Which place is cheaper, Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen?
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 Playa del Carmen can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Veracruz or Playa del Carmen?
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.
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.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, and The Best Historical Tours in Mexico.
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Veracruz Prices
Mexico PricesPlaya del Carmen Prices
Mexico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVeracruz $143Playa del Carmen $89
The average daily cost (per person) in Veracruz is $143, while the average daily cost in Playa del Carmen is $89. 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 Playa del Carmen in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVeracruz $49Playa del Carmen $36
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVeracruz $98Playa del Carmen $72
Compare Hotels in Veracruz and Playa del Carmen
Looking for a hotel in Veracruz or Playa del Carmen? 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 Playa del Carmen Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Veracruz $26Playa del Carmen $22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Veracruz
Also for Veracruz, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Veracruz Airport (VER): $18
- Private Transfer to Veracruz Airport (VER): $18
- Roundtrip Private Transfer from Veracruz Airport (VER): $37
- Shared Arrival Transfer: General Heriberto Jara International Airport to Veracruz Hotels: $23
- Transfer from Veracruz Airport to Hotel in Veracruz Port: $42
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 Veracruz or Playa del Carmen?
Prices for flights to both Playa del Carmen 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 $78Playa del Carmen $37
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.Veracruz $13Playa del Carmen $15
Tours and Activities in Veracruz
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Veracruz.
- Panoramic Sightseeing Bus City Tour of Veracruz: $8.00
- 3-hour tour to the San Juan de Ulúa Fortress: $23
- Mandinga And Boat Trip Tour: $24
- Aquatico Inbursa Waterpark: Veracruz - Ticket: $25
- San Juan De Ulua Tour: $26
- Veracruz City Tour with San Juan de Ulúa and Mandinga Boat: $46
- Live a Kayak Experience: $85
- Full Day Tour to La Antigua, Cempoala and Quiahuiztlán: $87
- 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
- Tour with Certified Guide to Xalapa, Xico and Coatepec: $95
- Full Day Coffee Guided Tour in Coatepec: $98
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 dayVeracruz $16Playa del Carmen $19
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 Veracruz and Playa del Carmen, we can see that Veracruz 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 Veracruz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Veracruz 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 Veracruz Expensive? and Is Playa del Carmen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Veracruz or Playa del Carmen?
Veracruz has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Veracruz and Playa del Carmen, 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 Playa del Carmen?
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 Veracruz or Playa del Carmen in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Veracruz as well as Playa del Carmen. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Veracruz is around the same temperature as Playa del Carmen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Veracruz in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Playa del Carmen averages at about 28°C (82°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Veracruz this time of the year. In the summer, Veracruz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Playa del Carmen. Veracruz gets 208 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa del Carmen receives 223 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. Veracruz receives a lot of rain in the summer. Veracruz usually gets more rain in July than Playa del Carmen. Veracruz gets 410 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVeracruz 27°C (81°F)Playa del Carmen 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Veracruz or Playa del Carmen in the Autumn?
Both Playa del Carmen and Veracruz are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, 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 October, Veracruz is generally around the same temperature as Playa del Carmen. Daily temperatures in Veracruz average around 26°C (79°F), and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. Veracruz usually receives less sunshine than Playa del Carmen during autumn. Veracruz gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Playa del Carmen receives 233 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. It's quite rainy in Veracruz. In October, Veracruz usually receives more rain than Playa del Carmen. Veracruz gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn. June to October is the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVeracruz 26°C (79°F)Playa del Carmen 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Veracruz or Playa del Carmen in the Winter?
Both Playa del Carmen and Veracruz during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Veracruz is around the same temperature as Playa del Carmen in the winter. The daily temperature in Veracruz averages around 21°C (71°F) in January, and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Veracruz often gets less sunshine than Playa del Carmen. Veracruz gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa del Carmen receives 224 hours of full sun.
Veracruz usually gets more rain in January than Playa del Carmen. Veracruz gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVeracruz 21°C (71°F)Playa del Carmen 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Veracruz or Playa del Carmen in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Veracruz and Playa del Carmen. Also, many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Veracruz is around the same temperature as Playa del Carmen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Veracruz in April average around 26°C (78°F), and Playa del Carmen averages at about 27°C (81°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In Veracruz, it's very sunny this time of the year. Veracruz usually receives less sunshine than Playa del Carmen during spring. Veracruz gets 203 hours of sunny skies, while Playa del Carmen receives 259 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Veracruz usually receives more rain than Playa del Carmen. Veracruz gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the spring. June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVeracruz 26°C (78°F)Playa del Carmen 27°C (81°F)
Typical Weather for Playa del Carmen and Veracruz
| Veracruz | Playa del Carmen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (71°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (71°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (74°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (78°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 290 mm (11.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 410 mm (16.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 346 mm (13.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (76°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
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.