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

Should you visit Tulum or Eugene?

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 Eugene 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 Eugene?

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.

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 Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Eugene or Tulum?

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

  • Tulum Prices
    Mexico Prices
    Eugene Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Tulum $133
    Eugene $190

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



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tulum $54
    Eugene $97
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tulum $108
    Eugene $194
Compare Hotels in Tulum and Eugene

Looking for a hotel in Tulum 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.

Hotels in Tulum


Hotels in Eugene


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 Eugene Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tulum $25
    Eugene $37
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:

  • Economy Private Transfer from Tulum to Cancun Airport – Safe: $139
  • Luxury Mercedes Benz Private Transfer–Riviera Maya-Cancun Airport: $161
  • Luxury SUV Private Transfer from Riviera Maya to Cancun Airport: $261
  • Luxury Tulum Transfer from Tulum Airport: $220
  • One Way Private Transfer Tulum Zone - Cancun Int Airport: $170
  • One way private transfer Bahia Principe area: $132
  • Private Airport Transfer to Tulum: $117
  • Private Luxury SUV Transfers from Tulum Airport : $195
  • Private Luxury Transfer Tulum to Cancun Airport: $220
  • Private Transfer Cancun International Airport CUN to Tulum City: $125
  • Private Transfer Tulum-Bacalar with optional 2h in Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve: $261
  • Private Transfer from Tulum Airport (TQO): $69

Is it cheaper to fly into Tulum or Eugene?

Prices for flights to both Eugene 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
    Eugene $71
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

Typical Food Prices in Eugene

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Eugene:


  • Sam Bonds Food and Music (for 2)
    $16
  • Morning Glory Cafe Breakfast (for 2)
    $12

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tulum $29
    Eugene -

Tours and Activities in Tulum

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

  • Salsa Dance Experience at Tulum Beach: $22
  • Coba Mayan Ruins and Cenote Swim Tour: $25
  • Snorkel 2 reef point, 1 hour 20 minutes tour : $29
  • ATV Cenote and Ziplines Adventure in Tulum from Riviera Maya: $30
  • Tulum Jungle Experience with ATV, Ziplines, and Cenote: $35
  • Guided Day Tour to Chichén Itzá, Cenote Swim and Valladolid: $38
  • Tulum Extreme Mayan Adventure with ATV, Zipline and Cenote: $38
  • Cenotes Casa Tortuga Guide Tour with Ticket: $39
  • Chichén Cenote and ValladolidkTour with Buffet Lunch from Tulum: $45
  • Tulum Area Experiences Scooter Daily Rental: $45
  • Discover Chichen Itza Charm Shared Tour from Tulum: $45
  • Tulum Area Experiences E-Bike Daily Rental: $45

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tulum $23
    Eugene -

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 Eugene, we can see that Eugene is more expensive. And not only is Tulum much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tulum would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tulum 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 Tulum.

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


Which is Bigger, Tulum or Eugene?

Eugene has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum 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 Tulum 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 Tulum or Eugene in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Eugene. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tulum this time of year.

In the summer, Tulum is a little warmer than Eugene. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tulum in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Eugene averages at about 68°F (20°C).

Tulum gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Tulum usually receives more rain than Eugene. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Eugene receives 0.3 inches (8 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tulum 28°C (83°F) 
    Eugene 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Tulum or Eugene in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Eugene. Many travelers come to Tulum for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Tulum is generally much warmer than Eugene. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 27°C (81°F), and Eugene fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

It's quite rainy in Eugene. Tulum receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Tulum usually gets more rain in October than Eugene. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Eugene receives 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Tulum is the dry season. June to October in Tulum is the rainy season. Also, June to October in Tulum is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tulum 27°C (81°F) 
    Eugene 55°F (13°C)

Should I visit Tulum or Eugene in the Winter?

Both Eugene and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Tulum in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Tulum is much warmer than Eugene in the winter. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 23°C (74°F) in January, and Eugene fluctuates around 41°F (5°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Eugene. In January, Tulum usually receives less rain than Eugene. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Eugene receives 7.1 inches (181 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tulum 23°C (74°F) 
    Eugene 41°F (5°C)

Should I visit Tulum or Eugene in the Spring?

Both Eugene and Tulum during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tulum for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Tulum is much warmer than Eugene. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tulum in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Eugene averages at about 51°F (11°C).

Tulum usually gets less rain in April than Eugene. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Eugene receives 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Tulum. June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. Also, the hurricane season in Tulum is June to October.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tulum 27°C (81°F) 
    Eugene 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Eugene and Tulum

Tulum Eugene
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 23°C (74°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 41°F (5°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 45°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm)
Mar 25°C (78°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 48°F (9°C) 4.6 inches (118 mm)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 51°F (11°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
May 28°C (83°F) 101 mm (4 in) 56°F (13°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Jun 29°C (83°F) 192 mm (7.6 in) 63°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (34 mm)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 68°F (20°C) 0.3 inches (8 mm)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 68°F (20°C) 0.4 inches (11 mm)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 228 mm (9 in) 63°F (17°C) 1.1 inches (28 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 173 mm (6.8 in) 55°F (13°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 47°F (8°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm)
Dec 24°C (74°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 42°F (5°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm)