Which city is cheaper, Playa del Carmen or Tulum?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Mexico Tulum vs. Playa del Carmen for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
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Should you visit Tulum or Playa del Carmen?
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 Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen?
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.
Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is in Quintana Roo on the Yucatan Peninsula. It's a popular resort town and is about seventy kilometers south of Cancun. It has a European atmosphere with many small hotels and a nice relaxed feel. It was originally a small fishing town but tourism began with the introduction of a passenger ferry to Cozumel. The area developed rapidly and there are many luxury hotels, condos, and resorts. There are also American chains and a variety of shopping opportunities nearby.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTulum $115Playa del Carmen $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Tulum is $115, while the average daily cost in Playa del Carmen 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Tulum and Playa del Carmen in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTulum $56Playa del Carmen $37
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTulum $112Playa del Carmen $74
Compare Hotels in Tulum and Playa del Carmen
Looking for a hotel in Tulum or Playa del Carmen? 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 Playa del Carmen Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tulum $27Playa del Carmen $23
Typical Local Transportation prices in Tulum
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Tulum are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tulum
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tulum:
- Airport Transfer Tulum: $130
- Airport Transfers to Tulum - Private van (ROUND TRIP) FLAT RATE: $256
- Cancun Airport private departure transfer (Tulum to Cancun Airport): $103
- Cancun One Way Private Transfer Airport to Hotel / Hotel to Airport: $61
- Cancun: International Airport Private Transfer by SUV: $55
- Departure Private Transfer from Tulum to Cancun Airport CUN by Minivan: $100
- Mexico Private Transfer from Tulum to Cancun airport: $121
- One Way Private Tulum Transfers to or from Cancun Airport: $123
- Private Transfer From Cancun Airport To Tulum: $84
- Roundtrip private AC Airport Transfer to Tulum: $75
- Transfer from Cancun Airport to Tulum - ROUND TRIP: $207
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Tulum Riviera to Cancún Airport: $59
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Playa del Carmen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Playa del Carmen:
- Shuttle Transfer Cancun Airport - Playa del Carmen: $13
- Private Transfer to Xcaret Park: $15
- Private Transfer to Xplor / Xenses / Xplor Fire: $15
- Transfer in Private Car from-to Xcaret to Cancun Airport (CUN): $32
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Playa del Carmen to Cancún Airport: $33
- Transfer in Private Minivan from Playa del Carmen to Cancun Airport: $40
- El Dorado Maroma to Cancún Airport (CUN) - Private Departure Transfer: $41
- Private Transfer to Xavage / Xoximilco: $45
- Playa del Carmen to Cancún Airport (CUN) - Private Departure Transfer: $46
- Private Transfer to Xel-Há Park: $50
- Parasailing in Playa del Carmen with transfer: $50
- Departure Private Transfer Playa del Carmen to Cancun Airport CUN by Minivan: $52
Is it cheaper to fly into Tulum or Playa del Carmen?
Prices for flights to both Playa del Carmen 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 $32Playa del Carmen $22
Typical Food prices in Tulum
Some typical examples of dining costs in Tulum are as follows:
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Lunch$2.84
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: $55
- Mexican Cooking from Scratch and Mezcal Tasting in a Local Home: $87
- Private transfer for 5 hours (go dinner,cenotes, shopping and more): $180
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Playa del Carmen
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Playa del Carmen.
