Which place is cheaper, Santa Marta 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.
Jump to 
Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Santa Marta?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Santa Marta? 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 Santa Marta?
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.
Santa Marta
Santa Marta is a city in the Magdalena Department of Colombia's Costa Norte. Over the last decade, security has steadily been replacing the shadow of the Colombia's violent past. One destination in Colombia's northeast region is now attracting more international visitors: the coastal Caribbean area of Santa Marta. Established in 1525 by the Spanish as a base of conquest, Santa Marta sits at the foot of the world's highest coastal mountain range, the towering Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. It is South America's oldest European-founded town and the second most important colonial city on Colombia's Caribbean coast. While many travelers complain about Santa Marta's horrible traffic and unsightly urban sprawl, the city holds a numerous amounts of great hotels, bars and restaurants and holds a few fantastic destinations nearby to which you can go during the daytime.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Eco Tours in Colombia, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Colombia.
-
Playa del Carmen Prices
Mexico PricesSanta Marta Prices
Colombia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPlaya del Carmen $95Santa Marta $41
The average daily cost (per person) in Playa del Carmen is $95, while the average daily cost in Santa Marta is $41. 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 Santa Marta in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPlaya del Carmen $38Santa Marta $14
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPlaya del Carmen $76Santa Marta $28
Compare Hotels in Playa del Carmen and Santa Marta
Looking for a hotel in Playa del Carmen or Santa Marta? 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 Santa Marta Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Playa del Carmen $23Santa Marta $5.45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Playa del Carmen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Playa del Carmen:
- Xplor Fuego Tickets with Transfer: $165
- Round trip Private Transfer Cancun- Costa Mujeres/Playa Mujeres: $71
- Round Trip Private Transfer (Costa Mujeres): $210
- Puerto Aventuras to Cancún Airport (CUN) - Private Departure Transfer: $87
- Private Transfers to Cancun Airport, from Tulum or Akumal: $198
- Private Transfers To Cancun Int'l Airport, from Playa Del Carmen: $97
- Private Transfer to Xplor/Xplor fire/Xenses, roundtrip from PDC: $160
- Private Transfer to Xel-Há Park roundtrip, from Playa del Carmen: $260
- Private Transfer to Xcaret Park, Roundtrip from Playa del Carmen: $160
- Private Transfer to Chiquila one-wey, from Cancún and Playa: $260
- Private Transfer to Cenote at Tulum: $213
- Private Transfer to Cancun Int'l Airport, from Costa Mujeres: $88
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Santa Marta
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Santa Marta:
-
Gas$5.42
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santa Marta
Also for Santa Marta, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Arrival or Departure Transfer: Simón Bolívar Airport: $13
- Cartagena to or from Santa Marta Private Transfer: $159
- Exclusive transfer Santa Marta - Cartagena: $229
- Exclusive transfer Santa Marta Airport - Tayrona Park Sector: $64
- Private Arrival or Departure Transfer: Simon Bolivar Airport: $13
- Private Transfer Santa Marta to Palomino (or vice versa): $154
- Private Transfer from Santa Marta Airport SMR to Santa Marta Port: $14
- Private Transfer from Santa Marta Cruise Port to Cartagena hotels: $219
- Private Transfer from Santa Marta Cruise Port to Santa Marta city: $14
- Private Transfer from Santa Marta Cruise Port to Santa Marta city: $71
- Private Transfer from Santa Marta Port to Santa Marta Airport SMR: $71
- Private Transfer from Santa Marta Port to Santa Marta Airport SMR: $14
Is it cheaper to fly into Playa del Carmen or Santa Marta?
Prices for flights to both Santa Marta 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 $39Santa Marta $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.
