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

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Miami?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Miami? 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 vibrant, picture-perfect, and scenic 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.

Miami

Miami is a glamorous, exciting, and diverse beach 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, beaches, and shopping.

Playa del Carmen and Miami: Pros and Cons

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

You'll generally find more things to do in Miami than Playa del Carmen. Miami is bigger than Playa del Carmen, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Miami is better known for its food, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Playa del Carmen is more popular for its museums, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and impressive beauty. Playa del Carmen is well known for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. Miami is well known for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants. Also, Miami is famous for South Beach.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Miami?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Playa del Carmen is a town with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

Playa del Carmen offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. 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.

Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Miami is an amazing beach 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, Miami is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city's food scene is as diverse as its population. It is a blend of Caribbean, Latin American, and South American flavors and it is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. There is everything from award-winning restaurants to local dives that offer excellent dishes and experiences. The city is known for its stone crabs, fish sandwiches, Cuban sandwiches, and key lime pie.

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 Miami Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Playa del Carmen or Miami 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.

Miami is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. From the posh nightlife clubs in South Beach, to the local salsa dancing venues in Little Havana, Miami is a city that thrives with energy. There are many world-renowned clubs that keep the music and drinks flowing through the entire night. There's also a glitzy and glamourous scene where the wealthy like to see and be seen.

Is Playa del Carmen or Miami Better for Music?

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

In Miami you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Popular live music venues include Ball and Chain, Cafe La Trova, Flamingo Theater Bar.

Playa del Carmen is not a live music destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Miami Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen and Miami offer a relatively similar set of world-class luxury resort options.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Playa del Carmen is a great choice. 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.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Miami is a perfect choice. Known for it's luxury, you'll find many resorts in the area. Popular options include The Ritz-Carlton South Beach, Fontainebleau, and Carillon Miami.

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

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Miami is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Playa del Carmen is not to be missed. 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.

Miami is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Miami Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Playa del Carmen and Miami are world-class 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, Miami is a very popular vacation destination. If you're looking for long sandy beaches, luxury yacht clubs, and fine dining restaurants, the area's beaches have them all. Some of the best beaches in the area include the world-famous South Beach, the North Beach Oceanside Park, Sunny Isles Beach, and Surfside. Many beaches are lined with high rise hotels that offer an urban beach experience.

Is Playa del Carmen or Miami Better for Hiking?

Playa del Carmen is very good for its hiking experiences. However, Miami is not a hiking destination.

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.

Miami is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Miami?

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

Miami is a world class destination for shoppers. The city has every high end brand you could want, along with diverse neighborhoods with local finds and unique purchases. You'll find many diverse shopping opportunities that are influenced by the city's cultural scene. You'll also find many souvenir stands and t-shirt shops.

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 Miami Better for Families?

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

Playa del Carmen is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Miami is very family-friendly. Because it's so big, you'll find a number of kid-friendly activities in the area. There's the Miami Zoo, various waterparks, the Everglades Alligator Park, Miccosukee Indian Village, and plenty of indoor playgrounds in case the weather doesn't cooperate.

Is Playa del Carmen or Miami Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for romance. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Playa del Carmen has plenty to offer. 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.

Miami is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. For couples who love nightlife, wining and dining, and high end beach clubs, this is the place to be. There are many award-winning restaurants and plenty of glitz and glam that make for a great romantic getaway.

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

Playa del Carmen and Miami are notable 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.

Miami is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. This city is large enough to have something for everyone, so you'll find several hostels in the area that bring in the backpackers.

Is Playa del Carmen or Miami Better for Students?

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

Miami is popular with students. Spring break in Miami is the stuff of legends.

Playa del Carmen is not popular with students.

Is Playa del Carmen or Miami 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 Miami.

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 Miami offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's an elevated metrorail as well as buses around the city.

Is Playa del Carmen or Miami a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its walkability. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

Miami is a very walkable town. Many parts of city are surprisingly walkable and pedestrian friendly, allowing you to eat out, go shopping, or explore without the need for a car.

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

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

How long in Playa del Carmen or Miami?

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

Families should spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Miami. 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 Miami. 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.

One day in Playa del Carmen or Miami?

In Playa del Carmen, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this scenic destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

People visit Miami because there is so much to do. 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 beach city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Playa del Carmen or Miami?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Playa del Carmen. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

People visit Miami 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 Miami?

Playa del Carmen is a fun place to experience. In Playa del Carmen, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Miami is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Miami?

In Playa del Carmen, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this vibrant destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Miami is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Miami?

Miami has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Miami, 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 Miami?

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 Miami in the Summer?

Both Miami and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Miami for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Miami. Typically, the summer temperatures in Playa del Carmen in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Miami averages at about 83°F (28°C).

It's quite sunny in Miami. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives less sunshine than Miami during summer. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Miami receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Miami. It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. In July, Playa del Carmen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Miami. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Miami receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Miami and Playa del Carmen during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Miami in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Playa del Carmen is generally around the same temperature as Miami. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 26°C (79°F), and Miami fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

In Miami, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the autumn, Playa del Carmen often gets less sunshine than Miami. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Miami receives 275 hours of full sun.

Miami gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in October than Miami. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Miami receives 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Miami. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Miami for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Miami in the winter. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Miami fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Miami 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 Miami during winter. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Miami receives 243 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Miami. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Miami receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Miami. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Miami because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Miami. Typically, the spring temperatures in Playa del Carmen in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Miami averages at about 75°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Miami. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In the spring, Playa del Carmen often gets less sunshine than Miami. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Miami receives 300 hours of full sun.

Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in April than Miami. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Miami receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.

Typical Weather for Miami and Playa del Carmen