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

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Gainesville?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Gainesville? 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 scenic, stunning, and vibrant 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.

Gainesville

Gainesville is a high energy, active, and vibrant city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Playa del Carmen and Gainesville: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will generally find more to do in Playa del Carmen than Gainesville. While Gainesville is larger than Playa del Carmen, Playa del Carmen has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Playa del Carmen is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Gainesville is more popular for its museums. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than Gainesville and is known for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. Also, Playa del Carmen is famous for La Quinta Avenida. Gainesville is well known for being the home of the University of Florida

How is Playa del Carmen different from Gainesville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Gainesville offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There's a surprising number of museums around town such as the Florida Museum of Natural History, the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art, and the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention. Also fascinating is the Historic Haile Homestead, the Butterfly Rainforest, and the city's planetarium.

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 Gainesville? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Playa del Carmen and Gainesville 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 Gainesville. Casual eateries are popular around town, particularly with the student population. There are grills, diners, and bistros that serve local dishes at affordable prices.

Is Playa del Carmen or Gainesville Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for nightlife. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

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.

Gainesville has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The nightlife centers around the student population. The two main party areas are Midtown and Downtown. Midtown is between Northwest 17th Street and Northwest 18th Street and it's convenient for students who live on campus. The area has a great stretch of bars and clubs. The Downtown area has many of the city's top clubs, and it's popular with upperclassmen and students who live off campus.

Is Playa del Carmen or Gainesville Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for its resorts. However, Gainesville 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.

Gainesville is not a resort destination.

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

Playa del Carmen is very popular for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Gainesville 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.

Gainesville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Gainesville Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for its beaches. However, Gainesville 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.

Gainesville is not a beach destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Gainesville Better for Hiking?

Playa del Carmen is a nice place to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Gainesville is not a hiking destination.

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.

Gainesville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Gainesville?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Gainesville 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 Gainesville. You'll find all of the standard shopping options around town such as malls, shopping centers, and retail outlets. Two popular areas are the Neighborhoods at Butler and Celebration Pointe.

Is Playa del Carmen or Gainesville Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Gainesville is a family-friendly town. You'll find outdoor activities, nature parks, and a couple of museums that will appeal to all ages. Highlights for families include A. Quinn Jones Museum and Cultural Center, the Adventure Outpost, and Alfred A. Ring Park.

Is Playa del Carmen or Gainesville Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for romance. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Gainesville makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can enjoy wine tasting and fine dining or enjoying the city's many outdoor activities. Go on a picnic or explore one of the museums in Downtown Gainesville.

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

Playa del Carmen is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Gainesville is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Gainesville is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the list for many travelers, but there are some cheap motels where budget travelers can stay.

Is Playa del Carmen or Gainesville Better for Students?

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

Gainesville is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. As the location of the University of Florida, you'll find many students around town. This keeps the energy high with plenty of evening activities and affordable entertainment options.

Playa del Carmen is not popular with students.

Is Playa del Carmen or Gainesville 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 Gainesville.

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 Gainesville offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a decent bus system that's free to students and employees of the university.

Is Playa del Carmen or Gainesville a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for its walkability. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Gainesville is a somewhat walkable place. Biking is actually a popular way to get around town and some areas are pedestrian-friendly.

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

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

How long in Playa del Carmen or Gainesville?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Playa del Carmen or Gainesville to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Playa del Carmen than Gainesville because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Playa del Carmen, and 1-2 days is enough time in Gainesville.

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

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 active destination of Gainesville. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Playa del Carmen or Gainesville?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the scenic 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 vibrant city of Gainesville. 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 Gainesville?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the scenic 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.

Gainesville 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 Gainesville?

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.

Gainesville 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 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Gainesville?

Gainesville has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Gainesville, 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 Gainesville?

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 Gainesville in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Gainesville. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Gainesville in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Gainesville. Typically, the summer temperatures in Playa del Carmen in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Gainesville averages at about 81°F (27°C).

Gainesville receives a lot of rain in the summer. Playa del Carmen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Gainesville. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Gainesville receives 6.8 inches (174 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Gainesville. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Gainesville for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Playa del Carmen is generally a little warmer than Gainesville. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 26°C (79°F), and Gainesville fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

Playa del Carmen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in October than Gainesville. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Gainesville receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season. Also, June to November in Gainesville is the hurricane season.

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

Both Gainesville and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. 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 Gainesville because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Gainesville in the winter. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Gainesville fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

In January, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Gainesville. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Gainesville receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Gainesville and Playa del Carmen during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Gainesville. Typically, the spring temperatures in Playa del Carmen in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Gainesville averages at about 69°F (20°C).

Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in April than Gainesville. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Gainesville receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October. Also, the hurricane season in Gainesville is June to November.

Typical Weather for Gainesville and Playa del Carmen