Cost of Living in Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Playa del Carmen is a city in Mexico, where a single person can expect to spend about $1,220 per month including rent, food, and local transport. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $1,076 per month, or $380 outside the centre. Internet is workable at around 60 Mbps median download speed, and Mexico offers a digital nomad visa. On safety, Playa del Carmen scores 40/100 — below average on safety for residents and visitors. Expect summer highs near 90°F and winter highs around 80°F, with roughly 284 sunny days a year.
How Playa del Carmen Ranks Among 340 Cities
Of the 340 cities Voyica tracks, Playa del Carmen is cheaper than 64% of them, but sits in the bottom 18% for safety.
| Metric | Playa del Carmen | World rank | Rank in Latin America & Caribbean |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | $1,220 | #123 of 340 | #46 of 63 |
| Safety | 40/100 | #282 of 340 | #40 of 63 |
| Healthcare | 66/100 | #187 of 340 | #9 of 63 |
| Internet speed | 60 Mbps | #278 of 340 | #48 of 63 |
| Walkability | 55/100 | #166 of 340 | #24 of 63 |
| Public transit | 22/100 | #243 of 340 | #41 of 63 |
| Food scene | 72/100 | #178 of 340 | #24 of 63 |
| Air quality | 81/100 | #178 of 340 | #29 of 63 |
Rank 1 = most affordable, safest, and so on. Computed across every city in Voyica's dataset (June 2026 snapshot); ties share a rank.
Cheaper Alternatives to Playa del Carmen
Cities with a similar mix of safety, food, culture, walkability and climate that cost at least 15% less per month than Playa del Carmen.
- Vitoria, Brazil — $893/mo, 27% cheaper, safety 42/100
- Natal, Brazil — $751/mo, 38% cheaper, safety 32/100
- Medellin, Colombia — $940/mo, 23% cheaper, safety 35/100 · Compare with Playa del Carmen
- Santa Marta, Colombia — $751/mo, 38% cheaper, safety 38/100
Everyday Prices in Playa del Carmen, Compared
| Item | Playa del Carmen | Against other cities |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR rent, city centre | $1,076/mo | Pricier than 52% |
| 1BR rent, outside centre | $380/mo | Cheaper than 74% |
| Utilities | $90/mo | Cheaper than 74% |
| Home internet | $31/mo | Cheaper than 62% |
| Transit pass | $29/mo | Cheaper than 71% |
| Gym membership | $65/mo | Pricier than 81% |
| Cheap restaurant meal | $11.65 | Cheaper than 56% |
| Cappuccino | $3.94 | Pricier than 67% |
| Local beer at a bar | $4.66 | Cheaper than 50% |
Compared with every other city in Voyica's price data that reports the same item.
Lifestyle & Quality of Life in Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen FAQ
How much does it cost to live in Playa del Carmen?
A single person should budget around $1,220 per month in Playa del Carmen, covering rent, groceries, transport, and basic lifestyle costs.
How much is rent in Playa del Carmen?
A one-bedroom apartment in central Playa del Carmen averages $1,076 per month, dropping to about $380 outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $1,786.
Is Playa del Carmen safe?
Playa del Carmen scores 40/100 on safety, which is below average on safety. Tourist safety is rated 50/100.
How fast is the internet in Playa del Carmen?
Median download speeds in Playa del Carmen are around 60 Mbps — workable for remote work and video calls. There are roughly 30 coworking spaces in the city.
Does Mexico offer a digital nomad visa?
Yes — Mexico offers a digital nomad visa. US passport holders can typically stay 180 days visa-free before applying.
What is the weather like in Playa del Carmen?
Playa del Carmen sees summer highs around 90°F and winter highs near 80°F, with about 284 mostly sunny days a year and at least 1 mm of rain on about 81 days.
Playa del Carmen in our travel guides
- The Cheapest Caribbean Islands to Visit in 2026, Ranked by Real Costs
- The Best Caribbean Islands to Visit in 2026: Beaches, Safety & Cost Compared
- Is Mexico Safe to Travel to in 2026? Complete Safety Guide for Tourists
- Best Cities with Warm Weather Year-Round in 2026
- Best Cities for Raising a Family Abroad in 2026
Visa Requirements for Mexico
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