Which place is cheaper, Eugene 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 Eugene?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Eugene? 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 Eugene?
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.
Eugene
At the southern end of the Willamette Valley, Eugene is most recognized as the home of the University of Oregon. It's a smaller city with a liberal population that is generally concerned about environmental issues. A popular experience in Eugene is to go to the Saturday Market, which has been around since 1970 and is the oldest open air market in the United States.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.
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Playa del Carmen Prices
Mexico PricesEugene Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPlaya del Carmen $89Eugene $190
The average daily cost (per person) in Playa del Carmen is $89, while the average daily cost in Eugene is $190. 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 Eugene in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPlaya del Carmen $36Eugene $97
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPlaya del Carmen $72Eugene $194
Compare Hotels in Playa del Carmen and Eugene
Looking for a hotel in Playa del Carmen or Eugene? 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 Eugene Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Playa del Carmen $22Eugene $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Playa del Carmen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Playa del Carmen:
- 2x1 Tour: Isla Contoy, Isla Mujeres, Open Bar, Lunch and Transfers: $190
- Airport Transfer Playa del Carmen: $100
- Airport Transfers to Akumal - Private van (ROUND TRIP) FLAT RATE: $251
- Airport Transfers to Playa del Carmen - Private van (ROUND TRIP) FLAT RATE: $212
- Akumal to Cancún Airport (CUN) - Departure Private Transfer: $106
- Akumal to Cancun - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $84
- CUN Airport One-Way/Round-Trip Transfers to Playa del Carmen: $115
- Cancún Airport Transfer to Playa del Carmen One Way: $127
- Cancún: Cozumel 2-Tank Diving Tour with Lunch & Transfers: $327
- Cancun Airport Departure transfer from Playa Paraiso, Playa del Carmen, Playacar: $29
- Cancun Airport Private Transfer One Way: To or From Akumal area Up to 03 Pass.: $160
- Cancun Airport and Secrets Moxche Playa del Carmen Transfer: $120
Is it cheaper to fly into Playa del Carmen or Eugene?
Prices for flights to both Eugene 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 $37Eugene $71
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.
- Dinner and Show at the Mayan Planetarium of Chichen: $39
- 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
- crazy walking food tour Inlakech Playa del Carmen: $78
- 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
- Playa del Carmen Mexican Cooking Class : $106
- PDC Traditional Mexican Cooking Experience: $109
- Riviera Maya Luxury Sunset Sailing plus Light Dinner and Open Bar: $109
Typical Food Prices in Eugene
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Eugene:
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Sam Bonds Food and Music (for 2)$16
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Morning Glory Cafe Breakfast (for 2)$12
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Playa del Carmen $15Eugene -
Tours and Activities in Playa del Carmen
Here are a few actual costs in Playa del Carmen for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Bus Ticket connecting Cancun Central and Playa del Carmen: $6.43
- Tulum Legends: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of the Ancient Mayan City: $6.99
- Mexico City Self-Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
- Isla Mujeres Sailing catamaran tour : $16
- 4 ADVENTURES 1 DAY Tulum Coba Cenote and Playa del Carmen : $16
- Chichen itza full day tour: $18
- 4X1 Enjoy a tour to Tulum, Coba, Cenote and Playa del Carmen : $18
- Full day tour Chichen Itza : $18
- Riviera Maya: Frida Kahlo Museum Guided Tour 2025: $19
- Ice Bath Experience on the Beach: $20
- Chichén Itzá tour an Amazing and most complete experience: $20
- 4x1 Tulum Coba Cenote swim Full tour: $21
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPlaya del Carmen $19Eugene -
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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Playa del Carmen and Eugene, we can see that Eugene is more expensive. And not only is Playa del Carmen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Playa del Carmen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Playa del Carmen 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 Eugene would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Eugene than you might in Playa del Carmen.
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 Eugene Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Eugene?
Eugene has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Eugene, 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 Eugene?
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 Playa del Carmen or Eugene in the Summer?
Both Eugene and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Playa del Carmen is generally a little warmer than Eugene. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 28°C (82°F), and Eugene fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).
It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. In July, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Eugene. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Eugene receives 0.3 inches (8 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPlaya del Carmen 28°C (82°F)Eugene 68°F (20°C)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Eugene in the Autumn?
Both Eugene and Playa del Carmen during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Eugene in the autumn. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Eugene fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).
Eugene gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Eugene. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Eugene receives 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that 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)Eugene 55°F (13°C)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Eugene in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Eugene. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year.
In the winter, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Eugene. Typically, the winter temperatures in Playa del Carmen in January average around 23°C (73°F), and Eugene averages at about 41°F (5°C).
Eugene receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Eugene. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Eugene receives 7.1 inches (181 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPlaya del Carmen 23°C (73°F)Eugene 41°F (5°C)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Eugene in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Eugene. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In April, Playa del Carmen is generally much warmer than Eugene. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 27°C (81°F), and Eugene fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).
Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in April than Eugene. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Eugene receives 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, 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)Eugene 51°F (11°C)
Typical Weather for Eugene and Playa del Carmen
| Playa del Carmen | Eugene | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 41°F (5°C) | 7.1 inches (181 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 45°F (7°C) | 5.2 inches (133 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 48°F (9°C) | 4.6 inches (118 mm) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.2 inches (57 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 1.3 inches (34 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 0.3 inches (8 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 0.4 inches (11 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 1.1 inches (28 mm) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 4.3 inches (109 mm) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 47°F (8°C) | 5.9 inches (149 mm) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 42°F (5°C) | 6.3 inches (161 mm) |
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.