Which place is cheaper, Playa del Carmen or Asuncion?
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 Asuncion or Playa del Carmen?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Asuncion or Playa del Carmen, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Asuncion or Playa del Carmen?
Asuncion
Asuncion is a vastly underrated city. It is the capital but also the administrative economic and cultural center of Paraguay. It is located in the south central part of the country, near the border with Argentina and it is one of the oldest cities in South America, with people living here since almost 500 years. The city has a beautiful and simple center, with a few unique colonial and beaux arts buildings, international cuisine, shady plazas and friendly people. Its handful of historic buildings around the Plaza de los Heroes, Plaza Uruguaya and Manzana de la Ribera, two or three small museums, old bars and cafes, but also smart suburbs, ritzy shopping malls and fashionable nightclubs will keep you entertained for a day or two. It is a very charming city for travellers and apart from the sights, the city boasts a good tourist infrastructure with hotels and restaurants.
Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is in Quintana Roo on the Yucatan Peninsula. It's a popular resort town and is about seventy kilometers south of Cancun. It has a European atmosphere with many small hotels and a nice relaxed feel. It was originally a small fishing town but tourism began with the introduction of a passenger ferry to Cozumel. The area developed rapidly and there are many luxury hotels, condos, and resorts. There are also American chains and a variety of shopping opportunities nearby.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.
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Asuncion Prices
Paraguay PricesPlaya del Carmen Prices
Mexico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAsuncion $83Playa del Carmen $89
The average daily cost (per person) in Asuncion is $83, while the average daily cost in Playa del Carmen is $89. 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 Asuncion and Playa del Carmen in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAsuncion $23Playa del Carmen $36
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAsuncion $46Playa del Carmen $72
Compare Hotels in Asuncion and Playa del Carmen
Looking for a hotel in Asuncion or Playa del Carmen? 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: Asuncion Hotel Prices and Playa del Carmen Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Asuncion $9.08Playa del Carmen $22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Playa del Carmen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Playa del Carmen:
- Tulum Ruins Experience with Private Roundtrip Transfer: $115
- Transfer from Cancun airport to Riviera Maya hotel: $139
- Tour Bacalar Ponton with Transfer from Cancun & Playa del Carmen : $147
- Puerto Aventuras to Cancún Airport (CUN) - Private Departure Transfer: $87
- Private transfer from Playa del Carmen to Chiquila: $131
- Private Transfers to Cancun Airport, from Playa del Carmen: $89
- Private Transfer: Akumal to Cancun Airport CUN in SUV: $119
- Private Transfer to Chiquila one-wey, from Cancún and Playa: $260
- Private Transfer to Cenotes at Riviera Maya: $171
- Private Transfer roundtrip to Xoximilco. from PLAYA and CANCUN: $260
- Private Transfer from Puerto Aventuras to Cancun Airport CUN by Minivan -Minibus: $83
- Private Transfer from Playa del Carmen to Chiquila Ferry Dock: $299
Is it cheaper to fly into Asuncion or Playa del Carmen?
Prices for flights to both Playa del Carmen and Asuncion 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 dayAsuncion $31Playa del Carmen $37
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Playa del Carmen
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Playa del Carmen.
