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

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Memphis?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Memphis? 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.

Memphis

Memphis is a laid-back, soulful, and creative city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include food, museums, and nightlife.

Playa del Carmen and Memphis: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Playa del Carmen than Memphis. While Memphis is larger than Playa del Carmen, Playa del Carmen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Playa del Carmen is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Memphis attracts visitors for its museums, music, and big city activities. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than Memphis and is popular for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. It is also well known for La Quinta Avenida. Memphis is famous for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Memphis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Memphis is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Playa del Carmen is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Memphis. Many attractions in town are related to the city's history in music. There is the famed Graceland as well as the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music. The city also has several art museums that are worth checking out.

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 Memphis? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Playa del Carmen and Memphis 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 Memphis. The town has grown into a foodie destination with excellent barbecue and ribs. There are many award winning barbecue joints, but you'll also find casual bars that serve nachos, pizza, and other quick bites.

Is Playa del Carmen or Memphis Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

People head to Playa del Carmen just to party. 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.

Memphis offers plenty to do in the evening. Music is at the heart of the nightlife scene. Head to Beale Street in Memphis's downtown for the most active nightlife that usually stays open the latest. You'll also find a lot of bars and clubs in Midtown around Overton Square.

Is Playa del Carmen or Memphis Better for Music?

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

In Memphis you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. There are plenty of live music venues in the downtown area that you can explore. Several of the most famous include B.B. King's Blues Club, Handy Park Pavilion, and Blues City Cafe. The city is known for its influential role in several music genres including the blues, soul, and rock 'n' roll. There are also many music related museums and attractions in town like Graceland, the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

Playa del Carmen is not a live music destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Memphis Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Memphis 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.

Memphis is not a resort destination.

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

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Memphis 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.

Memphis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Memphis Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Memphis 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.

Memphis is not a beach destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Memphis Better for Hiking?

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

Memphis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Memphis?

Playa del Carmen is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Memphis is not known for shopping.

Playa del Carmen has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Much of the shopping is geared towards the tourists, but you'll find some local items, interesting galleries, and colorful markets to explore.

Memphis is a good destination for shopping. The city has plenty of malls and chain stores where you can grab anything you might need.

Is Playa del Carmen or Memphis Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Memphis is a family-friendly place to visit. The town has some great activities for kids including a zoo, several museums, petting farms, and a botanical garden.

Is Playa del Carmen or Memphis Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Memphis is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy good music and southern food will enjoy a weekend here. There are many music related landmarks including Graceland and the Rock 'n' Soul Museum. Live music is very popular as well.

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

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

Memphis is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels and plenty of live music that make this a popular stop off for young travelers.

Is Playa del Carmen or Memphis Better for Students?

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

Memphis is popular with students. The live music scene and great food options make this is a fun town for students.

Playa del Carmen is not popular with students.

Is Playa del Carmen or Memphis 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, Memphis 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 Memphis. There is a trolley and bus system that the city operates, but a car is really helpful for getting around.

Is Playa del Carmen or Memphis a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Memphis is somewhat walkable. Most of the touristy parts of town are walkable, but if you want to explore further out you'll need a car.

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

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

How long in Playa del Carmen or Memphis?

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

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

In Playa del Carmen, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find live music and food around the creative destination of Memphis. 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 Memphis?

In Playa del Carmen, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find food and museums around the soulful city of Memphis. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the live music. 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 Memphis?

Playa del Carmen is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Playa del Carmen has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Memphis 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 Memphis?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Playa del Carmen. In Playa del Carmen, you'll find shopping and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Memphis is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the live music. 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Memphis?

Memphis 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 Memphis, 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 Memphis?

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 Memphis in the Summer?

Both Memphis 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 Memphis in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Memphis in the summer. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Memphis fluctuates around 83°F (29°C).

In Memphis, 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 Memphis. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 328 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 Memphis. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Memphis. 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 Memphis for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Memphis this time of the year. In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Memphis during autumn. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 240 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 Memphis. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Memphis receives 1.6 inches (41 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 Memphis in the Winter?

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

The weather in Memphis can be very cold. In January, Playa del Carmen is generally much warmer than Memphis. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 23°C (73°F), and Memphis fluctuates around 40°F (5°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 Memphis. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 163 hours of full sun.

Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in January than Memphis. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Memphis 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 activities around the city are the main draw to Memphis this time of year.

Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Memphis in the spring. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Memphis fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

It's quite sunny in Memphis. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Memphis during spring. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 254 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Memphis. In April, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Memphis. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Memphis receives 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.

Typical Weather for Memphis and Playa del Carmen