Is Playa del Carmen Expensive?
Is Playa del Carmen Expensive?
One of the most popular places to visit in Mexico, Playa del Carmen really is one of a kind.
This bustling beach town on the Caribbean is full of great nightlife, entertainment and is also close to many incredible cenotes and ancient ruins.
Of course travelers who are on a budget will want to keep things cheap, and of course may wonder if it’s possible to travel Playa del Carmen on the cheap.
In this guide we’ll explore whether Playa del Carmen is expensive. We’ll look at factors such as food, accommodation as well as other tours and experiences you can have here.
We’ll also answer your most burning questions later in our FAQ section.
Is Playa del Carmen Expensive for Tourists?
From our personal experience, visiting Playa del Carmen really doesn’t have to be an expensive ordeal.
There’s many great-located hostels with their own swimming pools which cost just $10-15 a night. And with the variety of food options it’s easy to keep your spending in check.
This, in our own opinion, makes Playa del Carmen worth visiting without a pinch of doubt. All you have to do is walk a few blocks back and you can save a ton of cash.
Now of course the opposite can be completely true if you want it to be, where luxury travelers can spend over $100 a day living the fine life in the resorts.
When it comes to us, though, we like to travel on a budget in Mexico so the majority of our tips will pertain to those who are backpacking or, looking to save cash and maximize time.
Things to know before traveling to Playa del Carmen
- All Budgets are Welcome – Although it’s better-known for its resorts and deluxe hotels, travelers on $30 a day can easily enjoy their stay in Playa del Carmen. Within town (and along the Quinta Avenida) we can find many quality hostels and boutique hotels which won’t break the bank. The food options here cater to all budgets too.
- Take out MXP before arriving – If you’re already in Mexico then you’re fine, however those flying into Cancún will want at least some cash before arriving. We recommend $100-200 to start with, which can be converted back home before leaving. Avoid using the airport ATM’s if possible, since costs can be high!
- Be Open and Flexible – Playa is home to all kinds of experiences, so try to keep your mind open. Some of the hostels here can be really good quality, which means that you can save extra towards other tours and experiences during your time here.
This also goes with getting around, with local colectivos a fun and inexpensive way of traveling around the Riviera Maya region.
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How much does a trip to Playa del Carmen cost?
Let’s start with budget travelers who will want to budget for between $20-30 a day. Here you’ll be staying within a comfortable dorm room in a hostel.
You’ll want to stick to local Mexican food, although you can also eat out at a chain restaurant every now and then too. One invaluable tip to avoid ‘gringo pricing’ is to aim to learn some basic Spanish from a book like this one that contains many useful phrases.
In terms of getting around, you’ll want to stick to local colectivos and the ADO bus, since taxi costs can quickly add up.
Those who want a more luxurious experience or a relaxed budget will need to budget between $40-60+ a day. You’ll be able to upgrade to a nicer private hotel room, and also eat out at nicer restaurants more frequently. You can use taxis to get to nearby destinations, however we still recommend the bus for further afield areas (such as Tulum or Cancún, since prices for private transport can be crazy expensive here).
It’s also important to remember that the time of year can affect prices, so be sure to review them separately before booking. You can do so by reading our guide on the Best Time to Visit Playa del Carmen to get more insight on the best time of year to visit.
Cost of Accommodation in Playa del Carmen
Budget travelers can expect to spend between $8-15 on a dorm room bed in Playa, which are good quality and have AC inside the rooms. We recommend staying at the Hostel MXV, which lies right on the Quinta Avenida and has a really good social atmosphere.
Travelers after a more deluxe experience will spend between $20-40 on a nice private room (although this can easily soar over $50+ when choosing luxurious hotels).
These usually have an on-site pool in the hotel as well as breakfast included. We recommend booking your stay at the Hacienda Del Caribe Hotel, where you’ll be in a private room within a beautiful colonial building. There’s also an on-site pool to enjoy too.
Cost of Food in Playa del Carmen
One of the most important parts of your trip to Playa is the amount of tasty grub on offer! Costs can really vary depending on what you want and the quality.
Here is a list food prices in Playa del Carmen that we’ve found:
- Local Restaurant Breakfast: $5-7
- Street Food Dish: $2-3
- Meal at a Mid-Range Restaurant: $8-12
- Dinner at a Fine Restaurant: $10-25
- A Beer in a Bar: $2-3
- A Beer from Oxxo / Local Hole: $1.00-1.50
Our Top Tip: Another great way of exploring Playa’s food scene is by joining a local food tour where you can try many incredible dishes. We recommend this 3-Hour Food Tour, which includes many Mexican classics such as Tacos al Pastor as well as Cochinita Pibil.
Cost of Transportation in Playa del Carmen
Firstly we need to get to Playa. Most head from Cancún airport directly here, and can use the ADO bus which leaves hourly. The cost of a one-way is roughly $15.
You can also use taxis or book private transport if you prefer, with a one-way costing around $70. See our Playa del Carmen safety guide for tip on what to avoid.
Once in Playa, you can easily walk around to see all of the best city highlights as well as the beach. When it comes to visiting cenotes, ancient ruins and other towns, then you have a few options.
Travelers can use the local colectivos and buses (no more than $10 for a local ride), whilst taxis will set you back $30+ depending on the distance.
Be sure to read our comprehensive guide on Getting from Cancún to Playa del Carmen.
Cost of Tours & Attractions in Playa del Carmen
Given Playa del Carmen is so popular, it means we’ll find an enormous amount of tour operators within town.
Whilst it can get annoying sometimes (constant sales pitches out of the blue), it does mean we can find some good value tours. For example a local cenote tour may cost around $20-30, whilst a deluxe yacht ride would cost $80+.
We highly recommend only going with reputable tour companies, who can guarantee a quality experience along with your safety too.
This multi-ruins tour is perfect for those who want to see ancient temples, where you’ll visit Coba & Tulum Ruins as well as a local cenote.
Those who want to visit the best beaches in the region will want to head on this day trip to Isla Holbox. As well as having hotel pick-up and drop-off included, you’ll also have lunch and drinks provided too.
Playa del Carmen FAQs
Is Playa del Carmen Expensive for Tourists?
And that’s all for our guide as to whether Playa del Carmen is expensive or not.
Located along the Mexican Caribbean, many travelers heading here wonder if it’s possible to stay in Playa del Carmen on various budgets.
And from our experience we’ve found that all kinds of travelers can easily stay here regardless of their budgets!
Be sure to read our Riviera Maya Itinerary for more ideas during your trip here.
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