Performance
Score Breakdown
Akumal
Aiken
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Aiken is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
16% higher compared to Akumal.
Housing costs are a major driver: Akumal's average rent is
29% higher than Aiken's.
| Metric | Akumal | Aiken | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,800 | $1,400 | +29% |
| Groceries | $450 | $400 | +13% |
| Utilities | $180 | $236 | -24% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $250 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $2,800 | $2,406 | +16% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 89 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Aiken offers 100% lower average salaries.
The minimum comfortable salary in Akumal is estimated at
$30,000 vs $55,000 in Aiken.
| Metric | Akumal | Aiken |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $0 | $65,884 |
| Salary Needed | $30,000 | $55,000 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Akumal | Aiken |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | % | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Akumal has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Aiken.
Akumal scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Akumal leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Akumal | Aiken |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 24 min |
| Transit Score | 50.0/10 | 35.0/10 |
| Walkability | 65.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 40.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Aiken is the larger city
— approximately 0.1x the population of Akumal.
From a growth perspective, Akumal is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Akumal has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Akumal | Aiken |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,154 | 33,306 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.50% | 1.20% |
| Median Age | 46.6 | |
| Unemployment | 2.63% | 3.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Akumal
Advantages
Akumal boasts a very low crime rate and is considered exceptionally safe for tourists and residents, with a strong emphasis on community security.
It is globally renowned for its marine life, particularly the sea turtles that inhabit its bays, offering unparalleled opportunities for snorkeling and ecotourism.
The town provides a tranquil and laid-back atmosphere, characterized by its small, walkable size and a slower pace of life, appealing to those seeking relaxation.
Akumal's strategic location on the Riviera Maya allows for easy access to other regional attractions like cenotes and Mayan ruins, while maintaining a peaceful environment.
The short-term rental market is robust and growing, presenting attractive investment opportunities for property owners.
Drawbacks
Healthcare facilities within Akumal are limited to a clinic; serious medical emergencies require travel to larger hospitals in nearby cities.
Long-term rental housing can be scarce due to the high demand and profitability of short-term vacation rentals.
The economy is heavily reliant on tourism, making it potentially vulnerable to fluctuations in the travel industry and external economic shocks.
While the town is walkable, public transportation options are limited, and car dependency is moderate for accessing amenities outside the immediate center or for inter-city travel.
Sargassum seaweed can periodically affect beach conditions, impacting the aesthetic appeal and usability of the coastline.
Aiken
Advantages
The cost of living in Aiken is approximately 11% lower than the national average.
Aiken boasts a higher homeownership rate of 68.1% as of 2024.
The city offers a mild climate with ample opportunities for outdoor activities and a vibrant downtown.
Aiken County's unemployment rate of 3.4% in April 2026 is lower than the national average.
The average commute time of 24 minutes is considered manageable.
Drawbacks
Aiken's transportation system is largely car-dependent, with limited public transit options.
The city's safety index of 30 suggests a higher crime rate compared to national benchmarks.
Aiken County's poverty rate of 14.3% is higher than the national average of 12.5%.
While the downtown is walkable, the city overall has a lower walkability score due to car dependency.
Some utility costs are reported to be slightly higher than the national average.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Akumal
#1Quintana Roo, Mexico
75.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,800
Avg Salary
$0
Cost Index
95
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
50.0/10
Walkability
65.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.50%
Unemployment
2.63%
Livability
74
Business
68
Aiken
#67South Carolina, USA
70.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,400
Avg Salary
$65,884
Cost Index
89
Commute
24 min
Transit Score
35.0/10
Walkability
55.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.20%
Unemployment
3.40%
Livability
72
Business
65
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