Which place is cheaper, Hot Springs 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 Hot Springs?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Hot Springs? 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 Hot Springs?
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.
Hot Springs
Hot Springs is a popular resort city in central Arkansas. It's location in the Ouachita Mountains make it a convenient base for exploring the area's natural hot springs, from which the city gets its name. The city is also home to Hot Springs National Park, which have long been believed to have healing properties. Today many spas have popped up around the hot springs.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.
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Playa del Carmen Prices
Mexico PricesHot Springs Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPlaya del Carmen $89Hot Springs $220
The average daily cost (per person) in Playa del Carmen is $89, while the average daily cost in Hot Springs is $220. 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 Hot Springs in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPlaya del Carmen $36Hot Springs $100
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPlaya del Carmen $72Hot Springs $200
Compare Hotels in Playa del Carmen and Hot Springs
Looking for a hotel in Playa del Carmen or Hot Springs? 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 Hot Springs Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Playa del Carmen $22Hot Springs $47
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Playa del Carmen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Playa del Carmen:
- Private Transfer Mexico City Airport MEX to Mexico City : $23
- One way shared transfer to Chiquila: $34
- Playa del Carmen to Cancun private transfer, option to stop: $60
- Private Transfer Cancun & Airport- Costa Mujeres/Playa Mujeres : $62
- Private Transfer Playa del Carmen to Cancun Airport CUN by Minivan - Minibus: $64
- Chetumal Airport (CTM) to Chetumal - Arrival Private Transfer: $65
- Chetumal to Chetumal Airport (CTM) - Departure Private Transfer : $66
- Chetumal Airport (CTM) to Chetumal - Arrival Private Transfer: $66
- From One way shared transfer to Holbox: $69
- Private Van Transfer to Cancun Airport: $82
- Private Transfer from Puerto Aventuras to Cancun Airport CUN by Minivan -Minibus: $83
- Akumal to Cancun - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $83
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hot Springs
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hot Springs:
- Hot Springs to Little Rock Airport LIT Departure Private Transfer: $126
Is it cheaper to fly into Playa del Carmen or Hot Springs?
Prices for flights to both Hot Springs 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 $37Hot Springs $90
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.Playa del Carmen $15Hot Springs $30
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
- Mexico City Self-Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
- 4 ADVENTURES 1 DAY Tulum Coba Cenote and Playa del Carmen : $16
- Isla Mujeres Sailing tour from Riviera Maya: $16
- 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
- Full day Chichén Itzá Tour from Cancún and Riviera Maya: $22
- Chichen Itza Tour Options with Cenote Swim from Playa del Carmen: $31
- Adrenaline Atv tour from Playa del Carmen : $35
- Wild Tulum Day: ATV Tour + Zip Lines + Cenote + Rappel & Lunch!: $35
Tours and Activities in Hot Springs
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Hot Springs are as follows:
- Hot Springs NP Self Guided Driving and Walking Audio Tour: $17
- Small-Group Zipline Tour in Hot Springs: $67
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPlaya del Carmen $19Hot Springs $22
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 Hot Springs, we can see that Hot Springs 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 Hot Springs would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hot Springs 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 Hot Springs Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Hot Springs?
Playa del Carmen has a larger population, and is about 45% larger than the population of Hot Springs. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Hot Springs, 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 Hot Springs?
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 Hot Springs in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Hot Springs. The summer months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Hot Springs. Typically, the summer temperatures in Playa del Carmen in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Hot Springs averages at about 83°F (28°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hot Springs this time of the year. In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives less sunshine than Hot Springs during summer. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Hot Springs receives 364 hours of full sun in the summer.
Playa del Carmen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Hot Springs. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Hot Springs receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPlaya del Carmen 28°C (82°F)Hot Springs 83°F (28°C)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Hot Springs in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Hot Springs. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year.
In October, Playa del Carmen is generally a little warmer than Hot Springs. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 26°C (79°F), and Hot Springs fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hot Springs. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In the autumn, Playa del Carmen often gets less sunshine than Hot Springs. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hot Springs receives 254 hours of full sun.
Playa del Carmen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in October than Hot Springs. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Hot Springs receives 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPlaya del Carmen 26°C (79°F)Hot Springs 64°F (18°C)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Hot Springs in the Winter?
Both Hot Springs and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Hot Springs can get quite cold in the winter. Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Hot Springs in the winter. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Hot Springs fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).
It's quite sunny in Hot Springs. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Hot Springs during winter. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Hot Springs receives 205 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Hot Springs. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Hot Springs receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPlaya del Carmen 23°C (73°F)Hot Springs 40°F (4°C)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Hot Springs in the Spring?
Both Hot Springs and Playa del Carmen during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Hot Springs. Typically, the spring temperatures in Playa del Carmen in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Hot Springs averages at about 65°F (18°C).
In Hot Springs, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the spring, Playa del Carmen often gets less sunshine than Hot Springs. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hot Springs receives 304 hours of full sun.
Hot Springs gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in April than Hot Springs. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Hot Springs receives 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPlaya del Carmen 27°C (81°F)Hot Springs 65°F (18°C)
Typical Weather for Hot Springs and Playa del Carmen
| Playa del Carmen | Hot Springs | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 40°F (4°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 45°F (7°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 4.8 inches (121 mm) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 65°F (18°C) | 5.2 inches (133 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 5.2 inches (133 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 79°F (26°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 83°F (28°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 53°F (12°C) | 5.1 inches (130 mm) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 44°F (6°C) | 4.6 inches (118 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.