Is Playa del Carmen expensive to visit?
Playa del Carmen is a well-known town that captivates a variety of travelers with diverse travel preferences and spending patterns. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
Playa del Carmen can be very expensive if you want it to be, but there are ways to cut down on your costs, like eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $33 (MX$646) per day, mid-range travelers spend $83 (MX$1,640) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $210 (MX$4,176) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Playa del Carmen.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Playa del Carmen is a very affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 10% of cities in North America for its affordability. Very few cities in the region are as affordable as Playa del Carmen.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Playa del Carmen Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Playa del Carmen?
The average Playa del Carmen trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Playa del Carmen travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Playa del Carmen cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations for your travel expenses is important. While many assume they can visit Playa del Carmen on a tight budget, the truth is that most people don't enjoy traveling that way. Think about what you prioritize on vacation. Do you prefer staying in resorts or hostels? Do you love exploring sights and attractions, or dining out? Your preferences will directly impact your budget and travel plans.
What is a budget traveler, anyway?
You may believe you're traveling on a budget, but unless you're ready to give up some conveniences, you'll likely spend much more than the $33 daily average that backpackers get away with.
Younger budget travelers often stick to this low budget by staying in dorms, eating inexpensive meals, taking public transportation, and focusing on free activities and sights.
Fortunately, Playa del Carmen features plenty of hostels, including Che Playa Hostel & Bar, Tribe on the Beach, and Sayab Hostel & Bar. At hostels like these, you can find cheap dorm beds and a vibrant social atmosphere, though amenities are often scarce.
Are You Considered an Average Traveler?
For couples or families traveling for enjoyment, opting for a mid-range hotel, dining at popular restaurants, and exploring major museums and attractions with entry fees is likely. Most guests in Playa del Carmen will want to take in the essential attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Remember, many activities do come with costs. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $83 per person, per day.
In Playa del Carmen, you can find a variety of hotels and vacation rentals. If you're traveling with others, you can share the costs of your hotel with a partner, friend, or children, which can help you save money. Families will want to seek out hotels and restaurants that are kid-friendly. Maya Villa Condo Hotel and Beachclub is a great choice for families, and Villa Playa Vintage is another great option. To discover more family- and couple-oriented hotels, visit our hotel guide for Playa del Carmen.
Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?
If you're looking for an all-encompassing vacation filled with luxurious amenities and higher-level service, prepare your budget for around $210 per day. Selecting nicer hotels, savoring meals at award-winning establishments, indulging in lavish adventures, and traveling around the town with taxis or private drivers will call for a luxury budget. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Private Tour The Best Cenotes in Tulum Riviera Maya - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Playa del Carmen
The hotel prices in Playa del Carmen might surprise you. Some places charge much more for added luxury and amenities, especially during peak season. In the off-season, a room averages $172, but during peak winter season, expect to pay around $321. Prices vary from $57 to $832, but hostels are often cheaper. Booking in advance and traveling during the low season can help save you money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Playa del Carmen for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $65 (MX$1,315). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $33 (MX$658) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Playa del Carmen? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Playa del Carmen include:
- Newport House Playa Boutique Hotel starting at $47
- Maya Villa Condo Hotel and Beachclub starting at $125
- Riu Yucatan All Inclusive starting at $174
- Antera Hotel & Residences starting at $63
- Porto Playa Condo Hotel and Beach Club starting at $139
Staying further from the town in Playa del Carmen could save you money with the help of a good public transit system, but higher transportation costs and a longer commute could be a downside.
As a family-friendly town, Playa del Carmen is perfect for traveling with kids, so you may want to find an apartment with more room.
In this town, there are several resorts available. You could discover a place that includes meals, or at least breakfast, with many resorts offering onsite restaurants.
Many visitors to Playa del Carmen stay for a week, and if you're staying for an extended period, a vacation rental with a kitchen could help you prepare your own meals.
By traveling in the low or shoulder season (and avoiding winter), you can benefit from cheaper accommodations and fewer crowds.
Walking is a popular way to explore Playa del Carmen, so staying in a prime area is recommended. Just be prepared for potentially higher prices.
Transportation Budget in Playa del Carmen
Public transit in Playa del Carmen is reliable and reaches key landmarks. There are local buses, collectivos and the ADO bus. For a budget-friendly way to travel, public transportation is ideal, provided it's near where you need to go. Taxis and rideshares are also easy to find.
Those who enjoy exploring on foot will have a great time in Playa del Carmen. It's a compact and very walkable town. La Quinta is the main strip and it's pedestrian-only.
Public Transit: 
(good)
Walkability: (excellent)
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $20 (MX$398) per person, per day, on local transportation in Playa del Carmen. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Playa del Carmen is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$20
MX$398
If you're taking a car, verify that your hotel offers convenient parking.
