Which place is cheaper, La Serena 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 La Serena?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or La Serena? 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 La Serena?
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.
La Serena
La Serena is a charming town in Northern Chile. It is Chile's second-oldest city and the thriving capital of Region IV. With its beautiful architecture, its long golden shoreline, dignified stone churches, tree-shaded avenues and pretty plazas, La Serena has everything you could ask for!
Chileans on holidays flood in the city in January and February, though it is fairly peaceful outside the summer rush. Some of the city's architecture is from the colonial era, but most is actually neocolonial thanks to president Gabriel Gonzalez Videla, born in La Serena, and her 'Plan Serena' of the late 1940s.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Chile, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Chile.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPlaya del Carmen $81La Serena $87
The average daily cost (per person) in Playa del Carmen is $81, while the average daily cost in La Serena is $87. 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 La Serena in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPlaya del Carmen $40La Serena $42
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPlaya del Carmen $80La Serena $84
Compare Hotels in Playa del Carmen and La Serena
Looking for a hotel in Playa del Carmen or La Serena? 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 La Serena Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Playa del Carmen $24La Serena $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Playa del Carmen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Playa del Carmen:
- Wedding Transfers Services in Round Trip Playa del Carmen: $180
- Transfers in Lincoln StretchLimo from Puerto Aventuras-Cun Airport.: $194
- Transfer in Private vehicle from Akumal City - Cancun Airport (CUN) : $74
- Tour Bacalar Ponton with Transfer from Cancun & Playa del Carmen : $147
- Shared transfer from Playa del Carmen tu Cancun airport: $25
- Shared roundtrip transfer from Cancun airport to Playa del Carmen: $71
- Shared Transfer Cancun Airport - Puerto Aventuras: $48
- Shared Transfer Cancun Airport - Playa del Carmen: $31
- Roundtrip Private Transfer Playa del Carmen from CUN: $173
- Private Transfer: Akumal to Cancun Airport CUN in SUV: $109
- Private Transfer to Xplor / Xenses / Xplor Fire from Playa del Carmen: $25
- Private Transfer to Xel-Há Park from Playa del Carmen: $53
Is it cheaper to fly into Playa del Carmen or La Serena?
Prices for flights to both La Serena 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 $24La Serena $27
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Playa del Carmen $17La Serena $24
Tours and Activities in Playa del Carmen
Here are a few actual costs in Playa del Carmen for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Romantic tour in Akumal: $115
- 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
- 5X1: Tulum and Coba Ruins, Cenote & Mayan Village Full Day Tour : $114
- ATV Adventure with Ziplines Cenote from Playa del Carmen: $75
- ATV Extreme and Snorkel Adventure from the Riviera Maya: $139
- 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 Xtreme & Snorkel Experience: $138
Tours and Activities in La Serena
For La Serena, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Full Day History and Flavors Tour in the Elqui Valley: $50
- La Serena and Coquimbo City Tour (SIB): $66
- La Serena and Coquimbo Guided City Tour: $76
- Full day Tour to Elqui Valley : $80
- Elqui Valley Full Day Tour: magical towns, pisco and mountains: $85
- Elqui Valley Tour from La Serena: $120
- La Serena & Coquimbo City Tour - Short excursion for cruise ships: $128
- Tour to the internationally renowned Pangue Observatory: $139
- Tour to Valle del Encanto Archeology, Petroglyphs, Flora, Fauna and Springs: $140
- Dama Island or Chañaral Navigation Tour Humboldt Penguin Reserve: $140
- Elqui Valley: Pisco Tour, Wine, Beer: $174
- Elqui Valley and Vicuña Private Tour Including Lunch: $183
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPlaya del Carmen $21La Serena $22
When comparing the travel costs between Playa del Carmen and La Serena, we can see that La Serena is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Playa del Carmen is in North America and La Serena is in South America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
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 La Serena Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or La Serena?
La Serena has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and La Serena, 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 La Serena?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. La Serena is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Playa del Carmen has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or La Serena in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as La Serena. 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 La Serena. Typically, the summer temperatures in Playa del Carmen in July average around 28°C (82°F), and La Serena averages at about 18°C (64°F)in January.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Serena. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In the summer, Playa del Carmen often gets less sunshine than La Serenain January. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Serena receives 247 hours of full sun.
Playa del Carmen receives a lot of rain in the summer. Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in July than La Serenain January. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while La Serena receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryPlaya del Carmen 28°C (82°F)La Serena 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or La Serena in the Autumn?
Both La Serena and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 La Serenain April. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 26°C (79°F), and La Serena fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than La Serena during autumn. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while La Serena receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. In October, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than La Serenain April. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while La Serena receives 3 mm (0.1 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 October and AprilPlaya del Carmen 26°C (79°F)La Serena 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or La Serena in the Winter?
Both La Serena and Playa del Carmen during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Playa del Carmen is much warmer than La Serena in the winter. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and La Serena fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in July.
It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the winter, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than La Serenain July. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Serena receives 160 hours of full sun.
Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in January than La Serenain July. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while La Serena receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyPlaya del Carmen 23°C (73°F)La Serena 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or La Serena in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and La Serena. 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 La Serena. Typically, the spring temperatures in Playa del Carmen in April average around 27°C (81°F), and La Serena averages at about 14°C (57°F)in October.
In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than La Serena during spring. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while La Serena receives 190 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than La Serenain October. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while La Serena receives 5 mm (0.2 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 April and OctoberPlaya del Carmen 27°C (81°F)La Serena 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for La Serena and Playa del Carmen
| Playa del Carmen | La Serena | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.