- Playa Del Carmen Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $54
- Local Walking Food Tour: $54
- Walking Food Tour in Downtown Playa del Carmen: $55
- Playa del Carmen Food Tour: $65
- Vegan Mexican Walking Food Tour: $69
- Playa del Carmen Food Tour: $71
- Playa del Carmen Authentic Mexican cooking class and Market Tour: $91
- Hands-on ● Mexican Cooking Class: $92
- Cooking Class & Local Markets Tour: $99
- Authentic Mexican Cooking Class in Playa del Carmen: $103
- Playa del Carmen Mexican Cooking class and Local Markets Tour: $105
- Traditional Mexican Food Cooking Lesson: $109
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tulum $30Playa del Carmen $16
Tours and Activities in Tulum
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tulum are as follows:
- Discover the ancient Mayan city and its legends on an audio tour: $5.00
- Self-Guided Mayan Ruins Tour: $6.00
- Skip the Line: Maya Ruins of Tulum Admission Ticket: $12
- Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket & Tequila Tasting: $13
- Tulum Taco Tour: $16
- Tulum Street Art Tour: $24
- Tulum City Tour: $24
- Tulum Mural Tours: $28
- Cancun: Tulum and Cenotes 5 Hour Guided Tour: $31
- Tulum Bike Art Tour: $45
- Tulum and Coba: Full-Day Archeological Tour with Lunch: $47
- Tour VIP Coba, Tulum, Cenote & Playa del Carmen: $52
Tours and Activities in Playa del Carmen
Here are a few actual costs in Playa del Carmen for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Playa del Carmen Shopping Tour Fifth Avenue and Mamitas Beach Club: $9.99
- Playa del Carmen City Tour: $27
- Playa del Carmen Street Art Tour: $27
- 3D Museum of Wonders Admission Ticket: $32
- Reef Snorkeling Experience in Playa del Carmen: $34
- PDC Running Experience w/Breakfast: $35
- Playa del Carmen PhotoWalk and City Tour: $37
- Playa del Carmen Private Art Tour and Gallery Visit: $41
- Playa del Carmen Private PhotoWalk Tour: $41
- Playa del Carmen Bike Art Tour: $42
- Chichen itza full day tour: $43
- Chichen Itza FULL DAY TOUR: $43
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTulum $24Playa del Carmen $20
Sample the Local Flavors in Playa del Carmen
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Playa del Carmen:
- Playa Del Carmen Private Mexican Wine Tasting: $152
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tulum and Playa del Carmen, we can see that Tulum is more expensive. And not only is Playa del Carmen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Playa del Carmen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen.
When is the best time to visit Tulum or Playa del Carmen?
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 Playa del Carmen in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Playa del Carmen.
In July, Tulum is generally around the same temperature as Playa del Carmen. Temperatures in Tulum average around 28°C (83°F), and Playa del Carmen stays around 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Playa del Carmen during summer. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Playa del Carmen receives 223 hours of full sun in the summer.
Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyTulum 28°C (83°F)Playa del Carmen 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Tulum or Playa del Carmen in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Playa del Carmen.
Tulum is around the same temperature as Playa del Carmen in the autumn. The temperature in Tulum is usually 27°C (81°F) in October, and Playa del Carmen stays around 26°C (79°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In the autumn, Tulum often gets less sunshine than Playa del Carmen. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa del Carmen receives 233 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. Tulum receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Tulum usually gets more rain in October than Playa del Carmen. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTulum 27°C (81°F)Playa del Carmen 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Tulum or Playa del Carmen in the Winter?
Both Playa del Carmen and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.
In the winter, Tulum is around the same temperature as Playa del Carmen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tulum in January are around 23°C (74°F), and Playa del Carmen is about 23°C (73°F).
It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Playa del Carmen during winter. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Playa del Carmen receives 224 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Tulum usually receives more rain than Playa del Carmen. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryTulum 23°C (74°F)Playa del Carmen 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Tulum or Playa del Carmen in the Spring?
Both Playa del Carmen and Tulum during the spring are popular places to visit.
In April, Tulum is generally around the same temperature as Playa del Carmen. Temperatures in Tulum average around 27°C (81°F), and Playa del Carmen stays around 27°C (81°F).
In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the spring, Tulum often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Playa del Carmen. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa del Carmen receives 259 hours of full sun.
Tulum usually gets more rain in April than Playa del Carmen. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilTulum 27°C (81°F)Playa del Carmen 27°C (81°F)
Typical Weather for Playa del Carmen and Tulum
| Tulum | Playa del Carmen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (78°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (83°F) | 192 mm (7.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
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