Which place is cheaper, Kailua-Kona 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 Kailua-Kona?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Kailua-Kona? 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 Kailua-Kona?
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.
Kailua-Kona
Kailua Kona, or Kona, as it is commonly referred, is the largest city on the western side of the Big Island of Hawaii. It's a popular destination for sport fishing, snorkeling, and its beautiful sunsets. Kona is protected by the mountains so it receives very little rain annually and has about 300 days of sunshine every year. The closest airport is Kona International Airport at Keahole, which receives flights from the mainland United States, Canada, as well as Honolulu and other islands. Once in town, you can walk around Kona, but if you hope to explore anywhere else on the Big Island you will need a car. To take full advantage of your Hawaiian vacation it really is recommended that you rent a car for at least a few days while you're on the island.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPlaya del Carmen $81Kailua-Kona $231
The average daily cost (per person) in Playa del Carmen is $81, while the average daily cost in Kailua-Kona is $231. 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 Kailua-Kona in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPlaya del Carmen $40Kailua-Kona $141
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPlaya del Carmen $80Kailua-Kona $282
Compare Hotels in Playa del Carmen and Kailua-Kona
Looking for a hotel in Playa del Carmen or Kailua-Kona? 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 Kailua-Kona Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Playa del Carmen $24Kailua-Kona $45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Playa del Carmen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Playa del Carmen:
- Chetumal Airport (CTM) to Chetumal - Arrival Private Transfer: $24
- Punta Sam / Isla Blanca to Cancún Airport (CUN)- Departure Private Transfer: $27
- Shared Transfer Cancun Airport - Playa del Carmen: $31
- Playa del Carmen to Cancún Airport (CUN) - Private Departure Transfer: $32
- Maroma Beach: Entry Ticket to Maroma Beach Club & Transfer: $47
- Chetumal Airport (CTM) to Chetumal - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $48
- Private Transfer to Xel-Há Park from Playa del Carmen: $53
- Private Transfer Airport-Costa Mujeres/Playa Mujeres 1-8 pax: $59
- Private Transfer to Xavage / Xoximilco: $59
- Parasailing in Playa del Carmen with transfer: $59
- Private Transfer to Xcaret Park from Playa del Carmen: $60
- Shared roundtrip transfer from Cancun airport to Playa del Carmen: $71
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
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Rental Car for One Day$35
Is it cheaper to fly into Playa del Carmen or Kailua-Kona?
Prices for flights to both Kailua-Kona 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 $24Kailua-Kona $58
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 Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of dining costs in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
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Buffet Breakfast for Two$53
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Playa del Carmen $17Kailua-Kona $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:
- Shopping Tour & Tulum Mayan Ruins: $11
- Cancun Airport: Bus Ticket to/from Playa del Carmen: $14
- Ek Balam: Self-Guided Tour with Audio Narration & Map: $15
- Tulum Ruins: Self-Guided Tour with Audio Narration & Map: $15
- Entrance to the Xcajum Ecotourism Park: $20
- Riviera Maya: Frida Kahlo Museum Guided Tour 2024: $20
- YAL-KÚ Park in Riviera Maya Admission Ticket: $23
- Ultramar Ferry, Regular round ticket, Playa del Carmen-Cozumel: $33
- Cultural Tour in Tulum Ruins & Cenote Swimming Transport Included: $33
- Round-Trip Ferry Ticket to/from Cozumel: $35
- Mayan tour 4x1: Tulum, Cobá, Cenote & Playa del carmen: $35
- Refreshing Experience in 3 Cenotes, from Riviera Maya: $39
Typical Entertainment Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
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Diving with Manta Rays for Two$162
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Body Board Rental (1 Day)$12
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1 Day Kayak Rental$47
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2 Tank Morning Scuba Dive$115
Tours and Activities in Kailua-Kona
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kailua-Kona are as follows:
- From Kona-Volcanoes & waterfall tour in a small group: $295
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPlaya del Carmen $21Kailua-Kona $15
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Playa del Carmen and Kailua-Kona, we can see that Kailua-Kona 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 Kailua-Kona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kailua-Kona 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 Kailua-Kona Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Kailua-Kona?
Playa del Carmen has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Kailua-Kona. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Kailua-Kona, 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 Kailua-Kona?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Kailua-Kona in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Kailua-Kona. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Playa del Carmen in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 78°F (25°C).
In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during summer. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.
Playa del Carmen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPlaya del Carmen 28°C (82°F)Kailua-Kona 78°F (25°C)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Kailua-Kona. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Playa del Carmen is generally around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 26°C (79°F), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In the autumn, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 138 hours of full sun.
Playa del Carmen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in October than Kailua-Kona. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPlaya del Carmen 26°C (79°F)Kailua-Kona 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?
Both Kailua-Kona and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona in the winter. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during winter. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kailua-Kona. In January, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Kailua-Kona. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPlaya del Carmen 23°C (73°F)Kailua-Kona 74°F (23°C)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?
Both Kailua-Kona and Playa del Carmen during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the beaches and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Playa del Carmen in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 74°F (24°C).
It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the spring, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 134 hours of full sun.
Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in April than Kailua-Kona. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPlaya del Carmen 27°C (81°F)Kailua-Kona 74°F (24°C)
Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Playa del Carmen
| Playa del Carmen | Kailua-Kona | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 4.4 inches (111 mm) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 78°F (25°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 79°F (26°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.6 inches (41 mm) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 3.4 inches (87 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.