Which place is cheaper, Leon or Tulum?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Tulum or Leon?
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 Leon 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 Leon?
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.
Leon
Leon is one of the oldest city's in Nicaragua and you can see hints of its colonial past in the architecture around town. Tourism is not a major part of the economy in Leon, but the city is gaining popularity with budget travelers and backpackers and more recently tour groups are including Leon in their itinerary.
With a population of just over 200,000, Leon is the second largest city in Nicaragua, after Managua. During the university season the population grows dramatically as there is a heavy presence of students in Leon. It is a popular university town, and this young population gives the city plenty of energy and entertainment.
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.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTulum $122Leon $59
The average daily cost (per person) in Tulum is $122, while the average daily cost in Leon is $59. 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 Leon in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTulum $60Leon $16
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTulum $120Leon $32
Compare Hotels in Tulum and Leon
Looking for a hotel in Tulum or Leon? 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.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tulum $28Leon $1.51
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:
- Cancun Airport Departure transfer from Akumal, Tulum: $191
- Departure Private Transfer from Tulum to Cancun Airport CUN by Minivan - Minibus: $117
- One Way Private Tulum Transfers to or from Cancun Airport: $160
- Private Luxury Transfer Tulum to Cancun Airport: $220
- Private Transfer From Cancun Airport - Tulum: $208
- Private Transfer Tulum Zone - Cancun International Airport: $160
- Private Transfer Tulum-Bacalar with optional 2h in Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve: $210
- Private Transfer in Vehicle from Tulum to Cancun Airport : $91
- Round-trip Private Transfer Cancun Airport to TULUM - up to 9 pax: $299
- Roundtrip Private Transfer from Cancun Airport to Tulum: $254
- Roundtrip Transfer from Cancun Airport to Tulum: $269
- Tulum to Bacalar - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $153
Is it cheaper to fly into Tulum or Leon?
Prices for flights to both Leon 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 dayTulum $34Leon $12
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Leon
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Leon.
- Tlakualli Food Tour: $19
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tulum $32Leon $5.81
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
Tours and Activities in Leon
Here are a few actual costs in Leon for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Half Day Private Tour of Cerro Negro's Volcano Boarding: $35
- Leon City Walking Private Tour : $48
- Rum Tour & Chorotega Museum Experience: $62
- Hike El Hoyo Volcano "Private Tour" : $67
- Old Leon and Asososca Lagoon Private Tour: $82
- Volcano Boarding Private Tour : $84
- Kayak Private tour at Juan Venado Island: $92
- Telica Sunset Tour : $93
- Horseback Riding Private Tour : $103
- Half-Day Leon City Tour: $135
- Somoto Canyon "Private Tour from Leon" : $154
- 6 Hours Sunset Private Guided Tour of Telica Volcano in León: $163
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayTulum $25Leon $3.53
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 Tulum and Leon, we can see that Tulum is more expensive. And not only is Leon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tulum is in North America and Leon 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 Leon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Leon 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 Leon.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tulum Expensive? and Is Leon Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tulum or Leon?
Leon has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum and Leon, 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 Leon?
Tulum has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Leon experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Tulum or Leon in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Leon. The summer months attract visitors to Tulum because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Leon attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Tulum is around the same temperature as Leon in the summer. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Leon fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than Leon during summer. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Leon receives 175 hours of full sun in the summer.
Leon receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tulum gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Tulum usually receives around the same amount of rain as Leon. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Leon receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyTulum 28°C (83°F)Leon 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Tulum or Leon in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Leon. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Tulum this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Leon throughout the year.
In the autumn, Tulum is around the same temperature as Leon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tulum in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Leon averages at about 27°C (81°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In the autumn, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Leon. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leon receives 195 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Leon. Tulum receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Tulum usually gets less rain in October than Leon. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Leon receives 197 mm (7.8 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, the hurricane season in Tulum is June to October.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTulum 27°C (81°F)Leon 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Tulum or Leon in the Winter?
Both Leon and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tulum for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Leon because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Tulum is generally cooler than Leon. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 23°C (74°F), and Leon fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It's quite sunny in Leon. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives less sunshine than Leon during winter. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Leon receives 244 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Tulum usually receives more rain than Leon. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Leon receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryTulum 23°C (74°F)Leon 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Tulum or Leon in the Spring?
Both Leon and Tulum during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tulum in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Leon year-round.
Tulum is around the same temperature as Leon in the spring. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Leon fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
In Leon, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the spring, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Leon. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leon receives 242 hours of full sun.
Tulum usually gets more rain in April than Leon. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Leon receives 6 mm (0.2 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.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilTulum 27°C (81°F)Leon 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Leon and Tulum
| Tulum | Leon | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.