Quitois 48% cheaper — BDI "Fair" (46/10) vs Playa del Carmen "Pricey" (36/10). Dorms avg $17/night vs $12/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇲🇽 Playa del Carmen
🇪🇨 Quito
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★15 hostels, avg 8.0 rating
★★★★★14 hostels, avg 8.3 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★Private rooms avg $56/night
★★★★★Private rooms avg $28/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★Coffee $3.90, dorms avg $17
★★★★★Coffee $3.00, dorms avg $12
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★Beer $2.91, 15 hostels
★★★★★Beer $2.50, 14 hostels
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇲🇽 Playa del Carmen | 🇪🇨 Quito | You Save / day |
|---|
Shoestring Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $38 | $20 cheaper | $18/day |
Comfortable Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $49 | $43 cheaper | $6/day |
Flashpacker Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $81 cheaper | $82 | $1/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇲🇽 Playa del Carmen | 🇪🇨 Quito |
|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $13.30 | $5 62% less |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $17.45 18% less | $21.25 |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $2.91 | $2.50 14% less |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $3.90 | $3 23% less |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $0.54 | $0.35 35% less |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇲🇽36
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $17/night).
Hostel Quality
Top-rated hostelSayab Hostel And Bar (9.4)
Annual dorm avg$17/night
Total hostels15
🇪🇨46
BDI: Fair
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Moderate dorm prices (avg $12/night).
Hostel Quality
Top-rated hostelColonial House Inn (9.8)
Annual dorm avg$12/night
Total hostels14
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇲🇽 Playa del Carmen
🇪🇨 Quito
City to City
Getting Between Playa del Carmen & Quito
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇲🇽 Playa del Carmen
🌧 Rainfall: 34mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
🇪🇨 Quito
🌧 Rainfall: 304mm/month
Best months: Jul, Aug, Sep
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇲🇽 Playa del Carmen
1. MulchíFree
2. 3D MuseumFree
3. MariposarioFree
4. Portal Maya (Mayan Gateway)Free
5. Rio SecretoFree
🇪🇨 Quito
No attraction data
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Playa del Carmen or Quito cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Playa del Carmen vs Quito?+
Do I need a visa for Playa del Carmen or Quito?+
When is the best time to visit Playa del Carmen or Quito?+
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