Which place is cheaper, Kailua-Kona or Tulum?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Tulum or Kailua-Kona?
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 Kailua-Kona 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 Kailua-Kona?
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.
Kailua-Kona
Kailua Kona, or Kona, as it is commonly referred, is the largest city on the western side of the Big Island of Hawaii. It's a popular destination for sport fishing, snorkeling, and its beautiful sunsets. Kona is protected by the mountains so it receives very little rain annually and has about 300 days of sunshine every year. The closest airport is Kona International Airport at Keahole, which receives flights from the mainland United States, Canada, as well as Honolulu and other islands. Once in town, you can walk around Kona, but if you hope to explore anywhere else on the Big Island you will need a car. To take full advantage of your Hawaiian vacation it really is recommended that you rent a car for at least a few days while you're on the island.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTulum $122Kailua-Kona $231
The average daily cost (per person) in Tulum is $122, while the average daily cost in Kailua-Kona is $231. 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 Kailua-Kona in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTulum $60Kailua-Kona $141
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTulum $120Kailua-Kona $282
Compare Hotels in Tulum and Kailua-Kona
Looking for a hotel in Tulum or Kailua-Kona? 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 Kailua-Kona Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tulum $28Kailua-Kona $45
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:
- Chetumal City to Chetumal Airport CTM Departure Private Transfer: $24
- Tulum to Cancún Airport (CUN) - Private Departure Transfer: $70
- Tulum to Xcaret - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $76
- Xcaret to Tulum - 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
- EV Private Transfer from Tulum to Cancun Airport: $135
- 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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
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Rental Car for One Day$35
Is it cheaper to fly into Tulum or Kailua-Kona?
Prices for flights to both Kailua-Kona 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 $34Kailua-Kona $58
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 Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of dining costs in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
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Buffet Breakfast for Two$53
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tulum $32Kailua-Kona $40
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 - Coba Ruins: The trail of the Mayas: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - The Return Home: $10
- Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket: $12
- Tulum Archeological Site Skip-the-Line 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 Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
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Diving with Manta Rays for Two$162
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Body Board Rental (1 Day)$12
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1 Day Kayak Rental$47
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2 Tank Morning Scuba Dive$115
Tours and Activities in Kailua-Kona
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kailua-Kona are as follows:
- From Kona-Volcanoes & waterfall tour in a small group: $295
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTulum $25Kailua-Kona $15
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tulum and Kailua-Kona, we can see that Kailua-Kona is more expensive. And not only is Tulum much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Kailua-Kona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kailua-Kona 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 Tulum Expensive? and Is Kailua-Kona Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tulum or Kailua-Kona?
Kailua-Kona has a larger population, and is about 18% larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum and Kailua-Kona, 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 Kailua-Kona?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Tulum or Kailua-Kona in the Summer?
Both Kailua-Kona and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tulum for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Tulum is a little warmer than Kailua-Kona in the summer. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during summer. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Tulum. In July, Tulum usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyTulum 28°C (83°F)Kailua-Kona 78°F (25°C)
Should I visit Tulum or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?
Both Kailua-Kona and Tulum during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Tulum because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Tulum is around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tulum in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 78°F (26°C).
It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the autumn, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 138 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually gets more rain in October than Kailua-Kona. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) 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. Also, the hurricane season in Tulum is June to October.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTulum 27°C (81°F)Kailua-Kona 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Tulum or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Kailua-Kona. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Tulum this time of year.
In January, Tulum is generally around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 23°C (74°F), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).
In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during winter. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.
Kailua-Kona receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Tulum usually receives less rain than Kailua-Kona. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryTulum 23°C (74°F)Kailua-Kona 74°F (23°C)
Should I visit Tulum or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Kailua-Kona. Many travelers come to Tulum for the beaches and the natural beauty.
Tulum is a little warmer than Kailua-Kona in the spring. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In the spring, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 134 hours of full sun.
Tulum usually gets less rain in April than Kailua-Kona. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) 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. Keep in mind that June to October is the hurricane season in Tulum.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilTulum 27°C (81°F)Kailua-Kona 74°F (24°C)
Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Tulum
| Tulum | Kailua-Kona | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (78°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 4.4 inches (111 mm) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
| Jun | 29°C (83°F) | 192 mm (7.6 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 78°F (25°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 79°F (26°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.6 inches (41 mm) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 3.4 inches (87 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.