Which place is cheaper, Playa del Carmen or Punta del Este?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Punta del Este or Playa del Carmen?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Punta del Este or Playa del Carmen, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Punta del Este or Playa del Carmen?
Punta del Este
Punta del Este with its many beaches, elegant seaside homes, yacht harbor, high-rise apartment buildings, pricey hotels, ardent night scene and glitzy restaurants is a chic beach resort town in Uruguay. Many tourists come from Brazil and Argentina, on the other side of the Rio de la Plata, to get some nice sun and lay on the beach for a weekend getaway. Punta del Este is more expensive than other areas in Uruguay and has been called the Monaco of South America. Tourist season varies wildly from totally deserted in the winter to very crowded in the summer.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPunta del Este $98Playa del Carmen $81
The average daily cost (per person) in Punta del Este is $98, while the average daily cost in Playa del Carmen is $81. 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 Punta del Este and Playa del Carmen in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPunta del Este $55Playa del Carmen $40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPunta del Este $110Playa del Carmen $80
Compare Hotels in Punta del Este and Playa del Carmen
Looking for a hotel in Punta del Este or Playa del Carmen? 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: Punta del Este Hotel Prices and Playa del Carmen Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Punta del Este $22Playa del Carmen $24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta del Este
Also for Punta del Este, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Montevideo Hotels to Carrasco Airport MVD Departure Transfer: $49
- Montevideo hotels to Carrasco International Airport (MVD) - Departure Transfer: $49
- Private Transfer - Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $85
- Private Transfer from Montevideo City to Montevideo Cruise Port: $55
- Private Transfer from Montevideo city to Montevideo Cruise Port: $30
- Private Transfer from Montevideo hotels to Punta Del Este Port: $72
- Private Transfer from Montevideo to Punta Del Este Cruise Port: $85
- Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Cruise Port to Montevideo: $85
- Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Port to Montevideo hotels: $72
- Private Transfer to Punta del Este Airport: $60
- Punta del Este Airport Private Transfer: $60
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Punta del Este or Playa del Carmen?
Prices for flights to both Playa del Carmen and Punta del Este 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 dayPunta del Este $31Playa del Carmen $24
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.Punta del Este $11Playa del Carmen $17
Tours and Activities in Punta del Este
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta del Este.
- La Vista 360 ticket de admisión: $11
- Skip the Line: Casapueblo Museum Admission Ticket in Punta del Este: $15
- Guided Tour of the Winery Viña Edén: $18
- Punta del Este Classic City Tour with Sunset in Casapueblo: $30
- Guided Tour of Vineyards: $33
- Half-Day City Tour: $47
- Discovering Half-Day City Tour: $47
- Punta del Este City Tour for Cruisers: $50
- Punta del Este, City Tour: $50
- Bike Tour Peninsula - Punta del Este: $65
- Private - Punta del Este City Tour for Cruisers: $120
- Punta del Este Shore Excursion: Private Sightseeing Tour of Punta del Este: $127
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPunta del Este $7.70Playa del Carmen $21
Sample the Local Flavors in Punta del Este
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Punta del Este:
- Wine Tasting: $42
- Half Day Private Canelones Wine Tour from Montevideo : $158
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Punta del Este and Playa del Carmen, we can see that Punta del Este is more expensive. And not only is Playa del Carmen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Punta del Este is in South America and Playa del Carmen is in North 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 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 Punta del Este would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este Expensive? and Is Playa del Carmen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Punta del Este or Playa del Carmen?
Playa del Carmen has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Punta del Este. When comparing the sizes of Punta del Este and Playa del Carmen, 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 Punta del Este or Playa del Carmen?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este or Playa del Carmen in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Punta del Este as well as Playa del Carmen. Also, most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Punta del Este is cooler than Playa del Carmen in the summer. The daily temperature in Punta del Este averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in July.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Punta del Este this time of the year. In the summer, Punta del Este often gets more sunshine than Playa del Carmenin July. Punta del Este gets 296 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa del Carmen receives 223 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. Punta del Este usually gets less rain in January than Playa del Carmenin July. Punta del Este gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyPunta del Este 23°C (73°F)Playa del Carmen 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Playa del Carmen in the Autumn?
Both Playa del Carmen and Punta del Este are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, 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, Punta del Este is much colder than Playa del Carmen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Punta del Este in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Playa del Carmen averages at about 26°C (79°F)in October.
It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. Punta del Este usually receives less sunshine than Playa del Carmen during autumn. Punta del Este gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Playa del Carmen receives 233 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. In April, Punta del Este usually receives less rain than Playa del Carmenin October. Punta del Este gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 114 mm (4.5 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 April and OctoberPunta del Este 17°C (63°F)Playa del Carmen 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Playa del Carmen in the Winter?
Both Playa del Carmen and Punta del Este during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year.
In July, Punta del Este is generally much colder than Playa del Carmenin January. Daily temperatures in Punta del Este average around 10°C (50°F), and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Punta del Este often gets less sunshine than Playa del Carmenin January. Punta del Este gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa del Carmen receives 224 hours of full sun.
Punta del Este usually gets more rain in July than Playa del Carmenin January. Punta del Este gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryPunta del Este 10°C (50°F)Playa del Carmen 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Playa del Carmen in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Punta del Este and Playa del Carmen. Furthermore, many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches and the natural beauty.
Punta del Este is much colder than Playa del Carmen in the spring. The daily temperature in Punta del Este averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in April.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In Punta del Este, it's very sunny this time of the year. Punta del Este usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Playa del Carmen during spring. Punta del Este gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Playa del Carmen receives 259 hours of full sun in the spring.
In October, Punta del Este usually receives more rain than Playa del Carmenin April. Punta del Este gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 14 mm (0.6 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 October and AprilPunta del Este 16°C (61°F)Playa del Carmen 27°C (81°F)
Typical Weather for Playa del Carmen and Punta del Este
| Punta del Este | Playa del Carmen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 11°C (52°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Jul | 10°C (50°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (52°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Sep | 13°C (55°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 21 mm (0.8 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.