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

Should you visit Tulum or Toronto?

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 Toronto 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 Toronto?

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.

Toronto

The capital of Ontario and the most populated city in Canada, Toronto is a very popular travel destination for any number of reasons. It's positioned along the coast of Lake Ontario and has a population of more than 2.6 million with 6.2 million in the Greater Toronto Area. It's a very international and diverse city, with a very rich cultural history. More than half of the city's population was not born in Canada, and there are more than eighty different ethnic neighborhoods sprinkled throughout the city. The city is a center for music, theater, film, and television. It has countless museums, festivals, and sights that attract more than 25 million tourists every year.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Toronto 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 Toronto is $203. 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 Toronto in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tulum $60
    Toronto $86
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tulum $120
    Toronto $172
Compare Hotels in Tulum and Toronto

Looking for a hotel in Tulum or Toronto? 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 Toronto


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 Toronto Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tulum $28
    Toronto $32
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:

  • Xcaret to Tulum - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $76
  • Transfer from Tulum airport to Bacalar: $233
  • Horseback Riding in the Jungle w/ Transfers and Lunch: $100
  • Tulum to Xcaret - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $76
  • Tulum to Playa del Carmen - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $82
  • Tulum to Mahahual - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $160
  • Tulum to Chetumal - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $182
  • Tulum to Cancún Airport (CUN) - Private Departure Transfer: $70
  • Tulum to Bacalar - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $153
  • Roundtrip Transfer from Cancun Airport to Tulum: $269
  • Roundtrip Private Transfer from Cancun Airport to Tulum: $255
  • Round-trip Private Transfer Cancun Airport to TULUM - up to 9 pax: $299

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Toronto

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Toronto are as follows:


  • Airport Shuttle
    $26
  • Train: 2 Day Passes
    $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Toronto

Also for Toronto, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Convenient bus transfer between Hamilton Airport and Toronto: $3.65
  • Express Train Transfer to/from Pearson Airport: $9.03
  • One Way: from/to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) - Private Transfer: $38
  • Private Airport Transfer Pearson Airport to or from Toronto: $41
  • Private Departure Transfer-Toronto to Pearson Airport(YYZ) or YTZ: $41
  • Private Transfer Toronto Pearson Airport To Toronto Hotels: $42
  • Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) to Toronto hotel/address -Arrival Private Transfer: $63
  • Private Transfer: Toronto Pearson Airport or Mississauga City Black Car Service: $64
  • Departure Private Transfer Toronto City to Toronto Airport YYZ by SUV or Minibus: $66
  • Private Arrival Transfer - YYZ Airport to Toronto Downton Hotel & Accommodations: $73
  • Niagara Falls Guided 9 Hour Day Trip with Round-trip Transfer: $74
  • Private Transfer: Toronto Pearson Airport or Oakville City Ontario: $74

Is it cheaper to fly into Tulum or Toronto?

Prices for flights to both Toronto 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
    Toronto $65
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

Typical Food Prices in Toronto

For Toronto, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch at St. Lawrence Market for Two
    $23
  • Dinner at Mill Street Brewery (for 2)
    $56

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Toronto

For Toronto, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Must Do Toronto Food Tour: $66
  • Toronto Food Tour: Taste the World in Kensington Market: $66
  • 3–Hour Secret Food Tour: $72
  • Toronto Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $74
  • Scenic Harbor Cruise with Lunch, Brunch, or Dinner: $76
  • Toronto's Fusion Food Tour: $80
  • Kensington Market -Toronto's Neighborhood International Food Tour: $80
  • Toronto's Fusion Food Tour: $80
  • Father's Day Premier Cruise with Brunch or Dinner: $90
  • Mother's Day Premier Cruise with Brunch or Dinner: $90
  • Toronto Premier Dinner Cruise on Odyssey in Toronto Harbour: $109
  • Toronto Food Tour with Local Foodie, Personalized & Private: $151

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tulum $32
    Toronto $31

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Toronto

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Toronto's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Art Gallery of Ontario for Two
    $15
  • CN Tower at night for Two
    $36
  • Harbour Dinner Cruise
    $26
  • Bata Shoe Museum (2)
    $7.26

Tours and Activities in Toronto

For Toronto, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Explore Niagara Falls with bus ticket from/to Toronto: $3.65
  • Downtown City Landmarks Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.28
  • Graffiti in Toronto Walking Tour: $4.46
  • Downtown Toronto Walking Tour: $4.46
  • City Highlights Walking Tour: $5.12
  • Kensington Market: Downtown Toronto Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Toronto's Waterfront: Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $6.21
  • Between Huntsville and Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.21
  • Explore Canada's Metropolis with Walking Tours Through Toronto: $6.68
  • Best of Toronto and Waterfront Self-Guided Tour: $8.02
  • Bata Shoe Museum Entrance Ticket: $10
  • Uncover Quebec's Legacy: In-App Audio Tour: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tulum $25
    Toronto $22

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Toronto

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Toronto:

  • Distillery District Outdoor Escape Game: $8.01
  • Distillery District Historic Walking Tour: $17
  • Corktown and Distillery District Tour: $27
  • Short Distillery District Segway Tour: $36
  • Toronto Distillery District self-guided walking tour & hunt: $38
  • Pub Crawl Toronto: $38
  • Pub Crawl Toronto: $39
  • Distillery District Breakfast Walking Tour: $40
  • Craft Brewery Tour: $75
  • From Niagara Wine Tours: $111
  • Canadian Wine Tasting Experience: $128
  • Toronto to Niagara Wine Tour : $133


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tulum and Toronto, we can see that Toronto 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 Toronto would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Toronto 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 Toronto Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Tulum or Toronto?

Toronto has a larger population, and is about 550 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum and Toronto, 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 Toronto?

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 Toronto in the Summer?

Both Toronto and Tulum during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Tulum because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Tulum is a little warmer than Toronto in the summer. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Toronto fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

In Toronto, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the summer, Tulum often gets less sunshine than Toronto. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 281 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually gets more rain in July than Toronto. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tulum 28°C (83°F) 
    Toronto 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Tulum or Toronto in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Toronto. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Tulum this time of year.

In the autumn, Tulum is much warmer than Toronto. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tulum in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Toronto averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during autumn. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 153 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Tulum gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Tulum usually receives more rain than Toronto. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn. November to April in Tulum is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. June to October in Tulum is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tulum 27°C (81°F) 
    Toronto 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Tulum or Toronto in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Toronto. Many travelers come to Tulum for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Toronto can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Tulum is generally much warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 23°C (74°F), and Toronto fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In the winter, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Toronto. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 87 hours of full sun.

Tulum usually gets more rain in January than Toronto. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tulum 23°C (74°F) 
    Toronto -4°C (25°F)

Should I visit Tulum or Toronto in the Spring?

Both Toronto and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Tulum in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Tulum is much warmer than Toronto in the spring. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Toronto fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during spring. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 179 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tulum usually receives less rain than Toronto. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring. 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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tulum 27°C (81°F) 
    Toronto 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Toronto and Tulum

Tulum Toronto
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 23°C (74°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) -4°C (25°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) -4°C (26°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 25°C (78°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 1°C (34°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 7°C (44°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 101 mm (4 in) 12°C (54°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 29°C (83°F) 192 mm (7.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 21°C (70°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 21°C (69°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 228 mm (9 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 173 mm (6.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 24°C (74°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) -1°C (30°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)