Which place is cheaper, Port-of-Spain 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 Port-of-Spain?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Port-of-Spain? 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 Port-of-Spain?
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.
Port-of-Spain
Located on the northwest coast of Trinidad island, Port of Spain is the capital of the Caribbean island nation Trinidad & Tobago. It is a hub of activity, especially during the celebration of Carnival for which the island nation is famous.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPlaya del Carmen $81Port-of-Spain $174
The average daily cost (per person) in Playa del Carmen is $81, while the average daily cost in Port-of-Spain is $174. 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 Port-of-Spain in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPlaya del Carmen $40Port-of-Spain $80
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPlaya del Carmen $80Port-of-Spain $160
Compare Hotels in Playa del Carmen and Port-of-Spain
Looking for a hotel in Playa del Carmen or Port-of-Spain? 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 Port-of-Spain Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Playa del Carmen $24Port-of-Spain $49
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: $118
- 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 Port-of-Spain?
Prices for flights to both Port-of-Spain 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 $24Port-of-Spain $54
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 $17Port-of-Spain $59
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPlaya del Carmen $21Port-of-Spain $22
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Playa del Carmen and Port-of-Spain, we can see that Port-of-Spain is more expensive. And not only is Playa del Carmen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Playa del Carmen is in North America and Port-of-Spain is in Caribbean Islands, 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 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 Port-of-Spain would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Port-of-Spain 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 Port-of-Spain Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Port-of-Spain?
Playa del Carmen has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Port-of-Spain. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Port-of-Spain, 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 Port-of-Spain?
Playa del Carmen has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Port-of-Spain experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Port-of-Spain in the Summer?
Both Port-of-Spain 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 Port-of-Spain because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Port-of-Spain in the summer. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Port-of-Spain fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It's quite sunny in Port-of-Spain. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Port-of-Spain during summer. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Port-of-Spain receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Port-of-Spain. It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. In July, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Port-of-Spain. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Port-of-Spain receives 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPlaya del Carmen 28°C (82°F)Port-of-Spain 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Port-of-Spain in the Autumn?
Both Port-of-Spain 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 Port-of-Spain year-round.
In the autumn, Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Port-of-Spain. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Playa del Carmen in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Port-of-Spain averages at about 27°C (81°F).
In Port-of-Spain, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the autumn, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Port-of-Spain. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Port-of-Spain receives 207 hours of full sun.
Port-of-Spain 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 Port-of-Spain. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Port-of-Spain receives 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPlaya del Carmen 26°C (79°F)Port-of-Spain 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Port-of-Spain in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Port-of-Spain. The winter months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Port-of-Spain attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Playa del Carmen is generally cooler than Port-of-Spain. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 23°C (73°F), and Port-of-Spain fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Port-of-Spain this time of the year. In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Port-of-Spain during winter. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Port-of-Spain receives 241 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Port-of-Spain. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Port-of-Spain receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPlaya del Carmen 23°C (73°F)Port-of-Spain 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Port-of-Spain in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Port-of-Spain. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Port-of-Spain throughout the year.
Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Port-of-Spain in the spring. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Port-of-Spain fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Port-of-Spain. 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 more sunshine than Port-of-Spain. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Port-of-Spain receives 238 hours of full sun.
Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in April than Port-of-Spain. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Port-of-Spain receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to October is the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPlaya del Carmen 27°C (81°F)Port-of-Spain 27°C (81°F)
Typical Weather for Port-of-Spain and Playa del Carmen
| Playa del Carmen | Port-of-Spain | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 252 mm (9.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 225 mm (8.9 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 203 mm (8 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 199 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 155 mm (6.1 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.