Which place is cheaper, Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?
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 Carmel-by-the-Sea can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Veracruz or Carmel-by-the-Sea?
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.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
A small, beach town on the Monterey Peninsula, Carmel-by-the-Sea is known for its idyllic natural scenery and artistic history. Carmel's village, just one square mile in size, is unlike any other in California with its picturesque views, European style and unusual laws.
Clint Eastwood served as mayor of Carmel from 1986-88. Without a single fast food or chain restaurants, visitors can easily feel that Carmel still preserves its slow and easy lifestyle, with all private-owned restaurants, coffee shops and pubs. This town is undoubtedly charming, even with its anti-high heel laws (though they aren't strictly enforced and permits are free at the City Hall), lack of street addresses and has been named the top destination for dog-friendly towns in the country. Grab your furry friends, leave your heels at home and get ready to explore this quaint and lovely town by the sea.
If you want to avoid the heat, Carmel is the perfect place to go, with year-round mild temperatures. Even during the summer seasons, you may not feel the heat through the fog and cool coastal weather. Peak seasons for travel are during summer months in August and September, (especially popular for weddings) and even then, the highs are still in the low 70s. Winter season lows dip only down to low 50s, with the Pacific Oceans maintaining moderate temperatures.
If you're driving to the city, keep in mind that the businesses do not have numbers in their addresses. To get directions or arrange a meeting, be sure to remember the name of the business and grab a map from the Carmel Chamber of Commerce.
Some famous artists who have resided in Carmel are Upton Sinclair, Jack London and Mary Austin. Carmel is known to be particularly dog-friendly, as almost all hotels allow guests to bring their dogs.
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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.
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Veracruz Prices
Mexico PricesCarmel-by-the-Sea Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVeracruz $156Carmel-by-the-Sea $0.00
The average daily cost (per person) in Veracruz is $156, while the average daily cost in Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVeracruz $54Carmel-by-the-Sea -
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVeracruz $108Carmel-by-the-Sea $0.00
Compare Hotels in Veracruz and Carmel-by-the-Sea
Looking for a hotel in Veracruz or Carmel-by-the-Sea? 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 and Carmel-by-the-Sea Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Veracruz $28Carmel-by-the-Sea $125
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Veracruz
Also for Veracruz, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Veracruz Airport (VER): $26
- Private Transfer to Veracruz Airport (VER): $26
- Transfer from Veracruz Airport to Hotel in Veracruz Port: $45
- Roundtrip Private Transfer from Veracruz Airport (VER): $52
Is it cheaper to fly into Veracruz or Carmel-by-the-Sea?
Prices for flights to both Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 $84Carmel-by-the-Sea $264
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
- Guided Food Tour with 5 Authentic Dishes: $148
- Carmel By the Sea Authentic Walking Food Tour with 5 Dishes: $148
- Old Monterey Walking Food Tour: $164
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Veracruz $15Carmel-by-the-Sea -
Tours and Activities in Veracruz
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Veracruz.
- Panoramic Sightseeing Bus City Tour of Veracruz: $8.00
- Mandinga And Boat Trip Tour: $25
- Aquatico Inbursa Waterpark: Veracruz - Ticket: $27
- 3-hour tour to the San Juan de Ulúa Fortress: $30
- San Juan De Ulua Tour: $31
- Veracruz City Tour with San Juan de Ulúa and Mandinga Boat: $57
- Full Day Tour to La Antigua, Cempoala and Quiahuiztlán: $94
- City Tour en Veracruz y Acuario: $100
- Full Day Tour to Catemaco and Los Tuxtlas with Transportation: $100
- Full Day Tour to Alvarado and Tlacotalpan from Veracruz or Boca del Río: $104
- Tour with Certified Guide to Xalapa, Xico and Coatepec: $104
- Catemaco And Los Tuxtlas Tour From Veracruz Or Boca Del Rio: $105
Tours and Activities in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Carmel-by-the-Sea are as follows:
- 17 Mile Drive eBike Tour in Monterey: $59
- 17-Mile Drive Electric Bike Guided Tour: $75
- 17-Mile Drive Self-Guided Audio Tour from Monterey & Carmel: $15
- 2-Hour Monterey and Pacific Grove GoCar Tour: $169
- 3-Hour Monterey, Cannery Row and Pacific Grove GoCar Tour: $229
- 3-Hour Whale Watching Tour from Monterey: $75
- 4 hour Big Sur hiking adventure to world class coastal beauty!: $215
- Big Sur Electric Bike Tour Along Old Coast Road: $175
- Big Sur Sightseeing Tour: $248
- Carmel Small Group Walking Food & Cultural Tour: $159
- Carmel Walk Guided Tour Carmel by the Sea: $48
- Carmel-By-The-Sea Electric Bike Guided Tour: $75
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVeracruz $17Carmel-by-the-Sea -
Sample the Local Flavors in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Carmel-by-the-Sea:
- Carmel Valley Village: Wine Tasting Tours in a 1970 VW bus.: $139
- Carmel Valley Wine Tour in a Vintage VW Bus: $149
- Wine Tasting and Walking Tour of Carmel-by-the-Sea: $159
- Wine Tasting and Walking Tour of Carmel-by-the-Sea: $159
- Afternoon Half-day Carmel Valley Wine Tasting Tour: $271
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Veracruz and Carmel-by-the-Sea, we can see that Veracruz is more expensive. And not only is Carmel-by-the-Sea much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Carmel-by-the-Sea would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Veracruz Expensive? and Is Carmel-by-the-Sea Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Veracruz or Carmel-by-the-Sea?
Veracruz has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Carmel-by-the-Sea. When comparing the sizes of Veracruz and Carmel-by-the-Sea, 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 Veracruz or Carmel-by-the-Sea?
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 Veracruz or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Summer?
Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Veracruz during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea in the summer for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Veracruz is much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Typically, the summer temperatures in Veracruz in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Carmel-by-the-Sea averages at about 63°F (17°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Veracruz. Veracruz usually gets more rain in July than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Veracruz gets 410 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVeracruz 27°C (81°F)Carmel-by-the-Sea 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Veracruz or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Veracruz and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Also, most visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Veracruz is generally much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in Veracruz average around 26°C (79°F), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).
Veracruz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Veracruz usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Veracruz gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVeracruz 26°C (79°F)Carmel-by-the-Sea 62°F (17°C)
Should I visit Veracruz or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Veracruz as well as Carmel-by-the-Sea. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Carmel-by-the-Sea because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Veracruz is much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea in the winter. The daily temperature in Veracruz averages around 21°C (71°F) in January, and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).
Veracruz usually gets less rain in January than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Veracruz gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVeracruz 21°C (71°F)Carmel-by-the-Sea 51°F (11°C)
Should I visit Veracruz or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Spring?
Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Veracruz are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Carmel-by-the-Sea this time of year.
In the spring, Veracruz is much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Typically, the spring temperatures in Veracruz in April average around 26°C (78°F), and Carmel-by-the-Sea averages at about 56°F (13°C).
In April, Veracruz usually receives less rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Veracruz gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVeracruz 26°C (78°F)Carmel-by-the-Sea 56°F (13°C)
Typical Weather for Carmel-by-the-Sea and Veracruz
| Veracruz | Carmel-by-the-Sea | |||
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| 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.