Which place is cheaper, Saint John's 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 Saint John's?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Saint John's? 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 Saint John's?
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.
Saint John's
If you've been to St. John's, Antigua, you were likely on a cruise - which means you likely did not have enough time to truly experience the magic of this tiny island getaway.
St. Johns is the capital of the tiny islands of Antigua and Barbuda. Located on Antigua, this tropical city lives up to its status as a tropical paradise. With 365 beaches on the island, you can enjoy the luxury of lounging in the sand every day of the year.
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 $81Saint John's $222
The average daily cost (per person) in Playa del Carmen is $81, while the average daily cost in Saint John's is $222. 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 Saint John's in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPlaya del Carmen $40Saint John's $120
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPlaya del Carmen $80Saint John's $240
Compare Hotels in Playa del Carmen and Saint John's
Looking for a hotel in Playa del Carmen or Saint John's? 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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Playa del Carmen $24Saint John's $17
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint John's
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint John's:
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Local Bus$1.52
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Taxi From Airport$6.99
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint John's
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint John's:
- 3-Hours Snorkeling Activity in Stingray City - Transfer Included: $128
- 3-Hours Stingray City - Transfer, Spanish-Italian Guide Included: $155
- Airport Transfer from/to all resorts in Antigua - Water Inc.: $59
- Airport Transfers to Antigua Hotels/Resorts: $170
- Antigua - VIP Fast Track On Arrival ONLY And Round Trip Transfer : $99
- Antigua V.C. Bird Airport (ANU) to Island - Round-Trip Transfer : $155
- Antigua VC Bird Airport to Island Hotels Private Arrival Transfer: $82
- Antigua&Barbuda V.C.Bird Airport(ANU) to island Private Transfer: $77
- Antigua&BarbudaV.C.Bird Airport(ANU)to island hotels-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $254
- Biggvee Airport Roundtrip Transfer: $70
- Island to Antigua&Barbuda V.C.Bird Airport(ANU)- Private Transfer: $77
- JTAT Private Transfers & Tours, Saint John's, Antigua and Barbuda: $160
Is it cheaper to fly into Playa del Carmen or Saint John's?
Prices for flights to both Saint John's 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 $24Saint John's $68
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint John's
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Saint John's.
- City Lime Food Tour: Taste our culture on Antigua's only food tour in the city!: $105
- Discover the Flavors of St. Johns Food Tour: $125
- Private Art Tour or Food Tour: $150
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Playa del Carmen $17Saint John's $103
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Saint John's
Here are a few typical costs in Saint John's for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entrance to the Museum of Antigua & Barbu$3.00
Tours and Activities in Saint John's
Here are a few actual costs in Saint John's for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Chariot City Tour Antigua: $20
- City of St John's Sightseeing Tour: $59
- Antigua Shore Excursion: City of St John's Sightseeing Tour: $59
- Cultural and Historical Home Tour in The Antiguan Experience : $66
- Small-Group Hiking Experience in Antigua: $70
- Glenmon taxi and tours: $70
- 2-Hours Stingray City Experience in Antigua: $73
- Antigua Historical Sites Island Tour: $75
- Kayak Eco Adventures Glass Kayak Nature and Snorkeling Tour: $75
- Authentic Antiguan Experience: $79
- TRIPLE ACTIVITY TOUR, Bike Kayak Hike, ANTIGUA : $80
- Nightlife Tour of Antigua and Barbuda: $80
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPlaya del Carmen $21Saint John's $18
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Playa del Carmen and Saint John's, we can see that Saint John's 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 Saint John's 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 Saint John's would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint John's 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 Saint John's Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Saint John's?
Playa del Carmen has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Saint John's. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Saint John's, 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 Saint John's?
Playa del Carmen has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Saint John's experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Saint John's in the Summer?
Both Saint John's and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Saint John's because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Playa del Carmen is generally around the same temperature as Saint John's. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 28°C (82°F), and Saint John's fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It's quite sunny in Saint John's. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives less sunshine than Saint John's during summer. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Saint John's receives 245 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint John's. It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. In July, Playa del Carmen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Saint John's. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Saint John's receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPlaya del Carmen 28°C (82°F)Saint John's 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Saint John's in the Autumn?
Both Saint John's and Playa del Carmen during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint John's year-round.
Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Saint John's in the autumn. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Saint John's fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
In Saint John's, 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 around the same amount of sunshine as Saint John's. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint John's receives 217 hours of full sun.
Saint John's 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 Saint John's. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Saint John's receives 228 mm (9 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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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPlaya del Carmen 26°C (79°F)Saint John's 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Saint John's in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Saint John's. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Saint John's attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the winter, Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Saint John's. Typically, the winter temperatures in Playa del Carmen in January average around 23°C (73°F), and Saint John's averages at about 24°C (76°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint John's 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 Saint John's during winter. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Saint John's receives 236 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Saint John's. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Saint John's receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPlaya del Carmen 23°C (73°F)Saint John's 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Saint John's in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Saint John's. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint John's throughout the year.
In April, Playa del Carmen is generally around the same temperature as Saint John's. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 27°C (81°F), and Saint John's fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint John's. 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 Saint John's. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint John's receives 240 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Saint John's. Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in April than Saint John's. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Saint John's receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPlaya del Carmen 27°C (81°F)Saint John's 26°C (78°F)
Typical Weather for Saint John's and Playa del Carmen
| Playa del Carmen | Saint John's | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 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.