Which place is cheaper, San Juan del Sur 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 San Juan del Sur?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or San Juan del Sur? 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 San Juan del Sur?
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.
San Juan del Sur
San Juan del Sur is a popular port destination on the Pacific coast of southwest Nicaragua. The town was once a quaint fishing village but has grown into a tourist town with activities for visitors that include surfing, fishing, and, of course, partying. The town has a population of just over 15,000, most of whom are either fishermen or involved in the tourism industry. There is also a large expat community from the United States, Canada, and Europe.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPlaya del Carmen $81San Juan del Sur $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Playa del Carmen is $81, while the average daily cost in San Juan del Sur is $53. 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 San Juan del Sur in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPlaya del Carmen $40San Juan del Sur $21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPlaya del Carmen $80San Juan del Sur $42
Compare Hotels in Playa del Carmen and San Juan del Sur
Looking for a hotel in Playa del Carmen or San Juan del Sur? 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 San Juan del Sur Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Playa del Carmen $24San Juan del Sur $18
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 San Juan del Sur?
Prices for flights to both San Juan del Sur 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 $24San Juan del Sur $18
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 $17San Juan del Sur $15
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 San Juan del Sur
Here are a few actual costs in San Juan del Sur for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Horseback Riding Tour in Playa Maderas, San Juan del Sur also in Costa Rica: $90
- SJDS PORT EXCURSION: Zipline and Adventure Park: $103
- San Juan del Sur Shore Excursion: Private Masaya Volcano and Catarina Tour: $118
- ATV Adventure Tour in San Juan del Sur, NICARAGUA: $130
- atv tour also in Costa Rica: $132
- Mombacho Volcano Hike and Ziplining Adventure from San Juan del Sur: $159
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPlaya del Carmen $21San Juan del Sur $13
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Playa del Carmen and San Juan del Sur, we can see that Playa del Carmen is more expensive. And not only is San Juan del Sur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Playa del Carmen is in North America and San Juan del Sur 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 San Juan del Sur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Juan del Sur 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 San Juan del Sur.
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 San Juan del Sur Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or San Juan del Sur?
Playa del Carmen has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of San Juan del Sur. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and San Juan del Sur, 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 San Juan del Sur?
Playa del Carmen has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Juan del Sur experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or San Juan del Sur in the Summer?
Both San Juan del Sur and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan del Sur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Playa del Carmen is generally around the same temperature as San Juan del Sur. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 28°C (82°F), and San Juan del Sur fluctuates around 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 San Juan del Sur during summer. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan del Sur receives 175 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in San Juan del Sur. It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. In July, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than San Juan del Sur. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while San Juan del Sur receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPlaya del Carmen 28°C (82°F)San Juan del Sur 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or San Juan del Sur in the Autumn?
Both San Juan del Sur and Playa del Carmen during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan del Sur year-round.
Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as San Juan del Sur in the autumn. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and San Juan del Sur 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 San Juan del Sur. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan del Sur receives 195 hours of full sun.
San Juan del Sur 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 San Juan del Sur. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while San Juan del Sur receives 197 mm (7.8 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)San Juan del Sur 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or San Juan del Sur in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and San Juan del Sur. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year. San Juan del Sur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the winter, Playa del Carmen is cooler than San Juan del Sur. Typically, the winter temperatures in Playa del Carmen in January average around 23°C (73°F), and San Juan del Sur averages at about 26°C (79°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan del Sur 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 San Juan del Sur during winter. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan del Sur receives 244 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than San Juan del Sur. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while San Juan del Sur receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPlaya del Carmen 23°C (73°F)San Juan del Sur 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or San Juan del Sur in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as San Juan del Sur. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan del Sur throughout the year.
In April, Playa del Carmen is generally around the same temperature as San Juan del Sur. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 27°C (81°F), and San Juan del Sur fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan del Sur. 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 San Juan del Sur. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan del Sur receives 242 hours of full sun.
Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in April than San Juan del Sur. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while San Juan del Sur receives 6 mm (0.2 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)San Juan del Sur 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for San Juan del Sur and Playa del Carmen
| Playa del Carmen | San Juan del Sur | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.