Which place is cheaper, Fairfield 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 Fairfield?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Fairfield? 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 Fairfield?
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.
Fairfield
The city of Fairfield is in Solano County, California, in the Sacramento Valley area. It's a medium sized city that is home to the Travis Air Force Base. It's also halfway between San Francisco and Sacramento along Interstate 80. There are a handful of interesting activities in the area. Consider visiting either the Grizzly Island Wildlife Area or the Hill Slough Wildlife Area both of which have hiking, fishing, birdwatching, and boating opportunities. You can also take a tour of the Jelly Belly Factory which is in town, or tour the Anheuser-Busch Brewery which includes two complimentary beers and a limitless supply of pretzels. On Thursdays you can take a guided tour of the Travis Air Force Base. If you're interested in visited a working ranch, Rush Ranch is open to the public and can be a fun experience with an opportunity to visit with the animals.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPlaya del Carmen $81Fairfield $131
The average daily cost (per person) in Playa del Carmen is $81, while the average daily cost in Fairfield is $131. 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 Fairfield in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPlaya del Carmen $40Fairfield $97
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPlaya del Carmen $80Fairfield $194
Compare Hotels in Playa del Carmen and Fairfield
Looking for a hotel in Playa del Carmen or Fairfield? 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 Fairfield Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Playa del Carmen $24Fairfield -
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
- Private Transfer From Chetumal to Mahahual With a 2 Hour Stop: $218
- Private Transfer to Cenote at Tulum: $213
- 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: $175
- Private Transfer to Cenotes at Riviera Maya: $171
- 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
Is it cheaper to fly into Playa del Carmen or Fairfield?
Prices for flights to both Fairfield 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 $24Fairfield $30
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 Fairfield
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Fairfield:
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El Pollo Loco Lunch (for 3)$17
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Hometown Buffet Dinner (for 3)$44
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Playa del Carmen $17Fairfield $13
Tours and Activities in Playa del Carmen
Here are a few actual costs in Playa del Carmen for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Electric fatbike ecological tour in the Mayan lands: $150
- Tulum Ruins, Turtle Sightseeing & Underground Cenote from Tulum: $140
- 3 Hour Tour ATV Single with Underground River from Tulum : $118
- 3D Museum of Wonders Admission Ticket: $42
- A Lifetime Experience: Whale Shark Snorkeling Tour: $250
- ATV Adventure with Ziplines Cenote from Playa del Carmen: $75
- 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 Tour in Playa del Carmen with Zip Lines: $73
- ATV Xtreme & Snorkel Experience: $138
- ATV Xtreme and Zipline Adventure from Riviera Maya: $119
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPlaya del Carmen $21Fairfield -
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 Fairfield
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Fairfield:
- Olive Oil, Cheese, and Wine Tasting with Local Expert: $133
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Playa del Carmen and Fairfield, we can see that Fairfield 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 Fairfield would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fairfield 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 Fairfield Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Fairfield?
Fairfield has a larger population, and is about 95% larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Fairfield, 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 Fairfield?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Fairfield in the Summer?
Both Fairfield and Playa del Carmen during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Fairfield. Typically, the summer temperatures in Playa del Carmen in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Fairfield averages at about 73°F (23°C).
In Fairfield, 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 Fairfield. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Fairfield receives 439 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 Fairfield. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Fairfield receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPlaya del Carmen 28°C (82°F)Fairfield 73°F (23°C)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Fairfield in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Fairfield. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Playa del Carmen is generally much warmer than Fairfield. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 26°C (79°F), and Fairfield fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fairfield 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 Fairfield during autumn. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Fairfield receives 300 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 Fairfield. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Fairfield receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) 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 OctoberPlaya del Carmen 26°C (79°F)Fairfield 62°F (17°C)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Fairfield in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Fairfield. The winter months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Fairfield in the winter. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Fairfield fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).
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 Fairfield. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Fairfield receives 149 hours of full sun.
Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in January than Fairfield. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Fairfield receives 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPlaya del Carmen 23°C (73°F)Fairfield 46°F (8°C)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Fairfield in the Spring?
Both Fairfield and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year.
In the spring, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Fairfield. Typically, the spring temperatures in Playa del Carmen in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Fairfield averages at about 56°F (13°C).
It's quite sunny in Fairfield. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives less sunshine than Fairfield during spring. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Fairfield receives 328 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Fairfield. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Fairfield receives 1.3 inches (32 mm) 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 AprilPlaya del Carmen 27°C (81°F)Fairfield 56°F (13°C)
Typical Weather for Fairfield and Playa del Carmen
| Playa del Carmen | Fairfield | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 46°F (8°C) | 3.8 inches (97 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 1.3 inches (32 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 69°F (21°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 70°F (21°C) | 0.5 inches (12 mm) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 46°F (8°C) | 2.6 inches (65 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.