A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Playa del Carmen vs. Chapel Hill for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Chapel Hill?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Chapel Hill? 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill is a student-oriented, collegiate, and southern town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Playa del Carmen and Chapel Hill: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Playa del Carmen or Chapel Hill?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Playa del Carmen. Although Playa del Carmen and Chapel Hill are popular destinations, Playa del Carmen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Playa del Carmen is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Chapel Hill attracts visitors for its museums. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than Chapel Hill and is known for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. It is also well known for La Quinta Avenida. Chapel Hill is famous for being the home of the oldest public university in the United States.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Chapel Hill?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill?

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

Chapel Hill offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Many of the museums are affiliated with UNC. A highlight of many trips is a visit to the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center. Hours can vary, so check the schedule ahead of time. Also worth visiting are the Ackland Art Museum and the Carolina Basketball Museum.

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 Chapel Hill? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Playa del Carmen and Chapel Hill can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Playa del Carmen area. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Chapel Hill. Students often eat on Franklin Street, which has a diverse mix of casual and slightly nicer restaurants. You'll find Indian food, Mediterranean, Italian, and Greek. The city also has excellent barbecue and other southern favorites.

Is Playa del Carmen or Chapel Hill Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for its evening party scene. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Playa del Carmen is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Many people head to Chapel Hill for the nightlife scene. Most of the nightlife is centered around the student population. Franklin Street has a number of bars where students hang out. There are also parties hosted by fraternities and sororities. Things are quieter during the summer months when students are mostly gone.

Is Playa del Carmen or Chapel Hill Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for its resorts. However, Chapel Hill is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Playa del Carmen is a great choice. 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.

Chapel Hill is not a resort destination.

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

Playa del Carmen is very popular for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Chapel Hill is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Playa del Carmen a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. 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.

Chapel Hill is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Chapel Hill Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for the beach. However, Chapel Hill is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Playa del Carmen. 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.

Chapel Hill is not a beach destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Chapel Hill Better for Hiking?

Playa del Carmen is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Chapel Hill is not a hiking destination.

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.

Chapel Hill is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Chapel Hill?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill. There are a mix of local shops, larger shopping centers, and suburban malls. There are also weekly farmer's markets that are fun to check out.

Is Playa del Carmen or Chapel Hill Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Playa del Carmen is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Chapel Hill offers lots of family activities. You can wander around the UNC campus or visit one of the museums affiliated with the school. This includes a planetarium that has regular shows and movies (The Morehead Planetarium and Science Center). There are also science exhibits geared specifically towards kids.

Is Playa del Carmen or Chapel Hill Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for couples. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Playa del Carmen makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Chapel Hill is a nice destination for couples. There's an eclectic mix of restaurants on Franklin Street. Couples will also enjoy exploring the campus at UNC, visiting the botanical garden, or checking out one of the town's museums.

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

Playa del Carmen is a popular place for backpackers. However, Chapel Hill is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

Chapel Hill is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a young population thanks to the university, but there's little else to attract backpackers.

Is Playa del Carmen or Chapel Hill Better for Students?

Chapel Hill is an amazing town to visit for students. However, Playa del Carmen is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Chapel Hill. It's a quintessential college town. UNC has a nice campus and Franklin Street is the main spot for restaurants and shopping. Most of the students live near or on campus, but once you head further out things get more suburban.

Playa del Carmen is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Playa del Carmen and Chapel Hill.

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.

While Chapel Hill offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are bus routes that operate between Chapel Hill and Carrboro.

Is Playa del Carmen or Chapel Hill a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for its ease of walking around. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for its 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.

Chapel Hill is somewhat walkable. The area around UNC is the most walkable part of town. Elsewhere things are very suburban and you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Chapel Hill or Playa del Carmen?

How long in Playa del Carmen or Chapel Hill?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Playa del Carmen and Chapel Hill. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Playa del Carmen than in Chapel Hill. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Playa del Carmen, and 1-3 days is enough time in Chapel Hill.

Families should spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Chapel Hill. 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 Chapel Hill. 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 Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the scenic town of Playa del Carmen. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the collegiate destination of Chapel Hill. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Playa del Carmen or Chapel Hill?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the stunning destination of Playa del Carmen. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find shopping and museums around the collegiate town of Chapel Hill. If you have a weekend, this town 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 Chapel Hill?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the stunning town of Playa del Carmen. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Playa del Carmen. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Chapel Hill 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 Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Chapel Hill?

Playa del Carmen has a larger population, and is about 14% larger than the population of Chapel Hill. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Chapel Hill, 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 Chapel Hill?

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 Chapel Hill in the Summer?

Both Chapel Hill and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Chapel Hill this time of year.

Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Chapel Hill in the summer. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Chapel Hill fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Chapel Hill. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives less sunshine than Chapel Hill during summer. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Chapel Hill receives 259 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chapel Hill. It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. In July, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Chapel Hill. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Chapel Hill receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Chapel Hill in the Autumn?

Both Chapel Hill and Playa del Carmen during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Chapel Hill for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Chapel Hill. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Playa del Carmen in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Chapel Hill averages at about 61°F (16°C).

In Chapel Hill, 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 Chapel Hill. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chapel Hill receives 211 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 Chapel Hill. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Chapel Hill receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Chapel Hill in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Chapel Hill. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Chapel Hill in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Chapel Hill can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Playa del Carmen is generally much warmer than Chapel Hill. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 23°C (73°F), and Chapel Hill fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Chapel Hill during winter. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Chapel Hill receives 162 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Chapel Hill. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Chapel Hill receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Chapel Hill in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Chapel Hill. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Chapel Hill in the spring. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Chapel Hill fluctuates around 60°F (16°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chapel Hill. 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 around the same amount of sunshine as Chapel Hill. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chapel Hill receives 251 hours of full sun.

Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in April than Chapel Hill. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Chapel Hill receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to October is the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen.

Typical Weather for Chapel Hill and Playa del Carmen