A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Playa del Carmen vs. Fort Lauderdale for Nightlife, Resorts, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, and Beaches

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Fort Lauderdale?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Fort Lauderdale? 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.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a scenic, bustling, and spirited coastal city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Playa del Carmen and Fort Lauderdale: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Playa del Carmen or Fort Lauderdale?

You'll generally find more things to do in Fort Lauderdale than Playa del Carmen. Fort Lauderdale is bigger than Playa del Carmen, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Playa del Carmen is well known for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. Fort Lauderdale is well known for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts. Also, Fort Lauderdale is famous for The Local Beaches.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Fort Lauderdale?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale?

Playa del Carmen is a town with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

Playa del Carmen offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. 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.

Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Playa del Carmen and Fort Lauderdale can be difficult as they are each notable 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 Fort Lauderdale. Seafood is the obvious option with popular dishes being fish tacos, sea bass, and scallop risotto. There are many waterfront restaurants or you could head to Las Olas Boulevard, which has many bistros, cafes, and restaurants.

Is Playa del Carmen or Fort Lauderdale Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Fort Lauderdale is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Playa del Carmen is a world class party destination. 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.

The nightlife in Fort Lauderdale has something for everybody. Trendy and upscale partying is the name of the game in this Florida city. Most people head to the beach, Las Olas Blvd, River Front and The New Hard Rock Seminole Hotel Complex for the best bars and clubs. You'll find the most activity around the weekends, but there really is something going on any night of the week.

Is Playa del Carmen or Fort Lauderdale Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen and Fort Lauderdale offer a relatively similar set of amazing luxury resort options.

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.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Fort Lauderdale is a perfect choice. Luxury beachfront resorts are plentiful in the area. Several of the most impressive include the Ritz-Carlton, W Fort Lauderdale, and the Dalmar. Most resorts have a beachfront pool, hot tubs, and depending on the resort, a kid's club.

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

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. Also, Fort Lauderdale is still popular, but not quite as popular for its diving and snorkeling.

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.

Fort Lauderdale has a few good snorkeling spots. Although the snorkeling doesn't compare to what you'll find further south around the Florida Keys, there are some great places to pull your mask and fins out in the area. Popular snorkeling spots nearby include the Vista Park Reef, Pompano Beach, and Hollywood North Beach Park.

Is Playa del Carmen or Fort Lauderdale Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Playa del Carmen and Fort Lauderdale are amazing choices.

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.

With world-famous beaches, Fort Lauderdale is a very popular vacation destination. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches, a fun boardwalk, and impressive views, the beaches here are among the best in the area. They are surprisingly walkable and, while there can be crowds, there's still a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere.

Is Playa del Carmen or Fort Lauderdale Better for Hiking?

Playa del Carmen is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Fort Lauderdale is not a hiking destination.

Playa del Carmen offers some nice hiking trails. There are well marked trails in the area that get you out in nature or take you along the coastline.

Fort Lauderdale is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Fort Lauderdale?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.

Is Playa del Carmen or Fort Lauderdale Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Fort Lauderdale is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Fort Lauderdale is very family-friendly. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches and a number of kid-oriented activities, the kids will love it here. Fun activities include Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, Butterfly World, and Funderdome. On sunny days there are many outdoor recreation areas and when the weather isn't cooperating, there are hands-on museums.

Is Playa del Carmen or Fort Lauderdale Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Playa del Carmen and Fort Lauderdale make for a amazing place to visit.

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.

For those traveling as a couple, Fort Lauderdale has plenty to offer. Fine dining, beautiful beaches, and great shopping make for a great romantic getaway. Couples and honeymooners love relaxing at the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. A sunset walk on the beach and a stay at a romantic resort will make for an unforgettable trip.

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

Playa del Carmen is a good destination for backpackers. However, Fort Lauderdale is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Fort Lauderdale is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Playa del Carmen is a good destination for its public transit. However, Fort Lauderdale is a coastal 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 Fort Lauderdale. Transportation options include a water taxi and the Sun Trolley Hop-on Bus.

Is Playa del Carmen or Fort Lauderdale a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for its walkability. Also, Fort Lauderdale is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Fort Lauderdale is a very walkable town. It is one of the most walkable Florida communities with a boardwalk and several pedestrian areas that are fun to wander around.

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

Should I spend more time in Fort Lauderdale or Playa del Carmen?

How long in Playa del Carmen or Fort Lauderdale?

Both Playa del Carmen and Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Fort Lauderdale. 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 Fort Lauderdale. 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 Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale?

The vibrant destination of Playa del Carmen offers nightlife and food. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the spirited destination of Fort Lauderdale. 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 coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Playa del Carmen or Fort Lauderdale?

The town of Playa del Carmen offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the bustling coastal city of Fort Lauderdale. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the beaches. 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 Fort Lauderdale?

Playa del Carmen is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale?

The picture-perfect town of Playa del Carmen offers shopping and nightlife. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Fort Lauderdale 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. Most people head to the area for the beaches. 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 Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Fort Lauderdale?

Fort Lauderdale has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Fort Lauderdale, 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 Fort Lauderdale?

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 Fort Lauderdale in the Summer?

Both Fort Lauderdale and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Fort Lauderdale because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Fort Lauderdale. Typically, the summer temperatures in Playa del Carmen in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Fort Lauderdale averages at about 83°F (28°C).

It's quite sunny in Fort Lauderdale. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives less sunshine than Fort Lauderdale during summer. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Fort Lauderdale receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. In July, Playa del Carmen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Fort Lauderdale. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Fort Lauderdale receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Fort Lauderdale in the Autumn?

Both Fort Lauderdale and Playa del Carmen during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Fort Lauderdale this time of year.

In October, Playa del Carmen is generally around the same temperature as Fort Lauderdale. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 26°C (79°F), and Fort Lauderdale fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

In Fort Lauderdale, 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 less sunshine than Fort Lauderdale. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Fort Lauderdale receives 275 hours of full sun.

Fort Lauderdale gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in October than Fort Lauderdale. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Fort Lauderdale receives 5.6 inches (143 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 Fort Lauderdale in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Fort Lauderdale. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Fort Lauderdale for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Fort Lauderdale in the winter. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Fort Lauderdale fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fort Lauderdale this time of the year. In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives less sunshine than Fort Lauderdale during winter. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Fort Lauderdale receives 243 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Fort Lauderdale. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Fort Lauderdale receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Fort Lauderdale in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Fort Lauderdale. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Fort Lauderdale in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Fort Lauderdale. Typically, the spring temperatures in Playa del Carmen in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Fort Lauderdale averages at about 75°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. 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 less sunshine than Fort Lauderdale. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Fort Lauderdale receives 300 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Fort Lauderdale and Playa del Carmen