Which place is cheaper, Honolulu or Playa del Carmen?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Honolulu? 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.
Playa del Carmen is a picture-perfect, scenic, and stunning town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.
Honolulu is a multi-cultural, energetic, and vibrant city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.
You'll generally find more things to do in Honolulu than Playa del Carmen. Honolulu is bigger than Playa del Carmen, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Honolulu is better known for its museums, food, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Playa del Carmen is more popular for its nightlife and scuba diving & snorkeling. Playa del Carmen is well known for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. Honolulu is well known for its multicultural atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and iconic hikes. Also, Honolulu is famous for Pearl Harbor.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Honolulu and Playa del Carmen. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Honolulu is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Playa del Carmen is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.
You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Honolulu on the map. For many visitors, a trip to Pearl Harbor is one of the most memorable experiences while they're in Hawaii. It's still an active naval base, but it's also a National Historic Landmark that memorializes that historic day in 1941. There are many sights that reflect on the past and you can also pick up tours to the USS Arizona at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. Other cultural sights around Honolulu include the Polynesian Cultural Center, the Shangri-La Museum, and Iolani Palace.
While most people don't head to Playa del Carmen specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. If you're willing to head out of town, there are world class Mayan ruins not far away, but if you want to hang out near town, then you'll likely spend most of your time enjoying outdoor water activities.
Honolulu is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.
Dining out in Honolulu is an experience not to be missed. The city offers a mix of internationally recognized chain restaurants as well as local mom and pop shops. You'll find a mix of cuisines that reflect the city's multicultural personality. There is plenty of Japanese food around town as well as local Hawaiian dishes. Spam is incorporated into many dishes, but you'll also find seafood and tropical fruits.
There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Playa del Carmen. You'll find a good number of overpriced tourist restaurants in the area, but if you do some research you'll also find amazing and authentic Mexican food as well. There is everything from food trucks to fine dining that offer ceviche, tacos, or burritos. There are also plenty of places to grab pizza or burgers.
Playa del Carmen is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Honolulu is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.
The nightlife in Playa del Carmen is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It rivals some of the country's best nightlife and you'll find plenty of venues to choose from, ranging from dive bars to swanky cocktail lounges. Head to the main walking street for some of the most active venues.
Honolulu has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city has the most active nightlife scene on all of the Hawaiian islands. If you're looking for a party, then this is the place to stay. You'll find many bars, clubs, and entertainment options around town, as well as beach parties and festivals. For tourists, the highest concentration of nightlife venues is around Waikiki, which is also where you'll find the most hotels.
Playa del Carmen and Honolulu offer a relatively similar set of terrific luxury resort options.
For the ultimate resort vacation, Playa del Carmen is a great choice. You'll find a huge number of luxury resorts in the area, particularly along the beach. There are fancy pools and beachfront properties that offer the perfect vacation retreat.
If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Honolulu is a perfect choice. The highest concentration of resorts are around Waikiki where you'll find all of the major names such as the Hilton, Marriott, and the Hyatt.
Playa del Carmen is an unbeatable place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. Also, Honolulu is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its diving and snorkeling.
Playa del Carmen is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. There's not a lot to see right off of the beach, but there are plenty of snorkeling excursions in the area that take you to beautiful reefs. The diving is world class as well and you'll find wonderful reefs, bull sharks, and hidden gems.
There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Honolulu. There are great beaches around the island and near the city where you can enjoy diving and snorkeling. You'll find coral and tropical fish that make for a wonderful experience.
For a relaxing beach holiday, both Playa del Carmen and Honolulu are terrific choices.
Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Playa del Carmen. The area is filled with world class beaches, long stretches of white sand, and beautiful blue water. You might even stumble across a sea turtle or two while you're swimming.
With world-famous beaches, Honolulu is a very popular vacation destination. Nearby there are countless beach destinations such as the famed Waikiki Beach. There are also more local and lesser known stretches of sand where you can escape the tourist crowds. Other great beaches in the area include Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Magic Island, and Lanikai Beach.
Honolulu is an amazing city to visit for its hiking experiences. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.
People visit Honolulu specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Both in the city and nearby you'll find world famous hiking trails that offer spectacular views and breathtaking landscapes. There are many natural landmarks and dramatic mountains. Moanalua Valley Trail, also known as the Stairway to Heaven, is one of the top hiking trails in the area. Other popular options include Kuliouou Ridge Trail and Diamond Head Crater Hike.
Many people include a hike when visiting Playa del Carmen. There are well marked trails in the area that get you out in nature or take you along the coastline.
Honolulu is a great destination for its shopping areas. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.
Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Honolulu. The city has some of the best shopping opportunities in the Hawaiian islands. There are brand name fashion outlets, large shopping malls, and boutique local vendors. Many of the malls are open air and let you enjoy the Hawaiian climate while you browse. Downtown Honolulu and Waikiki both have many shopping opportunities.
Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Playa del Carmen. Much of the shopping is geared towards the tourists, but you'll find some local items, interesting galleries, and colorful markets to explore.
Kids will enjoy a visit to either Playa del Carmen or Honolulu.
