Which place is cheaper, Havana 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 Havana?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Havana? 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 Havana?
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.
Havana
The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).
This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPlaya del Carmen $81Havana $65
The average daily cost (per person) in Playa del Carmen is $81, while the average daily cost in Havana is $65. 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 Havana in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPlaya del Carmen $40Havana $40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPlaya del Carmen $80Havana $80
Compare Hotels in Playa del Carmen and Havana
Looking for a hotel in Playa del Carmen or Havana? 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 $24Havana $19
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 Havana
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:
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Short Taxi Ride$0.68
Is it cheaper to fly into Playa del Carmen or Havana?
Prices for flights to both Havana 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 $24Havana $10
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 Havana
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:
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Pizza$0.03
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Playa del Carmen $17Havana $11
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPlaya del Carmen $21Havana $5.76
Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:
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Mojito$0.15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Playa del Carmen and Havana, we can see that Playa del Carmen is more expensive. And not only is Havana much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Playa del Carmen is in North America and Havana is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Havana would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Havana 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 Havana.
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 Havana Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Havana?
Havana has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Havana, 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 Havana?
Playa del Carmen has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Havana experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Havana in the Summer?
Both Havana and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Havana in the summer. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Havana fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. In July, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Havana. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Havana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPlaya del Carmen 28°C (82°F)Havana 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Havana in the Autumn?
Both Havana and Playa del Carmen during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round.
In the autumn, Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Havana. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Playa del Carmen in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Havana averages at about 25°C (77°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in October than Havana. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Havana receives 80 mm (3.1 in) 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)Havana 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Havana in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Havana. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Playa del Carmen is generally around the same temperature as Havana. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 23°C (73°F), and Havana fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
In January, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Havana. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Havana receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPlaya del Carmen 23°C (73°F)Havana 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Havana in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Havana. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year.
Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Havana in the spring. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Havana fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in April than Havana. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Havana receives 30 mm (1.2 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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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPlaya del Carmen 27°C (81°F)Havana 24°C (75°F)
Typical Weather for Havana and Playa del Carmen
| Playa del Carmen | Havana | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 30 mm (1.2 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.