A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kaunas vs. Tulum for Nightlife, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Kaunas or Tulum?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Kaunas and Tulum. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Kaunas

Kaunas is a young, vibrant, and cultural city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife and food. See Kaunas travel costs.

Tulum

Tulum is a tropical, active, and lively town. With stunning beauty, Tulum attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Tulum travel costs.

Kaunas and Tulum: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kaunas or Tulum?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Tulum than Kaunas, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Tulum is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Kaunas is more popular for its historical sights and big city activities. Tulum is more touristy than Kaunas and is known for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes. Also, Tulum is famous for the Tulum archeological ruins. Kaunas is well known for its traditional Lithuanian culture and authentic old town.

How is Kaunas different from Tulum?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Tulum and Kaunas. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kaunas or Tulum?

Tulum is renowned for its sights and museums. However, Kaunas does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Tulum on the map. It's famous for its world-renowned archeological ruins. The Tulum Archeological Site is very popular for its Mayan temples and castles. You can also travel a bit further to see the Cobá Ruins.

Kaunas does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Kaunas or Tulum? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tulum is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Tulum is an experience not to be missed. Despite being well established as a top tourist destination in Mexico, you'll still find authentic and delicious local cuisine. Favorite dishes around town include the ceviche, tacos al pastor, and sopa de lima (chicken soup).

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Kaunas. It is a great place to try traditional Lithuanian dishes as there are a number of good restaurants and an active restaurant scene. Popular local dishes include cepelinai potato dumplings and cold beetroot soup.

Is Kaunas or Tulum Better for Nightlife?

Tulum is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Tulum is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. It's world renowned for its wild nightlife scene and you'll find iconic beach parties, jungle raves, and trendy Tuluminati parties. Most of the local places that are a bit more affordable are in town, and the more touristy and expensive places are around the Middle Beach Zone.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Kaunas. The nightlife scene continues to improve with a growing number of bars and clubs. During the warmer months you'll find many places opening outdoor areas. The old town is one of the more lively areas in town where it's nice to enjoy a drink on a terrace.

Is Kaunas or Tulum Better for Resorts?

Tulum is renowned for its resorts. However, Kaunas is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Tulum for its luxury resorts. If you're on a budget, you can stay in town for a more reasonable price, but if you want a classic beach vacation, head to the Zona Hotelera stretch along the coast. There are luxury hotels as well as resorts with beachfront pools and luxury restaurants.

Kaunas is not a resort destination.

Is Kaunas or Tulum Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tulum is renowned for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Kaunas is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Tulum. The water along the coast is shallow and clear, which is perfect for snorkeling. There are also dive trips that take you a short distance out to diverse and beautiful reefs.

Kaunas is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kaunas or Tulum Better for Beaches?

Tulum is renowned for the beach. However, Kaunas is not a beach destination.

Tulum offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. World class beaches with turquoise water and long stretches of sand make this a true beach-lovers paradise. Playa Paraíso is a favorite beach in the area and many consider it among the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.

Kaunas is not a beach destination.

Is Kaunas or Tulum Better for its Old Town?

Kaunas is a city with good options for its historic old town. However, Tulum does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Kaunas to see the historical old town. The old town has tree-lined streets with charming cafes and a number of museums. It's also where you'll find the Kaunas Castle.

Tulum does not have a historic old town.

Is Kaunas or Tulum Better for Hiking?

Tulum is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Kaunas is not a hiking destination.

Tulum is a popular spot for hiking. There are coastal walks and routes that take you through the jungle or by archeological ruins. There are many places where you can enjoy a stroll through nature.

Kaunas is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kaunas or Tulum?

Tulum is notable for its shopping areas. However, Kaunas is a mediocre city for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Tulum. Quirky souvenir shops, local artisan boutiques, and colorful bazaars make shopping a fun experience. Make sure you check out Mercado Maya or the Tulum Bazaar while you're in town.

Kaunas is a good destination for shopping. The old town is the place to pick up souvenirs, but there are also shopping malls and outlets in the city.

Is Kaunas or Tulum More Beautiful?

Tulum is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Kaunas is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Tulum attracts visitors from all around. Clear blue water, sandy beaches, jungle covered archeological ruins, and hidden cenotes make this a stunningly beautiful place to visit.

Kaunas is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Kaunas or Tulum Better for Families?

Tulum is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Tulum is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the beaches and archeological sights as much as adults. You can also visit a cenote or see the sea turtles at Akumal Bay. If you're open to getting out of town, there are many adventure parks in the area as well.

Kaunas is a family-friendly city. The city has both outdoor and indoor areas that are fun for kids. Vienybės Square has fountains and splash areas that are fun for kids of all ages. Lampėdis Lake is a great place to swim or visit an adventure park. When the weather isn't great, you can head indoors to the the Kaunas Tadas Ivanauskas Zoological Museum or "CurioCity" in the Mega Mall.

