Which place is cheaper, Saint John's or Tulum?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Tulum or Saint John's?
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 Saint John's 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 Saint John's?
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.
Saint John's
If you've been to St. John's, Antigua, you were likely on a cruise - which means you likely did not have enough time to truly experience the magic of this tiny island getaway.
St. Johns is the capital of the tiny islands of Antigua and Barbuda. Located on Antigua, this tropical city lives up to its status as a tropical paradise. With 365 beaches on the island, you can enjoy the luxury of lounging in the sand every day of the year.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, and The Best Historical Tours in Mexico.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTulum $122Saint John's $222
The average daily cost (per person) in Tulum is $122, while the average daily cost in Saint John's is $222. 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 Saint John's in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTulum $60Saint John's $120
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTulum $120Saint John's $240
Compare Hotels in Tulum and Saint John's
Looking for a hotel in Tulum or Saint John's? 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 $28Saint John's $17
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint John's
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint John's:
-
Local Bus$1.52
-
Taxi From Airport$6.99
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint John's
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint John's:
- Round-Trip Transfer between Antigua Airport and Antigua Hotels: $32
- Private One-Way Antigua Airport Transfer To/From Antigua: $45
- Shared Roundtrip Taxi Transfer from Antigua Airport to Royalton Antigua Resort: $45
- Airport Transfer from/to all resorts in Antigua - Water Inc.: $59
- Private Airport Transfers to Antigua and Barbuda: $60
- Biggvee Airport Roundtrip Transfer: $70
- VIP Meet and Greet Fast Track on Arrival at Antigua Airport - without Transfers : $74
- Antigua&Barbuda V.C.Bird Airport(ANU) to island Private Transfer: $77
- Island to Antigua&Barbuda V.C.Bird Airport(ANU)- Private Transfer: $77
- Private Transfer from St. John's Port to Antigua Island Hotels: $78
- Antigua VC Bird Airport to Island Hotels Private Arrival Transfer: $82
- Antigua - VIP Fast Track On Arrival ONLY And Round Trip Transfer : $99
Is it cheaper to fly into Tulum or Saint John's?
Prices for flights to both Saint John's 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 $34Saint John's $68
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 Saint John's
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Saint John's.
- City Lime Food Tour: Taste our culture on Antigua's only food tour in the city!: $105
- Discover the Flavors of St. Johns Food Tour: $125
- Private Art Tour or Food Tour: $150
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tulum $32Saint John's $103
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 Saint John's
Here are a few typical costs in Saint John's for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Entrance to the Museum of Antigua & Barbu$3.00
Tours and Activities in Saint John's
Here are a few actual costs in Saint John's for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Chariot City Tour Antigua: $20
- City of St John's Sightseeing Tour: $59
- Antigua Shore Excursion: City of St John's Sightseeing Tour: $59
- Cultural and Historical Home Tour in The Antiguan Experience : $66
- Small-Group Hiking Experience in Antigua: $70
- Glenmon taxi and tours: $70
- 2-Hours Stingray City Experience in Antigua: $73
- Antigua Historical Sites Island Tour: $75
- Kayak Eco Adventures Glass Kayak Nature and Snorkeling Tour: $75
- Authentic Antiguan Experience: $79
- TRIPLE ACTIVITY TOUR, Bike Kayak Hike, ANTIGUA : $80
- Nightlife Tour of Antigua and Barbuda: $80
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayTulum $25Saint John's $18
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 Saint John's, we can see that Saint John's is more expensive. And not only is Tulum much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tulum is in North America and Saint John's is in Caribbean Islands, 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 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 Saint John's would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint John's 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 Saint John's Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tulum or Saint John's?
Saint John's has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum and Saint John's, 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 Saint John's?
Tulum has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Saint John's experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Tulum or Saint John's in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Saint John's. Many travelers come to Tulum for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Saint John's attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the summer, Tulum is around the same temperature as Saint John's. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tulum in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Saint John's averages at about 27°C (81°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint John's 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 Saint John's during summer. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Saint John's receives 245 hours of full sun in the summer.
Saint John's 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 Saint John's. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Saint John's receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyTulum 28°C (83°F)Saint John's 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Tulum or Saint John's in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Saint John's. Many visitors come to Tulum in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint John's throughout the year.
In October, Tulum is generally around the same temperature as Saint John's. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 27°C (81°F), and Saint John's fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint John's. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In the autumn, Tulum often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint John's. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint John's receives 217 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Saint John's. Tulum receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Tulum usually gets less rain in October than Saint John's. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Saint John's receives 228 mm (9 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, June to October in Tulum is the hurricane season.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTulum 27°C (81°F)Saint John's 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Tulum or Saint John's in the Winter?
Both Saint John's and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tulum for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Saint John's because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Tulum is around the same temperature as Saint John's in the winter. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 23°C (74°F) in January, and Saint John's fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
It's quite sunny in Saint John's. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives less sunshine than Saint John's during winter. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Saint John's receives 236 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Tulum usually receives less rain than Saint John's. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Saint John's receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryTulum 23°C (74°F)Saint John's 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Tulum or Saint John's in the Spring?
Both Saint John's and Tulum during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Tulum because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint John's year-round.
In the spring, Tulum is around the same temperature as Saint John's. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tulum in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Saint John's averages at about 26°C (78°F).
In Saint John's, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the spring, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Saint John's. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint John's receives 240 hours of full sun.
Saint John's gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Tulum usually gets less rain in April than Saint John's. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Saint John's receives 123 mm (4.8 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.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilTulum 27°C (81°F)Saint John's 26°C (78°F)
Typical Weather for Saint John's and Tulum
| Tulum | Saint John's | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (78°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (83°F) | 192 mm (7.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 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.