Which place is cheaper, Valdosta 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.
Jump to 
Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Valdosta?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Valdosta? 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 Valdosta?
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.
Valdosta
Valdosta is a fast-growing city located in Southern Georgia in the United States. With a humid, subtropical climate, Valdosta is sometimes called the Azalea City, as the blossoms thrive in the area. The city is also home to many museums, galleries, restaurants, and venues for entertainment, as well as Valdosta State University.
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.
-
Playa del Carmen Prices
Mexico PricesValdosta Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPlaya del Carmen $89Valdosta $169
The average daily cost (per person) in Playa del Carmen is $89, while the average daily cost in Valdosta is $169. 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 Valdosta in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPlaya del Carmen $36Valdosta $70
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPlaya del Carmen $72Valdosta $140
Compare Hotels in Playa del Carmen and Valdosta
Looking for a hotel in Playa del Carmen or Valdosta? 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 Valdosta Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Playa del Carmen $22Valdosta $34
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Playa del Carmen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Playa del Carmen:
- Private Van Transfer to Mahahual: $476
- Private Van Transfer to Bacalar: $476
- Private Van Transfer to Merida: $340
- Cancún: Cozumel 2-Tank Diving Tour with Lunch & Transfers: $327
- Private Van Transfer to Valladolid: $306
- Private Van Transfer to Chiquilá (Holbox): $306
- Private Van Transfer to El Cuyo: $300
- Private Transfer from Playa del Carmen to Chiquila Ferry Dock: $299
- Private Transfer roundtrip to Xoximilco. from PLAYA and CANCUN: $260
- Private Transfer to Chiquila one-wey, from Cancún and Playa: $260
- Private Transfer From Chetumal to Mahahual With a 2 Hour Stop: $240
- Cielo y Cielito With Transfer, Catamaran, 5 hours Open Bar and Lunch: $217
Is it cheaper to fly into Playa del Carmen or Valdosta?
Prices for flights to both Valdosta 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
-
Food Meals for one dayPlaya del Carmen $37Valdosta $77
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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Playa del Carmen $15Valdosta $19
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
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayPlaya del Carmen $19Valdosta $27
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 Valdosta, we can see that Valdosta 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 Valdosta would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Valdosta 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 Valdosta Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Valdosta?
Playa del Carmen has a larger population, and is about 19% larger than the population of Valdosta. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Valdosta, 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 Valdosta?
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 Valdosta in the Summer?
Both Valdosta and Playa del Carmen during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Playa del Carmen is generally around the same temperature as Valdosta. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 28°C (82°F), and Valdosta fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).
Valdosta 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 less rain in July than Valdosta. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Valdosta receives 8.9 inches (227 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyPlaya del Carmen 28°C (82°F)Valdosta 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Valdosta in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Valdosta. 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.
Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Valdosta in the autumn. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Valdosta fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).
Playa del Carmen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Valdosta. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Valdosta receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPlaya del Carmen 26°C (79°F)Valdosta 69°F (20°C)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Valdosta in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Valdosta. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Valdosta. Typically, the winter temperatures in Playa del Carmen in January average around 23°C (73°F), and Valdosta averages at about 51°F (11°C).
Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in January than Valdosta. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Valdosta receives 3.7 inches (95 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPlaya del Carmen 23°C (73°F)Valdosta 51°F (11°C)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Valdosta in the Spring?
Both Valdosta and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In April, Playa del Carmen is generally a little warmer than Valdosta. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 27°C (81°F), and Valdosta fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Valdosta. In April, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Valdosta. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Valdosta receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to October is the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilPlaya del Carmen 27°C (81°F)Valdosta 67°F (19°C)
Typical Weather for Valdosta and Playa del Carmen
| Playa del Carmen | Valdosta | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 51°F (11°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 4.8 inches (121 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 60°F (16°C) | 5.9 inches (151 mm) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 67°F (19°C) | 4.1 inches (103 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 4.1 inches (103 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 80°F (27°C) | 6.6 inches (168 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 8.9 inches (227 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 6.9 inches (175 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 6.7 inches (169 mm) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 69°F (20°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 60°F (16°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 4.2 inches (107 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.