Is Kaunas or Tulum Better for Couples?

Tulum is renowned for couples. However, Kaunas is a mediocre city for romance.

Tulum is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Beautiful beaches, world famous archeological sights, and a wild nightlife scene make this a great honeymoon or couple's destination. There are also spas, cenotes, and even cooking classes that you can take together.

Kaunas is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The city has a number of historical sites as well as interesting restaurants that you can explore.

Is Kaunas or Tulum Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tulum is notable for backpackers. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Tulum is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. It's no longer an undiscovered backpacker paradise, but there are still affordable options in the area and there's a great nightlife scene.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Kaunas. It's not a popular destination, but there are enough concerts and festivals throughout the year that it does see a few tourists.

Is Kaunas or Tulum Better for Students?

Kaunas is a city with good options for students. However, Tulum is not popular with students.

Kaunas is a good city to visit for students. The city has a vibrant and young student population. It also hosts festivals, concerts, and other events that make it a fun destination for international students.

Tulum is not popular with students.

Is Kaunas or Tulum Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Kaunas and Tulum offer notable public transit options.

Kaunas has a few public transit options. There are both buses and trolleybuses around town.

Tulum has some public transit options. There are shared vans, Collectivos, that provide transportation through the area. The Tiburon is also a local bus that runs along the coastline.

Is Kaunas or Tulum a more walkable city?

Tulum is notable for its ease of walking around. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

Tulum is a very walkable destination. It's easy to walk around downtown Tulum and explore on foot.

Kaunas is somewhat walkable. When the weather is nice, the city is a nice place to take a walk.

For even more information, also check out Is Kaunas Worth Visiting? and Is Tulum Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Tulum or Kaunas?

How long in Kaunas or Tulum?

In either Kaunas or Tulum, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Tulum than Kaunas because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Kaunas, and 3-5 days is enough time in Tulum.

Families should spend more time in Tulum than Kaunas. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Tulum, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Tulum than Kaunas. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Tulum that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tulum than Kaunas if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Tulum.

One day in Kaunas or Tulum?

In Kaunas, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this cultural destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Tulum. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Kaunas or Tulum?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kaunas. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Tulum is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Kaunas or Tulum?

Kaunas is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Kaunas. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tulum. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Kaunas or Tulum?

You'll find food and nightlife around the active destination of Kaunas. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the ancient destination of Tulum. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Lithuania, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vilnius, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, and The Best Historical Tours in Mexico.

When comparing the travel costs between Kaunas and Tulum, we can see that Kaunas 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 Kaunas is in Europe and Tulum 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 Kaunas Expensive? and Is Tulum Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kaunas or Tulum?

Kaunas has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Kaunas 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 Kaunas or Tulum?

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 Kaunas or Tulum in the Summer?

Both Tulum and Kaunas are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Kaunas for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Tulum because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Kaunas is much colder than Tulum. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kaunas in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Tulum averages at about 28°C (83°F).

It's quite sunny in Tulum. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kaunas. Kaunas usually receives more sunshine than Tulum during summer. Kaunas gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Tulum receives 232 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tulum. In July, Kaunas usually receives less rain than Tulum. Kaunas gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kaunas or Tulum in the Autumn?

Both Tulum and Kaunas during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Kaunas because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Tulum this time of year.

In October, Kaunas is generally much colder than Tulum. Daily temperatures in Kaunas average around 8°C (46°F), and Tulum fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Kaunas often gets less sunshine than Tulum. Kaunas gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tulum receives 216 hours of full sun.

Tulum gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Kaunas usually gets less rain in October than Tulum. Kaunas gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Tulum. June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. Also, June to October in Tulum is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Kaunas or Tulum in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kaunas and Tulum. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Kaunas this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Tulum for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Kaunas in the winter. Kaunas is much colder than Tulum in the winter. The daily temperature in Kaunas averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Tulum fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. Kaunas usually receives less sunshine than Tulum during winter. Kaunas gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Tulum receives 213 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kaunas usually receives less rain than Tulum. Kaunas gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kaunas or Tulum in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kaunas as well as Tulum. Many travelers come to Kaunas for the activities around the city. Additionally, many visitors come to Tulum in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Kaunas is much colder than Tulum. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kaunas in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Tulum averages at about 27°C (81°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. In the spring, Kaunas often gets less sunshine than Tulum. Kaunas gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tulum receives 273 hours of full sun.

Kaunas usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Tulum. Kaunas gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Tulum is the dry season. June to October in Tulum is the rainy season. Also, the hurricane season in Tulum is June to October.

Typical Weather for Tulum and Kaunas