As it has a large number of activities for kids, Playa del Carmen is a very family-friendly destination. From eco parks to kid-friendly snorkeling opportunities, there are many activities for kids of all ages. There are also adventure parks and playgrounds that are perfect for a fun afternoon.
Honolulu is one of the most popular family destinations. There are many kid-friendly beaches, hiking trails, and activities that appeal to families. While Waikiki Beach can get crowded, it is also a great option for kids. Kids will also enjoy snorkeling with sea turtles, swimming with dolphins, or taking surfing lessons. For a cold treat, everyone can enjoy shave ice and the perfect way to wrap up a day is a fun luau.
With fun activities for couples, both Playa del Carmen and Honolulu make for a terrific place to visit.
Playa del Carmen makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Beautiful beaches and tropical jungles make this a paradise honeymoon destination. You'll find luxury resorts, fine dining restaurants, and countless opportunities to enjoy the stunning setting. Take a sunset cruise of explore one of the many natural wonders in the area.
For those traveling as a couple, Honolulu has plenty to offer. Romantic resorts, beautiful beaches, and stunning hikes make this a top honeymoon destination for couples. The city has an energy that is unlike anywhere else on the Hawaiian islands, but there are also nature trails and outdoor adventures nearby. There are a diversity of restaurants that highlight both local and international cuisines, and a nightlife scene that will keep you entertained.
Honolulu is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.
Honolulu is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. This is one of the easier places to stay in Hawaii as a backpacker. There are a handful of hostels, and public transit is available so having a car isn't as crucial as it is everywhere else.
Playa del Carmen is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's filled with tourists staying at luxury resorts, but you'll also find a couple of hostels tucked away in town. If you're interesting in scuba diving, then it's well worth the trip.
You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Playa del Carmen and Honolulu.
You'll find some public transit in Playa del Carmen, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses, collectivos and the ADO bus.
While Honolulu offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. TheBus is the public bus system through the city and elsewhere on Oahu.
Playa del Carmen is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Honolulu is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.
Playa del Carmen is a very easy town to get around on foot. It's a compact and very walkable town. La Quinta is the main strip and it's pedestrian-only.
Honolulu is a very walkable town. The most walkable areas are around downtown Honolulu and in Waikiki.
For even more information, also check out Is Playa del Carmen Worth Visiting? and Is Honolulu Worth Visiting?.
Both Playa del Carmen and Honolulu have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Honolulu has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Honolulu than Playa del Carmen. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Playa del Carmen, and 5-7 days is enough time in Honolulu.
Couples should spend more time in Honolulu than Playa del Carmen. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Honolulu that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Honolulu than Playa del Carmen if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Honolulu.
The beautiful town of Playa del Carmen offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
People visit Honolulu because there is so much to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
Playa del Carmen is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.
People visit Honolulu because there is so much to do. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.
Playa del Carmen is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Playa del Carmen, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
Honolulu is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.
Playa del Carmen is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Playa del Carmen has to offer. This town offers something for everyone.
Honolulu is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.
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 United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Playa del Carmen is $81, while the average daily cost in Honolulu is $284. 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 Honolulu in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Playa del Carmen or Honolulu? 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.
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Playa del Carmen:
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Honolulu are as follows:
Also for Honolulu, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Honolulu 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.
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Playa del Carmen.
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Honolulu:
For Honolulu, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Here are a few actual costs in Playa del Carmen for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
For Honolulu, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Honolulu.
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Playa del Carmen:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Playa del Carmen and Honolulu, we can see that Honolulu 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 Honolulu would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Honolulu 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 Honolulu Expensive?.
Honolulu has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Honolulu, 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.
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.
Both Honolulu 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Honolulu for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Honolulu. Typically, the summer temperatures in Playa del Carmen in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Honolulu averages at about 81°F (27°C).
In Honolulu, 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 Honolulu. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 303 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 Honolulu. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain this time of the year.
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Honolulu. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Honolulu because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Playa del Carmen is generally around the same temperature as Honolulu. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 26°C (79°F), and Honolulu fluctuates around 80°F (26°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Honolulu this time of the year. In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Honolulu during autumn. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 246 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 Honolulu. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to October is the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen.
The winter brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Honolulu. The winter months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Honolulu this time of year.
Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Honolulu in the winter. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Honolulu fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Honolulu. 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 around the same amount of sunshine as Honolulu. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 212 hours of full sun.
Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in January than Honolulu. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.
Both Honolulu 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. Also, many travelers come to Honolulu for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Honolulu. Typically, the spring temperatures in Playa del Carmen in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Honolulu averages at about 76°F (24°C).
It's quite sunny in Honolulu. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Honolulu during spring. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Honolulu. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.
Playa del Carmen | Honolulu | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) |
Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) |
Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) |
May | 28°C (82°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 78°F (25°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) |
Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 80°F (26°C) | 0.5 inches (12 mm) |
Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 0.6 inches (15 mm) |
Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 0.4 inches (11 mm) |
Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 0.7 inches (19 mm) |
Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 80°F (26°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) |
Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |