Which place is cheaper, Monterey or Veracruz?
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 Veracruz or Monterey?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Veracruz and Monterey can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Veracruz or Monterey?
Veracruz
Veracruz is the name of both a state and city in the country of Mexico. Locals often call the city "Puerto" (port) in order to differentiate the city from the state. The general area runs along the Gulf of Mexico and encompasses ruins, old colonial cities, lush green mountains, and delicious seafood.
Monterey
When it comes to California, Monterey may not be mentioned half as much as you hear about Los Angeles or San Francisco, but it is a beautiful city to visit, with a diverse expanse of exciting and relaxing things to do, whether you're looking for adventure, a quiet getaway, or romance.
Located on California's central coast, the city of Monterey was the first State Capital of California. It was also home to many artists, athletes, and musicians, such as John Steinbeck, Clint Eastwood, and Ron Johnson.
Monterey has mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm, dry summers. Cold season runs from December to April and warm season, from July until October. The peak travel seasons are during summer, from July to September. If you want to avoid crowds, the months of April and October are ideal times to visit for fewer crowds and comfortable weather.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.
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Veracruz Prices
Mexico PricesMonterey Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVeracruz $143Monterey $211
The average daily cost (per person) in Veracruz is $143, while the average daily cost in Monterey is $211. 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 Veracruz and Monterey in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVeracruz $49Monterey $90
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVeracruz $98Monterey $180
Compare Hotels in Veracruz and Monterey
Looking for a hotel in Veracruz or Monterey? 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: Veracruz Hotel Prices and Monterey Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Veracruz $26Monterey $32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Veracruz
Also for Veracruz, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Veracruz Airport to Hotel in Veracruz Port: $42
- Shared Arrival Transfer: General Heriberto Jara International Airport to Veracruz Hotels: $23
- Roundtrip Private Transfer from Veracruz Airport (VER): $37
- Private Transfer to Veracruz Airport (VER): $18
- Private Transfer from Veracruz Airport (VER): $18
Is it cheaper to fly into Veracruz or Monterey?
Prices for flights to both Monterey and Veracruz 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 dayVeracruz $78Monterey $98
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Veracruz $13Monterey $27
Tours and Activities in Veracruz
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Veracruz.
- 1 day tour of Tlacotalpan and Alvarado from Veracruz: $127
- 3-hour tour to the San Juan de Ulúa Fortress: $23
- Alvarado And Tlacotalpan Tour From Veracruz Or Boca Del Rio: $105
- Aquatico Inbursa Waterpark: Veracruz - Ticket: $25
- Catemaco And Los Tuxtlas Tour From Veracruz Or Boca Del Rio: $105
- City Tour en Veracruz y Acuario: $100
- Full Day Coffee Guided Tour in Coatepec: $98
- Full Day Tour to Alvarado and Tlacotalpan from Veracruz or Boca del Río: $92
- Full Day Tour to Catemaco and Los Tuxtlas with Transportation: $92
- Full Day Tour to La Antigua, Cempoala and Quiahuiztlán: $87
- Full-Day Tour to El Tajin and Vanilla Factory from Veracruz: $138
- Jalcomulco Rapids Adventure from Veracruz or Boca del Río: $141
Tours and Activities in Monterey
For Monterey, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- "Family Friendly" Scenic E-Bike Tour along 17 Mile Dr: $79
- Big Sur: Sightseeing Tour with 4 to 5 Stops: $214
- From San Francisco: Monterey and Carmel Day Tour: $131
- Mist, Mayhem & Murder: Monterey Ghost Tours: $24
- Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise: $95
- Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour: $75
- Monterey County Salinas Valley Farm Tour: $208
- Monterey Peninsula Sightseeing Tour including 17 Mile Drive: $202
- Monterey- 3 Hour GPS Guided Tour: $229
- 1-Hour GPS Guided Scooter Car Tour: $112
- 17-Mile Drive Guided E-Bike Tour: $79
- 17-Mile Drive Pebble Beach E-Bike Tour: $75
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVeracruz $16Monterey $21
Sample the Local Flavors in Monterey
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Monterey:
- Carmel Valley Wine Tasting Tour: $206
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Veracruz and Monterey, we can see that Monterey is more expensive. And not only is Veracruz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Veracruz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Veracruz 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 Monterey would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Monterey than you might in Veracruz.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Veracruz Expensive? and Is Monterey Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Veracruz or Monterey?
Veracruz has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Monterey. When comparing the sizes of Veracruz and Monterey, 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 Veracruz or Monterey?
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 Veracruz or Monterey in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Veracruz and Monterey. Also, most visitors come to Monterey for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Veracruz is much warmer than Monterey. Typically, the summer temperatures in Veracruz in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Monterey averages at about 63°F (17°C).
Veracruz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Veracruz usually receives more rain than Monterey. Veracruz gets 410 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Monterey receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVeracruz 27°C (81°F)Monterey 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Veracruz or Monterey in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Veracruz as well as Monterey. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Monterey because of the shopping scene.
In October, Veracruz is generally much warmer than Monterey. Daily temperatures in Veracruz average around 26°C (79°F), and Monterey fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).
Veracruz receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Veracruz usually gets more rain in October than Monterey. Veracruz gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Monterey receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVeracruz 26°C (79°F)Monterey 62°F (17°C)
Should I visit Veracruz or Monterey in the Winter?
Both Monterey and Veracruz are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Monterey this time of year.
Veracruz is much warmer than Monterey in the winter. The daily temperature in Veracruz averages around 21°C (71°F) in January, and Monterey fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).
In January, Veracruz usually receives less rain than Monterey. Veracruz gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Monterey receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVeracruz 21°C (71°F)Monterey 51°F (11°C)
Should I visit Veracruz or Monterey in the Spring?
Both Monterey and Veracruz during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Monterey for the beaches.
In the spring, Veracruz is much warmer than Monterey. Typically, the spring temperatures in Veracruz in April average around 26°C (78°F), and Monterey averages at about 56°F (13°C).
Veracruz usually gets less rain in April than Monterey. Veracruz gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Monterey receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVeracruz 26°C (78°F)Monterey 56°F (13°C)
Typical Weather for Monterey and Veracruz
| Veracruz | Monterey | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (71°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Feb | 22°C (71°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 53°F (12°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) |
| Mar | 24°C (74°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.1 inches (55 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (78°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (4 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 290 mm (11.4 in) | 62°F (16°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 410 mm (16.1 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 346 mm (13.6 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.6 inches (14 mm) |
| Nov | 25°C (76°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 51°F (10°C) | 2 inches (51 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.