Which place is cheaper, Bogota or Playa del Carmen?
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 Playa del Carmen or Bogota?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Bogota? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Playa del Carmen or Bogota?
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.
Bogota
Sprawling across a high altitude in the Columbian Andes region, Bogota is the capital city of Columbia. It is a mix of the old and new with century-old plazas and churches shadowed by towering skyscrapers, museums representing the history, art, and culture of the region, as well as a mix of distinct neighborhoods from quaint and historic to trendy and contemporary.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Colombia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia.
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Playa del Carmen Prices
Mexico PricesBogota Prices
Colombia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPlaya del Carmen $89Bogota $61
The average daily cost (per person) in Playa del Carmen is $89, while the average daily cost in Bogota is $61. 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 Playa del Carmen and Bogota in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPlaya del Carmen $36Bogota $26
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPlaya del Carmen $72Bogota $52
Compare Hotels in Playa del Carmen and Bogota
Looking for a hotel in Playa del Carmen or Bogota? 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: Playa del Carmen Hotel Prices and Bogota Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Playa del Carmen $22Bogota $8.57
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bogota
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bogota are as follows:
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Taxi from Airport$7.39
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Taxi Ride$0.38
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2 Bus Passes$0.87
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bogota
Also for Bogota, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Bogota Airport (BOG) to Bogota - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $36
- Bogota Airport BOG to Downtown Hotels Arrival Private Transfer: $23
- Bogota to or from Villavicencio Private Transfer: $94
- Downtown Hotels to Bogota Airport BOG Departure Private Transfer: $23
- El Dorado Airport Transfer: Direct to Your Hotel or Accommodation: $30
- Layover Bogotá Private Tour + Transfer in & Out (4 Hrs.) : $179
- Private Arrival Transfer : From Airport to Bogotá Hotels : $36
- Private Arrival or Departure Transfer: El Dorado Airport: $13
- Private Bogota Airport - Hotel Transfer: Safe, Fast, and Reliable: $21
- Private Bogota Airport drop-off Transfer: $59
- Private Hotel to Airport Transfer service in Bogota: $17
- Private One Way Transfer: Bogota Airport (BOG) from/to Bogota: $30
Is it cheaper to fly into Playa del Carmen or Bogota?
Prices for flights to both Bogota and Playa del Carmen 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 dayPlaya del Carmen $37Bogota $23
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
Typical Food Prices in Bogota
For Bogota, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Breakfast$1.54
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Hot Dog$0.90
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bogota
For Bogota, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Viejo Bogota Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $49
- PALOQUEMAO MARKET FOOD TOUR. EXOTIC FRUIT. LOCAL SNACKS. /Min 2 pax: $55
- Food Tour in La Candelaria Bogotá: $60
- Flavors of Colombia: Chapinero Street Food Tour: $73
- Food Tour in Historic Downtown with a Food Scholar and Tastings: $75
- Colombian Cooking Class in Bogota with a Local Chef: $102
- Tropical Abundance: Interactive Cooking Class in Bogota: $176
- Bogotá Food Tour. Exotic Fruits and local Cuisine.: $180
- Gastronomic Tour and Cooking Workshop: $213
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Playa del Carmen $15Bogota $13
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bogota
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Bogota's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Beer$1.28
Tours and Activities in Bogota
For Bogota, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Theatron Party-Tour, 20 Clubs, Map, cocktail, bottle, After-party: $5.00
- Botanical Garden José Celestino Mutis Photo Tour in Bogota: $5.80
- Bogotá: La Macarena to Parque Nacional Walking Audio Tour: $5.99
- Traditional Bogotá: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Colonial Bogotá: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of La Candelaria: $5.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - El Dorado Expedition, Part II: $6.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - El Dorado Expedition, Part I : $6.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Paranormal Candelaria: $10
- Armed Conflict and Violence Tour in Bogotá, Colombia: $12
- Shared Tour Colombian Conflict: war, drug trafficking and peace: $13
- Bogota Shared Gastronomy Tour in the Historic Center: $13
- Shared Walking Tour of Bogotá's Historic Center Candelaria: $14
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPlaya del Carmen $19Bogota $13
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Bogota
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bogota:
- Thursday Bar Crawl in Bogotá, Colombia: $25
- Saturday Night Bar Crawl in Bogotá, Colombia: $25
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Playa del Carmen and Bogota, we can see that Playa del Carmen is more expensive. And not only is Bogota much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Playa del Carmen is in North America and Bogota 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 Bogota would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bogota 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 Playa del Carmen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Playa del Carmen than you might in Bogota.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Playa del Carmen Expensive? and Is Bogota Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Bogota?
Bogota has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Bogota, 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 Playa del Carmen or Bogota?
Playa del Carmen has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Bogota experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Bogota in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Bogota. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bogota throughout the year.
In the summer, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Bogota. Typically, the summer temperatures in Playa del Carmen in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Bogota averages at about 14°C (57°F).
Playa del Carmen receives a lot of rain in the summer. Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in July than Bogota. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Bogota receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPlaya del Carmen 28°C (82°F)Bogota 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Bogota in the Autumn?
Both Bogota and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Plenty of visitors come to Bogota because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Playa del Carmen is generally much warmer than Bogota. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 26°C (79°F), and Bogota fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bogota. It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. In October, Playa del Carmen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bogota. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Bogota receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn. June to October is the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPlaya del Carmen 26°C (79°F)Bogota 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Bogota in the Winter?
Both Bogota and Playa del Carmen during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bogota year-round.
Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Bogota in the winter. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Bogota fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in January than Bogota. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Bogota receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPlaya del Carmen 23°C (73°F)Bogota 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Bogota in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Bogota. The spring months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Bogota attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Bogota. Typically, the spring temperatures in Playa del Carmen in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Bogota averages at about 15°C (59°F).
In April, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Bogota. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Bogota receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring. June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPlaya del Carmen 27°C (81°F)Bogota 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Bogota and Playa del Carmen
| Playa del Carmen | Bogota | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 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.