A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tulum vs. Cordoba for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Tulum or Cordoba?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tulum and Cordoba can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Tulum or Cordoba?

Tulum

When you think of ancient ruins you probably picture dusty archaeological digs surrounded by sand and professors in khaki shorts. What if I told you there is a way to see ancient ruins and visit a tropical beach? That's exactly what you find in Tulum, Mexico.

Built near the end of Mayan era, the ruins of Tulum served as a port before the arrival of the Spanish. It may have been called Zama, meaning City of Dawn, given that these ruins face the sunrise. Because of Tulum's access to both land and sea routes, this spot was an important hub for the trade industry. It may have had another claim to fame, too. According to some murals and other works around the site, it seems this spot was an important site for the worship of the Diving or Descending God. Today, the area is the third most visited archaeological site in all of Mexico with daily tour buses dropping off visitors.

This area is usually packed with people looking to get a glimpse of the seaside ruins. To avoid crowds and capture the best view of the day, try to arrive as early as possible.

Cordoba

Cordoba is the capital of the Cordoba province and the second largest city in all of Argentina. The city is in a beautiful setting surrounded by valleys and hills. Within the city you will find many colonial buildings and beautiful architecture. Cordoba also has many universities and scientific institutes, giving it the nickname "La Docta." Because of the large number of students, Cordoba's population is young and active, which keeps the atmosphere light and fun.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best 3-Week Tours in Argentina, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Buenos Aires.


Which place is cheaper, Cordoba or Tulum?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Tulum is $133, while the average daily cost in Cordoba 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 Tulum and Cordoba in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tulum $54
    Cordoba $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tulum $108
    Cordoba $98
Compare Hotels in Tulum and Cordoba

Looking for a hotel in Tulum or Cordoba? 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.

Hotels in Tulum


Hotels in Cordoba


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: Tulum Hotel Prices and Cordoba Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tulum $25
    Cordoba $2.86
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Tulum

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Tulum are as follows:


  • Scooter Rental
    $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tulum

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tulum:

  • Roundtrip Transfer from Cancun Airport to Tulum: $269
  • Luxury SUV Private Transfer from Riviera Maya to Cancun Airport: $261
  • Private Transfer Tulum-Bacalar with optional 2h in Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve: $261
  • Tulum to Chetumal - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $250
  • Luxury Tulum Transfer from Tulum Airport: $220
  • Private Luxury Transfer Tulum to Cancun Airport: $220
  • Tulum Hotels to Merida Rejon Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $215
  • Tulum to Mahahual - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $206
  • Private Luxury SUV Transfers from Tulum Airport : $195
  • Tulum Archaeological Zone: Cenote, Lunch & Transfer: $191
  • Tulum to Cancun - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $190
  • One Way Private Transfer Tulum Zone - Cancun Int Airport: $170

Is it cheaper to fly into Tulum or Cordoba?

Prices for flights to both Cordoba and Tulum 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 day
    Tulum $54
    Cordoba $6.62
Typical Food Prices in Tulum

Some typical examples of dining costs in Tulum are as follows:


  • Lunch
    $2.72

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tulum

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Tulum.

  • Salsa Class with Mezcalita Workshop & Mexican Dinner in Tulum: $83
  • Mexican Cooking from Scratch in a Local Home in Tulum: $87
  • Tulum Local Walking Food Tour: $88
  • Temazcal Mayan Ritual Tour and Cenote Swim with Yucatecan Dinner: $120
  • Private transfer for 5 hours (go dinner,cenotes, shopping and more) : $299

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tulum $29
    Cordoba $17

Tours and Activities in Tulum

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tulum are as follows:

  • Chichen Itza & Cenote Chichikan Bus Tour Experience from Tulum: $71
  • Full Day Tour from Tulum to Rio Lagartos: $229
  • Private Tour - The best Cenotes in Yucatan - Suytun & Oxman: $195
  • Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve Guided Tour: $220
  • Tulum Extreme Mayan Adventure with ATV, Zipline and Cenote: $38
  • 2 Cenotes Private Tour – VIP Adventure with Expert Guide: $154
  • 2 tanks Cenote Diving Adventure in Tulum for Certified Divers: $200
  • 3 in 1 Experience in Tulum: $111
  • 5 Hours Mayan Snorkeling Experience in Tulum: $94
  • 5x1 Deluxe Tour Tulum, Coba, Cenote Transportation from Tulum: $88
  • ATV Adventure and Horseback Ride with Ziplines, Cenote from Tulum: $82
  • ATV Cenote and Ziplines Adventure in Tulum from Riviera Maya: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tulum $23
    Cordoba $6.96

Sample the Local Flavors in Tulum

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Tulum:

  • 30 Minutes Brewery Tour in Tulum: $39
  • Beer Tasting and Brewery Tour: $69


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tulum and Cordoba, we can see that Tulum is more expensive. And not only is Cordoba much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tulum is in North America and Cordoba 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 Cordoba would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cordoba 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 Tulum would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tulum than you might in Cordoba.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tulum Expensive? and Is Cordoba Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Tulum or Cordoba?

Cordoba has a larger population, and is about 170 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum and Cordoba, 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 Tulum or Cordoba?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Cordoba is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Tulum has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Tulum or Cordoba in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Cordoba. Most visitors come to Tulum for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Tulum is much warmer than Cordoba in the summer. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Cordoba fluctuates around 10°C (50°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cordoba. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In the summer, Tulum often gets less sunshine than Cordobain January. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cordoba receives 277 hours of full sun.

Tulum receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tulum usually gets more rain in July than Cordobain January. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Tulum 28°C (83°F) 
    Cordoba 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Tulum or Cordoba in the Autumn?

Both Cordoba and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Tulum because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Tulum is much warmer than Cordoba. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tulum in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Cordoba averages at about 16°C (61°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than Cordoba during autumn. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Cordoba receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Tulum. In October, Tulum usually receives more rain than Cordobain April. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Tulum is November to April. The rainy season in Tulum is June to October. June to October in Tulum is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Tulum 27°C (81°F) 
    Cordoba 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Tulum or Cordoba in the Winter?

Both Cordoba and Tulum during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Tulum this time of year.

In January, Tulum is generally cooler than Cordobain July. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 23°C (74°F), and Cordoba fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the winter, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Cordobain July. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cordoba receives 189 hours of full sun.

Tulum usually gets more rain in January than Cordobain July. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Tulum 23°C (74°F) 
    Cordoba 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Tulum or Cordoba in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Cordoba. Many travelers come to Tulum for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Tulum is a little warmer than Cordoba in the spring. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Cordoba fluctuates around 19°C (66°F)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cordoba this time of the year. In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than Cordoba during spring. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Cordoba receives 243 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tulum usually receives less rain than Cordobain October. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring. November to April in Tulum is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. The hurricane season in Tulum is June to October.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Tulum 27°C (81°F) 
    Cordoba 19°C (66°F)

Typical Weather for Cordoba and Tulum

Tulum Cordoba
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 23°C (74°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar 25°C (78°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 101 mm (4 in) 19°C (66°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 29°C (83°F) 192 mm (7.6 in) 24°C (75°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 228 mm (9 in) 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 173 mm (6.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Dec 24°C (74°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)