Which place is cheaper, Fairfield or Tulum?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Tulum or Fairfield?
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 Fairfield 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 Fairfield?
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.
Fairfield
The city of Fairfield is in Solano County, California, in the Sacramento Valley area. It's a medium sized city that is home to the Travis Air Force Base. It's also halfway between San Francisco and Sacramento along Interstate 80. There are a handful of interesting activities in the area. Consider visiting either the Grizzly Island Wildlife Area or the Hill Slough Wildlife Area both of which have hiking, fishing, birdwatching, and boating opportunities. You can also take a tour of the Jelly Belly Factory which is in town, or tour the Anheuser-Busch Brewery which includes two complimentary beers and a limitless supply of pretzels. On Thursdays you can take a guided tour of the Travis Air Force Base. If you're interested in visited a working ranch, Rush Ranch is open to the public and can be a fun experience with an opportunity to visit with the animals.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTulum $122Fairfield $131
The average daily cost (per person) in Tulum is $122, while the average daily cost in Fairfield is $131. 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 Fairfield in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTulum $60Fairfield $97
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTulum $120Fairfield $194
Compare Hotels in Tulum and Fairfield
Looking for a hotel in Tulum or Fairfield? 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: Tulum Hotel Prices and Fairfield Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tulum $28Fairfield -
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Tulum
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Tulum are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tulum
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tulum:
- Round-trip Private Transfer Cancun Airport to TULUM - up to 9 pax: $299
- Roundtrip Transfer from Cancun Airport to Tulum: $269
- Roundtrip Private Transfer from Cancun Airport to Tulum: $255
- Transfer from Tulum airport to Bacalar: $233
- Private Luxury Transfer Tulum to Cancun Airport: $220
- Private Transfer From Tulum to Chetumal With a 2 Hour Stop: $218
- Private Transfer Tulum-Bacalar with optional 2h in Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve: $211
- Private Transfer From Cancun Airport - Tulum: $208
- One-Way Private or Luxury Airport Transfer Tulum Cancun Airport: $195
- Cancun Airport Departure transfer from Akumal, Tulum: $191
- Private transfer from Cancun airpot to Tulum up to 7 persons: $191
- Tulum to Chetumal - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $182
Is it cheaper to fly into Tulum or Fairfield?
Prices for flights to both Fairfield 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
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Food Meals for one dayTulum $34Fairfield $30
Typical Food Prices in Tulum
Some typical examples of dining costs in Tulum are as follows:
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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
- Tulum Vegan Food Tour: $89
- Authentic Mexican Food Tour in Tulum: $146
- Gourmet Experience: 5 Course Dinner, Cocktail Class and Wine Pairing: $159
- Mayan Night Guided Tour, Cenote Swim and Mayan Dinner: $209
- Private transfer for 5 hours (go dinner,cenotes, shopping and more) : $299
Typical Food Prices in Fairfield
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Fairfield:
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El Pollo Loco Lunch (for 3)$17
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Hometown Buffet Dinner (for 3)$44
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tulum $32Fairfield $13
Tours and Activities in Tulum
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tulum are as follows:
- Luxury Tour to Chichen Itza and 2 Cenotes Only From Tulum: $128
- Private Tour - The best Cenotes in Yucatan - Suytun & Oxman: $195
- Romantic tour in Tulum: $169
- 2 Cenotes Adventure from Tulum - Small Group - All Inclusive: $159
- 2 Cenotes Guided Snorkeling Adventure in Tulum: $149
- 2 tanks Cenote Diving Adventure in Tulum for Certified Divers: $200
- 4-Hour Cenotes Tour with Hotel Pickup in Riviera Maya: $109
- 5 Hours Mayan Snorkeling Experience in Tulum: $90
- 5x1 Deluxe Tour Tulum, Coba, Cenote Transportation from Tulum: $88
- 5x1: Tulum, Coba, Cenote and Mayan Village Full Day Tour: $99
- ATV Adventure and Horseback Ride with Ziplines, Cenote from Tulum: $89
- ATV Cenote and Zipline Adventure from Tulum: $119
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTulum $25Fairfield -
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
- Beer Tasting and Brewery Tour and Pairing by an Expert Brewer: $84
Sample the Local Flavors in Fairfield
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Fairfield:
- Olive Oil, Cheese, and Wine Tasting with Local Expert: $133
When comparing the travel costs between Tulum and Fairfield, we can see that Fairfield 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.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tulum Expensive? and Is Fairfield Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tulum or Fairfield?
Fairfield has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum and Fairfield, 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 Tulum or Fairfield?
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 Tulum or Fairfield in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Fairfield. The summer months attract visitors to Tulum because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
Tulum is a little warmer than Fairfield in the summer. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Fairfield fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fairfield. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In the summer, Tulum often gets less sunshine than Fairfield. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Fairfield receives 439 hours of full sun.
Tulum receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tulum usually gets more rain in July than Fairfield. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Fairfield receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyTulum 28°C (83°F)Fairfield 73°F (23°C)
Should I visit Tulum or Fairfield in the Autumn?
Both Fairfield and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Tulum this time of year.
In the autumn, Tulum is much warmer than Fairfield. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tulum in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Fairfield averages at about 62°F (17°C).
It's quite sunny in Fairfield. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives less sunshine than Fairfield during autumn. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Fairfield receives 300 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Tulum. In October, Tulum usually receives more rain than Fairfield. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Fairfield receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Tulum is November to April. The rainy season in Tulum is June to October. June to October in Tulum is the hurricane season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTulum 27°C (81°F)Fairfield 62°F (17°C)
Should I visit Tulum or Fairfield in the Winter?
Both Fairfield and Tulum during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Tulum for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Tulum is generally much warmer than Fairfield. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 23°C (74°F), and Fairfield fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).
It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the winter, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Fairfield. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Fairfield receives 149 hours of full sun.
Tulum usually gets less rain in January than Fairfield. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Fairfield receives 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryTulum 23°C (74°F)Fairfield 46°F (8°C)
Should I visit Tulum or Fairfield in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Fairfield. Many visitors come to Tulum in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
Tulum is much warmer than Fairfield in the spring. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Fairfield fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fairfield this time of the year. In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives less sunshine than Fairfield during spring. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Fairfield receives 328 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Tulum usually receives more rain than Fairfield. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Fairfield receives 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain each month for the spring. November to April in Tulum is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. The hurricane season in Tulum is June to October.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilTulum 27°C (81°F)Fairfield 56°F (13°C)
Typical Weather for Fairfield and Tulum
| Tulum | Fairfield | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 46°F (8°C) | 3.8 inches (97 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (78°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 1.3 inches (32 mm) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) |
| Jun | 29°C (83°F) | 192 mm (7.6 in) | 69°F (21°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 70°F (21°C) | 0.5 inches (12 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 46°F (8°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) |
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.