A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tulum vs. Newton for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Tulum or Newton?

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 Newton 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 Newton?

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.

Newton

Newton, a large suburb of Boston, consists of 13 villages or neighborhoods: Auburndale, Chestnut Hill, Lower Falls, Newton Centre, Newton Corner, Newton Highlands, Newtonville, Nonantum, Oak Hill, Thompsonville, Upper Falls, Waban, and West Newton. It's a good sized city with a population of over 80,000. Each village has its own historical and architectural character. Many of the villages were founded around railroad stations when the Boston & Worcester line opened in 1833 along the north side of the city. Another railroad line started along the south side of town in 1851. It's now the "D" line of the MBTA's Green Line. Walking tours of most villages are available and recommended for history buffs.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Newton or Tulum?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Tulum is $122, while the average daily cost in Newton is $147. 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 Newton in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tulum $60
    Newton $82
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tulum $120
    Newton $164
Compare Hotels in Tulum and Newton

Looking for a hotel in Tulum or Newton? 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.

Hotels in Tulum


Hotels in Newton


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 $28
    Newton $80
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:

  • 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 Newton?

Prices for flights to both Newton 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 day
    Tulum $34
    Newton $25
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
  • 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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tulum $32
    Newton -

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tulum $25
    Newton -

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 Newton, we can see that Newton 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 Newton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Newton 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 Newton Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Tulum or Newton?

Newton has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum and Newton, 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 Newton?

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 Newton in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Newton. Many visitors come to Tulum in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Tulum is generally a little warmer than Newton. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 28°C (83°F), and Newton fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Newton. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In the summer, Tulum often gets less sunshine than Newton. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newton receives 304 hours of full sun.

Tulum receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tulum usually gets more rain in July than Newton. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Newton receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tulum 28°C (83°F) 
    Newton 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Tulum or Newton in the Autumn?

Both Newton and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tulum for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Tulum is much warmer than Newton in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Newton fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than Newton during autumn. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Newton receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Tulum. In October, Tulum usually receives more rain than Newton. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Newton receives 3.3 inches (84 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. The hurricane season in Tulum is June to October.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tulum 27°C (81°F) 
    Newton 54°F (12°C)

Should I visit Tulum or Newton in the Winter?

Both Newton and Tulum during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Tulum because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Newton in the winter. In the winter, Tulum is much warmer than Newton. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tulum in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Newton averages at about 29°F (-2°C).

It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the winter, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Newton. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newton receives 153 hours of full sun.

Tulum usually gets less rain in January than Newton. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Newton receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tulum 23°C (74°F) 
    Newton 29°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Tulum or Newton in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Newton. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Tulum this time of year.

In April, Tulum is generally much warmer than Newton. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 27°C (81°F), and Newton fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Newton this time of the year. In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than Newton during spring. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Newton receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tulum usually receives less rain than Newton. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Newton receives 3.5 inches (89 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. June to October is the hurricane season in Tulum.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tulum 27°C (81°F) 
    Newton 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Newton and Tulum

Tulum Newton
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 23°C (74°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 29°F (-2°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 30°F (-1°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Mar 25°C (78°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 38°F (4°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 48°F (9°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
May 28°C (83°F) 101 mm (4 in) 58°F (15°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Jun 29°C (83°F) 192 mm (7.6 in) 68°F (20°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 72°F (22°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 228 mm (9 in) 64°F (18°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 173 mm (6.8 in) 54°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 45°F (7°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Dec 24°C (74°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 33°F (1°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)