A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cancun vs. Pereira for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Cancun or Pereira?

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 Cancun and Pereira can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Cancun or Pereira?

Cancun

In the northeast corner of the Mexican Caribbean, Cancun is one of Mexico's most popular destinations. The area that is now Cancun was actually selected specifically by the Mexican government for development as a tourist destination. The area was chosen because it has fourteen miles of beautiful white beaches, nearby Mayan ruins, and turquoise blue water with nearby snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities. Prior to its development as a tourist destination, there were few inhabitants in the area.

Pereira

Situated in a small valley in the western Andes, Pereira is the capital city of Risaralda, Colombia. The city is surrounded by coffee producing agriculture and sits in the middle of a triangle of cities including Bogota, Medillin and Cali, each of which is about a three to five hour drive away.

The city itself is very much student oriented, as there are many universities around town and at least one quarter of the population is made up of students. There is also a very European vibe to the city and you will find the area beautiful with many parks and museums.

Pereira's economy is based on government, agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, trade, commerce, and tourism. Agricultural products include sugarcane, cacao, rubber, cereals, coffee, and livestock. Apparel is the main manufacturing product, along with aluminium goods, motorcycles and telecommunications technology.

Pereira is found in a warm moorland area with an average temperature of around 72 degrees. The temperatures remain relatively consistent throughout the year with highs in the high 70s Fahrenheit to low 80s Fahrenheit. Low temperatures are usually in the low 60s Fahrenheit. Rain is heaviest during the months of April and May as well as October and November.

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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Colombia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia.


Which place is cheaper, Pereira or Cancun?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cancun is $153, while the average daily cost in Pereira is $81. 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 Cancun and Pereira in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cancun $89
    Pereira $26
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cancun $178
    Pereira $52
Compare Hotels in Cancun and Pereira

Looking for a hotel in Cancun or Pereira? 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.

Hotels in Cancun


Hotels in Pereira


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: Cancun Hotel Prices and Pereira Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cancun $16
    Pereira $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cancun

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cancun:


  • Taxi Around Town
    $1.52
  • Airport Shuttle (for 2)
    $13
  • Ferry to Isla de Mujeres (for 2)
    $15
  • Local Bus (for 2)
    $1.85

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cancun

Also for Cancun, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport Transfers to Puerto Juarez - Private van (ROUND TRIP) FLAT RATE: $167
  • Airport transfers to Isla Mujeres: $175
  • Akumal One Way Or Roundtrip Private Transfer: $139
  • Atv Cancun (cenote, Ziplines, Lunch And Transfer Included) : $49
  • Buggy Trip in Cozumel Island with transfer from Riviera Maya: $176
  • Cancún Airport (CUN) Cancun hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $76
  • Cancún Airport (CUN) to Cancun hotel or address - Private Arrival Transfer: $38
  • Cancún Airport (CUN) to Playa del Carmen - Private Round-Trip Transfer: $179
  • Cancún Airport (CUN) to Punta Sam / Isla Blanca - Private Arrival Transfer: $62
  • Cancún Airport (CUN) to Punta Sam/Isla Blanca-Round-Trip Transfer: $124
  • Cancún Airport (CUN) to Tulum - Private Arrival Transfer: $134
  • Cancun Airport Hotel Private Transfer by Minivan: $32

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Pereira

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Pereira are as follows:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $1.18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pereira

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pereira:

  • PEREIRA/ARMENIA: FULLDAY TRANSFER SALENTO+ FILANDIA + COCORA VALLEY: $144
  • One way transfer Pereira to Santa Rosa Hot Springs: $88
  • Manizales Arrival or Departure Transfer: Matecaña Intl Airport: $41
  • Manizales Arrival or Departure Transfer La Nubia Airport: $20
  • Arrival or Departure Transfer Matecaña International Airport: $11
  • Arrival or Departure Transfer El Éden International Airport: $42

Is it cheaper to fly into Cancun or Pereira?

