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

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Jacksonville?

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

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

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a fun, vibrant, and under-rated city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Playa del Carmen and Jacksonville: Pros and Cons

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

Both Jacksonville and Playa del Carmen have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Playa del Carmen is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Jacksonville attracts visitors for its museums, food, shopping, and big city activities. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than Jacksonville and is popular for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. Jacksonville is famous for its beautiful beaches and lively downtown area.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Jacksonville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Jacksonville offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has a number of museums that range from art museums to science or kid-friendly museums. Some favorites are the Museum of Science and History, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society, and Kingsley Plantation.

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 Jacksonville? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville is an experience not to be missed. Local cuisine has its own identity. Unique dishes around town include garlic crabs, seafood boil, gumbo, and shrimp and grits. The local cuisine is similar to Lowcountry dishes with a lot of Cajun influence. If you want something different from seafood, you should try the barbecue.

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 Jacksonville Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Playa del Carmen is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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 people in Jacksonville know how to have a good time. The young population brings out the nightlife scene. There's a great concentration of bars and clubs in the area known as The Elbow, which is at the intersection of N. Ocean and E. Bay Street. You'll find plenty of cocktail bars, lounges, and clubs around town that make for a fun night out.

Is Playa del Carmen or Jacksonville Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Jacksonville is not a resort destination.

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.

Jacksonville is not a resort destination.

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

Playa del Carmen is renowned for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Jacksonville Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is renowned for the beach. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Jacksonville is considered a top beach destination. There are a number of beaches that are just a short distance from the city. Some have a historic vibe while others are more lively. Atlantic Beach is about a half hour drive from the city. For a laid back vibe head to Neptune Beach and the most popular beach in the area is Jacksonville Beach.

Is Playa del Carmen or Jacksonville Better for Hiking?

Playa del Carmen is a good destination for its hiking trails. However, Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Jacksonville?

Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville. There are countless malls and shopping districts around town. Some of the best shopping is found at St. John's Center, Five Points, and Avondale.

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 Jacksonville Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Jacksonville. It's filled with adventure parks, zoos, animal farms, nature centers, and gardens. Adults will have as much fun as kids exploring the city and all of its family-friendly attractions.

Is Playa del Carmen or Jacksonville Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is renowned for couples. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Jacksonville is a nice destination for couples. It's a young city that's near nature and has plenty of adventurous activities. There's sailing, botanical gardens, restaurants, and plenty of bars around town.

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

Playa del Carmen and Jacksonville are nice places to visit 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.

Jacksonville is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few hostels in town as well as affordable motels. The city has a young population with plenty to do. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there's a surprising and underrated appeal to the backpacker crowd.

Is Playa del Carmen or Jacksonville Better for Students?

Jacksonville is a popular place for students. However, Playa del Carmen is not popular with students.

Jacksonville is popular with students. There are a few colleges and universities in town. The city's population is also very young, making it a great place to study.

Playa del Carmen is not popular with students.

Is Playa del Carmen or Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville.

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 Jacksonville offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The public transportation system includes trolleys, the Skyway, buses, water taxis, and the ferry.

Is Playa del Carmen or Jacksonville a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

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

Jacksonville is somewhat walkable. Downtown Jacksonville is the most walkable part of the city.

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

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

How long in Playa del Carmen or Jacksonville?

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

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

In Playa del Carmen, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this picture-perfect town offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the vibrant destination of Jacksonville. 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 city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Playa del Carmen or Jacksonville?

Playa del Carmen is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the youthful city of Jacksonville. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Jacksonville?

In Playa del Carmen, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this stunning destination offers. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Jacksonville is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Jacksonville?

Playa del Carmen is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Jacksonville is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Jacksonville?

Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville, 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 Jacksonville?

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 Jacksonville in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Jacksonville. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Jacksonville because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jacksonville. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In the summer, Playa del Carmen often gets less sunshine than Jacksonville. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jacksonville receives 286 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Jacksonville. Playa del Carmen receives a lot of rain in the summer. Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in July than Jacksonville. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Jacksonville receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Jacksonville and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Jacksonville this time of year.

In the autumn, Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Jacksonville. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Playa del Carmen in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Jacksonville averages at about 70°F (21°C).

It's quite sunny in Jacksonville. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Jacksonville during autumn. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Jacksonville receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. In October, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Jacksonville. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Jacksonville receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season. June to November in Jacksonville is the hurricane season.

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

Both Jacksonville and Playa del Carmen during the winter are popular places to visit. 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 Jacksonville for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Playa del Carmen is generally much warmer than Jacksonville. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 23°C (73°F), and Jacksonville fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the winter, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Jacksonville. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jacksonville receives 191 hours of full sun.

Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in January than Jacksonville. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Jacksonville receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Jacksonville. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Jacksonville in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Jacksonville in the spring. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Jacksonville fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville during spring. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Jacksonville receives 285 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Jacksonville. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Jacksonville receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October. The hurricane season in Jacksonville is June to November.

Typical Weather for Jacksonville and Playa del Carmen