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

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Lancaster?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Lancaster? 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.

Lancaster

Lancaster is a picturesque, scenic, and traditional town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Playa del Carmen and Lancaster: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Playa del Carmen. Although Playa del Carmen and Lancaster 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, and hiking, while Lancaster attracts visitors for its museums and shopping. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than Lancaster and is popular for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. It is also well known for La Quinta Avenida. Lancaster is famous for its history and long running Amish community.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Lancaster?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lancaster offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Filled with history and local culture, there are many educational opportunities in the area where you can learn about Amish traditions. The Amish Village has tours and unique experiences. The town also has James Buchanan's Wheatland, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, the National Toy Train Museum, the Ephrata Cloister, and the National Watch & Clock Museum, among many others.

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 Lancaster? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Playa del Carmen and Lancaster 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 Lancaster. You can sample authentic Pennsylvania Dutch dishes at one of the Amish restaurants in the area. Many places serve food family-style and dishes include chicken pot pie, ham balls, and pork and sauerkraut. Whoopie pies also originated in the area.

Is Playa del Carmen or Lancaster Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its evening party scene. However, Lancaster is not known for nightlife.

Playa del Carmen has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Most people don't head to Lancaster specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town, but you'll still find local pubs and cozy bars where you can enjoy a drink in a laid back atmosphere.

Is Playa del Carmen or Lancaster Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Lancaster 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.

Lancaster is not a resort destination.

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

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Lancaster 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.

Lancaster is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Lancaster Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for the beach. However, Lancaster 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.

Lancaster is not a beach destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Lancaster Better for Hiking?

Playa del Carmen is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Lancaster 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.

Lancaster is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Lancaster?

Lancaster 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 Lancaster. Many visitors pick up hand-crafted Amish items while they're in town. Furniture and Amish quilts are particularly popular. Farmers markets and antique shopping are both unique in the area and there are also art galleries and several outlet stores that you can visit.

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 Lancaster Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Lancaster is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-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.

Lancaster is a very family-friendly place to visit. In you area you'll find farms and petting zoos, amusement parks, and train rides. They can learn about a unique lifestyle at the Amish Experience or soak up the local beauty and farmland in the surrounding countryside.

Is Playa del Carmen or Lancaster Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for couples. Also, Lancaster is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

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.

Lancaster is a very popular place to visit for couples. This region is known for it's local beauty and serene farmland, making it a relaxing and peaceful destination for couples. There are walking trails, outdoor activities, buggy rides, and a variety of dining experiences. You can also stay at a bed and breakfast or local inn.

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

Playa del Carmen is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Lancaster is not known for backpackers.

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.

Lancaster is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although it's often overlooked by backpackers, the region offers a unique cultural experience.

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

Playa del Carmen is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Lancaster is not known 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 Lancaster. The city has buses and several transportation options, but once you're outside of the urban core, your options are limited.

Is Playa del Carmen or Lancaster a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Lancaster is not known 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.

Lancaster is generally not very walkable. While the city itself has walkable areas, most visitors want to get out and explore the countryside, which requires a car.

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

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

How long in Playa del Carmen or Lancaster?

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

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

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the town of Playa del Carmen. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find museums and food around the picturesque destination of Lancaster. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Playa del Carmen or Lancaster?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the picture-perfect destination of Playa del Carmen. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find food and shopping around the scenic town of Lancaster. 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 Lancaster?

You'll find nightlife and food around the picture-perfect town of Playa del Carmen. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

Lancaster 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 Lancaster?

Playa del Carmen is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Playa del Carmen, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Lancaster 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Lancaster?

Lancaster has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Lancaster, 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 Lancaster?

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 Lancaster in the Summer?

Both Lancaster and Playa del Carmen during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Lancaster in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Lancaster in the summer. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Lancaster fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

In Lancaster, 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 Lancaster. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 310 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 Lancaster. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Lancaster. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Lancaster for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Lancaster. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Playa del Carmen in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Lancaster averages at about 56°F (13°C).

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

Playa del Carmen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Lancaster. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.9 inches (75 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 Lancaster in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Lancaster. 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 Lancaster because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Lancaster can be very cold. In January, Playa del Carmen is generally much warmer than Lancaster. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 23°C (73°F), and Lancaster fluctuates around 30°F (-1°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 Lancaster. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 153 hours of full sun.

Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in January than Lancaster. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Lancaster and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Lancaster this time of year.

Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Lancaster in the spring. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Lancaster fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Lancaster. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Lancaster during spring. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 237 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Lancaster. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.

Typical Weather for Lancaster and Playa del Carmen