A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Playa del Carmen vs. Austin for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Austin?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Austin? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a vibrant, picture-perfect, and scenic town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Austin

Austin is a lively, entrepreneurial, and eccentric city. With a variety of activities, it's a big city. This is a very beautiful destination, too. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Playa del Carmen and Austin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Playa del Carmen or Austin?

You'll generally find more things to do in Austin than Playa del Carmen. Austin is bigger than Playa del Carmen, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Austin is better known for its museums, food, music, and big city activities, while Playa del Carmen is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than Austin and is known for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. Austin is well known for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population. Also, Austin is famous for The Texas Capital.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Austin and Playa del Carmen. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Playa del Carmen or Austin?

Austin is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Playa del Carmen is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

Austin offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Austin has a number of great museums and sights including the Blanton Museum of Art, the Mexic-Arte Museum, and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. There's also a huge supply of local art galleries. Perhaps the most notable landmark in town is the beautiful Texas Capital Building

While most people don't head to Playa del Carmen specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. If you're willing to head out of town, there are world class Mayan ruins not far away, but if you want to hang out near town, then you'll likely spend most of your time enjoying outdoor water activities.

Is the Food Better in Playa del Carmen or Austin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Austin is an amazing city to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Austin is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It is credited with being the original food truck city and you'll find many diverse food truck options around town. There is also amazing Mexican food, world renowned Texas barbecue, and many modern restaurants that reflect the city's culinary influence.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Playa del Carmen. 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.

Is Playa del Carmen or Austin Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Playa del Carmen or Austin has a better nightlife scene.

Playa del Carmen has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Austin is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. It's nightlife is centered around its thriving live music scene. Head for Sixth Street for some of the most popular bars and clubs. There are also many music festivals and outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months. Popular bars and clubs around town include the White Horse, the Rose Room, and Antone's Nightclub.

Is Playa del Carmen or Austin Better for Music?

Austin is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Playa del Carmen is not a live music destination.

In Austin you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Music is what gives this city its character. There are many live music venues, concerts, and music festivals to experience. Austin has influenced many music genres such as rock, blues, jazz, hip hop, punk, and country.

Playa del Carmen is not a live music destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Austin Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Austin is not a resort destination.

Playa del Carmen offers an unforgettable resort vacation. You'll find a huge number of luxury resorts in the area, particularly along the beach. There are fancy pools and beachfront properties that offer the perfect vacation retreat.

Austin is not a resort destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Austin Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Austin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Playa del Carmen specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. 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.

Austin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Austin Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Austin is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Playa del Carmen are among the best in the world. 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.

Austin is not a beach destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Austin Better for Hiking?

Playa del Carmen is a nice place to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for hiking.

Playa del Carmen has hiking trails worth exploring. There are well marked trails in the area that get you out in nature or take you along the coastline.

Many visitors include a hike while visiting Austin. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Austin?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Austin and Playa del Carmen.

Many visitors go to Playa del Carmen to go shopping. Much of the shopping is geared towards the tourists, but you'll find some local items, interesting galleries, and colorful markets to explore.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Austin. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Playa del Carmen or Austin Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Playa del Carmen is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. From eco parks to kid-friendly snorkeling opportunities, there are many activities for kids of all ages. There are also adventure parks and playgrounds that are perfect for a fun afternoon.

Austin offers lots of family activities. The city is a popular destination for young travelers, but there are also some family-friendly activities like Barton Springs, Zilker Park, and several natural swimming holes. There's a number of nice parks around town that are great for kids of all ages.

Is Playa del Carmen or Austin Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Playa del Carmen has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Beautiful beaches and tropical jungles make this a paradise honeymoon destination. You'll find luxury resorts, fine dining restaurants, and countless opportunities to enjoy the stunning setting. Take a sunset cruise of explore one of the many natural wonders in the area.

Austin makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Young couples will enjoy the city for its lively nightlife, fun music scene, and youthful vibe. There are also many outdoor areas where you can hike or explore. The restaurant scene is among the best as well.

Is Playa del Carmen or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Austin is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

Playa del Carmen is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's filled with tourists staying at luxury resorts, but you'll also find a couple of hostels tucked away in town. If you're interesting in scuba diving, then it's well worth the trip.

Is Playa del Carmen or Austin Better for Students?

Austin is a great destination for students. However, Playa del Carmen is not popular with students.

Austin is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city has a huge university, the University of Texas at Austin, and it is a young city with tons for international students. There is a great nightlife scene and plenty for students to see and do.

Playa del Carmen is not popular with students.

Is Playa del Carmen or Austin Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Playa del Carmen is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Playa del Carmen, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses, collectivos and the ADO bus.

Public transit is mostly limited in Austin. There are city buses and a very limited lightrail system, but you really need a car to explore the city.

Is Playa del Carmen or Austin a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its walkability. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Playa del Carmen on foot is easy. It's a compact and very walkable town. La Quinta is the main strip and it's pedestrian-only.

Austin is generally not a very walkable town. The city, like most southern cities, isn't very walkable and it's important to have a car to get around. There are some downtown areas that are pedestrian-friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is Playa del Carmen Worth Visiting? and Is Austin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Austin or Playa del Carmen?

How long in Playa del Carmen or Austin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Playa del Carmen and Austin. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Playa del Carmen than in Austin. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Playa del Carmen, and 2-3 days is enough time in Austin.

Families should spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Austin. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Playa del Carmen, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Austin. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Playa del Carmen that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Austin than Playa del Carmen if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Austin.

One day in Playa del Carmen or Austin?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Playa del Carmen. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find food and shopping around the eccentric destination of Austin. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Playa del Carmen or Austin?

Playa del Carmen is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find shopping and museums around the eccentric city of Austin. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Playa del Carmen or Austin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Playa del Carmen. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Austin is a popular choice for travelers. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

A week in Playa del Carmen or Austin?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the scenic destination of Playa del Carmen. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Austin is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Playa del Carmen and Austin, we can see that Austin is more expensive. And not only is Playa del Carmen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Playa del Carmen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Playa del Carmen and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Austin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Austin than you might in Playa del Carmen.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Playa del Carmen Expensive? and Is Austin Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Austin?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Austin, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Playa del Carmen or Austin?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Austin in the Summer?

Both Austin and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Austin in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Austin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Playa del Carmen in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Austin averages at about 87°F (30°C).

It's quite sunny in Austin. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives less sunshine than Austin during summer. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 318 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. In July, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Austin. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Austin in the Autumn?

Both Austin and Playa del Carmen during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Austin for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Playa del Carmen is generally a little warmer than Austin. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 26°C (79°F), and Austin fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Austin, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the autumn, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Austin. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 214 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in October than Austin. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Austin in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Austin. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Austin because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Austin in the winter. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Austin fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Austin during winter. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Austin. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Austin in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Austin. The spring months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Austin this time of year.

In the spring, Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Austin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Playa del Carmen in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Austin averages at about 71°F (22°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Austin. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In the spring, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Austin. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun.

Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in April than Austin. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.

Typical Weather for Austin and Playa del Carmen