Which place is cheaper, Victoria 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 Victoria?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Victoria? 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 Victoria?
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.
Victoria
The capital city of British Columbia, Canada, Victoria is positioned near the southern edge of Vancouver Island. It's a wonderfully pleasant city and has been nicknamed the Garden City because of its vast green space and public gardens. There is a population of just over 80,000 in the city proper and almost 350,000 in the greater metropolitan area. Dating back to 1843, it's also one of the oldest cities in the Pacific Northwest. As such, it has many historic buildings and beautiful architecture. It also has the second oldest Chinatown in North America, following San Francisco's.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Adventure Tours to Canada, and The Best Eco Tours in Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPlaya del Carmen $81Victoria $182
The average daily cost (per person) in Playa del Carmen is $81, while the average daily cost in Victoria is $182. 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 Victoria in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPlaya del Carmen $40Victoria $113
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPlaya del Carmen $80Victoria $226
Compare Hotels in Playa del Carmen and Victoria
Looking for a hotel in Playa del Carmen or Victoria? 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 Victoria Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Playa del Carmen $24Victoria $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Playa del Carmen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Playa del Carmen:
- Wedding Transfers Services in Round Trip Playa del Carmen: $180
- Transfer in Private vehicle from Akumal City - Cancun Airport (CUN) : $74
- Tour Bacalar Ponton with Transfer from Cancun & Playa del Carmen : $147
- Shared roundtrip transfer from Cancun airport to Playa del Carmen: $71
- Shared Transfer Cancun Airport - Playa del Carmen: $31
- Roundtrip Private Transfer Playa del Carmen from CUN: $175
- Private Transfer: Playa del Carmen to Cancun Airport CUN in SUV: $91
- Private Transfer: Akumal to Cancun Airport CUN in SUV: $115
- Private Transfer to/from Akumal Hotels: $79
- Private Transfer to Xel-Há Park from Playa del Carmen: $53
- Private Transfer to Xcaret Park from Playa del Carmen: $60
- Private Transfer to Xavage / Xoximilco: $59
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Victoria
Also for Victoria, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Vancouver: Seaplane Transfer between Vancouver & Victoria: $206
- Victoria to Vancouver - Coach Bus Transfer: $74
- Victoria to Vancouver - Vancouver Airport (YVR) Drop Off - Coach Bus Transfer: $87
- Victoria to Vancouver - Vancouver Hotel Drop Off - Coach Bus Transfer: $83
- Victoria to Vancouver Ferry with Bus Transfer: $73
- Seaplane Transfer between Victoria and Whistler: $219
Is it cheaper to fly into Playa del Carmen or Victoria?
Prices for flights to both Victoria 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 $24Victoria $27
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 Food Tour: $71
- Playa Del Carmen Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $75
- Playa del Carmen Walking Food Tour: $78
- Playa del Camen Vegan Mexican Food Tour: $84
- Mexican Cooking Class: $100
- PDC Traditional Mexican Cooking Experience: $104
- Authentic Mexican Cooking Class in Playa del Carmen: $120
- Isa’s Authentic Mexican Cooking Class: $120
- Riviera Maya: Sunset Cruise with Beach Dinner and Open Bar: $157
- Playa del Carmen Mexican Gourmet Food Tour: $211
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Victoria
For Victoria, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Chocolate Lovers Food Tour: $44
- Chinatown and Old Town Food Tour with Tastings: $58
- Hip & Hidden Chinatown + Old Town Food Tour Victoria: $59
- Victoria Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $73
- Sip, Savor, Stroll Evening Food Tour: $146
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Playa del Carmen $17Victoria $45
Tours and Activities in Playa del Carmen
Here are a few actual costs in Playa del Carmen for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Electric fatbike ecological tour in the Mayan lands: $150
- Tulum Ruins, Turtle Sightseeing & Underground Cenote from Tulum: $140
- 3 Hour Tour ATV Single with Underground River from Tulum : $118
- 3D Museum of Wonders Admission Ticket: $42
- A Lifetime Experience: Whale Shark Snorkeling Tour: $250
- ATV Adventure with Ziplines Cenote from Playa del Carmen: $75
- 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 Tour in Playa del Carmen with Zip Lines: $73
- ATV Xtreme & Snorkel Experience: $138
- ATV Xtreme and Zipline Adventure from Riviera Maya: $119
Tours and Activities in Victoria
For Victoria, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Victoria self-guided tour App - multilingual AudioGuide: $4.28
- Victoria Harbor: Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $5.11
- 2.5-hour Tips-Based City Walking Tour: $6.58
- Victoria, BC: Murder Mystery Detective Experience: $11
- Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $13
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
- Experience Victoria by Foot Walking Tour: $15
- Butterfly Gardens Admission Ticket: $15
- Ghostly Walking Tour in Victoria: $16
- Cultural & Historical Victoria Walking Tour: $16
- Malahat SkyWalk General Admission Tickets: $29
- Experience Victoria City Tour: $37
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPlaya del Carmen $21Victoria $16
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:
- Tour to the Brewery with Tasting and Fifth Avenue: $109
Sample the Local Flavors in Victoria
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Victoria:
- Guided Pub Crawl with Ferry Rides and Appetizers: $48
- 3-Hour Street Art & Craft Beer Tour of Victoria, Brewery Tour & Tasting included: $101
- Victoria Wine Tour with Wine Tastings and Charcuterie: $134
- Cowichan Valley Premium Wine Tour: $439
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Playa del Carmen and Victoria, we can see that Victoria is more expensive. And not only is Playa del Carmen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Victoria would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Victoria 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 Victoria Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Victoria?
Victoria has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Victoria, 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 Victoria?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Victoria in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Victoria. 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 Victoria in the summer. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Victoria fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
Playa del Carmen receives a lot of rain in the summer. Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in July than Victoria. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Victoria receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPlaya del Carmen 28°C (82°F)Victoria 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Victoria in the Autumn?
Both Victoria and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Victoria. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Playa del Carmen in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Victoria averages at about 11°C (52°F).
It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. In October, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Victoria. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Victoria receives 65 mm (2.6 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 OctoberPlaya del Carmen 26°C (79°F)Victoria 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Victoria in the Winter?
Both Victoria and Playa del Carmen during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Victoria. In January, Playa del Carmen is generally much warmer than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 23°C (73°F), and Victoria fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
Victoria gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in January than Victoria. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Victoria receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPlaya del Carmen 23°C (73°F)Victoria 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Victoria in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Victoria. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches and the natural beauty.
Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Victoria in the spring. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Victoria fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
In April, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Victoria. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Victoria receives 40 mm (1.6 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 AprilPlaya del Carmen 27°C (81°F)Victoria 10°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Victoria and Playa del Carmen
| Playa del Carmen | Victoria | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 67 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 19 mm (0.8 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 153 mm (6 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.