Which place is cheaper, Kansas City 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 Kansas City?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Kansas City? 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 Kansas City?
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.
Kansas City
A large, mid western city that sits on the border between Missouri and Kansa, Kansas City has a population of about 450,000. It's not exactly a tourist destination, but it is a surprisingly beautiful city with more boulevards than Paris and more fountains than any other city in the world with the exception of Rome. Most of the city's suburbs are concentrated in the south but the city is beginning to grow to the north as well. The climate in Kansas City can vary dramatically, in large part because it is so far from any form of water. Winters can range from mild to extremely cold and snow is not uncommon. Spring and fall and quite comfortable but summer months can be incredibly hot and humid.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.
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Playa del Carmen Prices
Mexico PricesKansas City Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPlaya del Carmen $89Kansas City $196
The average daily cost (per person) in Playa del Carmen is $89, while the average daily cost in Kansas City is $196. 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 Kansas City in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPlaya del Carmen $36Kansas City $88
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPlaya del Carmen $72Kansas City $176
Compare Hotels in Playa del Carmen and Kansas City
Looking for a hotel in Playa del Carmen or Kansas City? 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 Kansas City Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Playa del Carmen $22Kansas City $44
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Playa del Carmen or Kansas City?
Prices for flights to both Kansas City 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 $37Kansas City $82
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 $15Kansas City $11
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPlaya del Carmen $19Kansas City $12
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 Kansas City, we can see that Kansas City 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 Kansas City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kansas City 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 Kansas City Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Kansas City?
Kansas City has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Kansas City, 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 Kansas City?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Kansas City in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Kansas City. The summer months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Kansas City in the summer. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Kansas City fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kansas City. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In the summer, Playa del Carmen often gets less sunshine than Kansas City. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kansas City receives 325 hours of full sun.
Playa del Carmen receives a lot of rain in the summer. Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in July than Kansas City. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Kansas City receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPlaya del Carmen 28°C (82°F)Kansas City 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Kansas City in the Autumn?
Both Kansas City and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 the autumn, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Kansas City. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Playa del Carmen in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Kansas City averages at about 60°F (15°C).
It's quite sunny in Kansas City. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Kansas City during autumn. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Kansas City receives 208 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. In October, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Kansas City. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Kansas City receives 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. 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)Kansas City 60°F (15°C)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Kansas City in the Winter?
Both Kansas City and Playa del Carmen during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Kansas City can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Playa del Carmen is generally much warmer than Kansas City. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 23°C (73°F), and Kansas City fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).
It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the winter, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Kansas City. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kansas City receives 175 hours of full sun.
Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in January than Kansas City. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Kansas City receives 0.9 inches (23 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPlaya del Carmen 23°C (73°F)Kansas City 30°F (-1°C)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Kansas City in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Kansas City. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Kansas City in the spring. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Kansas City fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kansas City this time of the year. In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Kansas City during spring. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Kansas City receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Kansas City. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Kansas City receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the spring. 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)Kansas City 58°F (15°C)
Typical Weather for Kansas City and Playa del Carmen
| Playa del Carmen | Kansas City | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 30°F (-1°C) | 0.9 inches (23 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 35°F (2°C) | 0.9 inches (24 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 47°F (8°C) | 2 inches (52 mm) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 58°F (15°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 4.9 inches (125 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 80°F (26°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 60°F (15°C) | 2.4 inches (62 mm) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 46°F (8°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 34°F (1°C) | 1.2 inches (30 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.