A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Playa del Carmen vs. Cape Cod for Resorts, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Cape Cod?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Cape Cod? 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 picture-perfect, scenic, and stunning town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a peaceful, relaxing, and laid-back beach destination. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and food.

Playa del Carmen and Cape Cod: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Playa del Carmen or Cape Cod?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Playa del Carmen. Although Playa del Carmen and Cape Cod are popular destinations, Playa del Carmen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Playa del Carmen is very popular for its museums, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Cape Cod attracts visitors for its food, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than Cape Cod and is popular for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. It is also well known for La Quinta Avenida. Cape Cod is famous for its long scenic coastline, charming compact towns, and magnificent migrating whales.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Cape Cod?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod?

Playa del Carmen is adequate for its historical sights. However, Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cape Cod is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Cape Cod is an experience not to be missed. The region is famous for its fresh seafood and popular dishes include the fried clams and broiled lobster. There are also many diners and brunch cafes where you can enjoy pancakes or eggs benedict.

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 Cape Cod Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination for nightlife.

The nightlife in Playa del Carmen is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

People don't go to Cape Cod for the nightlife. This area isn't really known for its nightlife, but the downtown of Hyannis has some activity at night.

Is Playa del Carmen or Cape Cod Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. Also, Cape Cod is not as popular, but is still a nice beach destination for its resorts.

Vacationers flock to Playa del Carmen for its luxury resorts. 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.

Cape Cod has a handful of resorts to choose from. Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, White Elephant Resorts, and Chatham Bars Inn are favorite resorts in the Cape Cod area.

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

Playa del Carmen is an unbeatable place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Cape Cod is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Playa del Carmen. 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.

Cape Cod is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Cape Cod Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is an unbeatable place for the beach. Also, Cape Cod is not as popular, but is still a nice beach destination for its beaches.

Playa del Carmen offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around 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.

Cape Cod is considered a top beach destination. Beaches in the area include long stretches of soft sand as well as tidal pools where kids can play. Several of the best beaches around Cape Cod include Mayflower Beach, Marconi Beach, and Race Point Beach.

Is Playa del Carmen or Cape Cod Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Playa del Carmen and Cape Cod both have nice trails.

Playa del Carmen is a good destination for hiking. There are well marked trails in the area that get you out in nature or take you along the coastline.

Many people include a hike when visiting Cape Cod. Hikes range from casual strolls to longer trails. Popular options include Bass Hole Boardwalk in Yarmouth and the 22 mile Cape Cod Rail Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Cape Cod?

Cape Cod is a great destination for its shopping areas. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Cape Cod. Many of the area's towns have charming Main Streets where you can enjoy shopping and dining.

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

Is Playa del Carmen or Cape Cod Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cape Cod is not as popular, but is still a nice beach destination for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Playa del Carmen is very family-friendly. 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.

Cape Cod is a very family-friendly place to visit. The coastal towns have a number of kid-friendly activities. In the Upper Cape, Falmouth is one of the best towns for families. On Mid Cape, Dennis and Yarmouth are both kid-friendly. Dennis has a resorty vibe and Yarmouth has kid-friendly museums. On the Lower Cape, both Harwich and Orleans are family-friendly options.

Is Playa del Carmen or Cape Cod Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Cape Cod is not as popular, but is still a nice beach destination for romance.

Playa del Carmen is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Cape Cod is a very popular place to visit for couples. With its charming character and relaxing beach setting, honeymooners and couples will appreciate all that the area has to offer. There are peaceful settings and charming villages to explore. There are also award-winning restaurants and beautiful views.

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

Playa del Carmen is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Playa del Carmen. 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.

Cape Cod is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. This area is more focused on luxury and family vacationers than it is on backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Playa del Carmen is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Playa del Carmen offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local buses, collectivos and the ADO bus.

Public transit is generally limited in Cape Cod. While there are buses and shuttles to help you get around, a car really is necessary to explore the area.

Is Playa del Carmen or Cape Cod a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Cape Cod is not as popular, but is still a nice beach destination for its walkability.

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

Cape Cod is somewhat walkable. Many of the small towns in the area have compact and walkable areas, but the region is spread out so it's helpful to have a car to get from place to place.

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

Should I spend more time in Cape Cod or Playa del Carmen?

How long in Playa del Carmen or Cape Cod?

Both Playa del Carmen and Cape Cod have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Playa del Carmen has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Cape Cod. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Playa del Carmen, and 5-7 days is enough time in Cape Cod.

Families should spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Cape Cod. 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 Cape Cod. 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 Playa del Carmen than Cape Cod 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 Playa del Carmen.

One day in Playa del Carmen or Cape Cod?

The beautiful town of Playa del Carmen offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Cape Cod is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This beach destination offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Playa del Carmen or Cape Cod?

Playa del Carmen is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Cape Cod is a small town with plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Playa del Carmen or Cape Cod?

Playa del Carmen is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Playa del Carmen, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Cape Cod is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Playa del Carmen or Cape Cod?

Playa del Carmen is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Playa del Carmen has to offer. This town offers something for everyone.

Cape Cod is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Playa del Carmen and Cape Cod, we can see that Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod Expensive?.

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

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Cape Cod in the Summer?

Both Cape Cod and Playa del Carmen during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Cape Cod because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Cape Cod in the summer. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Cape Cod fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In Cape Cod, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the summer, Playa del Carmen often gets less sunshine than Cape Cod. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Cod receives 304 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 July than Cape Cod. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Cape Cod in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Cape Cod. The autumn months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cape Cod this time of year.

In the autumn, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Cape Cod. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Playa del Carmen in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Cape Cod averages at about 53°F (12°C).

In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Cape Cod during autumn. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Cod receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Cape Cod receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Playa del Carmen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Playa del Carmen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cape Cod. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Cape Cod in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Cape Cod. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Cape Cod for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Cape Cod. In January, Playa del Carmen is generally much warmer than Cape Cod. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 23°C (73°F), and Cape Cod fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In the winter, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Cape Cod. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Cod receives 153 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cape Cod. Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in January than Cape Cod. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Cape Cod in the Spring?

Both Cape Cod and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Cape Cod in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Cape Cod in the spring. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Cape Cod fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

It's quite sunny in Cape Cod. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Cape Cod during spring. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Cod receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cape Cod. In April, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Cape Cod. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.

Typical Weather for Cape Cod and Playa del Carmen