- Dinner and Show at the Mayan Planetarium of Chichen: $39
- Flavors of Playa del Carmen, Mexican Food Tour: $63
- Playa del Carmen Food Tour with 8+ Authentic Yucatan Dishes: $81
- VIP Private Mystery Dinner Murder in the Jungle: $85
- Riviera Maya Luxury Sunset Sailing plus Light Dinner and Open Bar: $89
- Playa del Camen Vegan Mexican Food Tour: $90
- Mayan Ceremony in Tulum. Temazcal, Dinner and pick up included.: $92
- PDC Traditional Mexican Cooking Experience: $109
- PDC Traditional Mexican Cooking Experience: $112
- Mayan Cooking Class: Chicken Pibil in Secret Cenote: $114
- Mexican Cooking Class: $120
- Isa’s Authentic Mexican Cooking Class: $120
Typical Food Prices in Santa Marta
For Santa Marta, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Breakfast$3.25
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santa Marta
For Santa Marta, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Santa Marta Street Food Tour: 7 Tastings with a Local Guide: $39
- Food Tour in Santa Marta Old City Half-Day: $65
- Santa Marta Walking Food Tour: $65
- Food Tour in Santa Marta Old City: $76
- Santa Marta Street Food Tour: $93
- Flavors of Colombia - Santa Marta Street Food Tour: $114
- Fast Food Tour In Santa Marta More Than Just Food: $120
- Upscale Food Tour in A Culinary Journey: $155
- Fast Food Tour with Local Guide: $155
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Playa del Carmen $16Santa Marta $14
Tours and Activities in Playa del Carmen
Here are a few actual costs in Playa del Carmen for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 3D Museum of Wonders Admission Ticket: $41
- 4 ADVENTURES 1 DAY Tulum Coba Cenote and Playa del Carmen: $16
- 4 to 7 Day Beach Cruiser Rental (Up to 7 Days, includes Ulock): $45
- 4X1 Enjoy a tour to Tulum, Coba, Cenote and Playa del Carmen: $20
- 4x1 Tulum Coba Cenote swim Full tour: $21
- 5X1: Tulum and Coba Ruins, Cenote & Mayan Village Full Day Tour: $83
- A Romantic Private Tour Through Playa Del Carmen: $1,843
- AQUA WONDER (Half-Day Aquatic Tour in Tulum with Snorkeling and Meals): $129
- ATV Adventure with Ziplines & Cenote From Playa del Carmen: $78
- ATV Adventure with Ziplines & Cenote from Playa del Carmen: $57
- ATV Mayan Jungle Adventure: $180
- ATV Shared & Ziplines Adventure in Tulum Jungle from Riviera Maya: $140
Tours and Activities in Santa Marta
For Santa Marta, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: the Pearl of America: $7.49
- Skip the Line: Santa Marta Marine World Aquarium Admission Ticket and Guide: $8.80
- Tour in Chiva Rumbera Music Party and Fun in Santa Marta: $15
- A Pearl In The Caribbean-walking tour in English: $16
- Santa Marta Graffiti Tour: Urban Art & Culture: $16
- Patrimonial Walking Tour: Hidden Stories of Santa Marta: $16
- Complete Tour of the City of Santa Marta and its Charms: $17
- Historic Center Bike Tour: $20
- Full City of Santa Marta Tour and its Charms: $20
- Town Tour in Minca: History, Museums & Nature: $20
- BE RELAX TOUR - Bahia Concha: $22
- Bike tour with local guide through the historic center: $23
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayPlaya del Carmen $20Santa Marta $6.94
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:
- Playa After Dark: 5th Ave Social Pub Crawl, Playa del Carmen: $35
- Playa del Carmen Local Brewery and Tacos Experience: $58
- Tour to the Brewery with Tasting and Fifth Avenue: $106
Typical Alcohol Prices in Santa Marta
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Santa Marta from other travelers:
-
Beer$0.60
-
Beer$2.44
Sample the Local Flavors in Santa Marta
Also in Santa Marta, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Thursday Night Bar Crawl in Santa Marta, Colombia: $24
- Friday Night Bar Crawl in Santa Marta, Colombia: $25
- Saturday Night Bar Crawl in Santa Marta, Colombia: $25
- Bar Crawl In Santa Marta: $125
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Playa del Carmen and Santa Marta, we can see that Playa del Carmen is more expensive. And not only is Santa Marta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Playa del Carmen is in North America and Santa Marta 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 Santa Marta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santa Marta 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 Santa Marta.
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 Santa Marta Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Santa Marta?
Santa Marta has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Santa Marta, 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.