A Travel Price Comparison for Mexico Tulum vs. Cozumel for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

North America / Comparisons /
Jump to  down-arrow

Should you visit Tulum or Cozumel?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tulum and Cozumel 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: Tulum or Cozumel?

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.

Cozumel

Cozumel is a Caribbean island just off the Yucatan Peninsula. It'as a popular tourist destination because of its beautiful beaches and excellent snorkeling and scuba diving. With crystal clear waters and vibrant colored coral, Cozumel is one of the most popular dive destinations in the area. The island's economy is centered around tourism, and as such, you'll find plenty of amenities for visitors. The prices are comparable to other coastal towns in the area and there is no shortage of activities or attractions nearby.

Which place is cheaper, Cozumel or Tulum?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Tulum is $119, while the average daily cost in Cozumel is $115. 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 Tulum and Cozumel in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tulum $58
    Cozumel $68
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tulum $116
    Cozumel $136
Compare Hotels in Tulum and Cozumel

Looking for a hotel in Tulum or Cozumel? 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.

Hotels in Tulum


Hotels in Cozumel


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: Tulum Hotel Prices and Cozumel Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tulum $27
    Cozumel $23
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 Chichen Itza - Private Round-Trip Transfer: $350
  • Airport Transfers to Tulum - Private van (ROUND TRIP) FLAT RATE: $330
  • Roundtrip Private Transfer from Cancun Airport to Tulum: $298
  • Roundtrip Transfer from Cancun Airport to Tulum: $269
  • Private Luxury Transfer Tulum to Cancun Airport: $220
  • Private Transfer From Tulum to Chetumal With a 2 Hour Stop: $217
  • Private Transfer From Tulum to Mahahual With a 2 Hour Stop: $217
  • Private Transfer Tulum-Bacalar with optional 2h in Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve: $209
  • Private Transfer From Cancun Airport To Tulum: $193
  • Cancun Airport Departure transfer from Akumal, Tulum: $189
  • Airport Transfer Tulum: $185
  • Tulum to Chetumal - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $181

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cozumel

Also for Cozumel, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private One Way Transfer in Cozumel Airport To/From Cozumel: $29
  • Shared Transfer from Airport to Hotel: $30
  • Private Cozumel Transfer from Airport/Ferry to Hotel: $30
  • Private Transfer between Cozumel Airport or Ferry, and Hotels: $40
  • Mexico Cozumel Airport (CZM) to Cozumel Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $43
  • Cozumel Cruise Port to Cozumel island hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $43
  • Cozumel Airport to Cozumel Port Arrival Private Transfer: $43
  • Cozumel Cruise Port to Mexico Cozumel Airport (CZM) - Departure Private Transfer: $43
  • Cozumel Port to Cozumel Airport CZM Departure Private Transfer: $43
  • Cozumel to Mexico Cozumel Airport (CZM)Departure Private Transfer: $43
  • Mexico Cozumel Airport (CZM) to Cozumel -Arrival Private Transfer: $43
  • Cozumel Island hotels to Cozumel Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $44

Is it cheaper to fly into Tulum or Cozumel?

Prices for flights to both Cozumel and Tulum 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 day
    Tulum $33
    Cozumel $23
Typical Food prices in Tulum

Some typical examples of dining costs in Tulum are as follows:


  • Lunch
    $2.93

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: $77
  • Vegan Walking Food Tour with Tasting: $79
  • Tulum Vegan Food Tour: $81
  • Mexican Cooking from Scratch and Mezcal Tasting in a Local Home in Tulum: $87
  • Dinner in the Tulum Jungle with Premium Wine Tasting: $120
  • Authentic Mexican Food Tour in Tulum: $146
  • Gourmet Experience: 5 Course Dinner, Cocktail Class and Wine Pairing: $149
  • Private Cooking Class in Tulum with a Chef: $154
  • Private transfer for 5 hours (go dinner,cenotes, shopping and more) : $219
  • Private Mayan Food Cooking Class and Cenote: $289

