Which place is cheaper, San Juan del Sur or Tulum?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Tulum or San Juan del Sur?
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 San Juan del Sur 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 San Juan del Sur?
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.
San Juan del Sur
San Juan del Sur is a popular port destination on the Pacific coast of southwest Nicaragua. The town was once a quaint fishing village but has grown into a tourist town with activities for visitors that include surfing, fishing, and, of course, partying. The town has a population of just over 15,000, most of whom are either fishermen or involved in the tourism industry. There is also a large expat community from the United States, Canada, and Europe.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTulum $122San Juan del Sur $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Tulum is $122, while the average daily cost in San Juan del Sur is $53. 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 San Juan del Sur in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTulum $60San Juan del Sur $21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTulum $120San Juan del Sur $42
Compare Hotels in Tulum and San Juan del Sur
Looking for a hotel in Tulum or San Juan del Sur? 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 San Juan del Sur Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tulum $28San Juan del Sur $18
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:
- 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 San Juan del Sur?
Prices for flights to both San Juan del Sur 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 $34San Juan del Sur $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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tulum $32San Juan del Sur $15
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 San Juan del Sur
Here are a few actual costs in San Juan del Sur for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Horseback Riding Tour in Playa Maderas, San Juan del Sur also in Costa Rica: $90
- SJDS PORT EXCURSION: Zipline and Adventure Park: $103
- San Juan del Sur Shore Excursion: Private Masaya Volcano and Catarina Tour: $118
- ATV Adventure Tour in San Juan del Sur, NICARAGUA: $130
- atv tour also in Costa Rica: $132
- Mombacho Volcano Hike and Ziplining Adventure from San Juan del Sur: $159
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTulum $25San Juan del Sur $13
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 San Juan del Sur, we can see that Tulum is more expensive. And not only is San Juan del Sur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tulum is in North America and San Juan del Sur 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 San Juan del Sur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Juan del Sur 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 San Juan del Sur.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tulum Expensive? and Is San Juan del Sur Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tulum or San Juan del Sur?
Tulum has a larger population, and is about 8% larger than the population of San Juan del Sur. When comparing the sizes of Tulum and San Juan del Sur, 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 San Juan del Sur?
Tulum has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Juan del Sur experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Tulum or San Juan del Sur in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and San Juan del Sur. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tulum this time of year. San Juan del Sur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the summer, Tulum is around the same temperature as San Juan del Sur. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tulum in July average around 28°C (83°F), and San Juan del Sur averages at about 27°C (81°F).
In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than San Juan del Sur during summer. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan del Sur receives 175 hours of full sun in the summer.
San Juan del Sur 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 San Juan del Sur. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while San Juan del Sur receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyTulum 28°C (83°F)San Juan del Sur 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Tulum or San Juan del Sur in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Tulum as well as San Juan del Sur. Many travelers come to Tulum for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan del Sur throughout the year.
In October, Tulum is generally around the same temperature as San Juan del Sur. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 27°C (81°F), and San Juan del Sur fluctuates around 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 San Juan del Sur. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan del Sur receives 195 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in San Juan del Sur. Tulum receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Tulum usually gets less rain in October than San Juan del Sur. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while San Juan del Sur 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, June to October in Tulum is the hurricane season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTulum 27°C (81°F)San Juan del Sur 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Tulum or San Juan del Sur in the Winter?
Both San Juan del Sur and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Tulum in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan del Sur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Tulum is cooler than San Juan del Sur in the winter. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 23°C (74°F) in January, and San Juan del Sur fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It's quite sunny in San Juan del Sur. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives less sunshine than San Juan del Sur during winter. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan del Sur receives 244 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Tulum usually receives more rain than San Juan del Sur. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while San Juan del Sur 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)San Juan del Sur 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Tulum or San Juan del Sur in the Spring?
Both San Juan del Sur and Tulum during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tulum for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan del Sur year-round.
In the spring, Tulum is around the same temperature as San Juan del Sur. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tulum in April average around 27°C (81°F), and San Juan del Sur averages at about 29°C (84°F).
In San Juan del Sur, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the spring, Tulum often gets more sunshine than San Juan del Sur. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan del Sur receives 242 hours of full sun.
Tulum usually gets more rain in April than San Juan del Sur. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while San Juan del Sur 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. Also, the hurricane season in Tulum is June to October.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilTulum 27°C (81°F)San Juan del Sur 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for San Juan del Sur and Tulum
| Tulum | San Juan del Sur | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.