Which place is cheaper, Tamarindo or Tulum?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Tulum or Tamarindo?
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 Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo?
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.
Tamarindo
Tamarindo is a small beach town in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica on the Pacific Coast. This town is usually sought out by surfers, fishers, couples, and families. There are delicious restaurants, beautiful beaches, and friendly Tico's and Tica's (local Costa Rican nicknames) everywhere.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best Luxury Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTulum $122Tamarindo $121
The average daily cost (per person) in Tulum is $122, while the average daily cost in Tamarindo is $121. 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 Tamarindo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTulum $60Tamarindo $50
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTulum $120Tamarindo $100
Compare Hotels in Tulum and Tamarindo
Looking for a hotel in Tulum or Tamarindo? 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 Tamarindo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tulum $28Tamarindo $69
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tamarindo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tamarindo:
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport to Hotel Riu Guanacaste: $15
- Private Transfer from Liberia/Tamarindo Guanacaste Airport: $20
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Luna Llena Hotel Tamarindo: $20
- Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Tamarindo Beach: $20
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport to Selina Tamarindo: $21
- Private or VIP Transfer: Liberia Airport to Westin/Tamarindo: $22
- Playa Grande to Liberia Airport (LIR) Departure Private Transfer: $31
- Flamingo/Tamarindo to Liberia Airport(LIR)- Departure Transfer: $38
- Liberia Airport To Tamarindo Private Transfer: $55
- From Hotel Transfer to Liberia Guanacaste Airport: $62
- Monteverde: Transfer to Tamarindo: $65
- Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to RIU Guanacaste Hotel: $70
Is it cheaper to fly into Tulum or Tamarindo?
Prices for flights to both Tamarindo 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 $34Tamarindo $32
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tamarindo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Tamarindo.
- Online Class on Zoom: Cooking Costa Rica Homemade Food: $35
- Traditional Cooking Class In Tamarindo: $95
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tulum $32Tamarindo $17
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 Tamarindo
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tamarindo are as follows:
- Costa Rica: tour in electric car (only best view locations): $2.00
- Sea turtle watching tour near playa grande: $44
- Tamarindo Estuary Tour: $44
- Night Turtle Nesting Tour from Tamarindo: $46
- Tamarindo Birdwatching Crocodiles and Monkey Tour: $50
- ATV Beach and Mountain Tour!: $62
- Tamarindo Estuary: Howler Monkey Mangrove Kayaking Tour: $65
- Hiking Tour of La Leona Waterfall with Lunch: $65
- ATV and UTV Beach Tour from Tamarindo, Flamingo and Conchal Beach: $67
- ATV Tour through the Flamingo Potrero and Brasilito Area: $70
- Zipline Canopy Tour from Guanacaste: $70
- Tamarindo Kayaking Tour with Snorkeling at Captain Island: $75
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTulum $25Tamarindo $14
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 comparing the travel costs between Tulum and Tamarindo, we can see that Tulum is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Tulum is in North America and Tamarindo is in Central America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tulum Expensive? and Is Tamarindo Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Tulum or Tamarindo?
Tulum has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Tamarindo experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Tulum or Tamarindo in the Summer?
Both Tamarindo and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tulum for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Tamarindo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the summer, Tulum is around the same temperature as Tamarindo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tulum in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Tamarindo averages at about 28°C (82°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than Tamarindo during summer. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Tamarindo receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Tamarindo. It's quite rainy in Tulum. In July, Tulum usually receives less rain than Tamarindo. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyTulum 28°C (83°F)Tamarindo 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Tulum or Tamarindo in the Autumn?
Both Tamarindo and Tulum during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Tulum because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tamarindo year-round.
In October, Tulum is generally around the same temperature as Tamarindo. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 27°C (81°F), and Tamarindo fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the autumn, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Tamarindo. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tamarindo receives 169 hours of full sun.
Tamarindo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually gets less rain in October than Tamarindo. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 254 mm (10 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, June to October in Tulum is the hurricane season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTulum 27°C (81°F)Tamarindo 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Tulum or Tamarindo in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Tamarindo. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Tulum this time of year. Tamarindo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Tulum is cooler than Tamarindo in the winter. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 23°C (74°F) in January, and Tamarindo fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tamarindo this time of the year. In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives less sunshine than Tamarindo during winter. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Tamarindo receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Tulum usually receives more rain than Tamarindo. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryTulum 23°C (74°F)Tamarindo 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Tulum or Tamarindo in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Tamarindo. Many travelers come to Tulum for the beaches and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tamarindo throughout the year.
In the spring, Tulum is around the same temperature as Tamarindo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tulum in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Tamarindo averages at about 29°C (85°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tamarindo. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In the spring, Tulum often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tamarindo. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tamarindo receives 255 hours of full sun.
Tulum usually gets more rain in April than Tamarindo. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 28 mm (1.1 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. Also, the hurricane season in Tulum is June to October.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilTulum 27°C (81°F)Tamarindo 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Tamarindo and Tulum
| Tulum | Tamarindo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (78°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (83°F) | 192 mm (7.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 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.