Which place is cheaper, Tulum 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 Tulum?
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 Tulum can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Veracruz or Tulum?
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.
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.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, and The Best Historical Tours in Mexico.
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Veracruz Prices
Mexico PricesTulum Prices
Mexico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVeracruz $152Tulum $141
The average daily cost (per person) in Veracruz is $152, while the average daily cost in Tulum is $141. 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 Tulum in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVeracruz $52Tulum $57
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVeracruz $104Tulum $114
Compare Hotels in Veracruz and Tulum
Looking for a hotel in Veracruz or Tulum? 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 Tulum Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Veracruz $27Tulum $27
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: $44
- Roundtrip Private Transfer from Veracruz Airport (VER): $52
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Tulum
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Tulum are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tulum
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tulum:
- Tulum Airport: One-Way or Roundtrip Private Transfer: $302
- Round-trip Private Transfer Cancun Airport to TULUM Downtown: $275
- Private Transfer Tulum-Bacalar with optional 2h in Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve: $256
- Tulum to Chetumal - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $246
- Private Luxury Transfer Tulum to Cancun Airport: $220
- Tulum Hotels to Merida Rejon Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $212
- Private Transfer From Tulum to Cancun With a 2 Hour Stop: $206
- Tulum Archaeological Zone: Cenote, Lunch & Transfer: $203
- Private Transfer From Tulum To Chiquila Port: $201
- Private Transfer to Cancun Int'l Airport, from Tulum hotels: $199
- Private Transfer from Tulum Airport to Playa del Carmen: $199
- Private transfer from Cancun airpot to Tulum up to 7 persons: $191
Is it cheaper to fly into Veracruz or Tulum?
Prices for flights to both Tulum 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 $82Tulum $57
Typical Food Prices in Tulum
Some typical examples of dining costs in Tulum are as follows:
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Lunch$2.89
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tulum
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Tulum.
- Yucatecan cooking class with a local chef in Tulum: $90
- Mexican Cooking from Scratch in a Local Home in Tulum: $100
- Mexican Cooking class experience in Tulum: $139
- Private Authentic Mayan Cooking Class with Tulum Hotel Transfers: $280
- Private transfer for 5 hours (go dinner,cenotes, shopping and more): $299
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Veracruz $14Tulum $30
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: $55
- Live a Kayak Experience: $85
- Full Day Tour to La Antigua, Cempoala and Quiahuiztlán: $92
- Full Day Tour to Catemaco and Los Tuxtlas with Transportation: $98
- City Tour en Veracruz y Acuario: $100
- Full Day Tour to Alvarado and Tlacotalpan from Veracruz or Boca del Río: $101
- Tour with Certified Guide to Xalapa, Xico and Coatepec: $101
Tours and Activities in Tulum
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tulum are as follows:
- 2 tanks Cenote Diving Adventure in Tulum for Certified Divers: $200
- ATV Jungle Adventure with Ziplines, Cenote & Tulum Pickup: $64
- ATV cenote tour Tulum – Mayan Jungle ATV & Cavern Experience: $80
- Adrenaline Tulúm Tour: ATV, Zipline, and Cenote Adventure: $30
- Adventure at Chichen Itza! Cenote and Valladolid from Tulum City: $98
- Akumal Private Tour: Turtles, Coral Reef, Cenote, Beach, Lunch: $203
- All-Inclusive Catamaran Cruise Deluxe Tour to Isla Mujeres: $99
- Authentic Gastronomic Mexican Food Experience in Downtown Tulum: $65
- Authentic Mexican Tacos Flavors and 5th Av Tour: $129
- Awesome Tour Day at Xcaret Plus + Transportation from Riviera Maya: $245
- Cancun: ATV Jungle Adventure, Cenote and Tulum Ruins Tour: $32
- Cenote Dos Ojos & Gran Cenote! Tulum Ruins Guided Tour from Tulum: $179
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVeracruz $17Tulum $24
When comparing the travel costs between Veracruz and Tulum, we can see that Veracruz 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. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Veracruz Expensive? and Is Tulum Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Veracruz or Tulum?
Veracruz has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Veracruz and Tulum, 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 Tulum?
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 Tulum in the Summer?
Both Tulum and Veracruz during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Tulum in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Veracruz is generally around the same temperature as Tulum. Daily temperatures in Veracruz average around 27°C (81°F), and Tulum fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Veracruz. In the summer, Veracruz often gets less sunshine than Tulum. Veracruz gets 208 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tulum receives 232 hours of full sun.
Tulum gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Veracruz. Veracruz usually gets more rain in July than Tulum. Veracruz gets 410 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVeracruz 27°C (81°F)Tulum 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Veracruz or Tulum in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Veracruz and Tulum. Also, most visitors come to Tulum for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Veracruz is around the same temperature as Tulum in the autumn. The daily temperature in Veracruz averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Tulum fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. Veracruz usually receives less sunshine than Tulum during autumn. Veracruz gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Tulum receives 216 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Tulum receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Veracruz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Veracruz usually receives less rain than Tulum. Veracruz gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 173 mm (6.8 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. The hurricane season in Tulum is June to October.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVeracruz 26°C (79°F)Tulum 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Veracruz or Tulum in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Veracruz as well as Tulum. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Tulum because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Veracruz is around the same temperature as Tulum. Typically, the winter temperatures in Veracruz in January average around 21°C (71°F), and Tulum averages at about 23°C (74°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. In the winter, Veracruz often gets less sunshine than Tulum. Veracruz gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tulum receives 213 hours of full sun.
Veracruz usually gets less rain in January than Tulum. Veracruz gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVeracruz 21°C (71°F)Tulum 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Veracruz or Tulum in the Spring?
Both Tulum and Veracruz are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Tulum this time of year.
In April, Veracruz is generally around the same temperature as Tulum. Daily temperatures in Veracruz average around 26°C (78°F), and Tulum fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It's quite sunny in Tulum. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Veracruz. Veracruz usually receives less sunshine than Tulum during spring. Veracruz gets 203 hours of sunny skies, while Tulum receives 273 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Veracruz usually receives less rain than Tulum. Veracruz gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 39 mm (1.5 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. June to October is the hurricane season in Tulum.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVeracruz 26°C (78°F)Tulum 27°C (81°F)
Typical Weather for Tulum and Veracruz
| Veracruz | Tulum | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (71°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (71°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (74°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (78°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 290 mm (11.4 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 192 mm (7.6 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 410 mm (16.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 346 mm (13.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (76°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 72 mm (2.8 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.