Which place is cheaper, Medellin or Playa del Carmen?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Medellin?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Medellin? 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 Medellin?
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.
Medellin
In addition to big improvements in public safety, Medellin has witnessed a huge surge in urban development projects, including Colombia's first metro system and cable cars to service poorer neighborhoods located high on the mountain sides. There is an abundance of parks, libraries, museums and public spaces with many cultural events taking place. Many travelers also enjoy visiting the surrounding villages, where life is simple and landscapes and nature reserves are wonderful. Medellin has now become one of the "it" cities in the world, with tons of tourists visiting and foreigners settling and retiring here. Beautiful mountains, warm weather, friendly locals, and a vibrant culture are just a few of the reasons why you should visit Medellin.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.
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Playa del Carmen Prices
Mexico PricesMedellin Prices
Colombia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPlaya del Carmen $95Medellin $31
The average daily cost (per person) in Playa del Carmen is $95, while the average daily cost in Medellin 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 Medellin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPlaya del Carmen $38Medellin $4.91
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPlaya del Carmen $76Medellin $9.82
Compare Hotels in Playa del Carmen and Medellin
Looking for a hotel in Playa del Carmen or Medellin? 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 Medellin Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Playa del Carmen $23Medellin $4.28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Playa del Carmen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Playa del Carmen:
- Access to Xel-Há Park with Transfer: $145
- Akumal to Cancun - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $82
- CUN Airport One-Way/Round-Trip Transfers to Playa del Carmen: $60
- Cancún Airport Transfer to Playa del Carmen One Way: $135
- Cancun Airport Departure transfer from Playa Paraiso, Playa del Carmen, Playacar: $28
- Cancun Airport Private Transfer One Way: To or From Akumal area Up to 03 Pass.: $160
- Cancun Airport: Private Transfers From/To Akumal Half Moon Bay: $98
- Cancun Airport: Private Transfers: From/to Playa del Carmen: $70
- Cenote Azul with Private Roundtrip Transfer: $120
- Chetumal Airport (CTM) to Chetumal - Arrival Private Transfer: $63
- Chetumal Airport to Bacalar - Private Transfer with English-speaking driver: $105
- From One way shared transfer to Holbox: $69
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Medellin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Medellin:
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Taxi$1.71
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Medellin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Medellin:
- 2-hour horseback ride + Private transfer + Photos & videos + Gift for the first 5 to book: $88
- Guatapé Private Transfer: José María Córdova Airport: $54
- Guatapé and Piedra del Penol, Lunch Transfers and Guide: $127
- Medellín - Arboletes, Antioquia Transfer by Van: $560
- Medellín Airport Private Transfer Service (Departure): $43
- Medellín Highlights: with local guide and transfers from hotel: $132
- Medellín Platinum Pack: Transfers + Hotel + Exclusive Tours: $250
- Medellín to or from Guatapé Private Transfer: $78
- Medellín: 5-Day Luxury Tour with Private Transfers: $1,599
- Medellín: Comuna 13, Graffiti Workshop, Guide and Transfers: $206
- Medellín: Guatapé and Medellín City Door-to-Door Transfer: $105
- Medellín: José María Córdova Airport Private Transfer: $36
Is it cheaper to fly into Playa del Carmen or Medellin?
Prices for flights to both Medellin 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 $39Medellin $17
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.
- Flavors of Playa del Carmen, Mexican Food Tour: $67
- Cooking Class in 9 Recipes & Drinks: $77
- Playa del Carmen Food Tour with 8+ Authentic Yucatan Dishes: $81
- Food Tour Through Markets with 7 Tastings: $82
- local walking food tour Inlakech Playa del Carmen: $83
- Riviera Maya Luxury Sunset Sailing plus Light Dinner and Open Bar: $89
- Playa del Camen Vegan Mexican Food Tour: $91
- Mayan Ceremony in Tulum. Temazcal, Dinner and pick up included.: $92
- Mexican Cooking Class: $113
- PDC Traditional Mexican Cooking Experience: $116
- Isa’s Authentic Mexican Cooking Class: $120
- Romantic Dinner for 2 in Magical Jungle Setting: $150
Typical Food Prices in Medellin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Medellin:
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Lunch$2.17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Medellin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Medellin.
