Which place is cheaper, Tulum or Recife?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Recife or Tulum?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Recife and Tulum can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Recife or Tulum?
Recife
One of the largest cities on Brazil's northeast coast, Recife is also the capital of the state of Pernambuco. The city gets its name from the Portuguese word for "reef," as it was built around a landscape of natural reef beaches. Many people visit to enjoy these beaches, experience the culture, and explore the history of this important Brazilian city.
Tulum
When you think of ancient ruins you probably picture dusty archaeological digs surrounded by sand and professors in khaki shorts. What if I told you there is a way to see ancient ruins and visit a tropical beach? That's exactly what you find in Tulum, Mexico.
Built near the end of Mayan era, the ruins of Tulum served as a port before the arrival of the Spanish. It may have been called Zama, meaning City of Dawn, given that these ruins face the sunrise. Because of Tulum's access to both land and sea routes, this spot was an important hub for the trade industry. It may have had another claim to fame, too. According to some murals and other works around the site, it seems this spot was an important site for the worship of the Diving or Descending God. Today, the area is the third most visited archaeological site in all of Mexico with daily tour buses dropping off visitors.
This area is usually packed with people looking to get a glimpse of the seaside ruins. To avoid crowds and capture the best view of the day, try to arrive as early as possible.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Brazil, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Brazil, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, and The Best Historical Tours in Mexico.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRecife $166Tulum $122
The average daily cost (per person) in Recife is $166, while the average daily cost in Tulum is $122. 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 Recife and Tulum in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRecife $88Tulum $60
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRecife $176Tulum $120
Compare Hotels in Recife and Tulum
Looking for a hotel in Recife or Tulum? 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: Recife Hotel Prices and Tulum Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Recife $8.47Tulum $28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Recife
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Recife:
- Shared Transfer from Recife to Cabo de Santo Agostinho: $33
- Instituto Ricardo Brennand with transfers from Recife: $41
- Private Transfer from Olinda to Recife (REC) Airport: $46
- Private Transfer from Recife to Olinda: $46
- Airport to Porto de Galinhas Transfer: $65
- Recife Boat Tour with Transfers: $72
- Airport to Maragogi Hotels Private Transfer: $85
- Departure Transfer from Olinda to Recife Airport: $100
- Private Transfer from Recife to Serrambi Beach: $101
- Private Transfer from Igarassu to Recife (REC) Airport : $101
- Private Transfer from Recife to Carneiros Beach: $114
- Private Transfer from Recife to Tamandare Beach: $114
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Tulum
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Tulum are as follows:
-
Scooter Rental$18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tulum
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tulum:
- Tulum to Cancún Airport (CUN) - Private Departure Transfer: $70
- Xcaret to Tulum - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $76
- Tulum to Xcaret - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $76
- Tulum to Playa del Carmen - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $82
- Private Transfer in Vehicle from Tulum to Cancun Airport : $91
- Horseback Riding in the Jungle w/ Transfers and Lunch: $100
- Departure Private Transfer from Tulum to Cancun Airport CUN by Minivan - Minibus: $117
- Tulum to Bacalar - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $153
- Tulum to Mahahual - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $160
- Private Transfer Tulum Zone - Cancun International Airport: $160
- One Way Private Tulum Transfers to or from Cancun Airport: $160
- Tulum to Chetumal - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $182
Is it cheaper to fly into Recife or Tulum?
Prices for flights to both Tulum and Recife 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 dayRecife $70Tulum $34
Typical Food Prices in Tulum
Some typical examples of dining costs in Tulum are as follows:
-
Lunch$3.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tulum
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Tulum.
