Which place is cheaper, Lima or Tulum?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Tulum or Lima?
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 Lima 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 Lima?
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.
Lima
Lima, the capital city of Peru, is likely to be your point of entry for the country. Lima was founded in 1535 and was the seat of the Spanish rule for 300 years. It's a surprisingly modern city despite its rich history, but many beautiful churches and colonial architecture remain today. There are also large slum areas that highlight the poverty that exists in the city. The city and its surrounding metropolitan area have a population of about 8.5 million people, many of whom came from the Andes Mountains in search of work. Unfortunately the work opportunities are limited and the poverty is obvious as you arrive in Lima.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTulum $122Lima $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Tulum is $122, while the average daily cost in Lima is $77. 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 Lima in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTulum $60Lima $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTulum $120Lima $98
Compare Hotels in Tulum and Lima
Looking for a hotel in Tulum or Lima? 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 Lima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tulum $28Lima $5.73
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$5.43
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Taxi Ride$5.43
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Short Taxi Ride$4.07
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:
- QuickLlama: Door-to-door transfer from Lima Airport to Miraflores: $5.00
- QuickLlama: Door-to-door transfer from Miraflores to Lima Airport: $5.00
- QuickLlama: Transfer from Miraflores Kennedy Park to Lima Airport: $5.00
- QuickLlama: Transfer from Lima Airport to Miraflores Kennedy Park: $5.00
- Lima Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Miraflores: $5.63
- Lima Airport: BUS Transfer to/from Lima city center: $6.00
- Private transfers from Lima Airport or to Lima Airport: $17
- Transfer from Hotel/Airbnb Miraflores/San Isidro/Barranco to Airport: $18
- Transfer from Lima city to the airport: $18
- Taxi transfers from and to the Lima Airport and Paracas Ica: $20
- Miraflores City to Lima Airport(LIM) - Departure Private Transfer: $23
- Jorge Chavez International Airport: Private Transfer: $25
Is it cheaper to fly into Tulum or Lima?
Prices for flights to both Lima 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 $34Lima $18
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 Lima
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
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Lunch for Two$4.34
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Ice cream$3.53
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Coffee$2.99
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Donut$0.95
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.
- Lima Market Food Tour: $33
- Lima Market Food Tour: $34
- Lima Street Food Tour: $40
- Lima Food Tour: $45
- Cooking Workshop and Water Circuit Tour: $45
- Lima Street Food Tour: $45
- Street Food Tour in Miraflores District: $45
- Barranco Tour with Dinner: $47
- Bohemian tour of Barranco with Dinner: $47
- Private Cooking Class With a Local Family in Lima: $48
- Lima Night Food Tour: $48
- Lima Market Food Tour: $52
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tulum $32Lima $8.66
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 Lima
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lima are as follows:
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Entrance to Museo Larco (for 2)$16
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Movie Tickets$2.31
Tours and Activities in Lima
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:
- Free Walking Tour of Lima: $2.00
- Customize your trip to Peru with Lima Experience: $12
- Skip the Line: Larco Museum Admission Ticket: $13
- Skip the Line: Peruvian Regional Dances Ticket: $14
- Barranco Street Art Tour: $17
- Party tour Fridays Barranco / Saturdays Miraflores: $18
- Private Tour with guide in Museo de Arte de Lima - MALI: $20
- Guided and Private Bike Tour of Lima: $20
- Guided Walking Tour in Barranco: $20
- Lima Downtown Tour from Miraflores in 3 hrs: $21
- Historic Center Walking Tour with Pisco Sour Tasting: $25
- Costa Verde Express Tour: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTulum $25Lima $5.63
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 Lima
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:
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Bottle of Wine$7.30
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Beer$4.07
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Cocktail$3.26
Sample the Local Flavors in Lima
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:
- Gin and Rum Distillery Tour: $12
- Exclusive Pub Crawl with 10+ benefits: $18
- Party Tour in Miraflores with Bar Crawl and Drinks: $18
- Party tour in Miraflores with Bar Crawl Lima: $20
- Pub Crawl in Lima: $25
- Local Wine Tour: $50
- Ballestas Islands + Huacachina Oasis + Wine Tour !! The best price: $226
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tulum and Lima, we can see that Tulum is more expensive. And not only is Lima much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tulum is in North America and Lima is in South 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 Lima would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lima 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 Lima.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tulum Expensive? and Is Lima Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tulum or Lima?
Lima has a larger population, and is about 920 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum and Lima, 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 Lima?
Tulum has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Lima experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Tulum or Lima in the Summer?
Both Lima 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 Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Tulum is much warmer than Lima in the summer. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Lima fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than Lima during summer. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 36 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Tulum. In July, Tulum usually receives more rain than Lima. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Lima receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyTulum 28°C (83°F)Lima 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Tulum or Lima in the Autumn?
Both Lima 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 Lima year-round.
In the autumn, Tulum is a little warmer than Lima. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tulum in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Lima averages at about 19°C (66°F).
It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the autumn, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Lima. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 60 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually gets more rain in October than Lima. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Lima receives 7 mm (0.3 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. Also, the hurricane season in Tulum is June to October.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTulum 27°C (81°F)Lima 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Tulum or Lima in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Lima. Many visitors come to Tulum in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Tulum is generally around the same temperature as Lima. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 23°C (74°F), and Lima fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than Lima during winter. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Tulum usually receives more rain than Lima. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Lima 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)Lima 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Tulum or Lima in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Lima. Most visitors come to Tulum for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima throughout the year.
Tulum is a little warmer than Lima in the spring. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Lima fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In the spring, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Lima. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 182 hours of full sun.
Tulum usually gets more rain in April than Lima. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Lima receives 2 mm (0.1 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. 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)Lima 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Lima and Tulum
| Tulum | Lima | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (78°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (83°F) | 192 mm (7.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.