Which place is cheaper, Leon or Playa del Carmen?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Leon?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Leon? 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 Leon?
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.
Leon
Leon is one of the oldest city's in Nicaragua and you can see hints of its colonial past in the architecture around town. Tourism is not a major part of the economy in Leon, but the city is gaining popularity with budget travelers and backpackers and more recently tour groups are including Leon in their itinerary.
With a population of just over 200,000, Leon is the second largest city in Nicaragua, after Managua. During the university season the population grows dramatically as there is a heavy presence of students in Leon. It is a popular university town, and this young population gives the city plenty of energy and entertainment.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, and The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPlaya del Carmen $81Leon $59
The average daily cost (per person) in Playa del Carmen is $81, while the average daily cost in Leon is $59. 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 Leon in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPlaya del Carmen $40Leon $16
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPlaya del Carmen $80Leon $32
Compare Hotels in Playa del Carmen and Leon
Looking for a hotel in Playa del Carmen or Leon? 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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Playa del Carmen $24Leon $1.51
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: $119
- 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
Is it cheaper to fly into Playa del Carmen or Leon?
Prices for flights to both Leon 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
-
Food Meals for one dayPlaya del Carmen $24Leon $12
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: $158
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Leon
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Leon.
- Tlakualli Food Tour: $19
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Playa del Carmen $17Leon $5.81
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
Tours and Activities in Leon
Here are a few actual costs in Leon for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Half Day Private Tour of Cerro Negro's Volcano Boarding: $35
- Leon City Walking Private Tour : $48
- Rum Tour & Chorotega Museum Experience: $62
- Hike El Hoyo Volcano "Private Tour" : $67
- Old Leon and Asososca Lagoon Private Tour: $82
- Volcano Boarding Private Tour : $84
- Kayak Private tour at Juan Venado Island: $92
- Telica Sunset Tour : $93
- Horseback Riding Private Tour : $103
- Half-Day Leon City Tour: $135
- Somoto Canyon "Private Tour from Leon" : $154
- 6 Hours Sunset Private Guided Tour of Telica Volcano in León: $163
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayPlaya del Carmen $21Leon $3.53
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Playa del Carmen and Leon, we can see that Playa del Carmen is more expensive. And not only is Leon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Playa del Carmen is in North America and Leon is in Central America, 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 Leon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Leon 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 Leon.
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 Leon Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Leon?
Leon 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 Leon, 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 Leon?
Playa del Carmen has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Leon experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Leon in the Summer?
Both Leon and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Leon because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the summer, Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Leon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Playa del Carmen in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Leon averages at about 27°C (81°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Leon during summer. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Leon receives 175 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Leon. It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. In July, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Leon. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Leon receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyPlaya del Carmen 28°C (82°F)Leon 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Leon in the Autumn?
Both Leon and Playa del Carmen during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Leon year-round.
In October, Playa del Carmen is generally around the same temperature as Leon. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 26°C (79°F), and Leon fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the autumn, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Leon. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leon receives 195 hours of full sun.
Leon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in October than Leon. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Leon receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPlaya del Carmen 26°C (79°F)Leon 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Leon in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Leon. The winter months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Leon attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Playa del Carmen is cooler than Leon in the winter. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Leon fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Leon this time of the year. In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives less sunshine than Leon during winter. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Leon receives 244 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Leon. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Leon receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPlaya del Carmen 23°C (73°F)Leon 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Leon in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Leon. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Leon throughout the year.
In the spring, Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Leon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Playa del Carmen in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Leon averages at about 29°C (84°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Leon. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In the spring, Playa del Carmen often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Leon. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leon receives 242 hours of full sun.
Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in April than Leon. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Leon receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilPlaya del Carmen 27°C (81°F)Leon 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Leon and Playa del Carmen
| Playa del Carmen | Leon | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 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.