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Private Transfer to Xplor / Xenses / Xplor Fire from Playa del Carmen for $80 details
- Chetumal Airport to Bacalar - Private Transfer with English-speaking driver for $97 details
- Super Deal: Cancun Airport-Hotel-Cancun Airport Private Round Trip Transfer for $118 details
How much does it cost to go to Playa del Carmen? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Playa del Carmen will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Playa del Carmen
In Playa del Carmen, the food is tasty, but it's usually not the main hightlight for travelers. You'll uncover some hidden treasures around the town. You'll find a good number of overpriced tourist restaurants in the area, but if you do some research you'll also find amazing and authentic Mexican food as well. There is everything from food trucks to fine dining that offer ceviche, tacos, or burritos. There are also plenty of places to grab pizza or burgers.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Playa del Carmen can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Playa del Carmen is $34 (MX$680) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$34
MX$680
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Playa del Carmen is around $34 (MX$680) per person, with previous travelers spending from $14 to $79. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Playa del Carmen are as follows:
- Breakfast: $3 to $10
- Lunch: $5 to $14
- Dinner: $10 to $24
- Coffee: $3
- Fast Food or Street Food: $5
You'll find almost 75 restaurants around town of varying price. Your cheapest eating options are the pizza stands that are near the beach. In the evening there are many types of excellent Mexican street food which are also an excellent option. Definitely make a point of trying a seafood taco, which is a local specialty and easily one of the best options available. Mid range restaurants usually offer a nice sit down meal that includes seafood, tacos, or other local options. Lunch is a particularly good time to enjoy the restaurants as their atmosphere is laid back, relaxed, and affordable.
If you're traveling with little ones, try to find restaurants that feature a children's menu. This can really cut costs since these meals are often cheaper. Remember, some places don't display kids' options, so it's a good idea to ask the waiter first.
Lots of hotels throw breakfast into the room rate, but some will charge for it. The quality and price can differ by hotel. Understanding this in advance can help you figure out if you'll need to spend extra money. It may be worth splurging on the hotel buffet, or you could find a less expensive option at a nearby bakery or cafe.
Make a picnic to save some cash and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Just find a nearby grocery store or market, grab some fresh food, and choose a nice park or scenic area for your meal.
Instead of constantly buying drinks, bring along a water bottle. It's also great for the planet.
Before booking a tour, make a point of knowing which meals are part of the package. You may be responsible for some of your food costs, which can increase your overall budget.
If you want to experience the culture in Playa del Carmen, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Cenotes by Bike and Mayan Cooking Class Half-Day Guided Tour for $50 details
- Seafood Tour in Playa del Carmen for $85 details
- PDC Traditional Mexican Cooking Experience for $112 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Playa del Carmen
The reason people visit Playa del Carmen is clear, as it offers nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Playa del Carmen typically cost an average of $14 (MX$284) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$14
MX$284
Most people come to Playa del Carmen specifically for the beach. There are variety of outdoor parks and reserves in the area that are worth a visit as well. Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve is about an hour from town and is one of the biggest protected areas in Mexico. This is a great place to go for bird watching or snorkeling.
Rio Lagartos is another Special Biosphere Reserve. It's on the north side of the Yucatan peninsula and typically requires an overnight stay.
There are many opportunities for you to enjoy adventure sports and outdoor activities in the area. One popular option is charter fishing. You can easily find a simple boat to take you deep sea fishing, but do realize that many of these boats are unlicensed and will offer you little more than the bare essentials. It's better to inquire around and find a professional charter fishing company that can take you out.
Scuba diving and snorkeling are also popular activities in the area. The reefs are only accessible by boat, but it is the second largest coral reef system in the world. Dive shops are ubiquitous and it is easy to arrange a trip. If you're traveling to the area specifically to go scuba diving, consider visiting Cozumel instead. The diving there is generally better.
Other popular activities in the area include kayaking, and swimming. There are also beach clubs that line the coastline and are popular with the tourists. Playa del Carmen's nightlife is superb, but still more tame than Cancun. Popular clubs include Blue Parrot, El Pirata, Coco Bongo, Santenera, and Hotel Deseo.
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling:
Adventurers in Playa del Carmen often make scuba diving a key part of their trip. There's not a lot to see right off of the beach, but there are plenty of snorkeling excursions in the area that take you to beautiful reefs. The diving is world class as well and you'll find wonderful reefs, bull sharks, and hidden gems.
Beaches:
Plenty of travelers choose Playa del Carmen as their beach retreat. The area is filled with world class beaches, long stretches of white sand, and beautiful blue water. You might even stumble across a sea turtle or two while you're swimming.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Playa del Carmen. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Bestseller! Tulum Private Tour with Turtles and Cenote Snorkeling for $193 details
- Private Cenotes tour for $220 details
- Private Tour with 3 Cenotes + 5 Zip-lines + Mayan Lunch for $223 details
Nightlife Budget in Playa del Carmen
Visitors flock to Playa del Carmen for its exceptional nightlife, which is famous around the world. It rivals some of the country's best nightlife and you'll find plenty of venues to choose from, ranging from dive bars to swanky cocktail lounges. Head to the main walking street for some of the most active venues.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $17 (MX$351) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Playa del Carmen per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
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Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$17
MX$351
Nightlife is a blast when traveling, but scaling back on drinks can really help stretch your travel budget.
When you're out at night and drinking, be aware of what's going on around you. You could become a target for pickpockets or other crimes, so it's safest to stay in groups.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Playa del Carmen. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Tour to the Brewery with Tasting and Fifth Avenue for $91 details
- Tulum Beer Tasting, Brewery Tour , Beer School & Transportation for $126 details
- Cenote and Artisanal Brewery Experience for $169 details
Play del Carmen, Mexico
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.