Which place is cheaper, Granada or Tulum?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Tulum or Granada?
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 Granada 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 Granada?
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.
Granada
Granada is Nicaragua's oldest colonial city, and arguably, the most beautiful city in the country. It sits on the northern edge of Lake Nicaragua (Lago Cocibolca) and has many beautifully colored buildings and nice churches. The city's beauty and colonial architecture, along with its relative safety and accessibility, make it one of Nicaragua's top tourist destinations. The city has long been a center for commerce, but today its economy depends heavily on tourism. The city is the sixth largest in Nicaragua and a real estate boom in the early 2000's brought a large number of expats to the town.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, and The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTulum $122Granada $40
The average daily cost (per person) in Tulum is $122, while the average daily cost in Granada is $40. 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 Granada in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTulum $60Granada $17
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTulum $120Granada $34
Compare Hotels in Tulum and Granada
Looking for a hotel in Tulum or Granada? 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 Granada Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tulum $28Granada $8.57
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:
- 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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Granada
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Granada:
- One-Way Private Transfer From/To Airport or Hotels in Granada: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Tulum or Granada?
Prices for flights to both Granada 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 $34Granada $14
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
- 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 Granada
Some typical examples of dining costs in Granada are as follows:
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Pizza$2.29
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tulum $32Granada $10
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Granada
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Granada are as follows:
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Lago de Nicaragua Boat Tour$8.17
Tours and Activities in Granada
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Granada are as follows:
- Granada Kayak Tour: $30
- Colonial Granada Horse Carriage & Walking Tour: $35
- Paddle Boarding and Meditation Wellness Experience in Las Isletas: $39
- Las Isletas: Kayak Tour: $39
- Granada City Tour: $40
- Granada's City Tour: $40
- Las Isletas: Boat Tour: $45
- Masaya Night Tour Minimum 2 People from Granada: $45
- Las Isletas 2-Hour Kayak Adventure in Granada with Pickup: $48
- City Walking Tour and Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride: $50
- Full-Day Tour: Masaya Volcano, Art Market and White Villages: $60
- Experience Granadas Best Sights Carriage ride + Local Guide: $65
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTulum $25Granada $7.50
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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Granada
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Granada:
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Tequila$1.36
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tulum and Granada, we can see that Tulum is more expensive. And not only is Granada much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tulum is in North America and Granada is in Central 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 Granada would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Granada 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 Tulum would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tulum than you might in Granada.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tulum Expensive? and Is Granada Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tulum or Granada?
Granada has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum and Granada, 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 Granada?
Tulum has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Granada experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Tulum or Granada in the Summer?
Both Granada and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tulum this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Granada because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Tulum is generally around the same temperature as Granada. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 28°C (83°F), and Granada fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than Granada during summer. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Granada receives 175 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Granada. It's quite rainy in Tulum. In July, Tulum usually receives around the same amount of rain as Granada. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Granada receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyTulum 28°C (83°F)Granada 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Tulum or Granada in the Autumn?
Both Granada and Tulum during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Tulum for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Granada year-round.
Tulum is around the same temperature as Granada in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Granada fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the autumn, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Granada. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Granada receives 195 hours of full sun.
Granada gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually gets less rain in October than Granada. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Granada receives 197 mm (7.8 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.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTulum 27°C (81°F)Granada 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Tulum or Granada in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Granada. Many visitors come to Tulum in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Granada attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the winter, Tulum is cooler than Granada. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tulum in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Granada averages at about 26°C (79°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Granada this time of the year. In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives less sunshine than Granada during winter. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Granada receives 244 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Tulum usually receives more rain than Granada. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Granada receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryTulum 23°C (74°F)Granada 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Tulum or Granada in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Granada. Most visitors come to Tulum for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Granada throughout the year.
In April, Tulum is generally around the same temperature as Granada. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 27°C (81°F), and Granada fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Granada. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In the spring, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Granada. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Granada receives 242 hours of full sun.
Tulum usually gets more rain in April than Granada. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Granada receives 6 mm (0.2 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.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilTulum 27°C (81°F)Granada 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Granada and Tulum
| Tulum | Granada | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (78°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (83°F) | 192 mm (7.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 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.