- Cenotes by Bike and Mayan Cooking Class Half-Day Guided Tour: $56
- Flavors of Playa del Carmen, Mexican Food Tour: $63
- Playa Del Carmen Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $75
- Playa del Carmen Walking Food Tour: $79
- Yucatecan Cooking Class & Unlimited Margaritas – Playa del Carmen: $85
- Playa del Camen Vegan Mexican Food Tour: $85
- Temazcal Mayan Ceremony and Dinner in Mayan Village: $89
- Mayan Cooking Class: Chicken Pibil in Secret Cenote: $95
- PDC Traditional Mexican Cooking Experience: $109
- Riviera Maya Luxury Sunset Sailing plus Light Dinner and Open Bar: $109
- Mexican Cooking Class: $120
- Isa’s Authentic Mexican Cooking Class: $120
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Asuncion $17Playa del Carmen $15
Tours and Activities in Playa del Carmen
Here are a few actual costs in Playa del Carmen for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- ATV Mayan Jungle Adventure: $180
- Buggy Ride through Playa del Carmen Tour: $139
- Catamaran Cruise in Riviera Maya With Snorkeling & Beach Club: $85
- Cozumel Buggy Tour: $155
- Park Xenses Tour Play with your Senses from Playa del Carmen: $126
- Romantic tour in Akumal: $115
- The Best Ruins Tour : Coba Sunset Cultural / Extreme : $140
- "Tulum Adventures: Between Jungle, Cenotes and Mayan Mysteries": $110
- 3 in 1 Private Tour Tulum Cenote and Snorkeling in the reef: $210
- 4 ADVENTURES 1 DAY Tulum Coba Cenote and Playa del Carmen : $16
- 4 amazing places for 1 price and 1 full day tour Tulum, Coba, Cenote and PDC: $40
- 4 to 7 Day Beach Cruiser Rental (Up to 7 Days, includes Ulock): $45
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAsuncion $11Playa del Carmen $19
Typical Alcohol Prices in Asuncion
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Asuncion are as follows:
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Beer$1.26
Sample the Local Flavors in Playa del Carmen
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Playa del Carmen:
- Madness tour bar crawl Playa del carmen open bar: $99
- Tour to the Brewery with Tasting and Fifth Avenue: $100
When comparing the travel costs between Asuncion and Playa del Carmen, we can see that Playa del Carmen 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. Even though Asuncion is in South America and Playa del Carmen is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Asuncion Expensive? and Is Playa del Carmen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Asuncion or Playa del Carmen?
Asuncion has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Asuncion and Playa del Carmen, 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 Asuncion or Playa del Carmen?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Asuncion is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Playa del Carmen has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Asuncion or Playa del Carmen in the Summer?
Both Playa del Carmen and Asuncion during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In January, Asuncion is generally around the same temperature as Playa del Carmenin July. Daily temperatures in Asuncion average around 29°C (84°F), and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Asuncion. In the summer, Asuncion often gets more sunshine than Playa del Carmenin July. Asuncion gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa del Carmen receives 223 hours of full sun.
Playa del Carmen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Asuncion. Asuncion usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Playa del Carmenin July. Asuncion gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyAsuncion 29°C (84°F)Playa del Carmen 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Asuncion or Playa del Carmen in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Asuncion and Playa del Carmen. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Asuncion is around the same temperature as Playa del Carmen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Asuncion averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in October.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. Asuncion usually receives less sunshine than Playa del Carmen during autumn. Asuncion gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Playa del Carmen receives 233 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Playa del Carmen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Asuncion gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Asuncion usually receives more rain than Playa del Carmenin October. Asuncion gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberAsuncion 24°C (75°F)Playa del Carmen 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Asuncion or Playa del Carmen in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Asuncion as well as Playa del Carmen. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year.
In the winter, Asuncion is cooler than Playa del Carmen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Asuncion in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Playa del Carmen averages at about 23°C (73°F)in January.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. In the winter, Asuncion often gets less sunshine than Playa del Carmenin January. Asuncion gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa del Carmen receives 224 hours of full sun.
Asuncion usually gets more rain in July than Playa del Carmenin January. Asuncion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryAsuncion 19°C (66°F)Playa del Carmen 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Asuncion or Playa del Carmen in the Spring?
Both Playa del Carmen and Asuncion are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In October, Asuncion is generally around the same temperature as Playa del Carmenin April. Daily temperatures in Asuncion average around 25°C (77°F), and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Asuncion. Asuncion usually receives less sunshine than Playa del Carmen during spring. Asuncion gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Playa del Carmen receives 259 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Asuncion. In October, Asuncion usually receives more rain than Playa del Carmenin April. Asuncion gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the spring. June to October is the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilAsuncion 25°C (77°F)Playa del Carmen 27°C (81°F)
Typical Weather for Playa del Carmen and Asuncion
| Asuncion | Playa del Carmen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 29°C (84°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (70°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 21 mm (0.8 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.