Which place is cheaper, Hope 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 Hope?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Hope? 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 Hope?
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.
Hope
Hope, located in British Columbia, Canada, is a small town in the far east of the Fraser Valley. It's at the cross section of several major highways making it a pass through point for many visitors to the area. Hope is also the location of the filming of the 1980's film Rambo: First Blood, a fact which many locals take much pride in.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPlaya del Carmen $81Hope $31
The average daily cost (per person) in Playa del Carmen is $81, while the average daily cost in Hope is $31. 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 Hope in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPlaya del Carmen $40Hope $8.89
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPlaya del Carmen $80Hope $18
Compare Hotels in Playa del Carmen and Hope
Looking for a hotel in Playa del Carmen or Hope? 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 Hope Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Playa del Carmen $24Hope -
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
- Airport Transfers to Akumal - Private van (ROUND TRIP) FLAT RATE: $270
- Playa del Carmen to Tulum - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $262
- To Holbox from Playa del Carmen & Riviera Maya -Private transfer: $248
- Airport Transfers to Playa del Carmen - Private van (ROUND TRIP) FLAT RATE: $227
- Private Transfer From Chetumal to Mahahual With a 2 Hour Stop: $218
- Private Transfer to Cenote at Tulum: $213
- Transfers in Lincoln StretchLimo from Puerto Aventuras-Cun Airport.: $194
- 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: $173
Is it cheaper to fly into Playa del Carmen or Hope?
Prices for flights to both Hope 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 $24Hope $22
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
- crazy walking food tour Inlakech Playa del Carmen: $74
- Playa Del Carmen Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $75
- Playa del Carmen Walking Food Tour: $77
- Vegan Mexican Walking Food Tour: $83
- 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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Playa del Carmen $17Hope -
Tours and Activities in Playa del Carmen
Here are a few actual costs in Playa del Carmen for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- ATV Mayan Jungle Adventure: $110
- Romantic tour in Akumal: $115
- Skip the line: Regular Ticket Playa del Carmen: $86
- 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
- 4 amazing places for 1 price and 1 full day tour Tulum, Coba, Cenote and PDC: $57
- 4X1 Enjoy a tour to Tulum, Coba, Cenote and Playa del Carmen for only one price!: $54
- 5X1: Tulum and Coba Ruins, Cenote & Mayan Village Full Day Tour : $114
- 6 Hour High-End Tour! Tulum Ruins and Cenote Mariposa Round Trip: $105
- AQUA WONDER (Half-Day Aquatic Tour in Tulum with Snorkeling and Meals): $119
Tours and Activities in Hope
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hope.
- Vancouver to Sun Peaks 2 days outdoor adventure tour: $1,242
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPlaya del Carmen $21Hope $10
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: $108
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Playa del Carmen and Hope, we can see that Playa del Carmen is more expensive. And not only is Hope much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hope would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hope 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 Hope.
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 Hope Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Hope?
Playa del Carmen has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Hope. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Hope, 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 Hope?
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 Hope in the Summer?
Both Hope and Playa del Carmen during the summer are popular places to visit. 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 much warmer than Hope. Typically, the summer temperatures in Playa del Carmen in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Hope averages at about 18°C (64°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in July than Hope. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Hope receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPlaya del Carmen 28°C (82°F)Hope 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Hope in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Hope. 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 much warmer than Hope. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 26°C (79°F), and Hope fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).
Hope receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Playa del Carmen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Hope. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Hope receives 156 mm (6.1 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 OctoberPlaya del Carmen 26°C (79°F)Hope 10°C (51°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Hope in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Hope. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Hope can be very cold during winter. Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Hope in the winter. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Hope fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
It's quite rainy in Hope. Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in January than Hope. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Hope receives 201 mm (7.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPlaya del Carmen 23°C (73°F)Hope 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Hope in the Spring?
Both Hope and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Hope. Typically, the spring temperatures in Playa del Carmen in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Hope averages at about 9°C (49°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hope. In April, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Hope. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Hope receives 114 mm (4.5 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 AprilPlaya del Carmen 27°C (81°F)Hope 9°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Hope and Playa del Carmen
| Playa del Carmen | Hope | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 164 mm (6.4 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 222 mm (8.7 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 217 mm (8.5 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.