- Shared Transfer Cancun Airport - Puerto Aventuras: $48
- Shared Transfer Cancun Airport - Playa del Carmen: $31
- Roundtrip Private Transfer Playa del Carmen from CUN: $173
- Private Transfer: Akumal to Cancun Airport CUN in SUV: $109
- Private Transfer to Xplor / Xenses / Xplor Fire from Playa del Carmen: $25
- Private Transfer to Xel-Há Park from Playa del Carmen: $53
Is it cheaper to fly into Playa del Carmen or Easter Island?
Prices for flights to both Easter Island 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 $24Easter Island $25
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Easter Island
For Easter Island, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Dinner, Show and Traditional Curanto Te Ra'ai Cultural Experience: $120
- Rapa Nui Dinner Show on Easter Island: $153
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Playa del Carmen $17Easter Island $40
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Easter Island
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Easter Island's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Bike Rental$8.38
Tours and Activities in Easter Island
For Easter Island, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Full Day Tour in Rapa Nui: $70
- Full Day Hotu Matua Tour from Vaihu to Anakena: $70
- Orongo, Ahu Vinapu and Rano Kau Half Day Tour: $91
- Easter Island Moai Archaeology Tour: Ahu Akivi, Ahu Tahai and Puna Pauâ Quarry.: $91
- Full Day Tour in Rapa Nui National Park, Easter Island: $97
- Private Sunrise Tour at 15 Moai Tongariki Park: $120
- Full day tour - DREAM: $120
- The Rapa Nui Stargazing Experience : $125
- Private Tour: Tongariki Sunrise Experience: $125
- Tour to the Motus: Boat trip and snorkeling in Rapa Nui: $149
- Rapa Nui: Private Tour "The Legend of the BirdMan": $150
- Private Tour: The Underground World of Rapa Nui Caves: $150
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPlaya del Carmen $21Easter Island $5.34
When comparing the travel costs between Playa del Carmen and Easter Island, we can see that Playa del Carmen is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Playa del Carmen is in North America and Easter Island is in South America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
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 Easter Island Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Easter Island?
Playa del Carmen has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Easter Island. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Easter Island, 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 Easter Island?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Easter Island 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 Easter Island in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Easter Island. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year.
In the summer, Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Easter Island. Typically, the summer temperatures in Playa del Carmen in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Easter Island averages at about 24°C (74°F)in January.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Easter Island. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In the summer, Playa del Carmen often gets less sunshine than Easter Islandin January. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Easter Island receives 272 hours of full sun.
Playa del Carmen receives a lot of rain in the summer. Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in July than Easter Islandin January. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Easter Island receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryPlaya del Carmen 28°C (82°F)Easter Island 24°C (74°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Easter Island in the Autumn?
Both Easter Island and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Playa del Carmen is generally a little warmer than Easter Islandin April. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 26°C (79°F), and Easter Island fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Easter Island during autumn. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Easter Island receives 185 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Easter Island. It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. In October, Playa del Carmen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Easter Islandin April. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Easter Island receives 121 mm (4.8 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)Easter Island 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Easter Island in the Winter?
Both Easter Island and Playa del Carmen during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Easter Island in the winter. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Easter Island fluctuates around 18°C (65°F)in July.
It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the winter, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Easter Islandin July. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Easter Island receives 148 hours of full sun.
Easter Island gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in January than Easter Islandin July. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Easter Island receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyPlaya del Carmen 23°C (73°F)Easter Island 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Easter Island in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Easter Island. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Easter Island. Typically, the spring temperatures in Playa del Carmen in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Easter Island averages at about 20°C (67°F)in October.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Easter Island this time of the year. In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Easter Island during spring. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Easter Island receives 224 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Easter Islandin October. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Easter Island receives 68 mm (2.7 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)Easter Island 20°C (67°F)
Typical Weather for Easter Island and Playa del Carmen
| Playa del Carmen | Easter Island | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 106 mm (4.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 86 mm (3.4 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.