Which place is cheaper, Big Sur or Veracruz?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Veracruz or Big Sur?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Veracruz and Big Sur can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Veracruz or Big Sur?
Veracruz
Veracruz is the name of both a state and city in the country of Mexico. Locals often call the city "Puerto" (port) in order to differentiate the city from the state. The general area runs along the Gulf of Mexico and encompasses ruins, old colonial cities, lush green mountains, and delicious seafood.
Big Sur
Big Sur is the 90-mile stretch of the California Central Coast which runs from the Carmel River in Monterey County south to San Carpoforo Creek in San Luis Obispo County and 20 miles east into the Santa Lucius Foothills.
However you look at it, California's Central Coast is beautiful and undoubtedly a huge tourist trap. If you're not willing to fork over big bucks for overnight stays on coastal hotels, be prepared ahead of time with your camping gear and get ready to go off the beaten track to avoid crowds as best you can and save your wallet.
While the weather in Central Coast is overall, mild and temperate, between 50 and 70 degrees year-round. The highs and lows during the year are in August and January, respectively, with dry summers and wet winters, making April through October the best times to visit but be warned: there will be crowds.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.
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Veracruz Prices
Mexico PricesBig Sur Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVeracruz $151Big Sur $0.00
The average daily cost (per person) in Veracruz is $151, while the average daily cost in Big Sur is $0.00. 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 Veracruz and Big Sur in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVeracruz $52Big Sur $165
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVeracruz $104Big Sur $330
Compare Hotels in Veracruz and Big Sur
Looking for a hotel in Veracruz or Big 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: Veracruz Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Veracruz $27Big Sur -
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Veracruz
Also for Veracruz, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Roundtrip Private Transfer from Veracruz Airport (VER): $52
- Transfer from Veracruz Airport to Hotel in Veracruz Port: $44
- Private Transfer from Veracruz Airport (VER): $26
- Private Transfer to Veracruz Airport (VER): $26
Is it cheaper to fly into Veracruz or Big Sur?
Prices for flights to both Big Sur and Veracruz 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 dayVeracruz $82Big Sur -
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Veracruz $14Big Sur -
Tours and Activities in Veracruz
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Veracruz.
- 1 day tour of Tlacotalpan and Alvarado from Veracruz: $133
- 3-hour tour to the San Juan de Ulúa Fortress: $29
- Alvarado And Tlacotalpan Tour From Veracruz Or Boca Del Rio: $107
- Aquatico Inbursa Waterpark: Veracruz - Ticket: $26
- Catemaco And Los Tuxtlas Tour From Veracruz Or Boca Del Rio: $105
- City Tour en Veracruz y Acuario: $100
- Full Day Coffee Guided Tour in Coatepec: $103
- Full Day Tour to Alvarado and Tlacotalpan from Veracruz or Boca del Río: $100
- Full Day Tour to Catemaco and Los Tuxtlas with Transportation: $97
- Full Day Tour to La Antigua, Cempoala and Quiahuiztlán: $91
- Full-Day Tour to El Tajin and Vanilla Factory from Veracruz: $138
- Jalcomulco Rapids Adventure from Veracruz or Boca del Río: $148
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVeracruz $16Big Sur -
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Veracruz and Big Sur, we can see that Veracruz is more expensive. And not only is Big Sur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Big Sur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Big 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 Veracruz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Veracruz than you might in Big Sur.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Veracruz Expensive? and Is Big Sur Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Veracruz or Big Sur?
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 Veracruz or Big Sur in the Summer?
Both Big Sur and Veracruz are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Big Sur this time of year.
In the summer, Veracruz is much warmer than Big Sur. Typically, the summer temperatures in Veracruz in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Big Sur averages at about 63°F (17°C).
It's quite rainy in Veracruz. In July, Veracruz usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Veracruz gets 410 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVeracruz 27°C (81°F)Big Sur 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Veracruz or Big Sur in the Autumn?
Both Big Sur and Veracruz during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Big Sur for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Veracruz is generally much warmer than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Veracruz average around 26°C (79°F), and Big Sur fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Veracruz. Veracruz usually gets more rain in October than Big Sur. Veracruz gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVeracruz 26°C (79°F)Big Sur 62°F (17°C)
Should I visit Veracruz or Big Sur in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Veracruz and Big Sur. Furthermore, many visitors come to Big Sur in the winter for the cuisine.
Veracruz is much warmer than Big Sur in the winter. The daily temperature in Veracruz averages around 21°C (71°F) in January, and Big Sur fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).
In January, Veracruz usually receives less rain than Big Sur. Veracruz gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVeracruz 21°C (71°F)Big Sur 51°F (11°C)
Should I visit Veracruz or Big Sur in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Veracruz as well as Big Sur. Additionally, most visitors come to Big Sur for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Veracruz is much warmer than Big Sur. Typically, the spring temperatures in Veracruz in April average around 26°C (78°F), and Big Sur averages at about 56°F (13°C).
Veracruz usually gets less rain in April than Big Sur. Veracruz gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Big Sur receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVeracruz 26°C (78°F)Big Sur 56°F (13°C)
Typical Weather for Big Sur and Veracruz
| Veracruz | Big Sur | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (71°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Feb | 22°C (71°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 53°F (12°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) |
| Mar | 24°C (74°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.1 inches (55 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (78°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (4 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 290 mm (11.4 in) | 62°F (16°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 410 mm (16.1 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 346 mm (13.6 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.6 inches (14 mm) |
| Nov | 25°C (76°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 51°F (10°C) | 2 inches (51 mm) |
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.