- Medellín: Comuna 13 True Story and Street Food Tour: $14
- Empanada Cooking Class with Local Chef - Comuna 13: $34
- Food tour with 12 tastings in the best area of Medellin: $40
- Medellín: Comuna 13 Street Art and Street Food Tour: $44
- Private Empanada Cooking Class in Guatape: $45
- Medellin Food Tour in Laureles: $54
- Medellín Home Cooking Class, Fruit Tasting & Colombian Snack: $55
- Medellin Private Nighttime City Sightseeing Tour by E-Bike + Gourmet Dinner: $59
- Empanadas, Arepas & Patacones Cooking Class: $60
- Gastronomy and Street Food Tour in Sabaneta Colombia Experience: $60
- Medellín: Street Food Tour with Local Tastings: $62
- Community project cooking class and Medellin social transformation tour: $65
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Playa del Carmen $16Medellin $13
Tours and Activities in Playa del Carmen
Here are a few actual costs in Playa del Carmen for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Tulum Legends: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of the Ancient Mayan City: $6.99
- Bus Ticket connecting Cancun Central and Playa del Carmen: $7.20
- Ek Balam Self-Guided Walking Tour with Audio Guide: $9.99
- 4 ADVENTURES 1 DAY Tulum Coba Cenote and Playa del Carmen: $16
- Riviera Maya: Frida Kahlo Museum Guided Tour 2025: $20
- YAL-KU Park in Riviera Maya Admission Ticket: $22
- Full day Chichén Itzá Tour from Cancún and Riviera Maya: $22
- Adrenaline ATV Cenote and Zip Lines Experience at Tulum: $25
- Tulum and 2 Cenotes Half Day Tour from Riviera: $29
- Playa del Carmen Coastal Heritage Walking Tour: $30
- Chichen Itza Tour Options with Cenote Swim from Playa del Carmen: $31
- Behind the Scenes – German-language Cultural Tour.: $35
Tours and Activities in Medellin
Here are a few actual costs in Medellin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Guided Electric Bicycle Tour of Guatapé: $7.98
- Fly over Medellín Metrocable: Transformation Tour: $10
- Medellín Explore Downtown And Live The Real City Experience: $11
- Medellín: Explore Downtown And Live The Real City Experience: $12
- Entry Ticket to the Museum of Modern Art of Medellin: $12
- Medellín: Comuna 13 Tour with Snacks and a Local Guide: $13
- Medellin Walking Tour with Local Guide: $13
- Medellin Commune 13 Historic Tour With Snacks and Drinks: $13
- Medellín: Comuna 13 Local History Tour with Graffiti & Snack: $13
- Medellín: Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour With Local Snacks Included: $13
- Medellín: Comuna 13 Graffitour With Snacks Included: $14
- Full Comuna 13 Tour: Graffiti, History and the Famous Comuna 13 Ice Cream: $14
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPlaya del Carmen $20Medellin $7.46
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: $106
Sample the Local Flavors in Medellin
Also in Medellin, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- The "Beyond Local Pub Crawl" Now in Medellín!: $24
- The "Beyond Local Pub Crawl" Now in Medellín!: $25
- Rooftop Bar Crawl with VIP Access & Hidden Clubs: $27
- Medellín: Pub crawl in Provenza, music, dancing, and shots: $30
- Medellin Private Bar Crawl with private transportation: $145
- Medellin Pub Crawl with transport Including Food and City Tour: $175
- Medellín: San Francisco Wine Tour with Tastings & Lunch: $332
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Playa del Carmen and Medellin, we can see that Playa del Carmen is more expensive. And not only is Medellin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Playa del Carmen is in North America and Medellin is in South 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 Medellin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Medellin 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 Medellin.
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 Medellin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Medellin?
Medellin has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Medellin, 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.
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.