Which place is cheaper, Vernon or Tulum?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Tulum or Vernon?
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 Vernon 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 Vernon?
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.
Vernon
Vernon is located in British Columbia, Canada. It's in the Okanagan region of the Southern Interior and dates back to 1892. The city has a population of about 40,000 and the Greater Vernon area has a population of about 58,584. It's the largest city in the North Okanagan Regional District. In many ways Vernon feels like most other towns around North America, but if you find yourself here with some time to spare, you can find a handful of activities that will help you see it's unique personality and interesting qualities. The town is most popular for its lakes and beaches during the summer monts, and its skiing and hockey during the winter months.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada, and The Best Adventure Tours to Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTulum $122Vernon $31
The average daily cost (per person) in Tulum is $122, while the average daily cost in Vernon is $31. 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 Vernon in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTulum $60Vernon $4.82
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTulum $120Vernon $9.64
Compare Hotels in Tulum and Vernon
Looking for a hotel in Tulum or Vernon? 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 Vernon Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tulum $28Vernon -
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:
- Chetumal City to Chetumal Airport CTM Departure Private Transfer: $24
- Tulum to Cancún Airport (CUN) - Private Departure Transfer: $70
- Tulum to Xcaret - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $76
- Xcaret to Tulum - 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
- EV Private Transfer from Tulum to Cancun Airport: $135
- 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
Is it cheaper to fly into Tulum or Vernon?
Prices for flights to both Vernon 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 $34Vernon $25
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
- 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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tulum $32Vernon -
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 - Coba Ruins: The trail of the Mayas: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - The Return Home: $10
- Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket: $12
- Tulum Archeological Site Skip-the-Line 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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTulum $25Vernon $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
- Beer Tasting and Brewery Tour and Pairing by an Expert Brewer: $84
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tulum and Vernon, we can see that Tulum is more expensive. And not only is Vernon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vernon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vernon 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 Vernon.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tulum Expensive? and Is Vernon Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tulum or Vernon?
Vernon has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum and Vernon, 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 Vernon?
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 Vernon in the Summer?
Both Vernon 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.
In July, Tulum is generally a little warmer than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 28°C (83°F), and Vernon fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
It's quite rainy in Tulum. In July, Tulum usually receives more rain than Vernon. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Vernon receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyTulum 28°C (83°F)Vernon 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Tulum or Vernon in the Autumn?
Both Vernon 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.
Tulum is much warmer than Vernon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Vernon fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually gets more rain in October than Vernon. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Vernon receives 14 mm (0.6 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. Keep in mind that June to October is the hurricane season in Tulum.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTulum 27°C (81°F)Vernon 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Tulum or Vernon in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Vernon. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Tulum this time of year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Vernon. In the winter, Tulum is much warmer than Vernon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tulum in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Vernon averages at about -3°C (27°F).
In January, Tulum usually receives more rain than Vernon. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Vernon receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryTulum 23°C (74°F)Vernon -3°C (27°F)
Should I visit Tulum or Vernon in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Vernon. Many travelers come to Tulum for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In April, Tulum is generally much warmer than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 27°C (81°F), and Vernon fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
Tulum usually gets more rain in April than Vernon. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Vernon receives 15 mm (0.6 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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Spring Average Temperatures AprilTulum 27°C (81°F)Vernon 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Vernon and Tulum
| Tulum | Vernon | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | -3°C (27°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (78°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (83°F) | 192 mm (7.6 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | -1°C (30°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.