A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Playa del Carmen vs. Los Angeles for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Resorts

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Los Angeles?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Los Angeles? 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.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a sprawling, energetic, and dynamic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Playa del Carmen and Los Angeles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Playa del Carmen or Los Angeles?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Los Angeles than Playa del Carmen. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Los Angeles is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, music, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Playa del Carmen attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and impressive beauty. Playa del Carmen is famous for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. Los Angeles is famous for is many A-list celebrities, its world-famous clubs and venues, its glamourous beaches, and being the location of the iconic Hollywood. It is also well known for Hollywood.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Los Angeles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Los Angeles is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Playa del Carmen is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Los Angeles on the map. The city has an eclectic list of monuments and museums. Notable landmarks include the famous Hollywood sign, Griffith Observatory, the Getty Center, and the Petersen Automotive 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 Playa del Carmen or Los Angeles Better for Theater?

Los Angeles is a great destination for its shows and theatre. However, Playa del Carmen is not a theatre destination.

While in town, many visitors enjoy seeing a show in Los Angeles. While most people think of Hollywood when they think of LA, the city also has a thriving stage presence. Musicals and plays are popular throughout the city.

Playa del Carmen is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Playa del Carmen or Los Angeles? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Los Angeles is an amazing city to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Los Angeles is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. As a huge and diverse city, there is no shortage of amazing food options around town. There are a wide range of cuisines represented and many different neighborhoods that specialize in specific types of food. Popular dishes around town include Cobb Salads, Mexican Tacos, and the French Dip Sandwich.

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 Los Angeles Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Playa del Carmen or Los Angeles has a better nightlife scene.

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.

Los Angeles is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The city's nightlife scene is as diverse as the city itself. There are glamorous clubs where you might spot a celebrity, as well as local dives with a more down-to-earth vibe. Some of the most famous clubs in the city include Academy, Avalon, and Boardner's.

Is Playa del Carmen or Los Angeles Better for Music?

Los Angeles is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Playa del Carmen is not a live music destination.

In Los Angeles you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Music, movies, and show business - it's all part of what Los Angeles is known for. Several famous music venues include The Greek Theatre, Whiskey a Go Go, and The Roxy Theatre.

Playa del Carmen is not a live music destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Los Angeles Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is renowned for its luxury resorts. Also, Los Angeles is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

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.

Los Angeles is known as a popular and fun resort destination. The city is home to a number of high end resorts including The Beverly Hill Hotel, The Langham Huntington Pasadena, and The Ritz-Carlton.

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

Playa del Carmen is renowned for snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, Los Angeles is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the nearby scuba 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.

Los Angeles has a few good snorkeling spots. The coastal setting means that there are a number of places where you can put on a mask and hop in the water. Popular snorkeling or diving spots near the city include Santa Catalina Island, Diver's Cove, and Crystal Cove State Park. Many visitors find the water to be a bit chili, but the wildlife is unique and beautiful.

Is Playa del Carmen or Los Angeles Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Playa del Carmen and Los Angeles 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, Los Angeles is a very popular vacation destination. Ranging from beaches with stunning natural beauty to those with glamourous and fun atmospheres, this city has a number of beaches to choose from. There are many fun and high-energy urban beach settings, and there are also beaches that are lined with parks and offer a more natural environment. Some of the most popular are Santa Monica, Malibu, Huntington Beach, and Redondo Beach.

Is Playa del Carmen or Los Angeles Better for Hiking?

Los Angeles is an amazing city to visit for its hiking experiences. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

People visit Los Angeles specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. In and around the city you'll find world class urban hiking with views of the mountains and the ocean. Some of the most well-known hikes include the Charlie Turner Trail to Mount Hollywood, Runyon Canyon, and the Sara Wan Trailhead at Corral Canyon.

Many people include a hike when visiting Playa del Carmen. There are well marked trails in the area that get you out in nature or take you along the coastline.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Los Angeles?

Los Angeles is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Los Angeles is a world class destination for shoppers. Although it's most famous for the high end shopping at Rodeo Drive, there are actually many different shopping venues throughout the city. Other famous shopping areas include Robertson Blvd and the Grove.

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 Los Angeles Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Playa del Carmen or Los Angeles.

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.

Los Angeles is one of the most popular family destinations. With its many amusement parks, including nearby Disneyland, and its countless family-friendly parks and playgrounds, there is no shortage of things to do with kids around the city. Favorite activities include the amusement parks, exploring Venice Beach, a trip to the California Science Center, and taking a Warner Brothers Studio Tour.

Is Playa del Carmen or Los Angeles Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Playa del Carmen and Los Angeles 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, Los Angeles has plenty to offer. It is a large, sprawling city with tucked away romantic scenes that are perfect for a couple's getaway or a dream honeymoon. There are also trendy nightclubs, world-class restaurants, and high-energy beaches that make for iconic date activities.

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

Los Angeles is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Los Angeles is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The city is a major travel destination for all types, and backpackers will find no shortage of hostels or budget friendly accommodation around town.

Playa del Carmen is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Is Playa del Carmen or Los Angeles Better for Students?

Los Angeles is an amazing city to visit for students. However, Playa del Carmen is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Los Angeles. International students have long flocked to this for its major universities and diverse setting. Major universities in the area include UCLA, the University of Southern California, and the California Institute of Technology.

Playa del Carmen is not popular with students.

Is Playa del Carmen or Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles.

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 Los Angeles offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Many of the public transit options are overlooked by visitors for a number of reasons, but options include the subway, light rail, and buses.

Is Playa del Carmen or Los Angeles a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Los Angeles 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.

Los Angeles is somewhat walkable. The city is sprawling, but some of the neighborhoods are more walkable than others. Some of the more walkable neighborhoods include Hollywood, Koreatown, Downtown, and MacArthur Park.

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

Should I spend more time in Los Angeles or Playa del Carmen?

How long in Playa del Carmen or Los Angeles?

Both Playa del Carmen and Los Angeles have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Los Angeles has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Los Angeles than Playa del Carmen. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Playa del Carmen, and 5-7 days is enough time in Los Angeles.

Families should spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Los Angeles. 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 Los Angeles than Playa del Carmen. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Los Angeles that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Los Angeles than Playa del Carmen 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 Los Angeles.

One day in Playa del Carmen or Los Angeles?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the picture-perfect 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.

People visit Los Angeles because there is so much to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Los Angeles?

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.

People visit Los Angeles because there is so much to do. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. 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 Los Angeles?

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

Los Angeles is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Los Angeles?

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.

Los Angeles is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Los Angeles?

Los Angeles has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles?

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 Los Angeles in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Los Angeles. 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 Los Angeles because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Los Angeles in the summer. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Los Angeles fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

Playa del Carmen receives a lot of rain in the summer. Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in July than Los Angeles. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Los Angeles in the Autumn?

Both Los Angeles 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 hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Los Angeles this time of year.

In the autumn, Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Los Angeles. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Playa del Carmen in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Los Angeles averages at about 64°F (18°C).

It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. In October, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Los Angeles. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 0.6 inches (15 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 Los Angeles in the Winter?

Both Los Angeles 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Los Angeles for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

In January, Playa del Carmen is generally much warmer than Los Angeles. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 23°C (73°F), and Los Angeles fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in January than Los Angeles. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Los Angeles in the Spring?

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

Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Los Angeles in the spring. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Los Angeles fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

In April, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Los Angeles. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 1 inches (25 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.

Typical Weather for Los Angeles and Playa del Carmen