Which place is cheaper, Temuco 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 Temuco?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Temuco? 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 Temuco?
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.
Temuco
Temuco is a large and modern city found 680 km south of Santiago. While the city is dynamic, it does not have any particular charm with the exception of being a great point of departure for many excursions around the lake region and the many national parks found in the surrounding area. Temuco is also well known for its Mapuche culture, a proud and rebellious community of around 20 000 in the area today, who has fought continuously against every invaders in the past.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Chile, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Chile.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPlaya del Carmen $81Temuco $80
The average daily cost (per person) in Playa del Carmen is $81, while the average daily cost in Temuco is $80. 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 Temuco in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPlaya del Carmen $40Temuco $44
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPlaya del Carmen $80Temuco $88
Compare Hotels in Playa del Carmen and Temuco
Looking for a hotel in Playa del Carmen or Temuco? 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 Temuco Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Playa del Carmen $24Temuco $23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Playa del Carmen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Playa del Carmen:
- One Way Private Transfer from Playa del Carmen to Coba: $276
- Airport Transfers to Playa del Carmen - Private van (ROUND TRIP) FLAT RATE: $227
- Private Transfer to Cenote at Tulum: $213
- Transfers in Lincoln StretchLimo from Puerto Aventuras-Cun Airport.: $194
- Cancun Airport Round Trip transfer to Puerto Aventuras: $190
- 2x1 Tour: Isla Contoy, Isla Mujeres, Open Bar, Lunch and Transfers: $190
- Wedding Transfers Services in Round Trip Playa del Carmen: $180
- Roundtrip Private Transfer Playa del Carmen from CUN: $173
- Private Transfer From Cancún Airport - Puerto Aventuras: $163
- Contoy and Mujeres Islands Tour with Transfer Options: $159
- Tour Bacalar Ponton with Transfer from Cancun & Playa del Carmen : $147
- Access to Xel-Há Park with Transfer: $145
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Temuco
Also for Temuco, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Temuco Airport (ZCO) to Pucon Resorts - Arrival Private Transfer: $49
- Temuco Airport (ZCO) to Pucon Thermal Resorts-Round-Trip Transfer: $98
- Transfer Araucanía Airport - Temuco: $50
- Transfer from Temuco Airport to Pucon: $140
- Transfers from or to Temuco - Araucanía Airport: $35
Is it cheaper to fly into Playa del Carmen or Temuco?
Prices for flights to both Temuco 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 $24Temuco $22
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 $17Temuco $7.85
Tours and Activities in Playa del Carmen
Here are a few actual costs in Playa del Carmen for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Romantic tour in Akumal: $115
- Tulum Ruins, Turtle Sightseeing & Underground Cenote from Tulum: $140
- VIP Cenote Scuba Tour, Certified Divers Only: $230
- 3 in 1 Private Tour Tulum Cenote and Snorkeling in the reef: $210
- 3D Museum of Wonders Admission Ticket: $42
- 5X1: Tulum and Coba Ruins, Cenote & Mayan Village Full Day Tour : $114
- ATV Adventure with Ziplines Cenote from Playa del Carmen: $75
- ATV Extreme and Snorkel Adventure from the Riviera Maya: $139
- ATV Ride and Secret Caves Tour from Playa del Carmen: $80
- ATV Shared & Ziplines Adventure in Tulum Jungle from Riviera Maya: $133
- ATV Shared, Cavern & Ziplines -Jungle Adventure from Riviera Maya: $158
- ATV Xtreme & Snorkel Experience: $138
Tours and Activities in Temuco
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Temuco.
- Tour Mapuche Community Araucanía: $582
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPlaya del Carmen $21Temuco $5.13
When comparing the travel costs between Playa del Carmen and Temuco, we can see that Playa del Carmen is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Playa del Carmen is in North America and Temuco is in South America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
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 Temuco Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Temuco?
Temuco has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Temuco, 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 Temuco?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Temuco is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Playa del Carmen has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Temuco in the Summer?
Both Temuco and Playa del Carmen during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Temuco in the summer. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Temuco fluctuates around 17°C (62°F)in January.
In Temuco, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the summer, Playa del Carmen often gets less sunshine than Temucoin January. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Temuco receives 290 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in July than Temucoin January. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Temuco receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryPlaya del Carmen 28°C (82°F)Temuco 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Temuco in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Temuco. The autumn months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Temuco. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Playa del Carmen in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Temuco averages at about 12°C (53°F)in April.
In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Temuco during autumn. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Temuco receives 150 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Playa del Carmen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Temucoin April. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Temuco receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn. June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilPlaya del Carmen 26°C (79°F)Temuco 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Temuco in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Temuco. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year.
In January, Playa del Carmen is generally much warmer than Temucoin July. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 23°C (73°F), and Temuco fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In the winter, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Temucoin July. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Temuco receives 78 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Temuco. Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in January than Temucoin July. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Temuco receives 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyPlaya del Carmen 23°C (73°F)Temuco 8°C (46°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Temuco in the Spring?
Both Temuco and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches and the natural beauty.
Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Temuco in the spring. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Temuco fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in October.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Temuco during spring. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Temuco receives 193 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Temucoin October. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Temuco receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberPlaya del Carmen 27°C (81°F)Temuco 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Temuco and Playa del Carmen
| Playa del Carmen | Temuco | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 177 mm (7 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 53 mm (2.1 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.