- Tulum Local Walking Food Tour: $86
- Vegan Walking Food Tour with Tasting: $87
- Mexican Cooking from Scratch and Mezcal Tasting in a Local Home in Tulum: $87
- Mayan Night Guided Tour, Cenote Swim and Mayan Dinner: $209
- Private transfer for 5 hours (go dinner,cenotes, shopping and more) : $299
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Recife $11Tulum $32
Tours and Activities in Recife
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Recife are as follows:
- Recife (Historic Centre) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $7.65
- Olinda Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.82
- City Tour Recife & Olinda: $27
- Colonial North Coast beaches - Full-Day Tour: $35
- Olinda City Tour and Instituto Ricardo Brennand: $94
- City Tour Recife with Catamaran included: $150
Tours and Activities in Tulum
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tulum are as follows:
- Audioguide Tulum, Audioguide-App Mayastadt Tulum, Tour Tulum Archaeological Site: $4.31
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - The Return Home: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Coba Ruins: The trail of the Mayas: $10
- Tulum Archeological Site Skip-the-Line Ticket: $12
- Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket: $12
- Self-Guided Mayan Ruins Tour: $13
- Explore Coba: The Ultimate Self-Guided Audio & Map Tour: $15
- Archeological Guided Walking Tour in Tulum: $20
- Archaeological Site Guided Walking Tour: $20
- Tulum Mural Tours: $36
- Playa del Carmen: ATV, Cenote, and Zipline Tour with a Meal: $41
- Entrance tickets to swim in 4 Cenotes in Casa Tortuga Park: $42
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayRecife -Tulum $25
Sample the Local Flavors in Tulum
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Tulum:
- 30 Minutes Brewery Tour in Tulum: $39
- Wine Tasting at Pan y Vino Tulum: $58
- Beer Tasting and Brewery Tour: $69
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Recife and Tulum, we can see that Recife is more expensive. And not only is Tulum much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Recife is in South America and Tulum 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 Tulum would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tulum 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 Recife would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Recife than you might in Tulum.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Recife Expensive? and Is Tulum Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Recife or Tulum?
Recife has a larger population, and is about 180 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Recife and Tulum, 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 Recife or Tulum?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Recife is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Tulum has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Recife or Tulum in the Summer?
Both Tulum and Recife are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tulum this time of year.
In January, Recife is generally around the same temperature as Tulumin July. Daily temperatures in Recife average around 26°C (79°F), and Tulum fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
It's quite sunny in Tulum. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Recife. Recife usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Tulum during summer. Recife gets 246 hours of sunny skies, while Tulum receives 232 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Tulum. It's quite rainy in Recife. In January, Recife usually receives less rain than Tulumin July. Recife gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyRecife 26°C (79°F)Tulum 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Recife or Tulum in the Autumn?
Both Tulum and Recife during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Tulum for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Recife is around the same temperature as Tulum in the autumn. The daily temperature in Recife averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Tulum fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in October.
In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Recife often gets less sunshine than Tulumin October. Recife gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tulum receives 216 hours of full sun.
Tulum gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Recife. Recife usually gets more rain in April than Tulumin October. Recife gets 338 mm (13.3 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Tulum. June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. Keep in mind that June to October is the hurricane season in Tulum.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberRecife 26°C (79°F)Tulum 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Recife or Tulum in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Recife and Tulum. Also, many visitors come to Tulum in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Recife is around the same temperature as Tulum. Typically, the winter temperatures in Recife in July average around 24°C (76°F), and Tulum averages at about 23°C (74°F)in January.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. Recife usually receives less sunshine than Tulum during winter. Recife gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Tulum receives 213 hours of full sun in the winter.
Recife gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Recife usually receives more rain than Tulumin January. Recife gets 388 mm (15.3 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryRecife 24°C (76°F)Tulum 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Recife or Tulum in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Recife as well as Tulum. Also, most visitors come to Tulum for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
In October, Recife is generally around the same temperature as Tulumin April. Daily temperatures in Recife average around 25°C (77°F), and Tulum fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Recife this time of the year. In the spring, Recife often gets less sunshine than Tulumin April. Recife gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tulum receives 273 hours of full sun.
Recife usually gets more rain in October than Tulumin April. Recife gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Tulum is the dry season. June to October in Tulum is the rainy season. Also, June to October in Tulum is the hurricane season.
-
Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilRecife 25°C (77°F)Tulum 27°C (81°F)
Typical Weather for Tulum and Recife
| Recife | Tulum | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (80°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 338 mm (13.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 25°C (78°F) | 319 mm (12.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 378 mm (14.9 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 192 mm (7.6 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (76°F) | 388 mm (15.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 205 mm (8.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 72 mm (2.8 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.