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cozumel

For Cozumel, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Mexican Cooking Class Guacamole Pico De Gallo and Margaritas Ready for Fiesta: $29
  • Authentic Mayan Cooking Class in Cozumel: $57
  • Private Mexican Trompitos Cooking Class in Cozumel: $78
  • Playa Mia Beach Park and Mexican Cooking Class: $81
  • Cozumel Cooking Class: $98
  • Cozumel Food Tour: $100
  • Half-day Cozumel Island Guided Tour with Dinner: $397

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tulum $31
    Cozumel $43

Tours and Activities in Tulum

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tulum are as follows:

  • Full Day Tour from Tulum to Rio Lagartos: $179
  • Luxury Tour to Chichen Itza and 2 Cenotes Only From Tulum: $128
  • Mayan Adventure: Coba Ruins and Cenote Swim Tour: $179
  • Private Tour - The best Cenotes in Yucatan - Suytun & Oxman: $180
  • Romantic tour in Tulum: $169
  • Sian Ka'an Boat Tour: Full Day Experience: $160
  • 2 Cenotes Adventure from Tulum - Small Group - All Inclusive: $119
  • 2 Cenotes Guided Snorkeling Adventure in Tulum: $149
  • 2 tanks Cenote Diving Adventure in Tulum for Certified Divers: $200
  • 4 hours snorkel & beach tour - Private Yacht 47 ft: $1,399
  • 4-Hour Cenotes Tour with Hotel Pickup in Riviera Maya: $109
  • 4x1 Mayan Experience! Tulum Ruins, Coba, Cenote + Transportation from Tulum City: $78

Tours and Activities in Cozumel

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cozumel.

  • 1 Hour and Half Private Tropical Fitness Experience in Cozumel: $12
  • Cozumel!! Guacamole And Margarita Fiesta!!! ( Virtual Experience): $12
  • Tequila History Tour and Beach Break : $13
  • Skip the Line: Admission Ticket to El Cedral Town and Mayan Temple: $16
  • Full Day Ticket at Palm Beach Cozumel Beach Club: $20
  • Buccanos Beach Full-Day Snorkeling Adventure: $25
  • Express Glass-Bottom Boat and Snorkeling Tour with Beach Break : $35
  • VIP Glass Bottom Boat & Snorkeling 3 Reefs Tour: $37
  • City Tour In The Best Of Cozumel: $39
  • Cozumel Beach Horseback Riding Tour: $40
  • Guided Day Tour in Cozumel on a Clear Boat and Electric Scooter: $41
  • Cozumel City Tour By Trolley: $45

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tulum $25
    Cozumel $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Cozumel

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cozumel:

  • Chocolate Seaside Workshop & Wine Tasting: $42
  • Cozumel 5-Hour Private Bar Crawl Tour: $110

How are these travel costs calculated?

When comparing the travel costs between Tulum and Cozumel, we can see that Tulum 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. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

Which is Bigger, Tulum or Cozumel?

Cozumel is bigger, and its population is about 8.8 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the population of Tulum vs. Cozumel, 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 and the activities that interest you.

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.
About BudgetYourTrip.com
More City Comparisons
Veracruz vs. Tulum
Veracruz vs. Cozumel
Tulum vs. San Cristobal de Las Casas
Tulum vs. Playa del Carmen
Tulum vs. Oaxaca de Juarez
Tulum vs. Merida
Tulum vs. Isla Mujeres
Tulum vs. Mexico City
Tulum vs. Cancun
Tulum vs. Acapulco de Juarez
Tulum vs. Cabo San Lucas
Tulum vs. Puerto Vallarta
Tulum vs. Mazatlan
Tulum vs. La Paz
Tulum vs. Guadalajara
Tulum vs. Ensenada
San Cristobal de Las Casas vs. Cozumel
Playa del Carmen vs. Cozumel
Oaxaca de Juarez vs. Cozumel
Merida vs. Cozumel
Isla Mujeres vs. Cozumel
Cozumel vs. Mexico City
Cozumel vs. Cancun
Cozumel vs. Acapulco de Juarez
Cozumel vs. Cabo San Lucas
Cozumel vs. Puerto Vallarta
Cozumel vs. Mazatlan
Cozumel vs. La Paz
Share This Page
Pin This Page
Tulum vs. Cozumel Travel Comparison

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.