Prices for flights to both Pereira and Cancun 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Cancun $45
    Pereira $40
Typical Food Prices in Cancun

For Cancun, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for Two
    $19

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cancun

For Cancun, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Cancun Pirate Ship Adventure : Dinner & Show at Sea 2 for 1 Deal: $50
  • Mayan Chichen Itza And Pirate Dinner Two Day Experience: $57
  • Pirate Show in Cancun! Dinner & drinks: $62
  • Pirate Shop & Dinner at Cancun! Drinks, Adventure and Fun: $65
  • Pirate Night! Dinner, Fun and Show at Cancun : $65
  • Puerto Morelos Walking Food Tour: $77
  • Cancun Hands-On Mexican Cooking Class : $79
  • Columbus Romantic Dinner in Cancún: $79
  • Cancun Private Mural Art and Food Tour: $81
  • Pirate’s Night Out: Dinner and Entertainment in the Caribbean: $89
  • Cancun City Shopping and Local Food Tour Private Experience: $92
  • Feel the love on a romantic dinner at Cancun sea, with live music and open bar.: $95

Typical Food Prices in Pereira

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Pereira:


  • Hamburger
    $1.66

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cancun $32
    Pereira $18
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cancun

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Cancun's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Seasick Pills
    $0.54
  • Whale Shark Tour (for 2)
    $92

Tours and Activities in Cancun

For Cancun, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • ATV Tour, Zip Lines, Horseback Riding, Cenote and Tequila Tasting: $10
  • Cancun Mayan Museum Skip-the-Line Ticket: $14
  • Speedboat and Snorkeling Adventure in Cancun: $14
  • Isla Mujeres Catamaran Adventure Snorkeling, Spinnaker and Lunch: $15
  • Tour to Isla Mujeres with Snorkeling : $15
  • Chichen Itza Day Tour with Cenote Swim and Valladolid Visit: $16
  • Full Day Tour to Coba and Tulum Cenote Swim and Lunch: $16
  • Speedboat Tour with Snorkeling in Cancun – Drive Your Own Boat!: $16
  • Isla Mujeres Catamaran Adventure Snorkeling Spinnaker and Lunch: $16
  • Chichen Itza Tour Full day food included: $16
  • Full-Day Catamaran Tour to Isla Mujeres from Cancun with Lunch: $17
  • Chichen Itza Day Tour Cenote Swim Buffet and Valladolid : $18

Tours and Activities in Pereira

Here are a few actual costs in Pereira for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Cocora Valley: Salento & Private Horseback Riding Tour: $162
  • Coffee Farm and Salento Walking Tour: $89
  • Coffee Farm and Santa Rosa Hot Springs Tour from Pereira or Armenia: $149
  • Eco-Park Recinto del Pensamiento Tour: $84
  • Explore Colombia’s Magic Destination on this 10-Day Tour: $2,700
  • Full-Day Private Coffee Tour in Cocora Valley and Salento: $219
  • Manizales City Tour with Cable Car and Chipre Viewpoint : $87
  • PRIVATE TOUR OF MAIN SQUARES, HISTORICAL SITES + LOOKOUT POINT: $56
  • Private Tour to Salento and Cocora Valley from Pereira or Armenia: $131
  • Private Tour to the Coffee Park from Pereira or Armenia: $115
  • Salento and Cócora Tour plus Coffee Farm from Pereira or Armenia: $158
  • Salento, Cócora and Hot Springs Tour from Pereira or Armenia: $202

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cancun $12
    Pereira $14


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cancun and Pereira, we can see that Cancun is more expensive. And not only is Pereira much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cancun is in North America and Pereira is in South America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Pereira would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pereira 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 Cancun would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cancun than you might in Pereira.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cancun Expensive? and Is Pereira Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cancun or Pereira?

Cancun has a larger population, and is about 23% larger than the population of Pereira. When comparing the sizes of Cancun and Pereira, 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.