Which place is cheaper, Whistler 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 Whistler?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Whistler? 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 Whistler?
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.
Whistler
Located in the province of British Columbia in Canada, Whistler is most famous as the largest ski area in North America. It is also only a short distance from the city of Vancouver, and offers countless opportunities for snow boarding and other winter sports. The town has a permanent population of almost 10,000 and there is a larger seasonal population of workers that come from all over the world. Whistler is a major travel destination with more than two million people visiting the town yearly. As such, there are countless amenities available to visitors. Hotels can vary dramatically in price and quality. There are some budget options, including a couple of hostels in the area, but most people do not visit Whistler as a budget travel destination. It's usually an expensive vacation, but few would argue that it isn't worth the cost.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPlaya del Carmen $81Whistler $125
The average daily cost (per person) in Playa del Carmen is $81, while the average daily cost in Whistler is $125. 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 Whistler in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPlaya del Carmen $40Whistler $65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPlaya del Carmen $80Whistler $130
Compare Hotels in Playa del Carmen and Whistler
Looking for a hotel in Playa del Carmen or Whistler? 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 Whistler Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Playa del Carmen $24Whistler $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Playa del Carmen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Playa del Carmen:
- Chetumal Airport (CTM) to Chetumal - Arrival Private Transfer: $24
- Punta Sam / Isla Blanca to Cancún Airport (CUN)- Departure Private Transfer: $27
- Shared Transfer Cancun Airport - Playa del Carmen: $31
- Playa del Carmen to Cancún Airport (CUN) - Private Departure Transfer: $32
- Maroma Beach: Entry Ticket to Maroma Beach Club & Transfer: $47
- Chetumal Airport (CTM) to Chetumal - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $48
- Private Transfer to Xel-Há Park from Playa del Carmen: $53
- Private Transfer Airport-Costa Mujeres/Playa Mujeres 1-8 pax: $59
- Private Transfer to Xavage / Xoximilco: $59
- Parasailing in Playa del Carmen with transfer: $59
- Private Transfer to Xcaret Park from Playa del Carmen: $60
- Shared roundtrip transfer from Cancun airport to Playa del Carmen: $71
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Whistler
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Whistler:
- Private Transfer from Whistler to Downtown Vancouver: $570
- Private Transfer from Whistler to Richmond BC: $633
- Vancouver: Seaplane Transfer between Vancouver & Whistler: $161
Is it cheaper to fly into Playa del Carmen or Whistler?
Prices for flights to both Whistler 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 $24Whistler $30
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
Typical Food Prices in Whistler
Some typical examples of dining costs in Whistler are as follows:
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Coffee at Starbucks$12
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Tim Hortons Breakfast$12
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Coffee at Timmy's$3.63
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Whistler
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Whistler.
- Finer Things: 4-Course Dinner Tour in Whistler: $131
- Finer Things Dinner Tour in Whistler: $144
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Playa del Carmen $17Whistler $78
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
- Ek Balam: Self-Guided Tour with Audio Narration & Map: $15
- Tulum Ruins: Self-Guided Tour with Audio Narration & Map: $15
- Entrance to the Xcajum Ecotourism Park: $20
- Riviera Maya: Frida Kahlo Museum Guided Tour 2024: $20
- YAL-KÚ Park in Riviera Maya Admission Ticket: $23
- Ultramar Ferry, Regular round ticket, Playa del Carmen-Cozumel: $33
- Cultural Tour in Tulum Ruins & Cenote Swimming Transport Included: $33
- Round-Trip Ferry Ticket to/from Cozumel: $35
- Mayan tour 4x1: Tulum, Cobá, Cenote & Playa del carmen: $35
- Refreshing Experience in 3 Cenotes, from Riviera Maya: $39
Typical Entertainment Prices in Whistler
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Whistler are as follows:
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Driving Range$15
Tours and Activities in Whistler
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Whistler are as follows:
- Sea to Sky Highway: a Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $6.31
- Audain Art Museum Admission Ticket: $16
- One Hour Axe Throwing Guided Experience in Whistler: $33
- Vallea Lumina Multimedia Experience: $35
- The Great Whistler Walking Tour: Discover Whistler's Sights, History & Culture!: $49
- Whistler Sightseeing Tour: Discover all of Whistler Year-Round!: $78
- Guided Lunch Tour in Whistler: $88
- Rock Climbing Beginner Experience: $94
- Whistler Valley Tour by Seaplane: 20-Minute Flight: $102
- Sky-Walk Mountain Climbing Tour: $102
- Whistler Glacier Discovery Tour: $103
- Guided eBike Adventure: $106
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPlaya del Carmen $21Whistler $8.72
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 Whistler
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Whistler:
- Whistler Distillery Tour & Tasting Experience: $66
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Playa del Carmen and Whistler, we can see that Whistler 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 Whistler would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Whistler 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 Whistler Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Whistler?
Playa del Carmen has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Whistler. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Whistler, 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 Whistler?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Whistler in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Whistler. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Whistler. Typically, the summer temperatures in Playa del Carmen in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Whistler averages at about 18°C (64°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Whistler 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 Whistler during summer. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.
Playa del Carmen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Whistler. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Whistler receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPlaya del Carmen 28°C (82°F)Whistler 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Whistler in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Whistler. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Playa del Carmen is generally much warmer than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 26°C (79°F), and Whistler fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In the autumn, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 124 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Whistler. Playa del Carmen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in October than Whistler. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Whistler receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, 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)Whistler 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Whistler in the Winter?
Both Whistler and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Whistler can be very cold. Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Whistler in the winter. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Whistler fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during winter. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Whistler. In January, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Whistler. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Whistler receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPlaya del Carmen 23°C (73°F)Whistler 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Whistler in the Spring?
Both Whistler and Playa del Carmen during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the beaches and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Whistler. Typically, the spring temperatures in Playa del Carmen in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Whistler averages at about 9°C (49°F).
It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the spring, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 172 hours of full sun.
Whistler gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in April than Whistler. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Whistler receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, 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)Whistler 9°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Whistler and Playa del Carmen
| Playa del Carmen | Whistler | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 179 mm (7.1 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 198 mm (7.8 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.